Montreal Children's Theatre
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"The Montreal Children's Theatre founded and run by Dorothy Davis and Violet Walters presented, in its 60 years of existence, over 700 stage productions to more than a quarter of a million children. The founders, influenced by the British tradition of commercial theatre, emphasized the acquisition of acting skills, which they believed released the personality of the child and fostered self-expression. Although training for the professional stage was not a primary goal, many of their pupils entered the profession as actors, drama teachers, film directors, or in other areas of theatre. For these reasons, the writer believes that the Montreal Children's Theatre has been a strong influence and a guiding force in the education of children to the world of theatre, and in the building of an English-speaking audience in Montreal." By Muriel Gold from her Masters Thesis "A Study of Three Montreal Children's Theatres: in British, Russian and French Traditions"[1]
"Over 10,000 Montrealers haved enjoyed classes at The Children's Theatre since the school was founded in 1933 by Dorothy Davis and Violet Walters. Some have gone onto professional careers in motion pictures, television and the stage. Many have obtained roles in TV and radio commercials both as children and adults." Taken from The Children's Theatre website[2].
Timeline:
1933-1991 - Founded in 1933 by Violet Walters and Dorothy Davis, both now deceased.
1991-Present - Run by Shelia April, until recently and now run by Amy Thomas and Danusia Lapinski.
Notable Alumni Include:
William Shatner - Actor (including starring in Star Trek; T.J.Hooker; Boston Legal)[3]
Ben Mulroney - Canadian Idol Host - Son of Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney[4]
Pat Donnelly - Montreal Gazette Theatre Critic[5]
Contact Information:
The Children's Theatre
PO BOX 48689 CSP Outremont
Montreal
Quebec
H2V4T9
childrenstheatre@canada.com
(514) 484-6620
(630) 604-5026
Website:
The Children's Theatre - http://www.childrens-theatre.ca/
Other Links:
Dorthy Davis - http://archives3.concordia.ca/privatefonds/P098.html
William Shatner discussing his experiences at the Montreal Children's Theatre (includes pictures of a younger D.Davis and V. Walters) - http://www.oct.ca/publications/professionally_speaking/june_2007/remarkable.asp
"Instant French" 1965 movie by the National Film Board of Canada - Cast includes Dorthy Davis and Violet Walters - http://www.nfb.ca/collection/films/fiche/?id=10556&v=h&lg=en&exp=14297
Article in the Canadian Jewish News (Aug 16, 2007) by Elaine Cohen on Page B11 about the Montreal Children's Theatre - http://www.cjnews.com/TOPScnCJN/images/stories/Supplements/Montreal_Back_to_School.pdf
