Why the Arts Matter

Centauri Arts has been offering creative arts camps, year-round arts classes, school workshops and writing retreats for the past three decades. In that time, we’ve worked with thousands of young people… and we’ve also witnessed the erosion of arts programs in schools. Why are the arts an essential component of a young person’s education? As you help your pre-teen or teen to plan their summer, consider the following: The arts promote imagination and creativity In an ever-changing world, a creative mindset means adaptability and openness to new ideas. The arts encourage empathy. For a society as diverse as ours, respect for the perspectives and needs of others and for differences of culture, ethnicity, gender and more is essential in the workplace – and for life. [...]

May 23rd, 2024|Academy, Camp Blog|

The Centauri Arts Camp Difference!

Centauri Arts is NOT your average summer arts program! Here’s what makes us an ideal choice for young people aged 11-17… Our Instructors are Arts Professionals with years of teaching experience, too. Older youth need role models. They need to know they are being taught not by students on summer jobs, but by instructors with real-world industry experience. All our faculty combine teaching with active arts careers. Our times are perfect for older youth! Young people aged 11-17 can often make their way to our studio themselves; parents aren’t looking for childcare during office hours -  they want a worthwhile summer experience for their child that is enriching and fun. Our programs run from 11am-3.30pm or 4pm to 8.30pm. That’s four intensive hours spent on [...]

Film Camps and Workshops in Toronto Summer 2024!

Choose from three different film production camps at Centauri Arts this summer – all of them at our studio in Bloor West Village and easily accessible from Swansea, High Park, The Junction, Roncesvalles and anywhere in Etobicoke, Mississauga or Toronto. Why choose a summer film workshop this summer? 1. Learn a wide variety of film production and acting skills in just one week. Discover screenwriting, storyboarding, directing, DOP, audio, lighting, design, marketing, editing and acting for the camera – all in one camp. 2. Movie-making skills connects to STEAM in school. Learn technical and artistic skills and discover how they intersect, at film camp and in the real world. 3. Movie-making is a collaborative art form. Movie camp teaches skills you can use later [...]

May 1st, 2024|Academy, Camp Blog|

Creative Writing Camps: Join our Summer Writing Workshops in Toronto This Summer!

Summer 2024 writing camps for young people aged 11-17 throughout July and August. Choose from 1/2 day writing workshops in Bloor West in: How to Write a Short Story, Character Quest, Screenwriting, Poetry and Prose. Virtual Writing Salon Why choose summer writing camps & workshops? 1. Creative Writing is All About Creativity We’ll inspire you with a wealth of creative writing prompts, exploring science fiction, fantasy, poetry, comedy, play-writing, screenwriting and more. 2. Creative Writing is Good for Emotional Well-being Creative writing is about self-expression, whether you are composing poetry, journalling, plotting a novel or writing flash fiction. When we express ourselves in writing we feel empowered – and unburdened. 3. Creative Writing Camps Offer the Time for Discovery Through the year, teenagers have [...]

Best Summer Arts Camp Near Bloor West Village, Toronto

Centauri Arts offers, week-long arts camp programs for ages 11-17 throughout the summer, virtually and in our Toronto arts studio in Bloor West Village, close to Swansea, The Junction, Baby point and High Park neighborhoods. Our half-day programs run for four hours each day in 2 blocks: 11am to 3.30pm and 4pm to 8.30pm. Immerse yourself in the arts this summer! While we call these ‘day camps’, they focus only on the arts – and they are designed for middle and high school students.  So, if you are thinking "are there any good summer arts camps near me?" YES! We’re offering Creative Writing, Fine Art, Digital Art, Film Making, Acting, Cartoon Creation, Jewellery Making and more. Centauri Arts also offers year round [...]

April 17th, 2024|Camp Blog|

Our 2024 Summer Camp Instructors

Inspirational and experienced professionals who LOVE to teach – this is how we describe the instructors who work with us at Centauri Arts! Most stay with us for years, mentoring the creative young people who take their classes. Here’s just a few of the fabulous arts professionals who will be leading our summer programs this year! Acting Camp Programs Marina Gomes - Acting Instructor Born in Toronto, Marina Gomes is a storyteller who aspires to create work that is innovative, thought provoking and entertaining! A graduate of the University of Windsor BFA-Acting program, Marina has trained with members of the SITI Company, at Stratford, and most recently at the Festival Players Academy. She also had the privilege of being one of Nightwood’s Young Innovators in 2019. Marina [...]

April 8th, 2024|Academy, Camp Blog|

The Art of Jewellery Design

Ages 11-17 Monday 19th August- Friday 23rd August 11am-3.30pm Unleash your creativity in a fun and relaxing 5 day camp this summer! Channel your inner artist and express yourself as you learn how to work with beads, chain, wire, clay and fabric in our studio, to create some beautiful & unique pieces. Learn several styles of jewellery design and end the week with a new skill… as well as original pieces to take home as gifts, or to enjoy. There is an additional materials fee for this program, and all supplies are included. Instructor: Helen Tran PROGRAM CALENDAR APPLY NOW! Art Camps - On-Line and in Bloor West Village [...]

Screenwriting: Writing for Film and Television

Ages 11-17 Monday 12 August- Friday 16 August 11am to 3.30pm In this fast-paced and varied program for writers and filmmakers, you will learn how to structure a story for film, and how to set out a screenplay. You’ll write elevator pitches for original movie ideas, and create the first few pages of a script. Then, in the second half of the week, we’ll work collaboratively as writers in a TV Writing Room, devising an original TV series and writing the pilot. Learn why writing for film and television relies on strong story and visual impact, as you prepare to pitch your ideas in a celebration on the final day. Beginner and experienced writers and filmmaker are all welcome; write by hand [...]

Film Production

Ages 11-17 Monday 5 August – Friday 9 August 11am – 3.30pm Film Production: Hollywood Remake! Together you’ll choose a Hollywood movie you love – or love to hate – and use it as inspiration for an original film. Along the way, you’ll explore story structure, learn to create action scenes and discover a wealth of film-making skills. Spoof or serious spin-off? You decide! Make a short film in just 5 days! Learn by doing, as you choose your genre, create a storyboard, write the script, scout locations, and film! We’ll work collaboratively in the studio and out in the neighbourhood, creating a movie that will take everyone’s skills to the next level. Learn about lighting, sound, directing, camera work and more [...]

Film Production

Ages 11-17 Monday 29 July – Friday 2 August 4pm – 8.30pm Film Production: Make a Murder Mystery! Inspired by the board game Clue, you’ll create and shoot a movie with a mystery at its core. Discover how you can use camera angles, lighting and on-location filming to create intrigue, keep viewers hooked, and build to a thrilling climax! Make a short film in just 5 days! Learn by doing, as you choose your genre, create a storyboard, write the script, scout locations, and film! We’ll work collaboratively in the studio and out in the neighbourhood, creating a movie that will take everyone’s skills to the next level. Learn about lighting, sound, directing, camera work and more as you experience life on [...]

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