Drama as a Second Language: DSL

West End Expressions (WEE) is a theatre and arts program for high school newcomer youth in the Toronto area 🎭Youth will receive training in drama, movement, and voice as they prepare to perform an original theatrical performance at the end of the summer.

This is a free program and applications are considered on a first come first serve basis.

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to message or email me for further info!

West End Expressions is delivered by Drama as a Second Language (DSL) in partnership with Northwood Neighbourhood Services (NNS). This program would not be possible without our primary donor, the Toronto Arts Council.

Hiring for our summer theatre and arts program for newcomer youth entitled West End Expressions in partnership with Northwood Neighbourhood Services & Toronto Arts Council 🎭

Click the link in our bio for more information about the positions!

Today, our beloved partnering school Catholic Central hosted their annual Canadian Citizenship ceremony. Take a look at the CTV Windsor coverage below!

"I don't look at Canada as my second country - I look at it as home...Being Canadian does not make you less of what your original nationality was. Hold tight to your roots!"

CTV Windsor: Becoming Canadian It was an emotional day for dozens of newcomers as they became Canadian citizens. Rich Garton reports.

"Everyone is different. If we all looked like eachother there would be no diversity in life. Just be who you are - not what people want you to be."

- Dare 2 Dream🌟

In his book Development Drama, Brian Way explains that drama education is developing and enriching factors that aready exist within the individual.

At DSL, we strive for our youth to tap into who they are and fearlessly embrace their individuality.

"To be a woman means bravely facing your fears in a new society, and you must have strong words to stick in people's minds."

- Dare 2 Dream⭐

Throughout February and March 2018, Drama as a Second Language partnered with the Centre of English Language Development at the University of Windsor.

DSL had the privilege of providing programming for international students exploring the theme of "New Beginnings". This friendly and eager group took a dive into the arts for the first time, and challenged each other to take risks while building beautiful friendships.

We are so honoured to have shared new memories with you at the beginning of your journeys here in Canada. We cannot wait to see all the great things you'll do!

Acknowledgements to: Acting Director at CELD Katia Benoit, Co-Facilitator Nanette Tomasian, and Co-Facilitator Matthew Torentino.

Throughout February and March 2018, Drama as a Second Language partnered with the Centre of English Language Development at the University of Windsor.

DSL had the privilege of providing programming for international students exploring the theme of "New Beginnings". This friendly and eager group took a dive into the arts for the first time, and challenged each other to take risks while building beautiful friendships.

We are so honoured to have shared new memories with you at the beginning of your journeys here in Canada. We cannot wait to see all the great things you'll do!

Acknowledgements to: Acting Director at CELD Katia Benoit, Co-Facilitator Nanette Tomasian, and Co-Facilitator Matthew Torentino.

Our core belief is that through a strong sense of belonging our youth can gain the courage to take risks learning a new language, and gain the confidence to be themselves!

Drama as a Second Language: DSL partnered with Catholic Central High School on their Dare 2 Dream initiative aimed to reach out to immigrant, refugees, ethno-cultural, and racialized communities funded by the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Services.

Our journey consisted of 10 powerful and influential Syrian girls from CCH, who engaged our DSL:After-School Program, and collaboratively devised a theatrical piece entitled "Dare 2 Dream", which focused on their journey from Syria to Canada. They shed light on the meaning of womanhood, and how they used their strength to overcome challenges along their journey.

Photos within this album are the group's performances at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board on April 24, 2018 as well as their dress rehearsal for two performances at Catholic Central High School.

Acknowledgements to: Principle Danielle Desjardins-Koloff, Head of ESL Department Natalia Uroš, Child and Youth Worker Susan LeMire Erdelyann, and Language Support Hadeel El Zubeidi from Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women, and students Will and Austin for lighting and sound.

Congratulations to our girls! We cannot wait to see more of the positive changes you will bring to our communities!

Drama as a Second Language: DSL partnered with Catholic Central High School on their Dare 2 Dream initiative aimed to reach out to immigrant, refugees, ethno-cultural, and racialized communities funded by the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Services.

Our journey consisted of 10 powerful and influential Syrian girls from CCH, who engaged in our DSL: After-School Program, and collaboratively devised a theatrical piece entitled "Dare 2 Dream", which focused on their journey from Syria to Canada. They shed light on the meaning of womanhood, and how they used their strength to overcome challenges along their journey.

Photos within this album are the group's performances at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board on April 24, 2018 as well as their dress rehearsal for two performances at Catholic Central High School on April 25, 2018.

Acknowledgements to: Principle Danielle Desjardins-Koloff, Head of ESL Department Natalia Uroš, Child and Youth Worker Susan LeMire Erdelyan, and Language Support Hadeel El Zubeidi from Windsor Women Working with Immigrant Women.

Congratulations to our girls! We cannot wait to see more of the positive changes you will bring to our communities!

Congratulations to our Syrian girls group who completed their first ever show in front of a large audience. You have taught us the power of womanhood and how it has served you in your journeys from Syria to Canada.