St. Lawrence College (SLC) and The Thousand Islands Playhouse (TIP) are pleased to announce a new partnership that will elevate SLC's Music Theatre Performance student experience in their theatre education and the College's productions.
Through the partnership, TIP will build all the sets, costumes, and props for SLC's Music Theatre Performance shows. The company's professional carpenters, wardrobe department, scenic artists, and technicians, who build the company's mainstage season, will also be constructing the College's shows.
"From their first production, students will work with professionals from the largest theatre company in the region, and they'll experience the breadth of expertise that supports performers in a professional company," said Les Casson, Dean of Creative Industries and Brockville Campus. "I'm thrilled that TIP wants to collaborate in bringing the best possible learning experience to SLC. There is so much that we can do together to build capacity for theatre and performing arts in Eastern Ontario. This is just the beginning."
The initial two-year agreement between TIP and SLC lays the foundation for a multifaceted collaboration that extends beyond production support. Plans for student internships, involvement in professional seasons, knowledge exchange, and technical workshops are underway, promising a holistic approach to student development and industry engagement.
"This partnership represents a powerful convergence of talent, resources, and vision," said Brett Christopher, Artistic Director of Thousand Islands Playhouse. "By leveraging our expertise in professional theatre production, we aim to provide SLC students with unparalleled opportunities to gain real-world experience and connect with the industry."
"Colleges thrive through strategic partnerships with community organizations that enrich our programs and foster future connections for our students," said Glenn Vollebregt, SLC President and CEO.
"Through this partnership we not only elevate our educational offering, but also present Eastern Ontario as a destination of choice for aspiring talent in Music Theatre."
SLC is excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for its spring lineup click here for show dates and to purchase.
The SpongeBob Musical, Brockville Arts Centre
Friday, April 5-April 7, 2024
NINE, Thousand Island Playhouse, Firehall Theatre
Friday, April 12-14
New Faces, Brockville Arts Centre
April 12-14, 2024
Showcasing the talent of first-year Music Theatre students
About the Thousand Islands Playhouse
Founded in 1982, the Thousand Islands Playhouse is the region's largest producing professional theatre organization. Each year, the company produces 7 shows in its two historic waterfront venues, attracting more than 45,000 annually to the rural community of Gananoque, ON (pop. 5,150). In addition to its mainstage season, the Playhouse dedicates itself to developing new Canadian works, mentoring the next generation of theatre artists, and providing arts education opportunities that have a meaningful impact on its community.
About Music Theatre at SLC
The Music Theatre - Performance program gives aspiring musical theatre professionals theoretical and practical training in three core disciplines of acting, singing and dance. Our faculty of experienced professionals guide students through personalized instruction and coaching, as well as courses in stagecraft, musical theatre history, music theory and audition preparation. This demanding "triple threat" program allows students to hone their skills by performing in front of audiences in studio, main stage productions and in student-devised productions where students learn to create and produce original theatrical pieces. Students receive mentoring from faculty and guest industry professionals to become competent and job-ready for a competitive and rapidly changing industry.
