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.
Five Qualities of a Great Writing Retreat!
The benefits of a writing retreat go far beyond the solitude to write, and likely those benefits will stay with you for years to come. So what exactly should you be saying at the end of a […]
Our Costa Rica Writing Retreat 2018!
Our third annual writing retreat to Costa Rica finished this week, and what a fabulous adventure it was. Here’s a list of our most memorable experiences:
The Group! A wonderful collection of people from across North America. We had […]
12 Writing Prompts for the Holidays!
Scheduled holidays provide us with a rare opportunity for extended periods of uninterrupted writing time. With this in mind, here are 12 prompts you could use to inspire 12 days of writing over the winter holiday. But first, a spoiler alert! If you take creative writing classes with us at […]
Getting to Know Bloor West Village, Toronto!
Welcome to our new blog – a place we can celebrate the achievements of our academy students, and provide information that will be of use to our families. We recognise that young people attend our arts programs from […]
The Centauri Costa Rica Writing Retreat 2019!
Sometimes, we all need to retreat. From schedules, responsibilities, routine and expectations. Our campers ‘retreat’ when they join us at camp each summer and our adult writers (plus their families) retreat when they join us in Costa Rica each […]
New Classes begin Sept 21 for fall semester 2019
Join us for evening and weekend arts workshops this Fall in Toronto!
Starting to Write
Recently, a parent called to book their child on one of our summer writing camps. At the end of our conversation she said, rather hesitantly, “I’ve always wanted to write, too. It’s just than I don’t know where to begin.”
This blog is for her.
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Acting School for Teens in Toronto
Centauri Arts Academy in Bloor West Village, Toronto, offers weekly acting classes for teens. The “Actor’s Workshop” runs each week in our acting school in Toronto’s west end. -Senior Ensemble (ages 12-18) and Junior Ensemble (ages 9-14).
In this […]
Writing School for Teens in Toronto
Centauri Arts Academy in Bloor West Village, Toronto, offers weekly writing classes for teens. The “Creative Writing Salon” runs each week in our writing school in Toronto’s west end.
Designed for young writers with an interest in any genre and style, this informal […]
Film School for Teens in Toronto
Centauri Arts School in Bloor West Village, Toronto, offers weekly film classes for teens. The “Film Production” classes runs each week in our film and acting school in Toronto’s west end.
Discover the art of film-making. Learn the basics of film making […]
“I need more from my English course!”
Last year, one of our creative writing students – let’s call her Lily – burst into our arts studio shouting these words. She was a Grade 10 student in a local high school – smart, creative, articulate and high-flying. She proceeded to […]
Virtual Open House
Join Us for Our First Ever Virtual Open House and Enjoy Free Arts Activities All Day Long…
What better way to end your summer than with a day at Centauri! On THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER we’re offering a full day of […]
English Tutoring: How Will it Help Your Child?
How Will an English Tutor Help Your Child?
Writing proficiency and reading comprehension are essential – not only to do well in English classes, but for all aspects of school. A student who enhances their writing skills will see their English marks improve, […]
Our English Tutoring Program Opens in Twelve Days!
Preparations are well underway as we get ready to launch this exciting new venture. Here’s some of the many items we are checking off our ‘To Do’ list as we get ready to run our first English classes – virtually, and in our Toronto studio:
Prepare the Centauri Arts […]
Centauri English Tutoring: We’re Underway!
I’ve been planning for this day for weeks: reading, assembling resources, structuring lessons, getting excited… and yesterday our English classes began in earnest!
English Tutoring: the First Day
We’re offering in-studio and virtual English classes for middle and high school students – and our first class was in the studio. Two of […]
Centauri English Tutoring: The First Month!
Since we launched our small-group English tutoring programs 5 weeks ago, we’ve been busy here at Centauri Arts. We have students every evening of the week and on Saturdays, with the youngest student being 10 years old, and the oldest 18. Here is a look at two of the small-group […]
Questions we are often asked about our English Tutoring Program
Here are some of the questions we are often asked about our English Tutoring Program. If your question is not answered here, please call us at 416 766 7124.
