We know finding something that is safe yet engaging and fun for kids to do is on the mind of all parents this summer. Odyssey Theatre is launching new FREE online youth programming to help kids beat boredom by stepping into new worlds and stretching their creative muscles.
As part of Odessey’s digital theatre series, ‘A Virtual Odyssey’ there will be two arts and crafts workshops, as well as an online version of their popular Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP). Having trained over 350 aspiring artists through their annual youth apprenticeship program, the only one like it in Eastern Ontario, Odyssey is re-formatting its popular YAP for online learning, as well as offering new Mask & Puppet Making Workshops for kids.
“We are answering the question on everyone’s mind – what to do with your kids this summer in a world of social distancing? These unique and imaginative theatre workshops will be a fun and safe way to spark the creativity of our future artists.” says Laurie Steven, Odyssey Theatre’s Artistic Director.
Professional Theatre Workshops for Youth:
Award-winning Ottawa theatre artist Eleanor Crowder will lead students through 12 live, interactive workshops with professional guest artists, in performance, set and costume design, writing and directing. Students will explore the world of Commedia dell’Arte, and through text and improvisation, develop character and performance pieces. Odyssey actors
will give special performances and answer questions about studying and working in theatre. The program finishes with a presentation of scenes, monologues and improvised pieces, presented live online for friends and family. This program is free to participants. Applications will be accepted until June 19th and this program runs July 30 – August 26, 2020.
Marionette and 3D Mask Making Workshops:
Odyssey is renowned for its signature masks and puppets, and kids are known for their love of arts and crafts. Odyssey’s mask designer, Clelia Scala will bring these two worlds together in two unique workshops for children in mask and puppet making. Kids will spend hours of fun letting their imaginations take them to mythical worlds and acting out stories with the fun characters they create. Space will be limited so kids can interact directly with Clelia and parents can join the workshop for free.
For children aged 5 to 7 years old (and a parent/caregiver), they will make and bring to life ant and grasshopper marionettes to animate an Aesop’s fable. The Ant and Grasshopper puppet workshop takes place on Tuesday, July 7th at 1:00 pm, the last day to register is June 23rd.
For young people aged 8 to 12, Greek mythology will spark their imagination with a step-by-step session in building a 3D mythical beast mask such as a Minotaur or a one-eyed Cyclops. The Mythical Beast 3D mask workshop, is also a fun event for the whole family and takes place on Tuesday, July 14th at 1:00 pm, the last day to register is June 30th.
Odyssey Theatre is Canada’s award-winning mask and movement theatre and Ottawa’s premiere professional summer theatre. For over three decades they have stirred imaginations with extraordinary plays that include epics, comic fantasies, satires, tragedies, and madcap comedies rooted in Commedia dell’Arte. Their stunning performances weave masks, puppets, music, dance, and ritual. They are excited to celebrate their 35th year with A Virtual Odyssey, a rich online theatre series made possible with the support of the Ottawa Community Foundation, The Danbe Foundation, and the Crabtree Foundation.
To get updates and find out more visit: www.odysseytheatre.ca and follow Odyssey social media.