Huntsville Festival of the Arts

Education

HFA MUSIC & DANCE CAMP

***CAMP IS FULL!***
To be added to the waitlist email hannah@hunstvillefestival.ca

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A FUN FILLED WEEK OF MUSIC AND DANCE FOR AGES 7-12

Back again after an incredible first run in 2024- join us for a fun-filled week of music and dance for ages 7-12! Led by local musician and dance leader, Hannah Naiman, this unique camp experience draws on traditional music and dance experiences for kids. In the morning, kids will have the opportunity to learn to play the ukulele and accompany themselves on simple folk songs. We’ll break up the day with singing games, traditional English sword dancing, and this year we’ll draw and paint a giant crankie machine! 

Parents will be invited to attend a showcase performance at the end of the week on stage at the Algonquin Theatre.

 AUGUST 11-15 | 8:30AM – 4:30PM
HfA Studio, 58 Main St. E (entrance across from River Mill Park beside the Mill on Main)
REGISTRATION FEE: $280
Once registration payment is made, a representative will be in contact to collect more information

 

HFA MUSIC & DANCE CAMP

HfA Studio, 58 Main St. East (entrance accross from River Mill Park)
August 11, 2025 8:30 AM
August 12, 2025 8:30 AM
August 13, 2025 8:30 AM
August 14, 2025 8:30 AM
August 15, 2025 8:30 AM

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HfA NATURE ARTS CAMP

***CAMP IS FULL!***
To be added to the waitlist email hannah@hunstvillefestival.ca

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Join us for a week-long camp for ages 7-12 experiencing the fun and imagination in visual art!

Get creative in the great outdoors! Led by local teacher Alberta Robinet, participants will use natural, recycled and foraged materials to make whimsical works of visual art. We will focus on finding joy in the creative process, and we will experiment with unusual materials to enhance our artistic skills, imagination and creativity. Everybody is welcome; be it shy, confident, a preferred spectator or ready to jump in, if your child is interested in art, enjoys being outdoors, or just embraces being different, they have a place in HFA Art Camps!

Contact: hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca

JULY 7-11 | 8:30AM -4:30PM
**NEW LOCATION: Sandhill Nursery, 1686 Aspdin Road
REGISTRATION FEE: $280
Once registration payment is made, a representative will be in contact to collect more information

 

 

 

HfA NATURE ARTS CAMP

Sandhill Nursery, 1686 Aspdin Rd
July 7, 2025 8:30 AM
July 8, 2025 8:30 AM
July 9, 2025 8:30 AM
July 10, 2025 8:30 AM
July 11, 2025 8:30 AM

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CIRCUS SPECTACULAR SUMMER DRAMA CAMP

***CAMP IS FULL!***
To be added to the waitlist email hannah@hunstvillefestival.ca

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Step right up and join us as we dive into the enchanting world of a traveling circus! Experience the thrill of acrobats, jugglers, sword swallowers, clowns, high-wire acts, and feats of strength. Help raise the big top, care for the animals, and channel your inner ringmaster!

Can we create our very own “Greatest Show on Earth” at the Algonquin Theatre? Absolutely!

Throughout the week, participants will enjoy theatre games, costume creation, and prop building, all leading up to an original performance at the end of the week.

 

Contact: hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca

 JULY 28-AUGUST 1 | 8:30AM -4:30PM
ALGONQUIN THEATRE, 37 MAIN ST. E
REGISTRATION FEE: $280
Once registration payment is made, a representative will be in contact to collect more information

 

 

CIRCUS SPECTACULAR SUMMER DRAMA CAMP

Algonquin Theatre
July 28, 2025 8:30 AM
July 29, 2025 8:30 AM
July 30, 2025 8:30 AM
July 31, 2025 8:30 AM
August 1, 2025 8:30 AM

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SQUARE DANCE WORKSHOPS (Grades 1-12)

READY? SET? DO-SI-DO!

This immersive dance workshop offers students a fun and dynamic way to experience traditional square dances from a variety of cultures. Offered in French or English for students from grades 1 to 12. Students will enjoy an interactive and engaging session, combining music, movement, and cultural exploration. Whether in French or English, this unique workshop provides an unforgettable opportunity to celebrate culture through dance.

45-55 MINS | AVAILABLE BETWEEN JANUARY 6–MARCH 10

$250/session or $400/2 sessions in one day (2 classes per workshop)

TO BOOK CONTACT HFA DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS, EDUCATION & OUTREACH HANNAH NAIMAN: hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca

 

SQUARE DANCE WORKSHOPS (Grades 1-12)

Local Schools
January 6, 2025 9:00 AM

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THE ALPHABET OF AWESOME SCIENCE

A SCIENTIFIC RACE THROUGH THE ALPHABET- WHERE AWESOME WORDS INSPIRE AWESOME SCIENCE!