My child is not struggling in school. She loves English – […]
Acting Classes in COVID Times
At the Centauri Arts Academy, we offer several performance-related programs, including Movie-Making, Playwriting & Performance, Devised Theatre and – of course – Acting Classes. Like all performing arts companies, we’ve faced our challenges over the past 10 months, and our instructors have found ingenious ways to ensure our students […]
Our English Tutoring programs: Writing an Essay
Most high school students can tell you how an essay should be written. Ask them, and their responses will include phrases such as ‘the hamburger method’, ‘the thesis statement’, ‘Point-Evidence-Explanation’ and ‘cite your sources’. But there is a world of difference between knowing how something should be done and having […]
It’s time to reserve your post-pandemic Creating Writing Retreat in Mexico or Costa Rica!
In the last 12 months our international writing retreats have been on hold because… well, we all know. But with vaccinations now well under way, most of us are starting to think about the future again – and to plan […]
Virtual and In-Studio Camps This July!
Centauri Arts is offering a double whammy this summer: virtual camps AND in-person summer arts camps at our studio in West Toronto.
With our overnight camp still on hold due to COVID, virtual camps are an opportunity for young arts enthusiasts […]
Which to Choose: Creative Writing Classes, or English Tutoring?
If you are looking to enhance your child’s writing skills, or if your child/teen loves writing and wants to learn more, you will likely be interested in our Creative Writing Classes and English Tutoring Program: but how do you know which option […]
Our English Tutoring Program: The First Year
As we approach the end of the academic year, I’m reflecting on the many wonderful students we’ve worked with since last September, and the astonishing number of literary projects we’ve completed together.
Creative writing has been a huge part of all our […]
The Benefits of a Creative Writing Retreat
If you love creative writing, you’ll know that carving out the time to write can be a challenge. We all lead busy lives, and our own interests often give way under the pressure of family, work, and daily obligations. […]
Our Fall Arts Programs 2021 Are Open for Registrations
Acting, Film, Creative Writing, Fine Art – We’re Doing It All This Fall!
No matter what your arts interests, we have you covered this fall – and as we move with excitement into the future, WE’RE EXPANDING! […]
Creative Writing Classes for Younger Children, This Fall!
If you have a child aged 9-14, you’ll know it can sometimes be difficult to find challenging and inspiring arts programs for that age group. While most of our programs are open to young people 12 and over, starting this fall, we […]
Five Reasons Why Acting Classes Matter Now, More Than Ever
This fall, we are expanding our Acting Classes at the Centauri Arts Academy, offering a Junior Acting Course for ages 9-14 as well as a Senior Acting Course for ages 13-18. Why the expansion now? COVID has kept us apart for […]
Are you Looking for Acting Classes in Toronto, this Fall?
Centauri Arts is Offering a NEW Acting Class for 9-14s, starting September 2021
If you have a child aged 9-14, you’ll know it can sometimes be difficult to find challenging and inspiring arts programs for that age group. While most […]
What Happens in a Creative Writing Class?
This fall, in addition to our regular virtual and in-person creative writing classes, Centauri Arts will be adding two new courses: a Junior Creative Writing class for ages 9-14, and a Short Fiction course for more experienced writers. But what happens in our creative writing courses? As creative writing classes […]
English Enrichment at the Centauri Arts Academy, Toronto.
Why English Matters
When we began our small-group English tutoring program in September 2020, we were surprised at the needs of the students who joined us. Some were struggling in school and hoped to improve their grades – that we had […]
10 Best Reasons to go on a Creative Writing Retreat!
1) Creative Writing Retreats provide the opportunity to focus exclusively on writing.
Leave the pressures of work, family and responsibility behind – and just be a writer.
2) A Creative Writing Retreat brings together like-minded individuals.
Whether you write fiction, […]
12 Best Novels ALL High School Students Should Read
With so much content clamouring for attention, novels often get less class time than they deserve. When students read widely, they think more deeply, and their writing naturally improves. Here’s a list of twelve novels all high school students should read – either because they are enduring classics which have […]
5 Reasons to Join our Creative Writing Retreat in Mexico!
In 12 weeks, we head down to Merida in Mexico for our first writing retreat of 2021! We still have a few spots left, and here’s 5 reasons why this will be an experience of a lifetime!
