Theatre Collingwood teen program makes its debut
Theatre Collingwood is debuting its new Theatre Collingwood Teen Conservatory (TCTC), an innovative performance training program for high school students launched in February.
The inaugural production, The New World, will take the stage May 22–24 at 7 p.m. at Wasaga Beach RecPlex.
Directed and written by instructor Nadia Hovan, The New World is an original play and cabaret that combines storytelling, music, dance, and drama to explore a futuristic society shaped by artificial intelligence, and the youth-led resistance fighting to reclaim humanity. The production contains mature themes and offers audiences a bold and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
“This new program came together very quickly out of necessity, as a teen program elsewhere was no longer being offered and there was a void, but the results have been immediate and inspiring,” said Anne Raciunas, Theatre Collingwood’s Education Program Coordinator. “Over the past two and a half months, 20 incredibly talented young performers have collaborated to create something imaginative, moving, and deeply relevant.”
Admission into the Theatre Collingwood Teen Conservatory is by audition, and participants actively assist in the creation and development of a full-length production. The Spring 2026 session marks the beginning of what Theatre Collingwood intends to become a twice-yearly conservatory program, with a musical cabaret-style production offered in the spring and an intensive dramatic performance program planned for the fall.
A unique feature of the program has been its partnership with Chartwell Balmoral Retirement Residence in Collingwood. Rehearsals have taken place twice weekly, Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, in activity spaces within the residence. The collaboration has created meaningful intergenerational experiences between the teen performers and Chartwell Balmoral residents and staff.
“This has been an incredible venture thus far,” said Raciunas. “The teens have regularly interacted with residents simply through their presence at the residence, and we believe this is the beginning of something truly special.”
As part of this partnership, a special rehearsal performance for Chartwell Balmoral residents will take place on Sunday, May 17 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
“I believe theatre, and arts in general, offers such a valuable outlet and education for teens and I am so proud of the work Anne, Nadia, and the team are doing to make this happen. The skills the students learn are not just for the stage, but also for life,” said Erica Angus, executive director of Theatre Collingwood.
The Theatre Collingwood Teen Conservatory program fee is $400 per participant, with subsidies available for families in need, to ensure accessibility for young artists.
For tickets and information, visit www.theatrecollingwood.ca or call 705-445-2200.
About the play
Step into a bold, imaginative future created by the next generation of artists. Devised and performed by a talented ensemble of local teens, The New World reflects the questions, fears, and hopes of a generation navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape. Through powerful scenes and electrifying musical moments, these emerging artists invite audiences to consider what it means to be human in a rapidly evolving world.
The New World is the inaugural production of the Theatre Collingwood Teen Conservatory, a dynamic new training program for high school students ready to take their performance skills to the next level. This original play and cabaret fuses storytelling, music, and movement to explore a world shaped by artificial intelligence, and the young voices rising up to challenge it.
