Calgary community theatre gives young kids the chance to shine
Getting to perform on stage in front of a large audience is something actors might work years to achieve but a community theatre group in Calgary is putting kids of all experience levels in the spotlight.
Small Time Theatre only casts children in its large scale productions. It’s based in south Calgary but auditions are open to all Calgary children in grades 1-9.
“It’s really fun getting to be different parts and act on stage and sing and dance,” said 10-year-old Cozy Spackman who has acted in three productions with Small Time Theatre.
The non-profit, commuity theatre group was started in 2016 by families looking to introduce their children to performing arts.
“There’s the self-esteem, the teamwork, the resilience,” said Tanya Woodruff, Small Time Theatre's founder and director.
“But my favourite part," she added, "is seeing the thrill when they’re on stage with the lights and applause.. it’s magic.”
Volunteer run
The non-profit is completely run by volunteers, including many former actors.
Those older kids take roles behind the scenes to give other youngsters a chance.
“We got things put in place so that hopefully it can last for a long time for the kids, hopefully generationally, you know, the kids will come back with their kids,” said Woodruff.
Small Time Theatre’s latest production “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical” Runs Dec 5-7.
It will be the first production for Cora Beiber who wanted to join after watching Small Time Theatre for the first time earlier this year.
“I haven’t like actually done a full production so once I actually saw that something like this could be done that well, I really wanted to join,” said the young actor.
“It’s really easy and accessible like if you want to you should definitely try, because it’s awesome, such a cool experience," she added.
Tickets are $10 and can be bought on their website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Downtown Vancouver stabbing suspect dead after being shot by police
A suspect is dead after being shot by police in a Vancouver convenience store after two people were injured in a stabbing Wednesday morning, according to authorities.
2 Canadians confirmed dead in Poland, as consular officials gather information
Two Canadians have died following an incident in Poland, CTV News has learned.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls Donald Trump 'funny guy' in Fox News interview
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called U.S. president-elect Donald Trump a 'funny guy' on Wednesday in an interview with Fox News for his comment that Canada should become the United States's 51st state.
Toddler fatally shot after his 7-year-old brother finds a gun in the family's truck
A two-year-old boy was fatally shot when his seven-year-old brother found a gun in the glovebox of the family's truck in Southern California, authorities said.
DEVELOPING As police search for suspect, disturbing video surfaces after U.S. health-care CEO gunned down in New York
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was killed Wednesday morning in what investigators suspect was a targeted shooting outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding an investor conference.
Millions in Cuba remain in dark after nationwide blackout
Cuba said it was generating only enough electricity to cover about 1/6th of peak demand late on Wednesday, hours after its national grid collapsed leaving millions without power.
'Utterly absurd': Freeland rebuffs Poilievre's offer of two hours to present fall economic statement
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland has rebuffed Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's offer to give up two hours of scheduled opposition time next Monday to present the awaited fall economic statement as 'utterly absurd.'
Canada Post stores continue to operate during strike — but why?
As many postal workers continue to strike across the country, some Canadians have been puzzled by the fact some Canada Post offices and retail outlets remain open.
Mattel sued over 'Wicked' dolls with porn website link
Mattel was sued this week by a South Carolina mother for mistakenly putting a link to an adult film site on the packaging for its dolls tied to the movie 'Wicked.'