1) Merida – City of […]
How do you Plan a Novel?
So you love creative writing and you have an idea for a novel – but where do you begin?
Here Are Some Tips to Get You started!
1. Map out your story.
Begin by doing this in a general way. What is the ‘status quo’ […]
Join us for NEW after-school arts classes starting January 2022!
As we move out of the pandemic, most of our programs are now in-person at the Centauri Arts Academy, including FILM CLASSES, CREATIVE WRITING CLASSES, ACTING CLASSES & FINE ART CLASSES for […]
Creative Writing Classes for Teenagers at the Centauri Arts Academy
Screenwriting Classes, Short Fiction, Poetry, Science Fiction, Fantasy… we have it all at the Centauri Arts Academy, starting January 2022!
We are thrilled to announce that our popular Screenwriting program is back for Semester 2! This virtual program is taught by the talented Abby Buchmeyer, who is an award-winning screenwriter working […]
Creative Writing Retreat in Mexico 2021!
I just returned from our first ever Creative Writing Retreat to Merida, Mexico! Our creative writing retreat focused on memoir, poetry, planning novels, writing short stories, playwriting, creating characters, getting an agent and more. A wonderful time was had by […]
Creative Writing Classes for Teens: 10 Ways to Get Inspired!
Young writers in our creative writing classes often ask for writing prompts they can use to write poetry and short stories in their own time. Here’s 10 ways to find inspiration for your creative writing:
- Spend a day noticing whenever you smile, […]
Fine Arts Classes for Kids & Teens!
Centauri Arts has Digital Art Classes for kids & teens, and Fine Art Classes for kids & teens, all beginning in January 2022.
Our Digital Art Class is virtual, so it’s available to anyone, wherever you live. Students use free software […]
Young Writers: 8 Markets Looking for Your Work!
Getting Published…
There are plenty of places that young writers can submit their creative writing: magazines and writing competitions are great options. If you have a short story, poem, novel excerpt or even art piece you would like to see in print, check out the following options:
https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/teens/young-voices.jsp
This is a creative […]
10 Reasons to Join Centauri Arts English Tutoring Program
- Our English program is unique. All four of our instructors are published authors with MFAs in Creative Writing and years of teaching experience. We use our love of words and literature to inspire our students to reach new heights.
- We focus exclusively on Reading and […]
New Arts Classes for Kids & Teens Starting January 2022!
Young writers, actors, artists and filmmakers can choose from 10 new after-school classes and weekend classes at Centauri Arts, starting January 2022. Creative Writing Classes include Short Fiction, and a broader Writing Salon for ages […]
Top 10 Challenges Students Face in Their Reading and Writing
Our virtual English Tutoring Programs and English Tutoring Programs in Bloor West Village are available to students in Grades 4-university, but whatever the grade, there are reading and writing skills – from essay writing to paragraphing and reading between the lines – that most students struggle with these days.
1. […]
The Best FREE Digital Art Software on the Market!
Starting out in Digital Art can be a struggle for teenagers, especially if they are on a budget. Programs like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paint, Clip Studio Paint, Affinity Photo or even Procreate are powerful: but they cost money. Thankfully, we all have access to free/open-source Digital Art Software – but […]
New Creative Writing Class for Teenagers in Our Bloor West Village Location!
Short fiction… poetry… novels… if your teenager loves writing in any of these forms, they would likely LOVE our new Creative Writing class, which begins in our Bloor West Village studio on Wednesday 23 February. The instructor for this program is centre director Julie Hartley; read all about her publications […]
Top 5 Free and Open-Source Animation Software Tools
Animation, and animation classes, are hugely popular with teenagers these days: bringing digital artwork to life on the screen can be riveting! Deciding which animation software to use, however, can be tough – especially if you are on a budget. To help you, we’ve assembled a list of some of […]
Top 10 Tips: How to Take Terrific Photographs
While understanding aperture, shutter speed, ASA and the manual workings of your camera can help, anyone can take a great photo if you cultivate a great eye, and learn a little about aesthetics! Here are 10 tips to help you take amazing photographs.
