Learning the art of acting out
By Chris Simon

Several children are currently participating in the Innisfil Public Library's Acting Out program. The program allows them to design sets and costumes and act in a scene from a movie, show or book.

Jordyn Simpson likes to act out, and her instructor encourages it.

Of course, the 11-yearold isn't alone. About 17 other aspiring young actors are doing the same, at the Innisfil Public Library's Acting Out after school program.

The free program, which allows participants between eight and 12 years old to design their own plays, shows and costumes, is currently taking place at the Lakeshore and Cookstown branches of the library.

Simpson and eight of her peers at the Cookstown branch are creating a play based on the animated movie Over the Hedge.

She loves the class, and is especially fond of designing her own wardrobe for the play.

"I like just being able to be a new character," she said.

"My sister and I have taken a drama class. I like being able to make our own costumes and being able to put all our work together."

Over the next few weeks, the kids will participate in acting lessons, build props and perform what they've learned in front of parents and family members.

Last week, they even received a tour of the South Simcoe Theatre, and spoke to people involved in the currently running Little Women production, said Cookstown branch librarian Susan Baues.

"We've had someone come in and talk to the kids about what it's like to put on a production (through) set design and costuming, and (had) a very important discussion about how no matter how small a part you have, it's still critical. Even if you don't have the lead part, you give it you're all," she said. "That just brought it alive for them. Some have more of a theatrical perfomance bent, while others find the design more appealing. They have a lot of choice."

Some of the children want to become professional actors.

"You get to act out and be in a different place," said eight-year-old Emma Anstey.

Kids are allowed to experience several aspects of theatre production through the program, said Baues.

"They do a lot of drama games and then they choose a scene from either a larger production or a book," she said.

"They actually do the props, scenes and costumes. At the end, the parents are invited to come and watch. It's a great session for them."

Each branch of the library is hosting several children's events throughout the next month.

There are storytime programs for children in several different age groups, Book Magic, and after school game and craft club and F3 (Food, fun and friends).

The library has also created Glam, Glitz and Gigabyte, a program that teaches participating kids how to sew, bake and decorate.

Several of the branches will also host movie screenings.

For more information, including a list of adult programs, visit www.innisfil.library.on.ca.