*NOW ACCEPTING BOOKINGS FOR SK-GR 8!

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Join professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science freak) for a thrilling voyage
through the alphabet — where sesquipedalian words inspire mind-blowing scientific surprises! It’s a
tongue-twisting race from A to Z that’s equal parts explosive, messy, hilarious, fascinating and
gross. Brace yourself for an hour of carefully crafted alphabetical, scientifical (award-winning!) chaos
— that floats, flies, squirts, sprays, ignites and erupts!

  • DURATION: 60 Minutes (no intermission)
  • AGE SUITABILITY: ages 5-12
  • WARNINGS: Some loud noises, flashing lights, smoke and haze effects

THE ALPHABET OF AWESOME SCIENCE

Algonquin Theatre
March 21, 2025 10:00 AM
March 21, 2025 12:30 PM

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YES YES YES by Eleanor Bishop & Karin McCracken

Part confession, part documentary, part open conversation, Yes Yes Yes is a theatre show created for young people to explore the knotty but very necessary topics of healthy relationships, consent, and desire

“…funny, thoughtful and entirely relatable….I can’t recommend this highly enough; it should be
a must for teens and their caregivers.” NZ Herald

Part documentary, part confession, part open conversation, Yes, Yes, Yes is a theatre show created specifically for young adults. Exploring the knotty and necessary topics of healthy relationships, desire and consent, it blends audience interaction with captivating solo performance.
Featuring in-depth interviews with Canadian teenagers, Yes Yes Yes is empathic empowering and engaging for youth audiences and carers alike.
Humorous, witty and moving, it sparks conversation where conversation can be difficult!

The result is a funny, generous and innovative piece of contemporary theatre that speaks directly to one of the most pressing issues young people face today, and holds its audience at its heart.

“International research tells us the most effective way to support young people to have happy, healthy relationships is to talk about the good stuff – desire, attraction and most importantly consent, and what it looks like. Young people actually already have the skills, but they haven’t always been taught to use them in sexual or romantic contexts.”
Karin McCracken, co-creator & performer of Yes Yes Yes

Performances of Yes Yes Yes are supported by resources for health & drama teachers, as well as a pre-viewing document and full show video.

 

 

YES YES YES by Eleanor Bishop & Karin McCracken

Rene Caisse Theatre, 100 Clearbrook Trail
March 4, 2025 10:15 AM
March 4, 2025 12:30 PM

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HFA RADIO KIDS

HFA: ON THE AIR!

Be part of an exciting kid-led radio show for students in grades 6-8!  Led by local radio producer, David Merleau, this hands-on program will guide them through the entire process, from concept to final broadcast. Through this experience, they’ll learn to create engaging content and master the technical aspects of radio production. It’s a unique opportunity for young voices to shine and share their stories with a broader audience.

WEDNESDAYS 4-5:30 PM |APRIL 2- APRIL 23 (4 sessions) | HfA Studio (58 Main St. E)

REGISTRATION FEE: $64

Once registration payment is made, a representative will be in contact to collect more information

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

HFA RADIO KIDS

HfA Studio, 58 Main St. East (entrance accross from River Mill Park)
April 2, 2025 4:00 PM
April 9, 2025 4:00 PM
April 16, 2025 4:00 PM
April 23, 2025 4:00 PM

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TPAN: Teen Performing Arts Nights

 

DO YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR DRAMA, MEDIA ARTS, MUSIC OR THE VISUAL ARTS?

This exciting program, geared for youth aged 12—18 years, will develop an appreciation of the arts and identify potential career paths. Hosted by Alberta Robinet & Sarah Vanasse, all artists and educators, our endeavour is to create a fun and safe space for youth to share their passions and interests in the arts.

For more information e-mail hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca or call 705-788-2787.

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PROGRAM LEADER BIOS:

Alberta Robinet has always had a flair for the dramatic arts. She loves to be on stage. While living in Toronto she fell in love with improv and sketch comedy. Since moving to Huntsville, Alberta has performed on many occasions with the HfA. Alberta is also a playwright, and has directed plays starring youth in the Muskoka community while working at Tawingo. She teachers Outdoor Kindergarten and art at Muskoka Highlands Academy. This will be Alberta’s fourth year hosting T-PAN and she can’t wait to do it again!

