Fall is here and Burnaby has much to offer students who are driven by the arts – or just want to try something new. While there is fantastic arts programming in all of Burnaby’s schools, students may wish to dive deeper into their passions. Arts programming around Burnaby is affordable – which is definitely not the case in many other municipalities within Metro Vancouver, and around BC!
No matter what drives you: dance, music, the visual arts, or media (computer) arts, Burnaby has so much quality arts programming, you won’t know what to choose first.
Lights, Camera, Action!
From improvisation and drama classes for kids as young as 9 at Edmonds Community Centre, to musical theatre classes combining acting, singing, and dancing at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, the City of Burnaby’s arts programming is extensive and high-calibre. A great outlet for kids wanting to express themselves (or channel their inner Michael Bublé – a Burnaby native) is the Shadbolt Young Singers program for kids aged 6-12, or the Glee Choir, where kids 8-12 will sing jazz, pop, and Broadway show tunes in an ensemble environment. Got a theatre bent? Acting Studio courses for teens aged 13 and older will enjoy learning theatre techniques, such as monologues, scripted scenes, and auditioning.
Burnaby is Awash in Visual Arts Instruction
The Shadbolt Centre for the Arts is a hub for the visual arts in Burnaby, offering classes for kids and teens in sculpture, pottery, drawing, and even painting inspired by the old masters such as Claude Monet and Frida Kahlo. Edmonds Community Centre offers classes in cartooning, manga, and anime for kids. How about getting in touch with your inner architect? Junior architecture classes, for kids aged 8 and older, teach students about blueprints, building their own 3D models, and exploring the relationship between indoor spaces. It’s never too early to start exploring the arts and the exciting careers within them.
Media (Computer) Arts from Coding to Video Game Design
The Shadbolt Centre has a state-of-the-art media lab, complete with Mac computers, pen tablets and digital cameras. From coding classes for kids aged 7 and up, to robotics classes using “Scratch” software, and courses in video game design, there is a wide range of programming to entice budding techies.
Let’s Dance: From Ballet to Hip-hop, Burnaby is a Step in the Right Direction!
The Bonsor Recreation Complex, conveniently located near Metrotown, has a brand new 2,000 square foot multi-purpose studio with hardwood spring floors, ballet barres and mirrors. If you have a passion for dance, try a class in this great new space! Burnaby’s Community Centres offer classes in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, acro, and more! The impressive Michael J. Fox Theatre, (the beloved TV and film star is from Burnaby) attached to Burnaby South Secondary School, is a fantastic stage venue for all types of performances.
It’s all here in Burnaby – where there is never a dull moment in the arts, after school, and on weekends!
