SHERBROOKE: Within the framework of its 40th anniversary celebrations, the Petit Théâtre de Sherbrooke (230- 250 rue du Dépôt), in the Centre Jean-Besré (Sherbrooke), launches a writing contest, intended for theatre, designed for young secondary school students within and around the Town of Sherbrooke. Details of the contest and registration forms are available on the Petit Théâtre website.

Participants have, until April 5, to deposit their respective texts. This contest falls under the ‘development of consumer loyalty program’, initiated by the Petit Théâtre de Sherbrooke with its school-age customers, a relationship which has been built over a number of years. This opportunity, offered to these young creators, is designed to get them even more involved and to raise awareness of the theatrical world that exists in Sherbrooke. A jury, made up of three professional artists, will reveal the winner’s name at the evening-benefit to be held in May 2013. The winning submission will be chosen on the basis of originality and the quality of the writing of each text. Writers are free to choose the style, from a dialogue to a monologue, from a song to a tale or a slam. The winner will have the privilege of assisting, “as an apprentice at the various stages of the creation of the upcoming performance by the company in the autumn of 2013”, in addition to having his/her text interpreted by professionals, as part of the 40th anniversary festivities in November 2013. The winner’s name will be also diffused in the regional media. Érika Tremblay-Roy will be giving a training workshop to the young participants in March 2013.

Le Petit Théâtre de Sherbrooke, created through a fusion of two companies: Le Théâtre du Sang Neuf (1973) et le Théâtre Entre Chien et loup (1978,) will be touring Montreal starting April 9, 2013, presenting “Une lettre pour moi”, previously performed in Sherbrooke in 2012. This creative collaboration, geared for 3-6 year olds, will be performed under the direction of Isabelle Cauchy, Rene Béchard, Pascale C. Tremblay, Patrice Daigneault, Michel G. Side, Louis Hudon and Érika Tremblay-Roy. - a work which “revisits the alphabet in a fun and whimsical way”. It should be noted that “Les Petits Bonheurs de Sherbrooke” will return, for the 4th year, in the spring of 2013.

At the same time as the contest, a trivia game -“Do you know your ‘Petit Théâtre’?” will be initiated each week for the Facebook friends of le Petit Théâtre de Sherbrooke, on the history of the theatre. Each correct answer will give participants a chance to win a pair of tickets, for the next performance to be held in November 2013.

Registration information: www.petittheatre.qc.ca or 819-346-7575

Deadline for registration to training workshop is before February 28, 2013.

Logo and photo: courtesy of le Petit Theatre de Sherbrooke.