Centre for the Arts

The Centre for the Arts Youth Association is open to all youth who want to take part in activities at the Centre and was founded by teens who attended the March Break, 2004, Film Camp for Teens.

We were treated seriously in a friendly atmosphere and because of that a group of us decided to stick together and form a group at the Centre so we could do our own projects.

We have met regularly, written, produced and screened two short films entitled BABY GIRL and SUNSETS. In the summer of 2005, we launched our first summer theatre project and produced a collective creation entitled LIFE OF THE PARTY. We want to continue producing quality artwork and developing our skills as artists. Our current focus is on filmmaking: writing, producing, directing, acting, cinematography and editing. We also plan to expand into other art forms such as dance, music and visual art.

This Youth Association is a place where youth can give artistic expression to what is on their minds. If you have any ideas for projects or want to meet teens who have common concerns and aspirations join us at the Centre.

“I hate it when I don’t know what to say,” Ira screams as she whacks away at a stack of cushions with a pool noodle. Brianna wears delicate ballet shoes, twiddles her long blonde hair and wishes that men would stop undressing her with their eyes on the subway. Christian recounts a family trip to the States where the black side of his family made him all too aware of the lightness of his skin. Sometimes the segments break down into fits of laughter, others come close to tears and cause a static tension in the room. Honesty abounds.

Welcome to the weekly Saturday rehearsal of the Youth Association’s summer theatre project. Led by Young Company member Heather, the project began as a result of the March break film camp, where most of these teens met. Over the last few months, they decided to put together an organically derived theatre presentation, slated for performance at the end of August. It’s arisen out of role playing and improvisation but the still-evolving result is raw and original and heart-wrenching.

The idea centers around a party where the revelers play games, among them musical chairs and a much more cathartic version of ‘break the piñata’. The piece is at times disjointed, but that’s what keeps the energy in the room so elevated; it’s awkward- just like being a teenager, and it wouldn’t make sense any other way. Themes of truth and angst mingle with moments of comedy and nonsense.

When Sasha takes her turn attacking the cushions, the room is rapt. Her screams start in her gut, transform her entire body and then ricochet around the space like ping pong balls. Fraser asks about the truth in a voice that conveys power and confusion, maturity and naïveté all at once. The piece feels like adolescence; an agonizing journey that evokes answerless questions and inspires laughter through tears.