Open House 1998

Open House at the National Theatre School of Canada

Montreal, September 22, 1998 – For its part in the second Journées de la culture, the National Theatre School of Canada will open its doors to the public this September 26th and 27th. Visitors will get a backstage glimpse of the school which has trained some of this country’s best actors, designers, technicians, and playwrights, including Henry Czerny, Martha Henry, Ann-Marie MacDonald, and Colm Feore.

Among the many activities planned for the weekend, visitors to the School will be able to watch rehearsals, to observe students in movement and painting classes, to see exhibits of work by the Scenography (design) students, and to take part in workshops such as a lesson in mask given by Acting Program director Perry Schneiderman and a writing class given by former Playwriting Program Co-ordinator Sheldon Rosen. This year, the Open House takes as its theme the world of playwright Michel Tremblay. Tremblay-related activities include an exhibit by the School's library and a multi-lingual reading of excerpts from Tremblay's plays.

This is the second year of the Journées de la culture, a province-wide weekend in which Quebecers are invited to discover their cultural organizations through a plethora of free activities. This year, over 900 cultural organizations and individuals are participating in what will be an annual event. The Journées seek to underline the importance culture plays in our lives, and to reach out to the estimated 80% of the population who are not regular consumers of culture other than television and movies. Another of the Journée's aims is to give Quebec's diverse cultural sector a united voice and presence.