Shakespeare in the Ruff is Toronto’s newest outdoor theatre company. Based in Withrow Park, we aim to create unique, colourful, and inventive productions of Shakespeare’s works much as they were first performed: open air, no sound equipment, sparse, with little more than a captivating story and living words. We know that the work we do today must create and inspire the artists and audiences of tomorrow. Using our summer performance as a pillar, we emphasize the involvement of the community’s youth through the Young Ruffian Apprenticeship Program, a unique educational and mentorship opportunity.
The Young Ruffians Apprenticeship Program strives to bring together 14 underserved secondary school youth from the Riverdale area and to provide them with the opportunity to develop their communication skills through the study of Shakespeare and the development and execution of their own collectively created production. From July 23rd-September 1st this summer, the Young Ruffians will train and work alongside theatre professionals toward the ultimate goal of creating their own show. The Young Ruffians will choose one stream of specialization: Performance, Directing, Stage Management, and Design. The first 4 weeks of the program are dedicated to developing theatrical skills through practical workshops and auditing the rehearsal process of Shakespeare in the Ruff’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona. The final 2 weeks are dedicated to collectively creation their own piece to be performed. This comprehensive program will allow students to learn key skills that are immediately put to use in a self produced, created, and performed show. At the heart of the Young Ruffian Apprenticeship Program is the need to inspire youth to pursue their untapped artistic capabilities, by allowing each participant the freedom to discover and share their own artistic voice.
To download an application form, please visit shakespeareintheruff.com. For more information, please contact Lois Adamson and Marcel Stewart, Youth Development Coordinators, Shakespeare in the Ruff at young_ruffians@shakespeareintheruff.com.
