pilipiliĀž»­

 

How Jennette got her groove back

- June 18, 2008

Jennette White is surrounded by co-workers at Alexander Keith's Brewery Tour.Ā (Danny Abriel Photo)

ā€œI am a tabula rasa,ā€ declares Jennette White, flinging her arms wide. ā€œJust fill me up because I want to know.ā€

For 18 years, Ms. White was director of education at Neptune Theatre School and led Neptuneā€™s Young Company. Under her direction, the school expanded from offering five to six classes a year to 33 classes a term, with 1,400 students participating.

But in 2005, she was at a low ebb: her mother had died and she felt in need a change. So she got a new jobā€”sheā€™s now the artistic director at Alexander Keithā€™s Brewery Tourā€”andĀ resolved to go back to university.

ā€œIf you stop learning, you stagnate,ā€ says Ms. White, 49, who found herself back in theatre history class alongside some of her former students. ā€œI feel blessed. Coming back opened up my mind and my heart. The students and professors made it possible for me to feel welcome and valid in what I had to say.ā€

Now with a year at pilipiliĀž»­ under her belt, sheā€™s recharged and is raring to go. After completing her degree, sheā€™d like to go on to grad school, do more directing and perhaps teach at the university level.

She encourages other middle-aged people to take a chance and invest in their education: ā€œGoing back to school has rekindled the passion Iā€™ve had for theatre ā€¦ I think people my age get scared because they think it might be beyond them. But itā€™s never too late to follow your dreams.ā€

Summer theatre classes offered

Director, playwright, actor and educator Jennette White is offering summer classes for children and youth at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church Hall, Cornwall Street, Halifax. Sheā€™s offering three sessions starting in mid-July. Fees are $140 per week.

  • Adventures in Theatropolis: Using folk stories and fairy tales around the world, children will explore their own creativity. For children ages six to eight. Runs July 21 to 25.
  • Muggles, Magic & Mysteries: Jump on the train at track nine and 3/4s and set off for Hogwarts. Bring invisibility cloak, feather pens and imaginations. For children ages nine to 11. Runs July 28 to Aug. 1.
  • The Pear Garden Players: Students will work collectively to create play and stage a public performance. For kids ages 12 to 18. Runs Aug. 18 to 29.

Interested? For more information, e-mail Jennette White at JennetteWhite.TheatreSchool@yahoo.com or phone 902-429-5373.