Improv theatre program in Dartmouth aims to get 2SLGBTQ+ youth into the arts
A new initiative in Dartmouth is aiming to provide 2SLGBTQ+ youth with opportunities to engage in the arts and boost their self-confidence. Page1 Theatre, known for organizing the OutFest queer theatre festival in Halifax, has partnered with The MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning to offer free improv classes for youth aged 12 to 19.
Running from January to April, these classes will equip participants with the skills needed to put on a live performance alongside instructors at OutFest 2025, or to contribute in other ways. According to Page1 Theatre’s artistic director Isaac Mule, the focus will be on developing characters, fostering teamwork, and honing the ability to think on one’s feet.
Mule emphasized the importance of providing artistic outlets for 2SLGBTQ+ youth, stating, “This year we’re offering improv and then … looking to see what else we could do.” The program builds upon previous collaborations between the two organizations.
The MacPhee Centre, known for its free arts programming, has previously brought youth from its gender and sexuality alliance group to OutFest for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience. Lauren Cullen, a program manager at the centre, shared that the youth’s enthusiasm was palpable, recalling how they eagerly sought autographs from the cast and crew.
Encouraged by this positive response, Cullen highlighted the significance of offering such opportunities to youth who may initially feel hesitant. She noted, “Many of our youth come to the centre feeling a little shy. So for them to want to go out into the world, sharing their point of view, sharing their artistic practice is, I think, a real gift.”
In light of the challenges faced by queer and trans youth today, Cullen emphasized the importance of affirming their worth and value. She stressed, “It’s important that queer youth know that they matter … that they are loved and that their perspectives are valuable and important and they’re precious.”
By providing a platform for 2SLGBTQ+ youth to express themselves creatively and build connections within the community, this program seeks to empower and uplift a demographic that may often feel marginalized. Through the transformative power of the arts, these young individuals can discover their voices and celebrate their identities in a supportive and inclusive environment.
