The Guelph Little Theatre launched Shakespeare In The Park(ing) Lot to revive the neighbourhood after the pandemic, with their motto “bouncing back to move forward."
GLT was selected for a funding program and will receive up to $31,799 in matched funding.
The federal government program called My Main Street Community Activator has an objective to create inclusive spaces to revitalize neighbourhoods by combining wellness and the arts.
“It’s more of a creative arts, healing arts kind of approach,” said Shona Sneddon, organizer and communications at GLT.
As part of Shakespeare In The Park(ing) Lot GLT will host Healing Thru The Arts Workshop Series. The idea is to bring the neighbourhood together after the pandemic and use art therapy as a means to use healthy coping strategies.
“The concept of it is a creative space where people can come and be themselves and share their stories, their life experience with other individuals in a safe environment,” said Sneddon.
“This collaborative project merges business, with business owners, with not for profit organizations, and those looking for coping strategies, to alleviate hardships experienced during the pandemic,” described in a press release.
The workshop series starts on July 30 with a writing therapy workshop led by Kat McNichol, founder and editor-in-chief of Dreamers Creative Writing. The workshops will continue the following three Saturdays.
“You get to meet fellow members of your community. You get to try different things in a safe environment and try things that maybe you would have never tried before,” said Sneddon.
On Aug. 6, there will be a dance workshop hosted by Eden Champagne and Alicia House. Champagne is trained in jazz, tap, ballet, modern and contemporary dance styles.
Art therapy on August 13 will be led by Heather Caruso, a registered art therapist. Music therapy will again be led by Champagne and House. House is a certified music therapist who created Whole Tone Therapy which uses a creative arts therapy framework with their clients.
To sign up for the workshops GLT has an Eventbrite page, registration is free.
GLT is still finalizing more events for Shakespeare In The Park(ing) Lot.
