By Steve Hubrecht
The curtain is about to rise on Invermere’s first theatre business.
Local resident Tara Whittick is launching Mountain Play Theatre, offering theatre classes for kids and preteens, with lessons already full and set to start later this month. The venture has generated enough of a buzz that Whittick may even start up a class for adults too.
Whittick has worked as an educator for many years, but has always had a passion for the performing arts (she holds a bachelor degree in fine arts in theatre, as well as a teaching degree). Her interest in the stage was sparked during a drama class in junior high school, and continued with her through university and eventually on into her teaching career. She has often helped create student plays at the schools she’s worked at.
While David Thompson Secondary School (DTSS) has long had an excellent theatre program, there are no formal drama classes in the Columbia Valley for kids too young for high school.
“I definitely see it as a gap,” said Whittick. “So I thought I’d take it as a business opportunity.”
Mountain Play Theatre has classes for kids age seven to nine, and for preteens age 10 to 12 and runs on Monday evenings until early March. Whittick announced her plans in December and since then the feedback has “all been really positive,” she said, noting there’s clearly demand for it.
Whittick explained that her own love of theatre stems from its personal, artistic, and collaborative rewards.
“I love that theatre allows people to explore emotions and themes connected to humanity. I love the opportunity to escape and explore different lives, perspectives and worlds. The creative expression that theatre allows for is endless,” said Whittick. “You can step into a character’s shoes, design costumes, staging and lighting, or take risks to storytell in new and innovative ways.”
Whittick also likes how theatre creates community. “Being creative is one thing. Being creative with a group of people is another. Theatre demands the collaboration of many talents — actors, directors, designers, and technical directors,” she said. “Working collaboratively on a shared passion fosters a sense of community … the connections you make with the cast and crew are very rewarding.”
Whittick is excited for Mountain Play Theatre’s first classes to begin, saying it’s her goal to bring theatre to life for all to enjoy in the Columbia Valley.
For more information visit mountainplaytheatre.com.
