The Gateway Academy for the Performing Arts has come a long way from its humble roots. In 1991, the academy began with a summer musical theatre camp, and a desire to breathe passion for the arts into the Richmond community.
Now in its 23rd year, the academy currently offers classes in acting, musical theatre, speech arts, singing, and playwriting, all held in the world-class facilities of Gateway Theatre.
We offer classes for students both young in age, and young at heart, with our introductory level classes beginning at age six, and our adult classes open to those over 18. In addition to our fall programming, we run camps throughout the summer in acting, musical theatre, and improvisation.
Our students learn from professional artists and educators in the same spaces where some of Canada’s best and brightest emerging and established artists are excited to work, and they often have the opportunity to perform in professional productions.You may have seen some of our students in recent productions of The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, and The King and I.
Yet the academy’s connection to these resources and opportunities is only part of what makes us unique in our methods of theatre arts instruction in the Lower Mainland.
We have long been committed to ensuring that, in our studios, “process” is more important than “product,” and we value the truth that the learning process will look and feel unique to every student who trains within our walls. Sometimes, learning looks like the student who hasn’t uttered a peep for months, and suddenly steps forward with courage and offers to play a role in the telling of a story.
Sometimes, learning happens during lively, dynamic discussion, where students express their opinions and ideas — disagreeing yet listening, laughing and debating about what matters to them. Other times, learning requires singing the wrong notes of a song so we can figure out how to hit the right ones.
All of these discoveries are welcomed with open arms at the academy, and we are proud to watch our students grow through their willingness to apply themselves again, and again, with new courage for play and rigour.
We place great value on fostering a sense of “ensemble” in all of our classes. For any great work to be developed as a team, it is imperative that all participants are committed to each others’ successes. That’s why the Academy’s motto is “Creativity, Courage, and Connection.” Creativity in accepting our own and others’ ideas, discovering how to incorporate them into the telling of a story; Courage in putting yourself out there to accept a learning which may be outside your area of strength; and Connection in making lasting friendships with like-minded individuals who both encourage and respect you. At the academy, we value life lessons, as well as artistic ones.
If the child in you or the child in your life has expressed interest in self-discovery and learning through the performing arts, please contact Ruth McIntosh, Education Manager (604.247.4984) for more information about our unique programming and instructional style.
Just come prepared to work hard at playing. There is a reason it’s called a “play.”
