Gananoque – The Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) and the Thousand Islands Playhouse Young Company are thrilled to invite the public to experience the magic of student-driven theatre with their upcoming production of Pirates Don’t Babysit!
Public performances will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, and Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque. Thanks to generous community donations, the cost of these performances is free.
The Young Company program is a unique partnership between UCDSB secondary schools and the playhouse. It offers Grade 11 and 12 students from Gananoque Secondary School (GSS) and Rideau District High School real-world learning opportunities in theatre production and performance. Participants spend a semester fully immersed in the process, earning credits while contributing to every aspect of the production, from costumes and set design to acting and stage management. Pirates Don’t Babysit! tells the story of a group of pirates searching for treasure, only to end up at the home of 8-year-old Jenny, a girl with an extraordinary imagination. As Jenny tries to babysit her baby sister, the pirates’ antics create chaos, resulting in a heartwarming tale of teamwork, resilience, and adventure.
“This show has been so much fun to perform,” says Grade 12 actor Cameron Connelly from GSS, who plays Butch the Pirate. “Personally, I think this is the best program. When I first joined, I wasn’t even interested in acting, but now I love it. You learn so much about theatre—and even practical skills like sewing and carpentry.”
“This program offers students insights about what jobs there are out there in all aspects of theatre production,” adds Allison Hess, the Education & Engagement Manager at the playhouse.
Stage Manager and Choreographer Isabella Paul, a Grade 12 GSS student in her third year with the program, describes her role as the “communication hub” between the rehearsal hall and the production team. “I make sure everything is running smoothly, from writing down blocking to ensuring we have the props we need. This program has opened my eyes to all the behind-the-scenes work in theatre. It’s one of the reasons I’m planning to study performance production at university,” she says.
Even students who were initially hesitant about theatre work have found the program transformative. “I wasn’t sure about joining, but now I can’t watch a play without noticing all the details,” says GSS Grade 11 student Kashius Watson, who worked on building the set. “This program teaches you so much—math, problem-solving, and teamwork.”
In addition to the public performances, more than 1,200 students in Grades 1-4 from local schools will attend the show, giving them an opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre at no cost.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the creativity, talent, and hard work of local students in a show that promises laughter, adventure, and heartfelt moments.
Event Details:
Dates: Saturday, December 7, and Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Firehall Theatre, 185 South St., Gananoque.
Tickets: Reserve tickets on the Thousand Islands Playhouse website.
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