Every summer, I hear some version of the same comment: “Oh, we have a program like that where I live.” “My daughter does musical theatre too.” “Our community theatre group does the same thing.”
And every time, I smile politely — because I understand why people make the comparison. On the surface, it looks similar. Young people. A stage. A musical. Costumes. Applause.
But South Shore Summer Theatre is something fundamentally different.
I’ve spent a lot of time researching youth theatre programs across Nova Scotia, and I haven’t found another organization doing exactly what we do: a program built specifically for youth and young adults ages 13–30, rooted in professional artistic standards, accessibility, mentorship and community.
At SSST, young people don’t simply “put on a show.” They work alongside professional directors, choreographers, music directors, designers, technicians, and artists. They experience rehearsal schedules that mirror professional theatre environments. They learn how to collaborate, create, problem-solve, lead, and support one another under real artistic expectations.
And we do it all at no cost to participants.
That part matters deeply.
In a world where arts education often comes with expensive registration fees, private lessons, and other financial barriers, we believe talented young people deserve opportunities regardless of their family’s income level or where they live.
When audiences see our productions, they see professional-quality sets, costumes, lighting, orchestration, and performances that often surprise people who expect “just a youth show.” They hear harmonies that soar. They see young people rising to challenges many adults would hesitate to take on.
What they may not see is the enormous amount of work — and fundraising — required to make that happen.
We employ creative professionals whenever funding allows. We hire musicians. We invest in sets, costumes, rehearsal space, technical elements, and mentorship opportunities because we believe young people deserve excellence. Not a watered-down version of theatre. The real thing.
That commitment is also what makes sustainability challenging.
Fundraising remains our biggest hurdle. Every season requires community support, grant applications, sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations simply to keep the doors open and ensure young people can continue participating without financial barriers.
We are incredibly grateful to the municipalities, including the Town of Mahone Bay and the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg, and community partners across the South Shore who continue to believe in what we are building and who have stepped forward with financial support. Their investment is an investment in young people, creativity, belonging, and the future of arts in rural Nova Scotia.
Another challenge we face is volunteers.
We need people willing to step into the process alongside our professional team — not necessarily because they already know everything, but because they want to learn. Working with SSST offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in set construction, costumes, front of house, production support, and community arts leadership while collaborating directly with experienced theatre professionals.
For me, this work is personal.
I grew up a theatre kid in North Bay, Ontario. My parents built a youth theatre program there that became a second home for generations of young people — a place where creativity, confidence, friendships, and belonging flourished. Decades later, that program still thrives and now involves more than a hundred young people every summer.
South Shore Summer Theatre was inspired by that same vision.
Because theatre changes lives.
Not only for the young person standing in the spotlight, but for the shy kid finding confidence backstage. For the volunteer learning a new skill. For the audience member who sees themselves reflected in a story. For the community that gathers together in shared experience.
That is what we are building here.
And we can’t do it alone.
If you believe young people deserve accessible arts opportunities… If you believe rural communities deserve ambitious, professional-quality theatre… If you believe creativity, mentorship, and belonging matter…
We invite you to get involved. Buy a ticket. Volunteer. Sponsor. Donate. Share our story.
Because, as Into the Woods reminds us: “Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor.” And every summer, we’re trying to create opportunities that young people will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Photo caption: My niece, Noa with the cast of Seussical in North Bay, Ontario
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