The Tommy Douglas Performing Arts Centre will begin its in-production theatre training program on July 2. The sixth annual Youth Development Summer Theatre Program offers professional theatre training for ages six through 18. This year's playbill will feature The Pink Panther Strikes Again, which will be performed during the Weyburn Wheat Festival from August 8-12.
The morning summer program for children focuses on theatre sports and adventures in imagination, while learning basic acting, stage craft skills and rehearsing roles, techniques and staging for the final stage performances in August. Adult participants are also welcome to join the troupe for the experience of a lifetime. The adult evening program combines acting technique instruction with production rehearsals. The morning and evening programs join forces beginning the week of July 23, when evening rehearsals also begin.
Although it is indeed a time commitment for program participants, at $120 per student, with family discounts and a ticket tuition option, the experience is worth it.
Weyburn's own Kjel Sidloski, son of Rocky and Wendy, is once again the summer student employed at the Centre. Last year, Kjel worked with Centre Director John Nolan on the Fantastiks and he looks forward to being a part of the Pink Panther production.
Though The Pink Panther Strikes Again is not a musical, Kjel's studies are deeply focused on music. He completed his first year of bacclaureate studies majoring in Music at Briarcrest College in Caronport. This fall, he will attend the University of Saskatchewan to do individualized studies, majoring in Music Composition.
"My goal is not to limit myself," said Sidloski, "so I can write for whatever inspiration I have."
Kjel was also part of the debut production of The Idado Kid at the Waverly in May. He worked in the production booth as well as in the comedic role of an old man who gets miraculously healed of his sore back by the Reverend's snake oil.
As far as this summer is concerned, Kjel will enjoy his enriching time at the Centre and the experience of being part of a wild comedic classic. He hopes to inspire others to join him.
"For those who don't want to act, we also need people to do lights and sound," said Kjel. "Even if people are interested in being part of the stage crew or anything, we just want to get people involved."
To sleuth more information or to be part of a unique experience with Inspector Clouseau humour, sneak up, drop by or call the Tommy Douglas Centre to register.
