Island Savings credit union was presented a Certificate of Appreciation Aug. 8 at the Chemainus Theatre, before the curtain call for a final week showing of Roald Dahl’s James and the Magic Peach – the last performance was held Aug. 15.
They were being honoured for their support of Discovery Theatre – a series of free workshops, including materials, supplies and instruction, designed for elementary and secondary students.
More than 40 Island schools have brought the workshops into their classrooms since the program was launched in 2011, with Island Savings behind it from the very beginning.
“The workshops help young people build self-esteem through performance, expand their interpersonal skills and explore their creativity and artistic expression through hands-on, collaborative activities.” said Melanie Tromp Hoover, senior manager of communications with Island Savings.
Each participant also receives a free ticket to a Chemainus Theatre production.
“As you can imagine, feedback for the program has been overwhelmingly positive,” Tromp Hoover said. She added that schools can contact education@chemainustheatre.ca to book workshops for the coming year.
At the presentation ceremony the Island Savings ‘community crew’ entertained families with face painting and crafts. A Roald Dahl ‘book find’ was also held.
More than 5,500 children have participated in the Discovery Theatre program.
