Fall Classes
FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE STAGE
Mountain Play is about more than learning performing-arts skills, it’s about bringing them together to create something special. Throughout the Fall Classes, all of our youth classes will work toward a final live production where students will have the opportunity to share what they have learned with the people who matter most to them. Family members, friends and members of the wider community will be invited to come together and experience the excitement of a Mountain Play performance.
ONE COMPANY.
MANY AGES.
MANY TALENTS.
ONE STAGE.
From the first rehearsal to the final curtain, this is everyone’s opportunity to be part of something bigger.
THIS IS
MOUNTAIN PLAY THEATRE
Fall Classes
September 23
to December 9
ACT.
SING.
MOVE.
PLAY.
PERFORM.
A complete performing-arts experience for children, young people and adults.
This Fall we are excited to introduce Mountain Play Theatre Academy Classes, where performers of all ages can explore theatre, singing, movement, rhythm, improvisation and introductory instrumental skills.
From our youngest performers discovering imaginative play and music to our teens developing their stage skills, Mountain Play Theatre Company provides opportunities to explore the performing arts in a welcoming, creative environment.
Our programs are designed to meet children where they are. Whether they’re naturally drawn to the spotlight, prefer working as part of an ensemble, love music and movement, or are simply curious to try something new.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE MOUNTAIN PLAY
ONE DROP-OFF
Theatre, singing, movement, rhythm and introductory instrumental skills — all in one programme.
CONFIDENCE
Students develop communication, self-expression and the confidence to perform in front of others.
CREATIVITY
They have the opportunity to explore acting, music, movement and storytelling.
TEAMWORK
Students learn how to collaborate, listen, support others and work toward a shared goal.
PERFORMANCE
They have opportunities to take their skills from the rehearsal room to the stage.
COMMUNITY
Mountain Play is a place to make friends, discover talents and become part of a creative community.
EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS
Mountain Play is led by Tara Whittick, Ellie Crabb and Leisa O’Sullivan, are experienced teachers with more than 50 years of cumulative experience working with children and young people of all ages and abilities.
Together, they bring theatre, music, voice, movement and performance experience into one supportive program.
WHAT MAKES MOUNTAIN PLAY DIFFERENT?
Our program is led by three experienced educators and performers, each bringing a different area of expertise.
Our music and voice instructor leads students through:
Singing and vocal development
Musicality and rhythm
Harmony and ensemble singing
Basic instrumental skills
Musical exploration
Performance skills
Our theatre & movement instructors lead students in:
Acting
Character development
Improvisation
Storytelling
Stagecraft
Confidence-building
Movement and basic choreography
Together, these disciplines become musical theatre and live performance. Students learn not only individual skills, but how those skills work together to tell a story on stage.
Through picture books, music, movement and imaginative play, young performers will explore storytelling and the joy of becoming someone new. Children will bring stories to life through playful characterizations, dramatization and simple theatre games, while building confidence, creativity and connection with others.
No previous theatre experience needed — just curiosity and a willingness to play! Some children may eagerly take center stage. Others may watch and participate gradually. We welcome both. Our instructors meet children where they are and encourage them to participate in ways that feel comfortable, while gently building confidence along the way.
AND YES…THERE’S A STAGE IN THEIR FUTURE!
Little Performers will be part of the wider Mountain Play Theatre Company community and will work toward our end-of-session production at a local theatre space.
Our Little Stars get an energetic, fun and age-appropriate introduction to the performing arts and build upon skills they may have already developed or practiced.
Through games, songs, movement, storytelling, rhythm and imaginative theatre activities, Little Stars begin developing the foundations of performance.
They’ll explore:
Theatre & acting
Singing & voice
Movement & dance
Rhythm & musicality
Introduction to instruments
Confidence & teamwork
The focus is on fun, creativity and discovery while gently building the skills needed for future performance.
No previous experience is required.
Our Junior Company gives young performers the opportunity to develop their skills across theatre, voice, music and movement in a more structured program.
Students work on acting and character development while developing vocal confidence, rhythm, musical skills and basic choreography.
Students will develop:
Acting & character development
Singing & vocal technique
Dance & choreography
Rhythm & musicality
Introductory instrumental skills
Stagecraft & performance
As their skills develop, students will also learn what it means to work as part of a theatrical company – listening, collaborating, taking direction, rehearsing and supporting one another.
