Strathcona County ‘OverActing Imaginations’

Youth Theatre Society

PAST SHOWS AND PROJECTS 

SPRING 2009 Strathcona County OverActing Imaginations Youth Theatre Society (OAI) was proud to present "Murder Mystery at the Museum".  This is the first ever murder mystery for the 16 member youth cast and crew of OAI and we are excited to share it with you!  At the Strathcona County Museum a special event is planned; an ancient and sought after artifact has been donated to the museum and you are all invited to come and celebrate the unveiling...and a murder…!  One of the guests is the guilty suspect.  They all have motive....they all have secrets, but only one of them is the real murderer. Could it be the Oil Tycoon, the local Psychic or the shy security guard…? or someone no one would ever suspect? Familiar music (with a new twist), local heritage and colorful characters, singing, dancing, plus a great story are all yours to be enjoyed. Directed by Jason J. Hardwick.

FALL/SPRING 2010 Musical Mimes. That's not something that happens very often. But that's not going to stop us! Mimesicle explores miming in every way shape and form. This piece has been youth inspired, youth created and youth preformed. These mimes are sneaky, imaginative, hilarious and, of course, entertaining as ever!! The actors were given a bare skeleton of a story line and then were told to use imagination and creativity and explore everything mime-y. What they have come up with is nothing short of brilliantly entertaining theatre that will put a smile on your face and warm every heart (even at 10 below!) Enjoy the sights and well...not the sounds of these mimes and all of their mime-ish ways!