 

Sarah Vanasse has returned home to Huntsville this year after living and teaching in Halifax, NS. Sarah is an educator, artist, photographer, actor, and musician. She has directed and performed in many amateur and professional theatre productions across Canada, including 5 HfA musicals. Sarah is excited to be back and to get involved in the Huntsville community again! She works at Tawingo running both camp and outdoor education programs. We’re excited to have her back at T-PAN!

 

TPAN: Teen Performing Arts Nights

HfA Studio, 58 Main St. East (entrance accross from River Mill Park)
October 15, 2024 6:30 PM
November 19, 2024 6:30 PM
December 10, 2024 6:30 PM
January 21, 2025 6:30 PM
February 18, 2025 6:30 PM
March 4, 2025 6:30 PM

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HFA COMMUNITY DANCE & WORKSHOP

HFA COMMUNITY DANCE + WORKSHOP RETURNS!

Join us for the HFA Community Dance + Workshop—a joyful day of music, movement, and connection! The afternoon includes all the squares and social dancing you know and love, with live calling by Hannah Shira Naiman and toe-tapping tunes from the HFA Community Band, led by the amazing Saskia Tomkins.

We’re thrilled to welcome back members of KUNE: Canada’s Global Orchestra, who will bring exciting international dance forms to the floor—plus more traditional music and movement from around the world. You’ll have the chance to dance, learn, and experience the energy of global rhythms right here in our own backyard.

🎻 Musicians! Join us from 12–2 PM for a special workshop where you’ll learn Greek, Peruvian, and Brazilian tunes with members of KUNE. Afterward, we’ll come together for a potluck lunch—a chance to connect before the big dance kicks off.

Whether you’re dancing, playing, or just cheering others on—this is a celebration of community, culture, and joy you won’t want to miss!

 

Come for the dance, stay for the fun!

SUNDAYS

OCT 20, NOV 17, JAN 26, FEB 23, MAR 23, APR 20, MAY 25 – CANVAS BREWING CO (12 John St)

Workshop: 12-2 PM
Lunch 2-3 PM
Dance 3-5 PM
PWYC, Suggested donation: $10/person or $25/family

 

SIGN UP FOR THE WORKSHOP: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebM4BUua2cCUmbXqidu1avFhrXwC1PxsmT0afMtZOeZBQSwg/viewform?usp=sharing

Youth Groups, We Want You! Is your sports team, choir, or youth group looking for a fun way to get involved? Why not host a bake sale during the event? It’s a great opportunity to raise funds and be part of the vibrant community spirit!  Contact hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca for more information 

 

HFA COMMUNITY DANCE & WORKSHOP

Canvas Brewery (12 John St)
September 29, 2024 3:00 PM
October 20, 2024 3:00 PM
November 17, 2024 3:00 PM
January 26, 2025 3:00 PM
February 23, 2025 3:00 PM
March 23, 2025 3:00 PM

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CONCERT OF THE STARS

A CELEBRATION OF THE TALENTED YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITY

Join us for a showcase of the outstanding music students participating in the 2nd annual Huntsville Festival of Music along with a selection of the recipients of the 2025 Scholarship Program. The evening will feature performances by local youth, award presentations and a celebration of all the participants.

GENERAL ADMISSION. NO ASSIGNED SEATS

 

 

CONCERT OF THE STARS

Algonquin Theatre, 37 Main St. E
April 16, 2025 6:00 PM

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BACKSTAGE PASS (Grades 1-12)

A partnership program between the Huntsville Festival of the Arts, Algonquin Theatre and the Town of Huntsville designed for local elementary and secondary school students.

Take your class on an exciting journey through the heart of a real working theatre. This one-hour workshop is designed with educators in mind, and it’s packed with valuable insights to share with your students.

First, we’ll unveil the hidden world behind the curtains, taking you backstage to explore the theatre’s inner workings. Discover the lighting booth, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how lighting effects set the mood on stage. Explore the sound equipment that ensures every word is heard loud and clear. And, of course, don’t miss the backstage area where the magic truly happens.

Following the backstage tour, your students have the opportunity to participate in a drama workshop right on the Algonquin Theatre stage. Students will be guided by a local professional artist who will share valuable techniques and insights, equipping you and your students with tools to make your drama classes even more exciting and engaging.

This isn’t just a workshop; it’s an opportunity for teachers to share the thrill of the stage with their students, and learn new skills that can be taken back to the classroom.

To book your class, contact hannah@huntsvillefestival.ca

BACKSTAGE PASS (Grades 1-12)

Algonquin Theatre, 37 Main St. E
January 6, 2025 10:00 AM

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