Stars Coming to Support DAREarts Kids in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Dec. 2, 2011) - The cast members of Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company's production of "La Cage aux Folles" are supporting the successful return of an innovative arts program. The program is a partnership of the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company and DAREarts, a non-profit charity that uses the arts to ignite change in young Canadians.

Thirty-two grade seven children from False Creek & Queen Alexandra elementary schools have learned the skills to become leaders using the arts. The weeklong program was designed around Jean Poiret's "La Cage Aux Folles" and was the foundation for visual arts, mask-making, writing, dance and drama. Through these mediums, the children examined ideas that masks and identity come on and off as we choose to reveal our true selves. The balance of protecting anonymity and revealing true identity was explored. The children created masks and four murals plus their own performance piece that is a direct product of their self-exploration and artistic interpretation of "Who Am I and Who Are You?"

The performance piece and artwork will be showcased to the public in the lobby of the Vancouver Playhouse (Queen Elizabeth Theatre) on December 3^rd at 1:30 pm. The press is invited to share in this incredible experience either before the show at 1:15 pm or after at 4:30 pm.

This project has been generously sponsored by Lead Sponsor Northbridge and HUB International Barton Insurance with material support by Opus Framing and Art Supplies.

Drugs, violence and hopelessness are realities for many of today's youth. DAREarts builds courage and confidence in children, empowering them to become tomorrow's leaders by harnessing the core power of the arts: Discipline, Action, Responsibility and Excellence. Please visit darearts.com

The Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company is British Columbia's premier regional theatre company, producing engaging plays of the highest calibre since 1962. Please visit www.vancouverplayhouse.com.