WHAT IS SHOWMAKERS?

Showmakers is a musical theatre program for children all about making a SHOW! And not just any old show... an ORIGINAL SHOW!!!

Showmakers loves everything there is to love about live theatre... the lights, the costumes, the energy coming from the stage. But mostly, we love the way theatre can bring people together. Creating a show requires imagination, dedication, and loads of team work. The process builds creative courage and confidence that can last a lifetime.

Showmakers is unique because it allows every child to shine their own unique light. Our process of creation unifies an ensemble cast, catering to each child’s strength. Love to sing? We’ll make you a solo part! Feel safer as part of a group? No problem, the show needs a strong chorus too! Showmakers is all about inclusivity. We allow each student to have an equal opportunity to explore their talents, grow in confidence and feel part of the team in a safe, supportive environment.

So, are you ready? Are you really? Then quick, quick, take your places. The lights dim, the audience goes hush, the curtain opens slowly... and Showmakers is about to begin!

This is how it works:

We offer musical theatre programming to the following age groups, each culminating in a performance at the end of each term:

• Twinklelights for ages 4 - 6

• Spotlights for ages 7 - 10

• Spotlight Seniors for ages 10-12

• Limelights ages 12 - 16

• Stage Stars for experienced performers aged 14-18

Each year we run a short term and a jumbo term (Students register for one term at a time) -

• Fall Term (September - December) culminating in a variety show, normally a fundraiser for a local charity

• Winter/Spring Term (January - June) culminating in a larger-scale show at the Peterborough Theatre Guild, each class producing their own mini-musical

All programs are run by industry professionals with international experience, dance/theatre artist Dreda Blow and musician/composer Bruno Merz.

The beginning of each term is dedicating to ice-breaking, getting to know each other, and learning about acting through fun drama games and creative play. Our theatre training explores storytelling, characterisation, physical theatre and improvisation. We will also practice some basic musical-theatre dance choreography, exploring our coordination, rhythm and self expression. We will hone our singing skills by learning a variety of songs, exploring our vocal range and quality.

During both terms, each class will develop an original piece of theatre. We work collaboratively to devise new stories, improvise scenes and slowly develop a script. Bruno writes new songs to sing and with Dreda’s guidance, we choreograph dance numbers too. We rehearse like we’re polishing a diamond, sourcing/making props/costumes and working together to make a show of which we’re extremely proud. Come showtime, we perform our genius creations to friends and family... *cue roaring applause!!!

Hey wait, there's more. Showmakers offers summer camps too!

Proudly based in Peterborough / Nogojiwanong, we will also connect with our community through one-off workshops, family events and pop-up performances. Please sign up for our newsletter on the 'Contact Us' page so you don't miss anything.

We are located in the beautiful Studio 505:

505 Sherbrooke St, Peterborough, ON K9J 2P2