For the past 22 years, Live Bait Theatre has been providing theatre training for young people through it's annual Young Company Program.
“It’s one of the most energizing, joyous aspects of what we do,” says Karen Valanne, Live Bait’s Artistic Director. “We have kids that return year after year to take part. Families plan their vacations around it. It’s a really important part of the company.”
Live Bait Theatre is one of only two professional English language
theatre companies in New Brunswick and has been dedicated to nurturing
creativity and a love for performing in young people since 1988.
This year's Young Company will be lead by Brian Hawkes and Alexis Thibeault, with assistance from Justin Thomas and Francesca Barnett-Cowan.
Brian Hawkes
Brian Hawkes has been working in the theatres of Sackville for five years. He has acted in several plays, musicals, and improv troupes and choreographed many of Mount Allison University's musicals. He has also directed a number of children's theatre workshops and last year had his directorial debut with Festival by the Marsh's "Kiss Me, Kate: Abridged".
Alexis Thibeault
Alexis Thibeault has worked with children for close to four years. Along with being a volunteer tutor, a junior camp counsellor and youth group leader, she has helped out with musical theater camps and choreographed several dances for children's musicals. She has also been very active with drama in Sackville as well as in her home town in Gander, Newfoundland.
Justin Thomas
Justin is thrilled to be back working for Live Bait Theatre again this summer. He has been involved with many different productions here at Live Bait and at Mount Allison University. Justin has experience both onstage and behind the scenes, acting in such productions as Throughoutly Modern Millie with the Garnet & Gold Society as well as lighting designer for the recent TRHS production of Anything Goes. After participating in the Young Company program, Justin is excited to be assisting in the delivery of the program again this year!
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“Not
only are we introducing kids to theatre and hopefully instilling a
lifelong love of the performing arts, but several members of the Young
Company have gone on to have professional careers in theatre as
performers, designers and technicians,” says Valanne.
Over the years, the Young Company has produced 39 shows, including
musicals, plays and collective creations. “The show is adapted to the
interests and strengths of the Young Company members,” says Valanne.
“Once we see how many kids we’ve got and what they want to do, we work
really hard putting together a show and training them in voice,
movement, set, costumes, props, sound and lights. There’s time for a
lot of games and laughter, too. The group really bonds in a pretty
short time.”
Contact: Karen Valanne, Artistic Director
Phone: 506 536-2248
Email: info@livebaittheatre.com