Our Teen Company is designed for young people who want to take their performance skills further.
Students develop more advanced acting, vocal and musical performance skills while exploring character, script work, stage presence and choreography.
Students will work on:
Acting & character development
Voice & singing
Music & instrumental skills
Movement & choreography
Scene work & stagecraft
Performance confidence
Production & rehearsal skills
The program is suitable for students who are already passionate about performing as well as those who are discovering theatre for the first time.
For students considering further study in theatre, music or the performing arts, the program also provides an opportunity to develop discipline, confidence and practical performance experience.
For Adults Ages 19-99
UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY
Sharpen your improvisational skills, and have fun on stage!
Our Adult Drop-In Improv class welcomes adults of all experience levels to explore the fundamentals of improvisation in a relaxed, supportive environment.
ADULT IMPROV
Build confidence and stage presence
Develop quick thinking and spontaneity
Strengthen teamwork and listening skills
Explore character creation and scene work
Enjoy the joy and playfulness of live improvisation
FOR EVERYONE OF ALL ABILITIES
No prior experience required
A fun, welcoming space to play, connect, and grow through improvisational theatre
Drop-in every week, or whenever it fits your schedule!
Every Thursday Night
For all ages from 19 – 99!
7:00 -9:00pm
At the Invermere Seniors’ Hall
1309 14th Street Invermere
Pay What You Can with suggested minimum of $10
Non-alcoholic drinks provided
Reduce Stress
Laughter and play lower cortisol and help you relax.
Boost Mental Agility
Thinking on the spot sharpens creativity and quick decision-making.
Improve Confidence
Performing in a supportive space builds self-esteem and comfort speaking up.
Strengthen social connection
Improv relies on teamwork, helping you feel more connected and less isolated.
Enhances emotional resilience
Learning to adapt and say “yes” helps you handle uncertainty in everyday life.
MEET THE TEAM
Experienced educators.
Creative practitioners.
Passionate performers.
Tara Whittick, Ellie Crabb and Leisa O’Sullivan bring more than 50 years of combined experience working with children, young people and adults through theatre, music, education and the performing arts. Together, they create a supportive environment where performers of all ages and abilities can explore their creativity, develop confidence and discover the joy of performing.
TARA WHITTICK
Theatre • Performance • Movement
Tara Whittick is an experienced educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience a degree in Theatre Arts and a degree in the Master of Teaching Program, both from the University of Calgary. Her teaching career has included working with children and young people from early childhood through age 18, as well as adults, in Western Canada and internationally.
Tara brings a strong background in theatre, music and creative education, with a particular passion for helping students develop confidence, self-expression and performance skills. She enjoys creating engaging, supportive environments where students can explore character, storytelling, movement and performance while learning to work together as an ensemble.
At Mountain Play, Tara leads students through theatre, acting, movement and basic choreography, helping them discover their own ways of contributing to a production.
Screenshot
ELLIE CRABB
Theatre • Applied Performance • Creative Learning
Ellie Crabb is a theatre practitioner and creative learning facilitator with a First Class BA (Hons) in Applied Theatre from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).
She has worked with people from ages 3–90 across Scotland, including youth theatre, community groups and adults with disabilities. Her professional experience includes working in the Creative Learning departments of the Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh and Dundee Rep Theatre, as well as leading youth theatre programs and facilitating workshops for diverse communities.
Now based in Invermere, Ellie is passionate about making theatre accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. At Mountain Play, she brings her experience in applied theatre, improvisation, ensemble work and creative learning to help students build confidence, explore their creativity and discover the joy of making theatre together.
LEISA O’SULLIVAN
Music • Voice • Instruments • Performance
Leisa O’Sullivan is an experienced music educator, musician and performer with more than 20 years of experience working with children and young people in the Columbia Valley.
She has taught music, dance and choir at J.A. Laird and Eileen Madson schools in Invermere and led the Silver Strings Ukulele Group for many years, helping young musicians develop their skills and confidence as performers.
Leisa is also an accomplished working musician and member of The O’Sullivans, who have performed extensively throughout the Columbia Valley. She has also performed with the family band Siofri and continues to offer private music lessons.
At Mountain Play, Leisa leads singing, voice, rhythm and introductory instrumental skills, bringing together her experience as an educator and performer to help students discover the joy of making and performing music.
