Ulrich
Sikora, shown to the left, is the professor of the Theatre In Education II
course as well as the Introduction To Theatre course at Thorneloe.
Students from both the first year and advanced programs take part in
about 3 or 4 interactive children's plays such as this each year.
"This was the first time we have performed in a shopping centre,
so it will be quite interesting to hear the feedback from the students.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, but it was definitely a different
experience for them," Sikora explained.
Ulrich Sikora, a professional educator for the past 30 years has been
with Thorneloe University for the past four years. During the course of
his career, he has taught in places such Germany, Norway, Poland, Japan,
the United States, and now, Ontario. He was born and raised in Germany and
moved to Valley East
in 1968. He now owns a home in Val Therese.
The students in the program perform for the Ontario Early Years Centres,
of which there are some 20 locations, as well as for the Kids Share
Program.
Thorneloe also puts on two main-stage performances each year. This year
they put on Macbeth in November and are currently working on Molier's
'Tartuffe', a commentary on religious hypocrisy which be performed in
March and will also be entered in the Quantas Northern Ontario Festival in
Espanola.
Ulrich is also currently directing a play called 'Autobahn' which will
be seen a the Market Square this coming summer.
Sikora feels that there is a growing interest in dramatic arts and
theatre programs such as the ones he teaches because so many people are
discovering that the skills used in acting come in handy in many other
areas of life. "The ability to communicate; to improvise and think on
your feet; along with the self-confidence you gain by being on stage are
all very important as you go through life"
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