Do It With Class celebrates launch of new permanent home - Leaderpost Afternoon Edition

"DIWC has always believed in the transformative power of theatre and its ability to open up a whole new world of self-expression and imagination."

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A prolific, decades-old local youth theatre group has found a new home in northeast Regina, and plans to expand its classes, workshops and camps.

Over the last 30 years, the Regina-based Do It With Class Young People’s Theatre (DIWC) has helped elevate the talent of local youth, developing gifted theatre artists as well as future TV and film performers.

Some notable alumni include Paul Alexander Nolan, Amy Matysio and Emmy winner Tatiana Maslany.

Now, with their new location at 611 Park Street, DIWC intends to resume producing top-tier talent with skill-building workshops and camps, classes for youth, wellness-through-theatre groups as well as youth performance cafes in efforts to “build a positive, inclusive environment for young artists, enriching their lives and the arts and cultural experiences of Regina and area residents,” said a statement from DIWC.

The theatre group will also continue to perform professional musicals under the direction of Artistic Director Robert Ursan, who has been with DIWC for over 28 years.

“DIWC has always believed in the transformative power of theatre and its ability to open up a whole new world of self-expression and imagination,” said the statement issued in tandem with the Studio’s grand opening Saturday.

“Through access to affordable and accessible performance arts learning and programming at the Studio, DIWC continues its 30-year mission to provide nurturing, inclusive and supportive spaces for children to create, flourish, celebrate and thrive.”

The company featured about 20 kids when it opened in 1993, but now comprises of about 50 students ages eight to 18.

DIWC will continue to facilitate its Sponsored Seats program which offers sponsored tickets of DIWC shows to schools and classrooms, with the addition of some sponsored class spots at the Studio to help keep performing arts accessible to children.

The Studio will also be available to other artists and organizations for rentals, with all profits going towards expanding programming.

Theatre-lovers and supporters can see the DIWC’s next production of The Little Prince from November 13 to 16 at Riddell Theatre.

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Martha Neovard