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Masks



"The teaching
is wonderful
and totally non
threatening"


Shkspere


"Act II has
renewed my
sense of
well being.
I feel
valued again"


Actor


"Re-enacting
life's issues
often brings a
new
perspective."

***


"I never knew
I had a flair for
improvisation"

***

"I've found
something to
do I really
care about"




treasure


"I've spent
my life in
meetings and
could never
make myself
heard,
but now I can"

***


"I've learned
to do things
I never dreamt
I could do!"
               




is a Seniors' Education Program
in the G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education
RYERSON UNIVERSITY
developed out of an acting workshop offered by Ryerson's Senior Studies Program in 1988. Directed by Vrenia Ivonoffski, it was the brainchild of a group of seniors who refused to retire silently into old age.
exists to:
  • provide training and performance opportunities to adults 50 plus to nurture their creativity and develop their skills in the dramatic arts
  • serve the community by developing and presenting theatrical projects which increase awareness and challenge stereotypes about aging, health and other social issues
  • Use various dramatic genre to create understanding between young and old
offers a wide range of activities. ACT II STUDIO also serves the wider community by developing and presenting theatrical projects which increase awareness and challenge stereotypes about aging, health, or other social issues. Our work is expressed through the life experience and perspectives of the older adult voice.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
We have a brilliant faculty of theatre professionals and are accredited by the Toronto Association of Acting Studios (T.A.A.S.). ACT II STUDIO has developed the most extensive theatre curriculum for older adults in North America. We're also a leader in research-based drama and have received commissions from health and social science researchers to create and tour plays on cancer, aging, and dementia.

PRODUCTIONS CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY

Productions have included: Mornings at Seven, The Dining Room, Museum, The Dreamers, Departures and Arrivals, King John and Shakespeare's Elders as well as our New Plays Festival. There are also many opportunities to act in cabarets, soirees, social action and collective works.

SOCIAL EVENTS AND MEMBER DIRECTED ACTIVITIES
  • Special Preview Lectures
  • Trips to Stratford, Shaw, Drayton, Orillia
  • Weekly Play Readings
  • Play writing Circle
Members may also work behind the scenes making costumes, organizing props, crewing or acting as stage manager or director. You'll find our program and activities full of variety, creative challenges and good fellowship. So whether you're a timid beginner or an experienced performer, come check us out!

PARTICIPANTS VARY IN AGE AND PROFESSION

Our members come from all walks of life and range in age from the middle fifties to late eighties. We are retired teachers, writers, nurses, doctors, lawyers, accountants, office secretaries, administrators, executives, social workers, homemakers, small business owners - even actors!

The Studio is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, all of whom are members.

FACULTY ARE WELL EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS

The faculty include highly respected coaches from Shaw and Stratford Festivals, and teachers from the Ryerson and George Brown Theatre Schools. Our Artistic Director, Vrenia Ivonoffski, has had extensive experience as a director and a teacher. She has taught at Ryerson Theatre School since the late '80's and has also been on the acting faculty of George Brown Theatre School since 1987. Vrenia has given workshops at Sheridan College, University of Guelph and the Blyth Festival. She finds older adults exciting to work with because of the vast life experience they bring to the work.

FUNDING DEPENDS ON DONATIONS
 is a seniors' education program in The Chang School of Continuing Education and is supported by its members

Tax Receipts for donations are issued by Ryerson University.

Ryerson Continuing Education Division provides classroom space and some administrative support.
EXPAND YOUR TALENTS IN THE DRAMATIC ARTS!
Ryerson Campus ACT II STUDIO Mailing Address:
Ryerson University
350 Victoria Street
TORONTO, Ontario Canada. M5B 2K3
Office Location:
297 Victoria St., 3rd Floor.
Phone: 416 979-5000 ext. 6297
Fax: 416 979-5286
Email: act2@ryerson.ca


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