Vancouver, BC – Arts Umbrella is thrilled to unveil the lineup of the 2018 Expressions Theatre Festival, running May 17 – 26, 2018 at the Waterfront Theatre. Showcasing the talented young artists in Arts Umbrella’s Intensive, Pre-Professional and Theatre Conservatory Programs, this annual festival boasts a bevy of captivating productions. From the whimsical family fun of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the frontier hijinks of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, the audacious programming capitalizes on students’ exceptional range and skill. This year, audiences will be treated to an array of thought-provoking works, including a modern take on the classic Greek tragedy The Phoenician Women and the perceptive student-created original Outside In. Additionally, the Theatre Conservatory Program will be make their festival debut with a performance of Charles Way’s Missing, a riveting modern interpretation of the classic fairy tale Hansel and Gretel featuring Vancouverite and Arts Umbrella graduate, Douglas Ennenberg.
“The young and exceptionally talented assemblage of Expressions Theatre Festival students never fail to inspire with their courage, passion, and devotion to their craft. Their dauntless enthusiasm is contagious,” says Paul Moniz de Sá, Artistic Director of the Theatre & Music Program at Arts Umbrella. “We strive to provide an environment where students can take risks and express themselves freely while they hone their art. The skills they learn as they rehearse for and perform in this festival enriches their lives on and off the stage.”
While developing their presentations for this year’s Expressions Theatre Festival, Arts Umbrella students have the opportunity to collaborate closely with professional directors and designers. Before staging each festival production, the students perform their works in schools across the Lower Mainland, while learning the important operations involved in mounting and producing technically demanding works. This process allows students to experience the collaboration, creativity, and dedication that goes into a successful theatre production. For the 17-22 year olds who are preparing to audition for professional theatre schools in the Theatre Conservatory Program, the festival gives them a preview of the life of a professional actor.
Read more about the festival here.