Local youth artists and performers will get the chance to livestream readings, dance performances and puppet shows during the course of the summer thanks to Trent University’s unique partnership with 4th Line Theatre.

Trent’s Catharine Parr Traill College and 4th Line have launched Young Company, which allows youth aged 15-30 to work with industry professionals on skills development, including acting, directing, playwriting, clown arts, music and puppetry before broadcasting evening performances live via the Theatre’s YouTube channel (registration required).

“We are thrilled with this collaboration to launch Young Company,” says Dr. Michael Eamon, Traill College principal. “With both the English and Cultural Studies departments based at Traill, we have long been an incubator for performance and theatre appreciation. We hope that this will enhance the College as a centre for the arts and humanities at Trent University.”

Trent’s downtown college enjoys a rich tradition of theatrical instruction and expression, with students often performing impromptu rehearsals for class projects in The Trend eatery or on the porches of Kerr House. The University also has strong ties to 4th Line Theatre as its founder, Robert Winslow, previously taught in Trent’s Cultural Studies department.

New amphitheatre next year

The collaboration is set to expand next year with the building of the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre – a new, three-season performance space in Traill’s courtyard nestled amongst the college’s designated heritage buildings. Using the new amphitheatre, the University will continue to seek out professional partnerships and foster innovative collaborations in performance and expression.

Lineup for this summer

This summer’s performances, including plays, music and dance, will offer free online admission. They will run in tandem with 4th Line’s normal summer programming, with Young Company performances starting later in the evening.

The schedule includes:

• July 9 at 7 p.m.: The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe – Register for this event
• July 23 at 7 p.m.: Concord Floral by Jordan Tannahill – Register for this event
• July 30 at 7 p.m.: The Eight Efforts: Laban Movement – Register for this event
• Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.: Puppetry show Joy – Register for this event 

Learn more about Catharine Parr Traill College, which boasts a unique mix of undergraduates, mature graduates and grad students.