Renegade Performing Arts Musical Theatre Workshops
Story and photos by Abigail Heron
Musical theatre is demanding; skills of dancing, singing, and acting all have to be at play in concert throughout one fantastic spectacle. Though there is no shortage of full-scale productions being organized in Thunder Bay, local actors and directors like Jack Kotanen, guest workshop instructor at Renegade Performing Arts, feel a need for opportunities for emerging actors to hone the disciplines of their craft. “There are certain skills that you don’t really have time to work on when you’re working on a show because you’re trying to get to that finished product,” says Kotanen, having been in over 40 local productions.
To fill this absence, Kotanen shares his wisdom of the craft in musical theatre workshops facilitated by the subversive theatre company Renegade Performing Arts, founded by Angela Valela and Jessi McCulloch earlier this year with the intention of offering a wide range of programs and performance opportunities for all ages. “Between all the directors that [I’ve] had here [and] having [had] training at a school with industry professionals in New York, I’ve been able to see [what was] most beneficial to me and what was missing from my education [in town]” says Kotanen. “I want to offer some of [what was lacking and] to work specifically on skills in a workshop setting, [giving] you those tools to bring into performances when you’re doing other productions.”
The musical theatre workshops are divided by age and art form, and are conducted in a group setting, allowing students to observe others’ performances and gather inspiration for their own work, all while diminishing the nerves of being in front of a crowd. The classes zero in on the techniques and skills of the musical theatre trifecta in a constructive and supportive environment. “[The workshops are] not meant to be intimidating at all,” says Kotanen. “They’re meant to be fun and educational.”
Classes are pay-by-the-session, making them accessible for those restrained by finances or the time associated with the commitment to a season of courses, or for those simply curious about the performing arts. “[The workshops are] very open to anyone, regardless of experience or whether or not it’s something that they want to [continue to] pursue,” says Kotanen. Learning to find harmony of body and mind in dance, express emotions through acting, or harness the power of one’s voice via song can all be skills applicable to everyday life. “Even if you’re not necessarily in theatre, there’s so much to be gained.”
Register for upcoming classes and productions at renegadeperformingarts.com and stay up to date on Instagram @renegade.performingarts.
