Performing arts school opens in Summerside

A veteran actor and director from Summerside, P.E.I., is opening a new academy of performing arts.

The school, created by director and actor Sherri-Lee Darrach, will offer classes to people young and old.

"It's just come to the time that I want to teach more, and develop my own projects," said Darrach.

The school will offer singing, dancing and acting, and Darrach will bring in experts to teach alongside her.

"I want them to leave as a strong triple threat, so they can go off to that audition, or just be more confident as a person," said Darrach.

About a dozen youth and a couple of adults have signed up.

"I'd say it's going to be pretty cool, I like acting, like singing, so it's going to be pretty fun," said 11-year-old Emily Smith.

"It's a great opportunity and you can really see what you're capable of," said Lara Murphy, also 11.

Opportunity for Harbourfront Theatre

All of the classes will be held at the Harbourfront Theatre. Harbourfront executive director Kieran Keller said he hopes it will help draw more people to visit the space through the winter.

"We've been thinking about a school, haven't quite had the ability to do it, or the resources to do it ourselves, so we were kind of looking for a champion," said Keller.

"When I got the call from Sherri-Lee I was really excited to hear about it."

The theatre is offering a discount on rent. Darrach is not getting any provincial or federal support.

Classes start on Jan. 16.