Kanata Theatre: the current season
 


For most its 37 year history, Kanata Theatre has recognized outstanding local students who have shown a talent for the stage.

Initially the prize was a book given to the graduating student at the Earl of March Secondary School, which is where Kanata Theatre was based at the time. As A.Y. Jackson, Holy Trinity and then other secondary schools with drama programs opened in the former City of Kanata, the community theatre group did not hesitate to include them in its program.

Even before amalgamation of the western municipalities, Kanata Theatre had extended the awards, which are now a cash prize of $100 per recipient, to West Carleton in Dunrobin, and Sacred Heart in Stittsville. The latest school to be added is All Saints Secondary School.

The awards are in keeping with one of Kanata Theatre’s favourite objectives, that of encouraging the art and craft of theatre in young people. Programming, training and activities that include young people are other ways the group pursues this objective. Young people are an important component of the life of the Ron Maslin Playhouse. They can be seen at every performance working front-of-house, and they are active backstage and on-stage. Since the beginning of Kanata Theatre, a student member has been on the board of directors.
 

About Kanata Theatre:
The Awards

When Jandra Drodge received the Kanata Theatre prize for her contribution to the Earl of March Drama Program throughout her high school years she was just the latest of the secondary school students in Ottawa’s west end who have benefited from one of Kanata Theatre’s long-standing programs.