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Many people left for Toronto instead of staying The idea for an instruc- tional facility where artists could hone their talents is one she and Mr. Madsen have kicked around for some time, she said. There are plenty of places for aspiringartiststo learn the basics, but a spot for those who had mastered their tech- nique and wanted to take it to the next level is sorely lack- ing in the area, she added. said. “You can just go up stage and repeat lines, but we try to get people so they’re that person on stage the audience just can't take their eyes off of.” “Our tagline says we're about taking you from ‘Mem- orjzjqigi to Mesmerizing,” she Ovation Performing Arts Academy is the brain child of Bonnie Craig and Chris Mad- sen and it is being formed to help performance artists take their skills to the next level. Whether it’s dance, musi- cal theatre, drama or any other performance art, Ms Craig said Ovation is just the ticket BY SEAN PEARCE Staff Writer A pairolYorkRegion entre- preneurs hopes their new performance school is wor- thy of a big round of applause from' local artists with an assist from Stouffville. THEATRE GROUP ARTIST-lN-RESIDENCE Academy wants to take region’s performers to next level STDUFFVILLE DANCE S ' Sun-'IfibumISamtglax/iug. 2,2008 Fancy footwork duties are the domain of Alex Cilic, the head of dance from Huron Heights Secondary School, while classical music stu- dents are under the tute- lage of Vincent Cheng of the Toronto Philharmonia and Vocal Horizons. Drama is handled by Jeff Young from Unionville High School’s Arts York program, while musical theatre and voice instruction are the responsibility of Mamie Ker- sten, formerly of SKYLARK and the Randolph Academy. In fact, to give the space that regionally inclusive feel, Ms Craig and Mr. Madsen have assembled 'talented instructors from all across the region. Despite the fact the school is in a Richmond Hill facility, it’s by no means exclusive to the town, she added. The school opens its doors Sept. 21 at the new Richmond Hill Centre for the Perform- ing Arts, but it is taking appli- cations for enrolment. The goal is to make sure everyone gets the training theyneed and she’s morethan happy to refer those who are nOt quite' ready for Ovation to other schools more suitable to their skill level. As _a result. Ms Craig is quick to point out Ovation might not be for everyone, especially when it comes to beginners. closer to home. D Go to ovationarts.ca for more on the academy. Creative types received a taste of what Ovation Cynthia Croker of Stoufl'ville’s Motus 0 dance theatre leads a movement workshop at the kickofl for Ovation Performing Arts Academy in Markham this spring. The academy is holding auditions in Stouflvifle for a Christmas production. Dance students are also going to be treated to some time with artist-in-residence Motus 0 dance theatre based out of Stouffville. Ms Craig said the event was a great success and she’s hoping for more events ofl‘ers this spring at an eve- ning of free workshops held at the Varley Art Gallery in Markham. The academy is inviting youth and adult performers to a free work- shop/demonstration at Richmond Hill United Church Aug. 9 from 1 to 3 p. m. leading up to the academy’s opening. If you or yOur child suffers from LEARNING DISABILITIES then attending this free symposium may be the most important thing you do this year. You will discover the true cause of these conditions and natural solutions and options you can use right away to overcome them. Many children and adults with ADD and Dyslexia have seen significant improvement without medication. Dr. Turner is an interâ€" national speaker and lecturer who has been featured on the Dini Petty Show, National News, Canada AM, CFTO News, Marilyn Denis CITYLINE and Riley Live. He will present a free symposium on Thurs. Aug. 7'h at 7:30 pm at the Stouffville Health Centre, 6219 Main Street. Motus 0 will be featured. Reserve a spot by emailing chris@ovationarts. ca or calling 1-877-229ARTS. The academy is presenting A Christmas Carol at Markham Theatre Dec. 28. Auditions will take place at me York Dance Academy in Stouffville Oct 4 and 5 STAFF PHOTO/STEVE SOMERVILLE