Children who love acting have an opportunity to learn for free in the newly created Acting 101 for Stage program.
Jacqui Kaese, artistic director of Spotlight Academy, created the scholarship program to allow kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend classes learn skills.
“It’s about the kids having an opportunity they wouldn’t normally have,” said Kaese.
She was inspired by Vancouver’s Project Limelight, a free theatre program, which was founded by Maureen Webb and Donalda Weaver.
Kaese said Spotlight Academy is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and with the recent success of filming of Chesapeake Shores she decided it was a good time to give back.
The program covers essential acting techniques and is aimed at children ages eight to 14. It runs on Fridays from 3:30-5:30 p.m. from Oct. 7 to Dec. 2 at Hub City Cinema Society, located at 15 Lois Lane.
Kaese is holding auditions and interviews on Thursday (Sept. 29), starting at 2 p.m. for the program. Attendees will be asked to fill out an application, perform a short scene, and talk about themselves and why they want to participate in the course.
“We’re looking for kids who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do this,” said Kaese. “They might not be able to afford to do a program like this, but would dearly love to.”
Kaese said aside from acting, singing and dancing skills participants also gain self confidence and self-esteem during the program.
Instructors include Kaese, Nicole Busby, Andrea Bertram and Noni Bartlett.
“My instructors are so pumped to give back to the community,” said Kaese.
To arrange an audition time please e-mail spotlight@shaw.ca or send a text to 250-714-2555.
For more information please go to http://spotlightacademy.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com