New performing arts centre is a real treasure

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/03/2019 (2591 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

 

How lucky are we to have the Seven Oaks Performing Arts Centre in our community?

 

As a mom of three musical kids who go to school in Seven Oaks, I have certainly felt the benefits. 

Gone are the days of gymnasium concerts. Gone are the days of travelling to distant places for performances and paying extra money. Now, every show and every rehearsal is close to home. That in itself is wonderful!

The theatre, which has been invested in not only by the division and various levels of government, but by many generous private donors, is a facility to be very proud of. The stage, lighting, and sound are top-notch and the seats are comfortable and provide a good view of everything going on.

The theatre is surrounded by rehearsal rooms for band, choir, and drama, dressing rooms, a “green room”, offices, and ample washrooms. The lobby may be a bit small, but it manages to accommodate quite a crowd. 

Every art student in the division feels valued, and so do the teaching staff, I’m sure.  

Beyond those involved in school, I believe the whole community is being enriched.

SOPAC is bringing the community together as all sorts of events, cultural groups, and performers take the stage there. Now, and for the next few months, is the time of year when schools are doing their major productions.  This is another reason to be excited about SOPAC!  

Our family got to see the musical theatre production of Shrek Jr. by Edmund Partridge Community School. It was a very fun night and amazing to see what middle schoolers can do.

Then we decided to watch West Kildonan Collegiate’s performance of Romeo and Juliet with a Star Wars twist. That was a first for me, actually. It was impressive to see high schoolers take on the challenge of Shakespeare. To top it all off, we went to see Footloose, where my son was part of the live band accompanying the musical. It was so good, we paid to see it again. This was the only production where adult tickets were $12. The rest of the tickets were all $5. Arts and culture for the frugal. Love it!

There are many more productions ahead, followed by many school concerts. The quality of performance is usually excellent and worth watching.  

There is something very special about young people all working together, telling inspiring stories, dancing with freedom and joy, and making beautiful music. It certainly touches my heart.

I hope more people in the community discover the treasure (the pot of gold?) we have in SOPAC and all the wonderful things going on there.  

Visit www.sopaclive.ca to view the events calendar.  

 

Sonya Braun is a community correspondent for the North End. You can contact her at sonyajoy@gmail.com