Theatre Mentorship Program aims to boost P.E.I. skill base

A new mentorship program launched by Culture PEI and Skills PEI will provide an internship opportunity for 16 people this summer.

They will intern at eight theatres and cultural events across the Island as part of the Theatre Mentorship Program.

Andrea Surich, general manager of the Watermark Theatre in North Rustico, P.E.I., had the idea for the mentorship program.

"It will give us people that we will go to in the future. And that's most important, to start building up people who are actually from here or the Atlantic provinces to take on the leadership roles, cause right now I bring them from elsewhere," said Surich.

Pat Caron, who will be mentoring as a technical director earning $500 a week, is one of five interns that will be working at the Watermark Theatre. The mentorship will provide Caron, a Holland College Performing Arts graduate, a chance to get closer to his dream of working in professional theatre.

"Most of the opportunities are from away and this whole project kind of puts us back on the map and says no, P.E.I. is viable as a theatre place," said Caron.

Other interns will work in wardrobe, scenic arts and props, lighting and stage management in placements that may last anywhere from three to 10 months. Placement will be at the Watermark Theatre. The Guild, Anne and Gilbert, Victoria Playhouse, Kings Playhouse, Art in the Open, Carrefour de l'Isle-Saint-Jean and Culture PEI.

"The Theatre Mentorship Program demonstrates the importance of how government and the cultural sector can collaborate to deliver an employment training opportunity for young people, that has not existed previously," said Greg Magirescu, board chair for Culture PEI.

"Young people who are interested in theatre production and arts administration careers are being mentored here on the Island with the aim that they will stay on P.E.I, develop careers in theatre production here, and become future mentors for those that want to work in the industry."

Improving the tourism product

Workforce Minister Richard Brown expects the program to be a good investment in the arts industry.

"If they're expanding their businesses and expanding their employment that's good for Prince Edward Island," said Brown.

"That's what this program is about, is to put people in theatres, theatre management, theatre operations, theatre production, and give them that experience and give them them talents. And we are a big tourism province and if they can improve their skills, that improves the product, which improves tourism."

The total cost of the program will not be known until the provincial budget is released.

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