Ready, Set, PLAY! Workshops

Transform your Artistic Impulses from a Hobby to a Habit 

Theatre Workshop for all ages to perform Lois Burdett’s play “Where There’s a WILL, There’s a Way!”

“Who is William Shakespeare?” For more than 30 years, Lois Burdett has asked that question of her elementary school students in Stratford, leading them on a voyage of discovery that brings the Bard to life for boys and girls ages seven and up. Her latest work tells the story of Shakespeare’s life including the challenges he faced and how he dealt with them as lessons that resonate today. Tues and Wed are dedicated to preparing the show. It will be performed on Thursday as the highlight of a public Open House event inviting people to try out different kinds of art forms. Workshop includes free admission to the Museum.

No auditions required, great for families. Calling all actors including beginners – kids, parents, grandparents!

Children aged 7-12 can attend solo provided that parents sign necessary registration/health forms upon arrival.

Date and Time:

Rehearsal Sessions –  Tuesday, Aug12, 10 am – 4 pm & Wednesday, Aug13, 10am – 4pm

Performance – Thursday, Aug 14, 5 pm

Location: Stratford Perth Museum

Ticket Price: $45.00 per person/plus tax

What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, a refillable water bottle, lunch, enthusiasm and a good sense of humour!

Daily Breakdown

Tuesday & Wednesday 10am – 12:30pm Warmup, design and play reading (short break midway)

12:30 – 1pm Lunch

1pm – 3:30pm Roles assigned and rehearsal (short break midway)

Thursday 4pm – 5pm Warmup, touch-up rehearsal

5pm – 5:30pm PERFORMANCE!

About the Project

“Ready, Set, PLAY!” is a new initiative to encourage everyone to find an art form they enjoy and make practising it a regular habit! Medical research strongly supports the idea that engaging with the arts can be a healthy habit, contributing to both physical and mental well-being. Studies show that participation in artistic activities can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even help manage chronic conditions. Furthermore, the arts can foster social connection, enhance cognitive function, and promote resilience. This initiative intends to showcase all the ways available inStratford for people to enjoy participating in the arts as part of a healthy lifestyle. Try some and see what you like!

Workshop Leaders

Pat McKinna

Pat McKinna is currently responsible for organizing Stratford’s Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts. In that capacity she initiated a Learn and Perform program in which non-professional singers of any age learn and perform a Featured Musical, starting with the beloved Canadian classic “Anne of Green Gables – the Musical” in 2024. Although most of her professional career has been in arts administration, she is an enthusiastic collaborative pianist who also enjoys dance and portraiture and has taught drama classes to elementary school students.

Diana Leblanc (drama coach)

Diana Leblanc has been an actor and director for over 60 years, in English and in French. Here in Stratford, and across Canada, she has directed plays by  Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, Eugene O'Neil, Edward Albee, MichelTremblay, Molière and Pierre de Marivaux. She has directed Opera for the Canadian Opera Company, Pacific Opera Victoria, Edmonton Opera and Opera Centrum in Amsterdam.   Her awards include : Gascon/ Thomas, Alliance Française, Betty Mitchell, and in 2015  she received the Governor General's Lifetime Achievement  Award for the Performing Arts.  For Stratford's Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts, she has directed two learn & perform productions: "Anne of Green Gables -- The Musical" and "Dream a Little Dream".

For More Information

Visit www.mckinnamanagement.com and go to Projects to learn more about Ready, Set, PLAY!