Academy Archives - Page 2 of 12

The Joy of Words: An Adult Writing Salon

Saturdays 9.15am-10.45am, ages 18+ only, Hybrid: In our Bloor West Studio or Virtual 6 weeks, starting Saturday 27 Septmeber and ending Saturday 18 November Leave the cares of the world behind and reconnect with your creative self! There’s something in this writing workshop for everyone – seasoned writers hoping to rediscover the joy of writing, curious beginners and anyone who feels they have a story to tell. We’ll gather over morning coffee to write, laugh and share. Each week we will meander through 2-3 creative writing prompts, mining our lives for story and exploring everything from poetry to memoir, fantasy to flash fiction, open letters to journalling. We’ll discuss techniques – but our main focus will be the pleasure of writing. ALL of us [...]

January 3rd, 2025|writing classes for adults|

Reflecting on Our Creative Writing Retreat in Mexico

It is difficult to imagine a city more perfect for a creative writing retreat than Merida in Mexico. This was our fourth year running a writing retreat here, and it was spectacular. Our Creative Writing Workshops Each morning we began our writing workshops on a glorious, colourful terrace in our lovely boutique hotel, surrounded by flowers and greenery. As the sun rose over the walls ninety minutes or so into our writing workshops, we took a break and then moved indoors to the cool interior of this converted Hacienda. Our writing workshops always include creative prompts, a range of tips and techniques, plus an opportunity for writers to share their work for feedback. The writers in attendance this year declared the workshops a huge [...]

December 8th, 2024|Retreats, Writing Classes for Teens, writing holiday, writing retreats|

2025 Winter classes start in January at Centauri Arts.

Weekly after-school and weekend classes for kids and teens in Creative Writing, Acting, Film-Making and Fine Art start January 2025 in our Bloor West Village studio and online! Film Classes Film Production and Performance Ages 11-17, In our Bloor West Village Studio: Thursdays, 5pm – 6.30pm AND 7.00pm-8.00pm Learn – or review – the basics of film making: storyboarding, directing, camera operation, audio, lighting and production design. Each hands-on film course begins with a sequence of short film projects; by rising to challenges set by the instructor and critiquing the results, students further the skills they need to create their own short film. Discover how to tell a story visually, and how to create mood and tension through your manipulation of the film medium. [...]

December 5th, 2024|Academy, Bloor West Village|

How to Raise an Introvert

For too long in our society, introverts have played second fiddle to the extroverts among us, and even in 2024, many people still see introversion as something to counteract. Is your child an introvert? If so, what does that mean? Read on to find out. What is an introvert? Being introverted is not the same thing as being shy! Introverts are often confident people. They can be terrific public speakers, and great leaders. So what is an introvert? Imagine two people attend a busy family event packed with people, where there is loud music and constant conversation; one of these people is an introvert and the other an extrovert. They may enjoy the party equally, and both engage with others throughout the event. However, the [...]

October 23rd, 2024|Academy, Parenting|

How to Raise a Reader – 7 Tips for Parents

How do you raise children who see the value in books? It’s harder than ever these days, with so much technology out there to distract. Reading is an immersive activity that requires attention over a significant period of time, allowing a person to spiral down into an imaginative world. There is enormous value in reading; young people who read have better vocabularies, do better in school, have empathy for the experiences of others and deepen their understanding of human nature and the world in which we live. Here are seven tips to help you raise a child who reads: 1. Celebrate stories! Read to your child from an earlier age – and do so every day, as part of your family routine. Talk about the [...]

October 7th, 2024|Academy, Parenting|

2024 Fall classes start this week at Centauri Arts.

Weekly after-school and weekend classes for kids and teens in Creative Writing, Acting, Film-Making and Fine Art start this week in our Bloor West Village studio! Film Classes Film Production and Performance Ages 11-17, In our Bloor West Village Studio: Thursdays, 5pm – 6.30pm AND 7.00pm-8.00pm Learn – or review – the basics of film making: storyboarding, directing, camera operation, audio, lighting and production design. Each hands-on film course begins with a sequence of short film projects; by rising to challenges set by the instructor and critiquing the results, students further the skills they need to create their own short film. Discover how to tell a story visually, and how to create mood and tension through your manipulation of the film medium. Rotate between [...]

September 23rd, 2024|Academy, Bloor West Village|

Her Secret Soldier is now available!

Last year, one of our directors – Julie Hartley – signed a 2-book deal with an international publishing house (Bookouture). She was contracted to write 2 historical novels, and her first novel is now available! Her Secret Soldier is a World War 2 novel filled with mystery and adventure. It tells the story of a lonely 18-year-old girl living in a remote part of England whose life is forever changed when she discovers an injured German spy in the ancient woodland behind her home. Parts of the novel are also set in Toronto, and Algonquin Park. The novel is intended for adult readers, but the content is entirely suited to anyone aged 12+ Advance reviews of Her Secret Soldier have been excellent! One NetGalley [...]

September 13th, 2024|Academy, books|

Join our Year-Round Acting and Film Classes at the Centauri Arts Academy!

Our after-school Acting and Film Production programs begin again in mid-September with all-new content, and run for 15 weeks. Courses are available for ages 11-17 and taught by industry professionals. With arts programs facing more cuts in schools, and a creative mindset more important than ever, there has never been a better time to explore the arts! Join our Acting Ensemble! Our actors LOVE our caring and inspirational instructor, Marina Gomes. “This year we will be exploring how classic theatre techniques can be used to tell important stories that mean something to a modern audience,” Marina says. As part of this ‘ancient to modern’ approach, actors will explore comedy and tragedy, learning how to tell both kinds of stories in [...]

September 6th, 2024|Academy, Bloor West Village|

After-School Enrichment for Teens in Bloor West Village, Swansea, Roncesvalles and The Junction

With so much going on for teens in our area, we’ve decided to compile a list of some of the local enrichment opportunities for middle- and high-school students. When kids are younger, it’s easier to keep them occupied, but teens need high quality activities, with experienced instructors who understand how to inspire, and that can be hard to find. Centauri Arts is one of many local resources for teens; here, we’re showcasing a wide range of opportunities so this guide will be useful whatever the interests of your teen. Scroll down to the bottom for questions to ask the directors of these businesses, when you call to enquire. Music Schools Bloor West Music Studios BW Music Studios has been around for three decades [...]

September 3rd, 2024|Academy, Bloor West Village, Resources|