Theatre School Still Experiences High Enrollment Despite the Current World Economic Situation

The Playhouse North, a Calgary theatre school, is still experiencing high enrollment despite the current economic environment. Interest in the school is growing exponentially as the graduates experience success in the professional world.

(PRWEB) May 23, 2009 -- The reason for the growth? Passion for quality theatre training knows no bounds it seems. "Potential students are beginning to realize that there aren't very many programs like ours out there," says Cindy Vanden Enden, program director. "It seems people interested in the acting industry are less motivated by a degree and more inspired by the prospect of actually working in the business." Actually working in the acting industry, is difficult to do at best, says Cindy. "That's why I think people are beginning to notice our school, because not only are our students graduating with superior skills, they are actually beginning to work in the industry, and some have even begun supporting themselves completely with their performance work." Students, upon graduation have many options open to them, making the program even more viable, says Cindy. "Some of our graduates have started their own theatre companies, begun to teach themselves and even travelled to other countries to work." In fact, one recent graduate will be travelling to Sri Lanka to start a theatre company where the focus is "theatre of the oppressed", bringing political awareness and activism where it's normally frowned upon. "These students are boldly going where few have gone before," Cindy Vanden Enden says with a glint in her eye. Cindy looks at the program and her teaching as more than a vocation; she feels it's a calling. "At times I become tired or discouraged with some of the challenges of running a theatre school, but when I look at what the students are accomplishing and how their lives are affected, it makes it all worth it."

The Playhouse North has also been receiving some national attention of late, with a major national broadcast featuring the school on their program.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxmrBYUNA2s

More information can be found at: www.playhousenorth.ca

The Playhouse North wasn't sure what their enrollment numbers would look like this upcoming school year, but it looks like not only is there still tremendous interest, it's bigger than ever. Graduates and students continue to receive attention from industry professionals because of the quality of the student/graduate.

For additional information on this story, or for a copy, contact David Vanden Enden.

About The Playhouse North School of Theatre:
The Playhouse North School of Theatre provides a full-time conservatory experience that concentrates on the artistic growth of the actor with a focus on the Meisner Technique of acting, as well as movement, speech, voice and singing. Playhouse North, which operates out of Rocky Mountain College in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is the only Christian conservatory-style training program in Canada, and this unique combination of a focus on our faith and top-level intensive training is a proven formula for a successful career in the arts.

About Cindy Vanden Enden:
Program Director/Acting Instructor
Cindy Vanden Enden has been a performer, director and teacher for the past fourteen years. She is a graduate of Richard Pinter's Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre and has been seen on the New York, Toronto and Calgary stages during her career. She has been the Director of Playhouse North from its inception, as well as the co-founder and artistic director of ColdWater Productions. Cindy is Canada's only practicing certified Meisner instructor.

David Vanden Enden
Playhouse North School of Theatre
Promotions Director
www.playhousenorth.ca
403-284-5100 ext. 228

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