Bonnie Catterson envisions a performing arts hub in Nanaimo’s downtown.
Catterson decided to open her acting school Kismet Theatre Academy in the heart of downtown last fall to help people of all ages learn acting. She loves being in downtown Nanaimo. It’s a district she views as the creative hub of the city.
“There is a really amazing community down here,” she said.
She sees the location on Victoria Road as having “limitless possibilities.”
“In Nanaimo there are so many creative people and talented artists, but it feels disjointed … this is a place to go, this is a destination,” said Catterson.
She hopes that more people set up shop in the building so it becomes a destination for learning acting, painting, dancing and other artistic endevours.
Acting is an art form that not only lets people express feelings and situations to others but also lets people learn more about themselves, she explained.
“It’s a great way to explore yourself, not just if you want to be an actor,” she said.
Sharing her passion with all ages and watching them grow and become more confident in themselves through the craft is one reason she loves acting.
“I know what it feels like to have that self-discovery through art so it is a blessing,” said Catterson. “This is truly what I am meant to do with my life.”
Catterson is multi-talented and is an actor, dancer, choreographer, writer and director. She has written two plays, including the one-woman show Hear the Mermaids Singing and has acted as a facilitator for the theatre component of HerART Festival. She became the director for a production of the Vagina Monologues at Vancouver Island University and said the people she met there were inspirational.
She dreamed of becoming a professional dancer but an injury sidelined that career path for a number of years. But that injury led her to discover another passion – acting.
“I totally fell in love with it,” said Catterson.
She attended the Canadian College of Performing Arts and the Theatre C.E.N.T.R.E. where she studied techniques from people such as Anthony Holland. During her studies she learned how to use her real-life voice to become the character.
Catterson offers basic scene study, storytelling and acting classes for all ages. The spring sessions began in early January, but there are still spots available in some classes.
For more information please call 250-716-8863 or go to www.kismettheatreacademy.yolasite.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com