After 18 years of post-secondary education and professional experience, Rachel Martens has returned to her hometown to give back to the community that facilitated her growth as a performing artist and an educator.
Martens is starting the new Carriage House Performance Troupe at the Vernon Community Music School.
Currently in the final months of her teaching assistantship and master’s of fine arts in interdisciplinary performance, Martens has performed in more than 30 productions in Montreal, Quebec City, Winnipeg, Edmonton, and New York City.
“Working in humble collaborations and with world-class companies like Cirque du Soleil has given me a well-rounded and realistic understanding of what professional work in the performing arts demands,” she said.
Her program at the VCMS will teach young artists how to transform their creative ideas into an original live performance.
“Students develop skills in music, dance, and theatre by collaborating with peers to create a unique show that has a powerful community-building message,” said Martens.
Auditions for the Carriage House Performance Troupe, open to ages 10 to 16, take place in June. Martens will also offer private lessons as well as body awareness and alignment workshops to both youth and adults.
Contact her at rachelmartens100@hotmail.com or at 778-212-9642.
