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How Jennette got her groove back

- June 18, 2008

Jennette White is surrounded by co-workers at Alexander Keith's Brewery Tour.聽(Danny Abriel Photo)

鈥淚 am a tabula rasa,鈥� declares Jennette White, flinging her arms wide. 鈥淛ust fill me up because I want to know.鈥�

For 18 years, Ms. White was director of education at Neptune Theatre School and led Neptune鈥檚 Young Company. Under her direction, the school expanded from offering five to six classes a year to 33 classes a term, with 1,400 students participating.

But in 2005, she was at a low ebb: her mother had died and she felt in need a change. So she got a new job鈥攕he鈥檚 now the artistic director at Alexander Keith鈥檚 Brewery Tour鈥攁nd聽resolved to go back to university.

鈥淚f you stop learning, you stagnate,鈥� says Ms. White, 49, who found herself back in theatre history class alongside some of her former students. 鈥淚 feel blessed. Coming back opened up my mind and my heart. The students and professors made it possible for me to feel welcome and valid in what I had to say.鈥�

Now with a year at 麻豆传媒 under her belt, she鈥檚 recharged and is raring to go. After completing her degree, she鈥檇 like to go on to grad school, do more directing and perhaps teach at the university level.

She encourages other middle-aged people to take a chance and invest in their education: 鈥淕oing back to school has rekindled the passion I鈥檝e had for theatre 鈥� I think people my age get scared because they think it might be beyond them. But it鈥檚 never too late to follow your dreams.鈥�

Summer theatre classes offered

Director, playwright, actor and educator Jennette White is offering summer classes for children and youth at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church Hall, Cornwall Street, Halifax. She鈥檚 offering three sessions starting in mid-July. Fees are $140 per week.

  • Adventures in Theatropolis: Using folk stories and fairy tales around the world, children will explore their own creativity. For children ages six to eight. Runs July 21 to 25.
  • Muggles, Magic & Mysteries: Jump on the train at track nine and 3/4s and set off for Hogwarts. Bring invisibility cloak, feather pens and imaginations. For children ages nine to 11. Runs July 28 to Aug. 1.
  • The Pear Garden Players: Students will work collectively to create play and stage a public performance. For kids ages 12 to 18. Runs Aug. 18 to 29.

Interested? For more information, e-mail Jennette White at JennetteWhite.TheatreSchool@yahoo.com or phone 902-429-5373.

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