Since April, Dante Bushie and his mom, Sonya, have been driving 2 ½ hours from Wanipigow to Winnipeg (and then back again) every Saturday so Dante can attend the 10-week Acting Live for Teens class at MTYP.

The community of Wanipigow, or Hollow Water First Nation Reserve, lies along the east side of Lake Winnipeg, and is about 200 kilometers north of Winnipeg.

“It’s a lot of driving for one day, but it’s worth it,” says fourteen-year-old Dante.

“Oh, it’s absolutely worth it,” agrees his mom, Sonya. “The drive is nothing compared to the change we’re seeing.”

Sonya Bushie is the Vice-Principal at Wanipigow School, where Dante attends High School.

“Coming into high school was a big deal,” Sonya remembers.

“I was really nervous about being in a new place,” admits Dante.

The change for Dante came at the beginning of November. “The school has one week a year where we run workshops for the kids including a drama workshop,” explains Sonya. She organized with MTYP for an instructor to come and teach for 5 ½ hours a day, 5 days a week. Dante was the first student to sign up.

“I knew right away that I wanted to do the drama workshop. We wrote and performed our own play. It was a murder mystery about what really happened to Humpty Dumpty – I was actually the murderer,” recalls Dante. “I really enjoyed that week, I didn’t want it to end.”

“When it was over, I thought he should continue with drama and performing,” says Sonya. “I’ve seen a real change in him since he started. He’s a lot more confident and relaxed now.”

So Sonya enrolled Dante in Saturday afternoon classes at MTYP and they drive a total of five hours a week to make it happen.

“I love it,” says Dante simply. “It’s so fun.”

If you know a young person who would also enjoy and benefit from joining in on the fun of being a part of the MTYP Theatre School: Registration is now available for Summer Camp, and Fall Session registration starts June 1. Click here for more information on all things Theatre School.