T-dot
TORONTO-dance|opera|theatre|film-Project for Youth
T-dot is a FREE program that brings together Toronto arts organizations to provide hands-on workshops and arts experiences in dance, theatre, opera and film for youth ages 15 to 18. The program provides opportunities for youth who have an interest in the arts to meet others with similar interests and explore their own interpretations and perceptions.
There are two T-dot sessions, Fall and Spring. Students can apply for one, or both, depending on their schedule and availability.
Applications for the 2009/2010 T-dot season are no longer being accepted. Check back in the summer for details on the 2010/2011 season!
Any questions or feedback can be sent to tdotalk@gmail.com.
T-dot Participating Organizations
Why participate?
T-dot is a first step in connecting young people to the breadth and excitement of the arts in Toronto. A cross-section of arts experiences allow participants to draw connections between different ways of storytelling, and acts as a jumping off point for participants who are curious to learn more about diverse art forms. T-dot introduces participants to role models in the arts community and encourages the development of relationships with the representatives and artist facilitators from the participating arts organizations. Participants will meet their peers and will foster new relationships with other youth interested in the arts.
Who can participate?
T-dot is open to youth ages 15 to 18 who are prepared to share their opinions with the other participants in the program, and are supported by their family, school and/or community. Participants must be permitted to attend evening weekend events throughout the year.
What is the format of the program?
To kick off each T-dot session, participants will gather together for an informal orientation session to be introduced to the program and meet each other and the representatives from the participating arts organizations. Following that, each arts organization from that session will host T-dot participants at an interactive workshop led by an industry professional that explores an element of the creation or performance of their art form, and a live performance or film screening.
Where do the sessions take place?
Each participating organization hosts their session at their studio and/or performance facility. T-dot participants will have a unique opportunity to see some of the spaces that foster Toronto’s artists. Facilities are located primarily in the downtown core, and all facilities are easily accessible by public transit.
What does T-dot cost?
T-dot is FREE! The participating arts organizations are committed to supporting one another and Toronto youth in order to provide this program at no cost to the participants. However, in place of a program fee we ask that participants commit to attending all the sessions and participate fully.
What previous participants have said about T-dot
I enjoyed the T-dot program immensely! It met all of my expectations and surpassed them. I learned so much through each workshop and performance. I feel that the T-dot program really showcased how diverse and cultural the city of Toronto's arts community is. I also enjoyed how I was able to meet other young people who share my interest in the arts.
--2007/2008 T-dot participant
The inclusiveness that T-dot initiates is tremendous; no one feels left out, which is especially great for those of us who were a little nervous about joining a brand new program in a new city! The atmosphere always remains positive, and the experience is really something else. I never thought that I'd have the chance to meet the creative directors, choreographers, or coordinators of shows that I would soon be seeing, but T-dot has opened those doors for me, which means more than words can tell.
-- 2008/2009 T-dot participant
This program was exactly what I was looking for - something that would allow me to explore the arts in Toronto and make some great connections with some pretty amazing people. I also can't help but love the fact that it's free because it means that I can see shows that I normally would not have the opportunity to see.
-- 2008/2009 T-dot participant
I love learning about all the different types of performing arts, and meeting new energetic sociable people that also go to the session along with the adults.
-- 2008/2009 T-dot participant
Through the T-dot program this past fall, I had the privilege of working with a number of prominent performing arts groups in Toronto allowing me to take in different forms of theatre and dance with a group of youth with the same curiosity and interests. I wouldn’t have had the chance to experience these performances on my own due to the sometimes high price of admission. In some cases, I wouldn’t have been interested in the first place (i.e. the opera Abduction from the Seraglio [Opera Atelier]), but I learned a lot from the included workshops and was grateful for the opportunity. T-dot and its programs are something I believe every youth should have access to.
-- 2008/2009 T-dot participant
