Original Kids Theatre enriches and celebrates the lives of young people through the arts, providing them with opportunities to mature and learn positive values through a variety of theatre experiences in a safe and challenging environment.
Original Kids is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. It is made up of three central programs: Main Cast, Summer Camp, and Kidlets.
The Main Cast of Original Kids is an ensemble of 300 kids between the ages of 7 and 18. They produce upwards of 20 productions a year, ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespearean dramas, original collective creations and everything in between.
Summer Camp (CAMP OK!) is a safe and nurturing environment where young people can grow and flourish. It is a total theatre experience where children can blossom as performers. Theatre however is not the only aspect of CAMP OK! They also offer lunchtime activities, water events and loads of games, but most importantly FUN. CAMP OK! is an attitude - an atmosphere of support. It is an environment in which kids and young adults can express themselves openly.
Original Kidlets encourages 5-8 year olds to explore self-expression and creativity through theatre, music, movement and art. Kidlets is an introductory theatre program to help develop social skills and friendship during an early age!
THE PHILOSOPHY
Original Kids Theatre Company is a performing arts organization where young people can grow and flourish without the fear that taking a risk is wrong or dangerous. It’s a total theatre experience where youth can blossom as performers. The learning extends further than that because Original Kids is an attitude of support and a standard of behaviour. It is an environment in which kids can feel safe expressing themselves without fear of ridicule. After all, they’re among a community of friends. The carefully chosen artistic staff produce fine results on the stage, while maintaining the natural spontaneity of the child. They nurture a love of the arts by sharing their knowledge and passion for everything they work on.
Original Kids Theatre was not formed to create stars because they feel each child already shines in his or her own way. Through exposure to the arts it is their belief that youth will more easily share in the joy of life with a heightened appreciation for themselves and those around them.
