Pièce de théâtre l'Ère de glace
École secondaire de Saint-Anselme

For the past 10 years, virtually all the students at Saint-Anselme high school have shared a common passion for one project: a huge theatrical production. Over the years, a total of eight plays have called on the perseverance, commitment, creativity, rigour and determination of students and teachers alike. With plays ranging from the Jungle Book to Aladdin, and the Lion King to Shrek, this year the students will dazzle audiences with an adaptation of the animated film Ice Age. Actors, acrobats, dancers, singers, musicians and technicians will thus be given the chance to showcase their talents before the some 5,000 spectators expected to attend.

Now a major annual event in the Bellechasse region, the play staged by the students at Saint-Anselme high school never ceases to gain in popularity among both students and the general public. In 2001, for the first edition, about fifty students were involved in the project but there are now around 130 active participants every year, not counting all the other students who contribute, each in their own way through their art classes, to the creation of costumes and decors. And the seven performances presented so far have succeeded in attracting no less than 27,000 spectators of all ages.

But what’s really amazing about the school’s involvement and that of the fifteen or so members of staff is how it offers participants professional training in areas that interest them such as music, the circus arts, singing and acting. Upon graduating from high school, many students have actually chosen to pursue studies in the arts following their experience with the theatre troupe.

“When the theatre project really gets off the ground with the auditions, the assigning of roles and so forth, it’s as though the whole school becomes energized. You can feel the effervescence in the air and there’s a renewed team spirit between students from every level,” says guidance counsellor and project coordinator Chantal Boivin.

It should be pointed out that organizing and mounting such a large-scale show requires a major investment on the part of students. Depending on the discipline, they have to attend three lunchtime rehearsals per week, and this doesn’t include those on Wednesday nights and pedagogical days. They never complain and put in the effort required to attain higher levels of quality year after year.

Third time participant Anthony Dion, a Secondary 5 student who will play the part of Sid the motor-mouthed sloth, knows only too well that such an endeavour requires rigour and dedication. “We always strive to do better. For us, it’s a challenge, and for the teachers too who are a great source of motivation. Plus, it creates a great atmosphere between students. It brings us closer together,” he asserts, adding that although he plans to pursue a technical degree in civil engineering, he has every intention of joining amateur theatre troupes in the future.

The theatre project, which also serves as a pedagogical tool, is open to all students as long as they also give priority to their studies. The project can at times become so demanding that some could be tempted to let up in terms of their school work but teachers make sure that this doesn’t happen.

“All students can get involved. We don’t turn anyone away. For those who aren’t used to experiencing success on a daily basis, the project truly encourages them to persevere and surpass themselves. There’s something for everyone,” points out Mrs. Boivin.

The project is so important to young people that a virtual community centred on the event has been set up. And every time a new project is launched, former students come back to attend the performances of their successors, a definite sign of their appreciation towards the people who have made this joint project a reality.

Public presentations of the show will be held at Saint-Anselme high school on April 30 and May 1, 2, 7 and 8. Tickets for this highly colourful student performance can be purchased at 418-885-4431, ext. 1618 or 1624.

Pièce de théâtre l'Ère de glace
École secondaire de Saint-Anselme