Curriculum

  • Candise is the core teacher for the children groups and has a mentor that works with her. She incorporates various theatre exercises to help the kids explore movement, voice, as in song, and storytelling.

    Specific skills as in the ABC’s of acting, ACTION/movement, BREATH and Communication, Vocal articulation are gentle foundational guidelines. The magic of imagination and play are a focus.

    At the end of the Term, the last class invites Family and friends to experience the format of a class and enjoy an original unique presentation by the students. In the fall session, they will create original small group performances in response to different stimuli such as Music, Art, Objects and Literature.

    It is inspirational to witness the great team work and growth throughout the weeks from each student.

    Please access Gallery Images.

    Parent Comments

    “I am thoroughly impressed with the programming offered by the Canmore Theatre School. The instructors cultivate a nurturing and supportive environment that truly values and promotes self-expression. These classes serve as an excellent tool to assist children in finding comfort in their own skin and developing courage to take expressive risks. I appreciate these programs for the profound impact they can have on a child's inner confidence and how this fosters resilience in face of fearing the judgment of others.”

    ~ Carrie Burks, Registered Psychologist

    " During the last class of the session, parents were invited to participate and observe. I was really happy to see how positive the environment and the teachers were. It felt like a good place and opportunity to develop some basic drama and life skills. This can be helpful for speaking in front of a group whether at school, work or with friends. My daughter says the classes are very amusing.

    Thank you for offering drama classes to the Bow Valley !I found it very positive and nourishing for our souls.”

    Anne Marie Fafard, PT, DOMP

    “Such a wonderful program thank you to all of you who have put it together. “

    Nicole

    I just wanted to say what a totally magical opportunity this is for the growing minds and souls of the Bow Valley children! I feel tremendously lucky to have this opportunity for my 6 year old son as it will continue to foster and support his amazing imagination. Thank you so much and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for these lucky participants🙏💜

    Rachel

  • Back to Basics. The "ABC's" of Acting.

    A choreographed movement improvisation focuses on the power of breath, sound, and articulation. These are the seeds of breathing life into text and characters. Our positive affirmation performance starts each class.

    A is for Action,

    B is for the Breath

    C's are literally two ... Communication and CharacterBuilding.

    2023

    Term One: Back to Basics apply the above skills to a simple original poem. Improvisation and basic scene and character development.

    Term Two: Back to Basics 2 integrates an advancement of the above and includes writing skills for monologues and working with self directed script writing.

    Improvisation and Character development is explored more deeply through the Laban Movement Analysis.

    Keith Johnston, “Impro., Improvisation and the Theatre”, and Kristin Linkletter, “Freeing the Natural Voice” are a couple books we refer to. These innovative leaders create some foundational tools in exploring Breath work, Communication and the improvisation skills we integrate in the program.

    Term Three: This Autumn Term will be creating original small group performances exploring a theme. “the World of Laughter” challenged the students to create a presentation on Laughter. scenes mixed in with songs and dance were featured. They have 10 weeks to create and present to the family, friends or the public pending on the decision of the class.

    It is wonderful to witness self esteem, confidence and trust develop to create an ensemble.

    The dynamic of the individuals create the team and direction of the group.

    Parents Feedback

    “Thank you for tonight, it is really great to watch the kids having such an awesome time together.

    Louane says she’s made the best friends in this group and finds like she really belongs.

    This is a wonderful thing to hear and witness as a parent.

    We appreciate so much the mentorship, the positive leadership and the empowerment you all foster.

    Cheers to another successful semester!”

    Lorraine

    “This program has been a fabulous opportunity for my son to feel a sense of belonging in the community. Candice is very passionate about what she does and it translates through to the kids. I am grateful this theatre program exists as it is a wonderful way to increase confidence in children at a sometimes tricky developmental stage in life. Huge thanks :) Looking forward to the summer camp.”

    Heather

    STUDENTS FEEDBACK

    I love theatre camp because... 

    ● It's fun 

    ● Its expressive 

    ● It's a safe space where I can be who I want without being judged 

    ● It's an amazing network of people: 

    ● Isabelle 

    ● Evanora 

    ● Ella 

    ● Ava 

    ● Damian 

    ● Robin

     ● Lucas

     ● Sapphire 

    ● Kalea 

    ● Luanne 

    ● Devon 

    ● Me 

    ● Karen 

    ● Candy 

    ● I got to make friends who had no idea who I was before

    Thank you both for helping Ingrid to explore this avenue of creativity and self expression. 

    Karen (her mom)


    SCIENCE AND PLAY

    Having more laughter and play in ones life actually changes the biochemistry of our bodies for greater health. There is now a bridge between Science and the Power of Play.

    I hope you choose to be apart of this unique experience. FUN and PLAY is on the MENU.

    Karen Barker/Artistic Director

    Teaching CV’s are available on request.