The main beneficiaries of 4th Line Theatre’s Emerging VOICES youth training project are youth aged 10- 25 facing barriers in rural southern Ontario. Through the Emerging VOICES youth training project, we will engage up to 75 rurally-based youth who are interested in arts, culture and heritage, and empower them to take an active role in all stages of our original, Canadian play development, production and presentation.
Rural community youth have always played a major role in 4th Line Theatre’s iconic history. From the first play at the Winslow Farm in 1992 to last year’s “Wild Irish Geese,” community actors have not only captured the authentic voices in the plays but have allowed the theatre to create epic productions for over three decades.
We work with regional youth to address each of their unique barriers to participation in the arts to empower them to build skills and gain experience in the arts industry. This program provides opportunities for paid contract positions, apprenticeships and volunteer positions for regional youth in the areas of theatre production, musical performance, administration and event management/audience services.
VOICES stands for:
-Volunteer opportunities unique to the nation - linking young people to the company’s professional artists and community elders;
-Outreach in providing an immersive and integrated experience working with our renowned artistic team in a rural, artistic setting;
-Innovation and experimentation resulting in productions that entertain, educate and enthrall and created through our unique artistic processes;
-Community commitment to encourage rural youth to participate in the arts and develop their own voices and stories;
-Education that allows participants to gain an understanding and insight into the history of their community; and
-Skills developed through practical, hands-on application that young people rarely have access to.
The Emerging VOICES youth training program is vital to our community because it grows directly from the same values that define 4th Line Theatre—connection, collaboration, and shared storytelling. Theatre is a dialogue, not a monologue, and this project ensures that young people in our region are part of that ongoing conversation.
4th Line Theatre thrives on deep relationships with its local communities. Every production is a shared cultural experience that brings artists, audiences, and volunteers together in meaningful ways. Our stories are rooted in the people and places of this region, celebrating the histories and voices that make our community unique. Through initiatives like Emerging VOICES, those values are passed to a new generation of storytellers and citizens who learn that art can be a tool for understanding, empathy, and change.
We are committed to equity, inclusivity, and diversity both on and off stage, ensuring that the stories we tell reflect the broad cultural makeup of our province. By embracing innovation, amplifying diverse perspectives, and fostering youth engagement, we keep our work relevant, resonant, and grounded in community connection.
This project embodies our belief that theatre is not only an art form but a force for connection, reflection, and lasting impact. By nurturing imagination, integrity, collaboration, and empowerment, we help build a community that values creativity, well-being, and inclusion. Emerging VOICES strengthens the social fabric of our region by ensuring that all voices—especially those of young people—are heard, celebrated, and inspired to shape the stories of tomorrow.
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This proven 4th Line program enables dozens of local youth to develop confidence, knowledge and skills through artistic activities. It is vitally important.
An integral part of our local communities arts & culture. An incredible, unique setting and wonderful Canadian content.
This is a Very important initiative and I highly support anything that exposes youth to the arts and culture !
4th Line’s youth and emerging voices program is such an important rural program for youth
We’re happy to support 4th Line Theatre’s Emerging Voices project, which helps playwrights develop original stories and share fresh ideas in Canadian theatre.
I’ve watched so many young actors shine at 4th Line Theatre—Emerging VOICES keeps that magic growing.