Strathcona County ‘OverActing Imaginations’ Youth Theatre Society

What is OverActing Imaginations Youth Theatre Society (OAI)?
                         
Vision:           

Mission: Youth creating social change and awareness through leadership, education, and creative expression of the arts.

 
Srathcona County ‘OverActing Imaginations’ Youth Theatre Society was formed in December 2005 with a mandate to present plays; drama, musicals or comedies, about topical and relevant issues impacting Strathcona County youth and the community.  Strathcona County Family and Community Services, Strathcona County Youth Council and Outcast Theatre Adventures collaborated and each took roles in the project and organization’s design, development and implementation. The youth of Strathcona County joined in with enthusiasm and OAI was born.

The subject material is written by youth, performed by youth, for youth audiences (and the public) with a focus, in the process and final presentation, on education for the youth participants and the audience.  It was decided at the outset that there would be a teaching component and as a result we would accept all youth who were motivated to be in, and develop their skills, in theatre.  The organization is a registered community non-profit association operating independently and governed by a voluntary board of directors. 

Experienced consultants provide information, guidance and education on social issues and in playwriting, acting, auditioning, improvisation, music, sets, make up, costume, sound design, voice, improvisation, stage fight coordination and other theatre elements.   Youth take leadership roles on design teams.

To date, ‘OverActing Imaginations’ has accomplished a great deal which all of the youth can be proud of!  The Club’s size has varied between 20 and 35 members strong.  OAI accepts newcomers between the ages of 12 to 18, grade 7 to grade 12.  Intake occurs twice a year in September and January, based on available openings.

In 2005, 2006 a play about ‘Belonging’ entitled ‘The Only Rose’ was written by a collective of six youth playwrights and performed at Festival Place in November of 2006.  An audience of 1600 saw the performance, 1200 of those were school students.  The Only Rose received very favorable reviews from the audience and from the participants. 

Check out this website to see past shows and projects since the 2006 performance of ‘The Only Rose’ and to learn more about OAI and how to become involved.

Contact us if you have any questions or would like participate or volunteer with OverActing Imaginations Youth Theatre Society.