Executive Director's Update
It has been a busy time for us at the Theatrical Arts Education Association this school year. As Canada’s national educational theatre non-profit we have been working hard to bring meaningful educational theatre programs for drama teachers and students across the country.
National Drama Teachers Conference
This Fall we had our annual National Drama Teachers Conference around the country with a record turnout of over 200 drama teachers from across the country in-person at one of our eight different conference sites or on live zoom across Canada. Mark your calendars… next year’s dates are Oct 25th and 26th. We will have venue and registration information for you this spring.
STAR Festivals
We are really excited about our STAR Festival program for drama students. STAR stands for School Theatrical Arts Recognition. It involves regionals that ladder to national STAR Festivals. The program of opportunities is like nothing else happening in Canadian educational theatre with categories in contrasting monologues, duo scenes, group scenes, solo musicals, duet musicals, group musicals, musical theatre dance pieces, devised theatre performances and 6 different tech and design categories to choose from. This pursuit of excellence is not a competition and the assessment tools we have built allow students to challenge themselves, learn, and grow in the craft. We had 17 different Regional STAR Festivals across 5 different provinces in November and December. With over 70 schools and over 1450 students participating in the Regional STAR Fest we are proud to already be Canada’s largest national educational theatre festival. Next year we already have 26 regional festivals being planned over 8 different provinces and 1 territory, so we are just getting started. Thank you to all of our volunteer drama teachers and regional producers, we couldn’t have brought this around the country so successfully without you.
We are currently preparing for our National STAR Festivals across Canada with:
National STAR Fest – West — April 25th to 27th 2024 – Douglas College New Westminster BC
National STAR Fest – Atlantic — May 2 to 4th 2024 – Memorial University Corner Brook NL
National STAR Fest – Central – May 14th to 17th 2024 – University of Winnipeg
National STAR Fest – East – May 17th to 19th 2024 – University of Ottawa
Student Pathway Portals
Our unified post-secondary audition portal was a success this year closing January 31st. Multiple students found open doors for advancement with a pathway to their next set of training post high school. Our next portal – the STAR Search Film Acting Industry portal is now open – where students from grades 4 to 12 can submit a self tape and be seen by agents from across Canada. This program has provided numerous youths with opportunities to be signed by top agencies and start their acting careers. If you have students that would be interested let them know and encourage them to register now. You can find more information HERE. The portal closes and the self-tapes are reviewed by agents in June (no students that submit will be contacted by agents before June). VFS is also providing all who register for the STAR Search to have a free pre and post event workshop for on camera acting. More details on those workshops will be shared in our spring newsletter.
We have an awesome new website that highlights all of our programs along with our mission and vision which drives everything that we do. You should check it out at: www.taeacanada.ca Our school theatrical arts guild (TAG) troupe numbers have been growing and thanks to Disney Theatricals we were able to raffle off a free run of an MTI Disney Musical that was awarded to St Andrews Regional Secondary School in Victoria BC. We are excited to see this growth in our school troupe numbers. It allows schools to induct their most committed drama students into our national honour’s society the STAR Guild. We will share more about this first of its kind program to honour and elevate school theatre in Canada.
We look forward to meeting you at one of our student or teacher events and having you join our national movement for the betterment of educational drama and theatrical arts across Canada.
As always, thanks for your support!
Craig Wrotniak – Executive Director TAEA Canada
Contributors Section - Text About a Region, a Specific Topic of Interest, Etc.
Why I Believe Taea’s Mission Is So Important
Participating in theatrical arts is not only a valuable extracurricular activity for high school students but also a crucial component of their overall personal and academic development. Through engaging in theatrical productions, students have the opportunity to enhance their communication skills, creativity and self-confidence. The collaborative nature of theatrical arts fosters teamwork, leadership, and the ability to work effectively with others towards a common goal.
Additionally, students who participate in theatre often gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures, perspectives, and historical events through the exploration of diverse characters and storylines. Theatrical arts provide a medium for students to express themselves creatively, explore their emotions, and develop empathy and understanding towards others. Moreover, involvement in theatre can help students improve their public speaking abilities, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving capacities, all of which are essential competencies for success in both academic and professional realms.
Overall, the importance of high school students participating in theatrical arts lies in the holistic growth and development it offers, equipping them with a diverse set of skills and experiences that will benefit them in all facets of their lives.
Michel E. Rafie
Corporate consultant and fervent supporter of theatrical arts education for students
Pioneer Drama Service
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AMDA College of the Performing Arts Scholarship Auditions
AMDA is coming to Canada, register your student for an audition for Spring for Fall 2024 enrollment!
END OF THE LINE May 2-12, 2024
Student tickets and group rates are available for TPM and Walk&Talk’s musical co-production.
Apply Now to Theatre & Dance at Pacific Lutheran University!
Produce tons of shows while earning a BFA degree in Tacoma, WA!
DISCOVER YOURSELF AS A PERFORMER
Join CCPA for intensive post-secondary training in Performing Arts techniques and career management, supported by a passionate community in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Victoria – BC.
Step into your future at The New York Conservatory!
Turn your dreams into a professional career, and live and learn in the cultural capital of the world: New York City! Our 2-Year AOS Degree Acting Training Programs start in September or January. Our 4-Week Acting Summer Intensive Programs start in June and July. Scholarships Available!
Registration open now for CIG Teacher’s Conference
Discover how incorporating improv techniques can invigorate your classroom at the upcoming Canadian Improv Games Teacher’s Conference, taking place in Ottawa this March.
