STRATFORD, Ontario, May 31, 2008 - Promising young actors will have continued access to quality training to prepare them for the interpretation of classical texts, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.
Gary Scchellenberger, Member of Parliament (Perth-Wellington), on behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages and Minister for La Francophonie, today announced funding for the Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.
The Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre will receive $450,000 over the next three years to support its program that offers theatre artists 20 weeks of training and development in the methods and skills required for the interpretation of classical texts. The Stratford Festival hires all of the program's graduates for the following season; this year, for the first time, the Festival will showcase the work of the graduates in a production of Love's Labour's Lost, which runs during the Festival.
"I am proud to support the Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre in its efforts to train up-and-coming actors," said Minister Verner. "Quality training in theatre arts benefits not only these young actors, but also Stratford and the larger theatre scene in Canada."
"The Stratford Shakespeare Festival exposes audiences to outstanding classical and contemporary theatre and draws tourists and theatre-lovers alike to our community," said Mr. Schellenberger. "This funding will help ensure that the Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre will continue to attract the most promising talent to Stratford."
"A new generation of uniquely trained classical actors is one of the most significant things the Stratford Shakespeare Festival can give to Canada, said Antoni Cimolino, General Director of the Festival. "We are pleased that the federal government recognizes this fact and encourages our efforts in this regard through financial support for our Birmingham Conservatory for Classical Theatre."
The Government of Canada has provided this funding through the National Arts Training Contribution Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This Program supports independent, non-profit, incorporated Canadian organizations that train Canadians for professional national and international careers in the arts.
Dominic Gosselin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage,
Status of Women and Official Languages Minister for La Francophonie
819 997-7788
Donald Boulanger
A/Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819 994-9101
