About CIT - Centre for Indigenous Theatre

The Centre for Indigenous Theatre offers training in the performing arts to students of Indigenous ancestry. The Centre's goal is to develop and implement educational programs that promote and foster an understanding of Indigenous theatre while providing the highest calibre arts training to Indigenous students from across Canada. The Centre for Indigenous Theatre offers a three-year, post-secondary conservatory program as well as introductory summer intensive programs.

Our Philosophy

(Excerpt from the Original Statement of Purpose, written by Carol Greyeyes, Founding Principal of the Full-Time Program)

The purpose of the program is to develop contemporary performance art from a distinctively Indigenous cultural foundation. The training program springboards from Indigenous culture and contemporary theatre techniques, in such a way that students will receive a uniquely Indigenous beginning to their performance arts careers.

The curriculum integrates training in the areas of acting, voice and movement with Indigenous cultural classes in dance, song and oral history. The program also offers a professional development component, which allows students and working actors to train together, adding a mentoring element to the curriculum. To gain practical performance experience, students are given the opportunity to publicly perform through community showcase events, story creation projects and year-end shows featuring senior students.

We predicate our learning style on the ancient principle of respect for self and others in a supportive environment. To this end our instructors are committed to ensuring that conditions exist in which the individuals are free to explore performance art and oracy.

Mandate

The Centre for Indigenous Theatre exists to provide theatrical training informed by traditional artistic expression, teaching and values, while creating an environment that encourages cultural exchange of practices and techniques between Nations and communities.

Vision

The Centre for Indigenous Theatre seeks to develop culturally balanced performance training programs that increase the opportunities for and numbers of Aboriginal performers. The result of which will be raised awareness of and appreciation for traditional and contemporary modes of cultural expression and arts education.

Values

1. We value Indigenous voices, arts and experiences.
2. We value the unique experiences of each of our students.
3. We value the artists and teachers who keep the traditional forms alive and share their creative gifts.
4. We value cross-cultural exchange.
5. We value all communities.
6. We value our partnerships and supporters.