B Current Performing Arts Corporation

http://www.bcurrent.ca/home.php

The initiative introduces young emerging artists to the roots and contemporary elements of Black theatre practice and the world of theatre. Youth, aged 14-19, learn skills in movement, voice, rhythm, acting, writing, various performance techniques, rehearsing and presenting to enhance their varying artistic disciplines.

Participants are trained alongside ensemble members and professional artists/facilitators. Close to 100 young artists have participated in the initiative to date; and over 250 youth have benefitted from attending youth-led artistic workshops and performances this year alone. Youth and mentors alike have reported on the effectiveness of the initiative to equip youth with the tools to present their work to the wider artistic industry. 

The initiative has created apprenticeships and volunteer opportunities within B Current, which build the leadership capacity of youth to influence and shape the organization to become fully youth-led and youth driven. Youth are participating in all facets of the organization, with 13 youth apprentices placed in both performance and production roles. 

B Current will continue to assist youth in accessing arts education as a partner organization in the NIA - African-Canadian Arts and Culture Centre of Excellence Legacy Initiative.