For 11 years, the Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival has amazed visitors and locals alike. Known for its vibrant and exciting street performers, tasty food, and talented crafters lining the sidewalks, the Buskers Festival has delivered riveting entertainment nearly every summer since its inception in 2013. And the best part?
It’s free. (We like to call it like it is: a “FREE FOR ALL.”)
While performers often dazzle the audience, they can also raise eyebrows, leaving the crowd curious and leaning in. How does she fight gravity like that? How can he pull off a thousand sounds with his one and only voice? How do they simultaneously juggle, stay in character and ride those unicycles?!
For the first time in Thunder Bay, kids and youth will have the opportunity to learn how to become performers of these crazy cool circus acts.
As part of our expanded community outreach, the Buskers Festival is calling on kids and youth ages 7-18 to pull back the curtain and discover the world of busking at Buskers School. Thanks to the generous offering of their Studio Stage space, Magnus Theatre will play host to these workshops on Friday, July 24th – the day before the festival weekend kicks off.
Our buskers invite you to step out of your comfort zone and come out to learn some of the tricks of the trade. We’ve curated four interactive workshops that are a first for the area:
Workshop #1: Intro to Partner and Aerial Acrobatics with Hercinia Arts. For ages 9+, this workshop invites you to explore moving in a whole new way by learning basic arial techniques. Great for those who like to climb and love to move.
Workshop #2: Object Manipulation – Spinning Balls, Hats and More with The Twins Trip. For kids ages 7-12, step into the fast-paced and exciting world of object manipulation, learning rhythm and building creativity.
Workshop #3: Beatboxing Workshop with Scott Jackson. For youth ages 13-18, come out to learn more about the power of your own voice. That’s right, your voice is THE instrument, and you can learn how to use it in this high energy, musical workshop.
Workshop #4: Juggling and Character Performance with Kobbler Jay (Jay Henderson). For youth ages 12+, this workshop blends personality with play. Learn how to channel all your different sides into a spectacular character experience. While juggling. Because, why not?!
All Buskers School workshops are beginner level and require no experience. Just register and come down with an open mind and positive attitude!
Registration is first come, first served and priced at $20 per workshop. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from our headlining acts. Workshops are capped at twenty participants per session.
For more information and to register, head over to the official Buskers Festival Website at: buskersfestival.ca/buskersschool
Questions: Samantha Plavins
Buskers Festival Coordinator
info@buskersfestival.ca