1) Focal Point
Your first step is deciding what […]
Animation Creations
Ages 11-17
Monday 1st July – Friday 5th July 2024
11am-3.30pm
Develop the technical skills to bring your wildest and most creative ideas to visual life on the screen! Create original digital art masterpieces, and learn how to animate them. View famous short animations for inspiration – everything from European […]
Creative Writing: How to Write a Novel
Ages 11-17
Monday 30th June – Friday 4th July
10am to 2.30pm
How do you plot the perfect novel? Create the ideal protagonist? Adapt your own experiences into exciting fiction? Should you write in first or third person? Past or present tense? We’ll answer these questions and more! You’ll work […]
Cartoons and Comic Books
SORRY-FULL
Ages 11-17
Monday 8 July-Friday 12 July
4pm to 8.30pm
Are you a fan of superheroes, cartoons and comic books? In this traditional drawing program, you’ll focus on character creation and comic book illustration. We’ll teach you all the skills you need to create cartoons in different styles […]
Fine Art: The Art of Nature
Ages 11-17
Monday 15 July – Friday 19 July
4pm-8.30pm
Paint, sketch, collage, join photographic assignments and explore mixed media in this exciting project-based art program. We’ll experiment with new and original ways to reflect the natural world, working in our Bloor West studio, on location in High Park, and throughout […]
Creative Writing: for the JOY of Words!
Ages 11-17
Monday 7 July-Friday 11 July
10am to 2.30pm
In this varied and playful creative writing camp, we’ll explore words and stories in every way possible. We’ll play word games, collaborate on stories, try spoken word poetry, invent language and create word collages. We’ll write song lyrics, turn the entire […]
Humans of Toronto: A Devised Theatre Project
Ages 11-17
Monday 14 July – Friday 18 July
3pm-7.30pm
Research, write, rehearse and stage your own original performance. We’ll go out into the community together, observing people and listening to their stories. Who are the ‘humans’ who live in Toronto? What are their dreams, their secrets and their stories? […]
Drawing and Painting Intensive
Ages 11-17
Monday 29 July-Friday 2 August
11am to 3.30pm
Expand your drawing and painting skills in this wide ranging visual art camp. Experiment with drawing styles and techniques, then get inspired by classical and contemporary artists as you work on inspiring painting projects using watercolour and acrylics. Artists of […]
Virtual Writing Salon
Ages 11-17
Monday 21 July – Friday 25 July
3pm to 7.30pm each day (with an hour’s break for dinner)
Immerse yourself in creative writing from the comfort of your home, garden or cottage! Develop characters, […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Art of Screenwriting
Ages 11-17
Monday 4 August- Friday 8 August
10am to 2.30pm
In this fast-paced and varied program for writers and filmmakers, you will learn how to structure a story for film and how to create compelling, fast-moving plots. We’ll be teaching you how to outline your screenplay and how to create […]
The Art of Jewellery Design
Ages 11-17
Monday 19th August- Friday 23rd August
11am-3.30pm
Creative Writing Classes at Centauri Arts: a Place for Young Writers to Grow
If you love creative writing – poetry, short fiction, writing novels, screenplays and more – then Centauri is the place for you. For 27 years, we’ve brought together young writers, and talented creative writing teachers to inspire them… […]
Young Writers: 5 Places to Submit Your Work!
If you are a young writer working on a manuscript, then you are probably wondering which markets exist for your work. There are many literary magazines and publishing houses that accept work from young writers – and there […]
Summer Day Camp for TEENAGERS!
Our day camps are pretty unique. Firstly, we offer film camps, fine art camps, acting camps, animation camps… everything to do with the arts! Secondly, we offer the choice of day camps in Bloor West Village (close to Jane Subway, near […]
Summer Intensives for Teens: Creative Writing Camps, Fine Art Camps, Acting Camps and More!
Summer is a special time at Centauri Arts – young writers, artists, actors and filmmakers from all over the city come together to build community around a shared interest, as they take part in Acting Camps, Creative Writing Camps, Fine Art Camps, Film Camps and more.
If you have […]
Creative Writing Camps Summer 2022
Check out the following terrific opportunities – in our Toronto studio and virtual – for young people who love to write. But don’t delay – time is running out!
