Scene Change to present Victorian Extravaganza
The Maid and the Magpie on at Scarborough Historical Museum
Broad gestures, thick moustaches, sword fights, a damsel in distress - all the cliches of classic historical plays will be the highlight this weekend, July 26 and 27, when Scarborough high school students stage a Victorian Extravaganza as part of the annual variety show at Scarborough Historical Museum.
According to museum curator Madeleine Callaghan, in addition to learning about 19th century theatre the audience will also have some fun.
"People really get a big kick, and a lot of laughter." she said of the Victorian Extravaganza. "The youth put in lots of humour."
The high school students, who are part of the Scene Change Youth Mentoring program, found the script to the 1814 melodrama, The Maid and the Magpie by Isaac Pocock, themselves.
To make it fun entertainment for the general public, Callaghan said the youth have written the piece in their own style but maintained its original framework, with all productions taking place in the open air theatre with an 1850 log house porch.
In addition to the melodrama, the youth will perform original musicals that they have written, sing-along songs as well as the music of Gilbert and Sullivan. New this year, is a photo exhibit that will document the neighbourhood through the eyes of the teens.
Scene Change is a visual and performing arts program that recruits teen volunteers from local communities such as Kennedy Park, Bendale and Scarborough Village, The youth undergo a four-month training cycle then go on to mentor the next group of participants.
"Our youth mentoring programs have grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade." Callaghan said.
In the last four years, more than 70 teens have been part of the Scene Change program. The teens in the program develop a sense of empowerment by shaping their own projects and group activities with the guidance and setting of the museum.
To Callaghan, both the teens and the museum have benefited from the program. "Its a win-win situation," she said. "Participants develop employment skills and get a chance to explore their talents, while the museum benefits from the energy and positive spirit the youth bring to our programs."
Scene Change youth mentor Julia Thayer said the program has provided her with a great experience. "I've learned skills that will help, not only with volunteering at the museum, but with my future as well," Thayer said.
The weekend's Victorian Extravaganza will run from noon to 5 p.m. at the Scarborough Historic Museum located in Thomson Memorial Park, on the east side of Brimley Road, north of Lawrence Avenue. Admission is pay as you can, and the museum will also be open to visitors.
