Training has been an integral part of Workman Arts' work since the company's inception in 1988. Training programmes are available free of charge to all Members.
Download our 2007/2008 Training Catalogue.
Workman Arts uses an innovative, non-service delivery model, which allows Member consumers/survivors the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities that build on their strengths rather than focus on their illnesses. The model also allows Members to participate in decision-making and assume leadership roles, to gain training to enhance their business skills, to work with professional artists and be paid as valuable Members of the Workman Arts team.
Training Programme Philosophy:
- Training Programmes are instructional, structured, have defined start and end dates, and are stream specific
- Participation in introductory courses is open to all Members of Workman Arts and does not require any previous training or skill level. Participation in advanced stream programmes may require the successful completion of prerequisite training programmes, auditions, submissions and/or applications
- In advanced stream programmes participants are evaluated by instructors
- Participants can, but are not required to, advance through the various streams
- Participation in training programmes in the various streams can happen at the same time
- The participants evaluate all training programmes and instructors
Workman Arts offers high calibre training in Film, Literary Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts and publishes a Training Catalogue in late summer detailing the programmes offered in the coming season. Workman Arts recognizes that its Members represent a variety are levels of artistic interest, skill, and talent. Four training streams enable Workman Arts to programme according to Member needs:
- Stream A: Beginner Training Programmes are open to all Members regardless of skill level. These programmes are introductory and can be taken for general interest or in preparation for enrollment in more advanced streams.
- Stream B: Intermediate Training Programmes are the first of Workman Arts' Professional Development programmes. Admission to Stream B programmes requires completion of prerequisite programmes, auditions, submissions, and/or applications. These programmes are more structured and require a greater commitment from participants than Stream A courses.
- Stream C: Advanced Training Programmes build on the skills acquired in previous streams. Students have demonstrated commitment, interest and talent. Similar to Stream B, admission to training programmes in Stream C requires completion of prerequisite programmes, auditions, submissions and/or applications.
- Professional Development Opportunities are meant to integrate Workman Arts Members who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in their art with the professional arts community. These may take the form of internships, solo art shows/productions, scholarships at institutions of higher learning or other exceptional opportunities. Members work with mentors. Professional Development opportunities are most often Member generated.
Workman Arts is proud of the training opportunities developed through partnerships with local arts organizations. The Company has offered training in acting, scene study, clown, voice, movement, improvisation, playwriting, theatre history, stage management, directing, scenic painting, technical theatre, sound and lighting design, stage design and producing.
In 2004 Workman Arts worked with the artistic team from Buddies in Bad Times to create a one-year theatre arts training pilot programme. This initiative offered a comprehensive programme of developmental workshops aimed at enhancing participants' skills in playwriting, dramaturgy, directing, producing, stage management, and acting. The programme culminated with public workshop productions in April 2005.
Workman Arts has also collaborated with the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto (LIFT) and the Canadian Opera Company to develop training programmes and workshops providing further exceptional opportunities to Members.
