Centre for Indigenous Theatre facts for kids
| Abbreviation | CIT |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1974 |
| Location |
|
|
Staff
|
Celeste Sansregret (managing director), Rose C. Stella (Artistic Director) |
|
Formerly called
|
Native Theatre School (1974–1994) |
The Centre for Indigenous Theatre (CIT) is a special school in Toronto, Ontario. It is a non-profit group, meaning it uses its money to help its goals, not to make a profit. The Centre teaches about performance art and theatre. It focuses on the rich cultural traditions of Indigenous communities.
The main goal of the Centre is to create and run programs. These programs help people understand Indigenous Theatre better. They also give top-notch training to Indigenous students. These students come from all over Canada to learn here.
Contents
History of the Centre
How the Centre Started
The Centre for Indigenous Theatre began in 1974. It was first called the Native Theatre School. A talented singer named James H. Buller started it. He worked with a group called the Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts.
James Buller was famous for singing opera and in musical comedy shows. Before starting the school, he was in the Royal Canadian Navy. He was also a well-known boxer called "Gentleman Jim." Buller really wanted to see Indigenous actors, playwrights, and directors succeed. He dreamed of a network of Indigenous theatre groups across Canada.
Changes Over Time
In 1994, the school changed its name. It became the Centre for Indigenous Theatre. When it first opened, the Centre offered a one-year program. Later, this program grew to two years. By 1998, students could even choose to study for an extra third year.
How the Centre Gets Money
The Centre gets money from different levels of government. This helps them keep their programs running. Other groups also give money to the Centre. These include the Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Management Board and The McLean Foundation. The Molson Companies Donation Fund and the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team also help out.
People at the Centre
Talented Students
Students who want to join the Centre must be at least 18 years old. They also need to be of Indigenous background. Many talented people have studied here.
- Gary Farmer – 1974
- Graham Greene – 1974
- Billy Merasty – 1984
- Tina Louise Bomberry – 1988
- Jennifer Podemski – 1992
- George Leach – 1996
- Lucie Idlout – 1997
Amazing Teachers
The Centre has also had many skilled teachers. These faculty members help guide the students.
- Columpa Bobb
- Margo Kane
- Jani Lauzon
- David Ley
- Lee Maracle – cultural director from 1998 to 2000
- Muriel Miguel
- Daniel David Moses
- Drew Hayden Taylor
- Paul Thompson
- John Turner (Mump and Smoot)
- Tomson Highway
- David Calderisi
- August Schellenberg
James Buller Awards for Indigenous Theatre Excellence
This special award started in 1995. It celebrates the great work of Indigenous people in the arts. The award is named after James Buller, who founded the Centre.
