While the school year is winding down, the Capitol Centre in North Bay has been busy putting the finishing touches on its Next Generation Education Series for 2024/25.
“Next Generation offers students the opportunity to attend curated performances at the Capitol Centre, for free,” explained interim Executive Director Dan Misturada. “The programming offers ways to complement the curriculum, with the intention of being more than a traditional field trip. Instead, these performances are unique and thrilling cultural experiences that support the development of creative students who, in turn, build creative communities.”
The 2024-25 series offers four unique shows, each with its own education package to help educators link the shows’ content to the curriculum. These performances are being offered exclusively as part of the education series and will not be available to the public.
“Last year was the first year we offered Next Generation, and we were able to host just under 2000 students in the five performances we offered,” said Misturada. “We are hoping for 6000 students this year. We are building core memories for these youth. We want them to look at the Capitol Centre and remember attending shows here with their friends, and having an amazing time.”
The 2024/25 roster of shows for Next Generation includes two performances of Duffelbag Theatre’s Snow White, one in English and one bilingual, recommended for ages JK to Grade 7, on October 16, 2024.
March 24, 2025, The Alphabet of Awesome Science will blow Grade 1 to Grade 8 students’ minds with “a performance that’s equal parts explosive, messy, spectacular, hilarious, fascinating and gross,” according to Misturada.
Cirque Kalabante: Afrique en Cirque will arrive on April 22, 2025. Misturada explained, “This is a journey to African soil where the sets and costumes pay homage to the Guinean culture. The show features high-level acrobatics, innovative choreography and colourful rhythms. It’s a beautiful performance.” This is recommended for Grades 1 to 12.
The final show of the 2024/25 Next Generation Education Series is Kattam and His Tam-Tams offered on May 13 in two performances, one French and one English. “This show features an incredible percussionist, Kattam, who will bring multiple instruments and introduce the students to the music of Africa, the Middle East and India, including African rap and desert dance, trance sufi rhythm and Bollywood dance,” enthused Misturada. “It’s an entrancing, energetic, and educational afternoon…he even brings a pet monkey!” This show is geared for students from Kindergarten through to Grade 6.
Misturada said, “We are very proud of the Next Generation Education Series. We want students to feel that the Capitol Centre is here for them, so we eliminated the barrier to go to these shows: the cost. We are excited to welcome thousands more students to the Capitol Centre next year, to enjoy these wonderful performances.”
He added, “We encourage educators and parents to reach out and learn more. Similarly, if you are a business owner who would like to support this initiative, please reach out as well. The Capitol Centre is here for the North Bay community. See you at the Centre!”
For more information, go here.