Skip to content

Creativity crates deliver adventure to kids’ doorsteps

A new program from Bert Church LIVE Theatre (BCLT) will allow Airdrie’s youth to unpack a performance in their very own homes.

A new program from Bert Church LIVE Theatre (BCLT) will allow Airdrie’s youth to unpack a performance in their very own homes. 

BCLT has unveiled its “creativity crates,” which are customized boxes containing props, crafts, set pieces and other supplies. The program is geared to youths aged seven to 10.

The theatre’s community and rentals programmer, Beverly Stadelmann, said the idea emerged after the theatre’s summer classes and programs had to be cancelled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With everything going on, and to try to keep kids safe, it’s very hard to do a drama class and socially distance,” she said. “We’ve created these crates as a way to do a drama class delivered right to your door.”

The interactive crates come with a mix of physical supplies, according to Stadelmann, as well as a script and link to a video component that will further guide the student through how to arrange their performances.

According to BCLT, the crates are designed for kids to "create a performance from start to finish," while learning valuable artistic knowledge.

“The idea is students can practice a performance piece,” Stadelmann said. “They can invite people they’re able to be within six feet of to come watch them perform. If parents want to face-time with someone, they can still get the feeling of performing without having to be in front of a bunch of strangers.”

Stadelmann added the crates are geared toward teaching elements of dramatic performance, and that the program falls in line with the Alberta Education curriculum for dramatic arts.

“We’re always trying to tie it back to a form of performance, so it gives the students a skill they can use in their drama classes,” she said.

“Our current crate has a circus theme, so we’ve gone with the practice of mime, which is important in theatre – miming both invisible objects but also miming while using your props. An example would be lifting something that isn’t heavy, but making it look like it’s heavy.”

The crates cost $30 + GST and can be kept for two weeks. A My Airdrie account is required to purchase the crates.

According to Stadelmann, the crates will be delivered for free to the homes of interested participants in Airdrie, Calgary and surrounding communities. If someone who lives in a community farther away wants to purchase the crates, she added she can discuss shipping options with that person, or arrange for a contactless pick-up time at BCLT.

Stadelmann said the crates will be delivered every two weeks, adding each crate should supply at least two hours’ worth of entertainment. The next delivery date will be Aug. 13.

“As an option, it’s going to be really great for students,” she said. “The things inside the box are personalized to the student, so their name will be throughout the box, so it feels kind of like their own special delivery.”

Crates will be available “while supplies last,” according to Stadelmann, who said there is currently a maximum of 10 available. However, she said more crates can be made and delivered if demand increases.

“My number one goal is the kids have fun, feel special and get to create,” she said.

For more information, visit bclt.ca

Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks