Students at Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School are going to be stretching their creative muscles for a week during an artist-in-residency program.
The Trickster Theatre Company will be visiting the school with eight artists who will be leading daily workshops and action theatre practice. The students and staff will create and perform an original piece based on the theme ‘Kids Go Global’.
Susan Parker is the principal of Elizabeth Barrett and said that the theme fits well with the school because of their appreciation of being environmental stewards.
“We want to look after the earth, so using theatre to do this is a really powerful way,” said Parker.
Parker said that the program is put on by a grant they received last spring from Alberta Arts and Culture and that the school’s fundraising committee, made up of parents, matched the grant.
“It is basically about messaging. You’re not just performing with your students but you’re also sending out those important messages about our world,” said Parker. “That is what engages kids more. Our goal is engaging kids and socially empowering them. It is really all about students’ voice.”
The program at Elizabeth Barrett will culminate in a final performance Nov. 28.
Parker said because they have over 600 kids at the school they would be splitting the students into two performances, one from 5 – 6 p.m. and another from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. She said each class performs a segment on a different topic and together it creates one story.
For more information call 403-932-3151 or visit barrett.rockyview.ab.ca.
