Just ahead of COVID, in 2019, the 91原创 Arts Council launched a youth theatre program 鈥� bringing the arts alive for several aspiring young thespians from across the Lower Mainland.

A small crowd of excited family and friends witnessed the results of those efforts earlier this month, when they came together for a much-abridged version of 鈥淗igh School Musical,鈥� brought to the stage at the Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre.

The group, lead by theatre manager Lauren Trotzuk, was wrapping up its fall semester with a 20-minute show.

Trotzuk lauded the youth who took to the stage with various degrees of speaking and singing roles.

鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic to have a group of people from so many different places, from 91原创, from Abbotsford, from Surrey and Delta all be able to come and join here, all for one mutual idea, which is to create a safe space for us to be able to express ourselves,鈥� she said.

91原创 Arts Council president Lana Hart鈥檚 passion for theatre was the catalyst for creating the youth theatre program, explained LAC arts coordinator Mimi Sayvong.

The program continues to grow each year with new and returning students.

She noted the program runs three semesters: spring, winter, and fall, with additional programming currently being planned for summer 鈥� likely in the form of summer camps.

鈥淓ach semester students tackle a new musical, so it鈥檚 a big undertaking. But they鈥檙e always up to the challenge,鈥� Sayvong added.

And accordng to Sayvong, it鈥檚 been Trotzuk鈥檚 efforts and ability to create an inclusive environment that have made a 鈥渂ig impact on the success of the program.鈥�

At least one of the students, who鈥檚 now graduating from the program, agreed.

At the end of the Saturday afternoon performance, he thanked Trotzuk for her guidance and mentorship.

鈥淭hank you so much,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e made me become what I can be. I鈥檓 starting to get lead roles in musicals. And now, I have the confidence, and all because of what you helped me with.鈥�

There鈥檚 always room for more youth, with deadline for registration in the winter program on Jan. 7 at langleyarts.ca. Bursaries are available for those who need assistance.

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