Your kids are reviewing high school theatre and it's delightful
You know, sometimes the news cycle feels like it's just trying to outrun the last disaster, doesn't it? You get the politics, the fires, the economy – the usual prairie existential dread, I suppose. But then, every now and then, something slips through the cracks, something so utterly *Edmonton* in its understated, earnest charm that it reminds you what we're actually doing here. And this week, it's the fact that the *Edmonton Journal* is publishing reviews of high school theatre productions, written *by students*.
Honestly though, this is exactly the kind of thing that makes our arts scene genuinely singular. While some cities are busy proclaiming their cultural dominance from rooftops — usually near a fountain that's always broken — Edmonton just quietly builds. We're the Fringe Festival capital of the world, a fact I'll repeat until the High Level Bridge turns into a disco ball, and this initiative from the Alberta Youth Theatre Collective and the *Journal* slots right into that tradition. It’s not just about giving kids a platform; it’s about nurturing the next generation of critics, playwrights, and performers right here, in places like M.E. LaZerte, Oscar Romero, Mother Margaret Mary, McNally, and Holy Trinity. Think of the future Fringes, the future Citadel shows, the future improv nights on Whyte Avenue – it all starts here, with a kid reviewing "Heathers: Teen Edition." It's like a literary apprenticeship, an early education in the public square.
### Why This Matters for Edmonton
* **Nurturing Young Talent:** It’s a direct investment in the city's artistic future, giving student writers and performers real-world experience and recognition. * **Celebrating Community Arts:** Highlights the incredible work happening in high school drama programs across the city, from Mill Woods to the west end. * **Building a Critical Eye:** Encourages young people to engage thoughtfully with art, developing their analytical and expressive skills. * **Showcasing Our Cultural Depth:** Another piece of evidence that Edmonton’s arts scene isn't just vibrant; it's deeply rooted and perpetually regenerating.
Edmonton doesn't need your approval. Never did. But when something like this happens, it just quietly affirms everything we already know about this city's heart. It's not just about the big shows; it's about the consistent, unpretentious cultivation of creativity at every level. And frankly, it's pretty wonderful.
The gang on the morning show probably has some thoughts on their own high school drama experiences — catch them live at mornings.live.