		November 22, 2008: "Nervosa"   NERVOSA tells the compelling story of an average high school student living a 'normal' life until her world begins to unravel and spiral out of control. Everyone around her is impacted .. what can we do and what is the resolution? NERVOSA promises to be a hard hitting and memorable theatrical experience that will both entertain and educate.
		June 21, 2008  “OAI OFF THE WALL:  Random Acts”    ‘Random Acts’ was remounted on the outdoor stage in Ardrossan for the 100th Anniversary Ardrossan Annual Parade and Picnic event. ‘Random Acts’ was also performed the same evening indoors at the Ardrossan Recreation Complex as part of the Heritage Event Celebration.    OAI Youth also operated the Giant Puppet in the Ardrossan Parade GIANT PUPPETS WIN FIRST PRIZE in the Parade: Funniest Category!!
		June 1, 2008  “OAI OFF THE WALL:  Random Acts”    Youth written, youth performed ‘short’ presented in a news cast format that explored and highlighted the social issues of; destruction of the environment, war and exclusion. Commercials featured the dangers of driving and cell phone use.  Hard hitting drama that featured an ensemble of 10 OAI youth voices that creatively and with fervor brought to light the issues that impact them and all we need for change The debut performance of ‘Random Acts’ was presented at the first annual High Five Awards.  High Five is an award ceremony honoring local youth mentors who were nominated by youth for an award.  This very successful event was produced by the Strathcona County Youth Council with support from Strathcona County Family and Community Services.  In addition to performing in this event, OAI assisted the production by providing youth stage managers and technicians to support the production.
		January 19, 2008  "Flying Fiesta" OAI, Outcast Theatre Adventures, Tilo Paiz and Visionary Entertainment, with the support of Strathcona County Recreation Parks and Culture produced the very first ever in Strathcona County ‘Flying Fiesta” in support of OAI and the Change for Children Association, special medical project in El Salvador. The Flying Fiesta concept originated in El Salvador, where Tilo and his band would ‘fly’ into a village/town/city and stage a fiesta with the assistance of local organizers. The event, held in a hall or neighborhood gathering place would include food, music and a dance. Tilo Paiz returned to OAI to headline and perform with his Latin Band at this event held in Sherwood Park. They were joined by Dancers: Aldiya, Fiesta Cubana, Flamenco Envivo and Vibe Tribe. On a cold winter night residents of Strathcona County and area, heated up the night to the amazing sounds of Tilo and his band. The event sold out and all were delighted with the concept, the music, the silent auction, atmosphere of community and the incredibly diverse dance styles of the featured performers. Watch for Flying Fiesta 2009!
		November 2007  “Ctrl Alt Delete”  Adapted from the play by Richard Small   A musical drama about cyber bullying and relationship violence.  Produced in collaboration with SAFFRON:  Strathcona County Sexual Assault Centre and performed in Leduc for students and The Boys and Girls Club and for students and the public at Festival Place and Lakeland Junior High School in Sherwood Park.
		August 2007   “The Art of the Game”    Youth written, youth performed Mini Rock Opera created especially for the Strathcona County hosted 2007 Western Canada Summer Games. The play was based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and highlighted the fusion between arts and sports.This collaborative production included music, dance, masks, vibrant costumes and a unique set design of scaffolding, all performed on the huge outdoor stage used for opening and closing ceremonies. OAI was joined by Stolen Priority, a local youth rock band and Viajante World Drum Ensemble for this collaborative musical and theatrical event. The Giant Puppets joined in a cameo role!
		July 2007    8 members of OAI attended Artstrek!  Artstrek is Theatre Alberta's annual,  week long, theatre arts camp held at Red Deer College. Check out the link to Theatre Alberta for more information about Artstrek and Dramaworks, theatre classes for adults.
		June 2007   OAI BUILDS GIGANTIC PUPPETS!    OAI youth work shopped for 7 days and over 200 hours with workshop leaders to learn to and design and construct giant puppets. 4 Puppets in total were created including the Maestro, the Artist and the Dancer, and a giant centipede puppet commissioned by Strathcona County Recreation Parks and Culture.  The 4 Puppets debuted at the Strathcona County Canada Day Celebration and OAI youth operated and paraded with the puppets to the delight of children and adults of all ages. OAI youth continued to perform weekly throughout the summer with the Maestro, Artist and Dancer puppets at Festival Place’s Patio Series outdoor musical events.  Each puppet entertains with an improvised ‘bit’ and 3 OAI youth are required to operate the giant 14 feet high puppets.
		June 2007   ‘OAI IMPROVS’  OAI youth formed an Improv troupe that performed as part of South Cooking Lake Dance School’s year end dance recital at Festival Place in Sherwood Park. OAI youth were joined by ‘Stolen Priority’ a local youth band that includes OAI member, Eric Wigston.   Art Society of Strathcona County.  OAI created and performed an improvised theatre entertainment mystery short to celebrate the Arts Society’s Annual General Meeting.  This show featured the musical and improv talents of the youth with some favorite music picks.  Themed on mystery entertainment, guests were required to guess who had stolen the priceless piece of art.  All worked out well when the art was returned and the suspect was arrested.
		May 2007   “The Only Rose”  Remount   Due to popular demand and school requests ‘The Only Rose’ was performed again at the Shell Theatre at the Dow Centennial  Centre in Ft. Saskatchewan for audiences from Lamont and North east Strathcona County. Only some roles, from the original OAI youth were re-cast and again, ‘Only Rose’ youth voices educated and entertained for social change.
		February 2007  “The Library Magical Birthday Tour”  An historical and retrospective musical theatre tribute to Strathcona County Library featuring drama and music from the 70’s (the Library’s birth day) to the present.  Performed at Strathcona County Library on their 30th Birthday celebration.
		December 31, 2006 “The Enchanted Forest”  A musical theatre extravaganza, youth written and performed especially for families at Strathcona County’s 2006 New Years Eve Celebration. The show ran several times New Year’s Eve at the Shell arena and featured Father Time and a cast of characters that ushered in the New Year to tunes from Beauty and the Beast and Rent.  525,600 minutes of fun.
		November 2006  “The Only Rose” OAI’s first youth written, youth performed production based on the issue of belonging.  This topic was chosen by the Strathcona County Youth Council as they believe the issue of belonging over-rides and impacts other social issues and problems faced by youth and the community.  “The Only Rose’ was written by a collective of 6 youth playwrights guided by a professional dramaturge in the year that Strathcona County experienced a very real tragedy in the violent death of one it’s youth.  Many members of OAI had attended school with this young man, and the Only Rose proved to be not only a tribute to the youth of Strathcona County but a strong youth message for social change. 35 cast and crew members performed ‘The Rose’ to rave reviews and over 1600 school students and audience members. In addition to expert instruction in all elements of theatre, youth were also taught hand drumming by Tilo Paiz, a world renowned percussionist who joined in performances of The Only Rose.   After every OAI social issue theatre performance, the cast and crew re-enters the stage for a post show question and answer period. The audience can ask questions about the topic, the show and the process for the OAI youth in producing the show and belonging to OAI. In the Lobby, support agencies and partners provide information and support. Supporters have included: Strathcona County Family and Community Services, Kids Help Phone, AADAC, Canadian Mental Health Association, Strathcona County Youth Council and others.

 

 Check out the link to current shows and projects for future OAI plans. 

 

Outcast Theatre Adventures