Vikki VanSickle. photo by Connie Tsang
Creative Writing Courses with Vikki VanSickle
Celebrated novelist […]
Building a World: A Writing Prompt
World Building for Creative Writers
Many forms of fiction – historical, steam punk, fantasy, science fiction – require the construction of an entire world, which then becomes integral to the plot, and to the protagonist’s challenges. But how do you create a fictional world from scratch? A creative writing tip: […]
A Creative Writing Prompt for the Weekend!
Our Creative Writing Retreats in Costa Rica and Mexico are close to full now – but some spots remain! In the meantime, we’re offering a series of creative writing prompts – and creative writing tips – for fiction writers, memoir writers, poets and anyone interests in getting their […]
Journaling for Creative Writers
This is the third in our series of creative writing tips and prompts for writers interested in our creative writing retreats to Costa Rica and Mexico, and our virtual creative writing classes. Read on for advice for writers on how journaling can help you hone the craft of writing… […]
Creative Writing Tips and Techniques: How to Create Characters for Fiction
Welcome to the fourth in my blog series on creative writing tips and techniques! Today I want to examine character creation. Read on for information on how to build characters for short stories and novels – and in the meantime, don’t forget to check out our Creative Writing Retreats […]
A Creative Writing Prompt!
Welcome to the fifth in my series of creative writing tips, techniques and prompts! Today, I’m sharing a creative writing prompt you can use at any time.
Creative Writing: Tell the Story of a Life
On a trip to Spain a few years ago, I saw in Grenada a traveller with a […]
6 Benefits of Creative Writing Classes and Creative Writing Camps!
Centauri Arts offers creative virtual and in-person creative writing classes for teenagers, and creative writing camps for children and teens – plus, occasional creative writing workshops for adults. But what are the benefits of creative writing classes?
Creative Writing Classes Help Improve Writing Skills
Our parents tell us that when their children […]
How to Write an Essay – and Why it Matters!
Essay writing skills are a key component of our English Tutoring program at Centauri Arts. Here are some of the ‘tips and tricks’ we offer our English tutoring students, to help them improve their writing skills:
Planning before you begin to write is key to essay writing success
Planning an essay carefully […]
Fine Art Classes for Kids and Teens
Our Fine Art class this semester will focus on sketching, illustrating, cartoons and comic books! We’ll explore ways to draw original characters, facial expressions, dynamic poses, perspectives, and exciting backgrounds. You’ll learn how to ink and colour your art, using pens, markers and even watercolour. By the end of the […]
Digital Art and Animation Program This Fall
Our Digital Art & Animation Classes this semester will focus on illustrating, designing and of course animation! We’ll create original characters for video games, abstract illustrations, intricate designs of products, vehicles and buildings, fantasy backgrounds, and simple animations. You’ll learn how to create sprite sheets, colour and shadow rendering, and […]
Centauri Arts: Serving the Swansea and Bloor West Village Neighborhoods for 12 Years… and Counting!
Young people attend our arts classes, arts camps and English Tutoring Program from all over Toronto and Etobicoke, but our location in the heart of Bloor West Village means we are of special interest to families and teenagers living in the Swansea, Baby Point, Junction and Bloor West Village neighborhoods.
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Mexico Creative Writing Retreat, 2022
Yesterday I returned from teaching our second annual Creative Writing Retreat in Merida, Mexico – and what a studendous week it was. Great writers, wonderful scenery, memorable experiences, daily writing workshops and so much great food!
Creative Writing Retreat: Merida!
Such a special city. Street festivals, wandering the Plaza Granda and people-watching […]
Poem from the Creative Writing Retreat to Merida, Mexico.
At the end of our creative writing retreat, we created a list poem together, reflecting our shared experience over the course of the week. Here is the poem, created by Shay, Nichol, John, Jeffrey, Virginia, Betsy, Sara, Patricia […]
The Benefits of a Creative Writing Retreat
I’ve attended many Creative Writing retreats over the years. A writing retreat in a fishing village in Mexico. Another on the wind-swept moors in Devon, England. Retreats in Scotland and Wales. I’ve also run dozens of retreats myself. Our creative writing retreat centre in Canada hosted more than 100 writers, […]
Researching a Novel – How Things Have Changed!
Research for writers in the twenty-first century is not what it used to be. Decades ago, researching a novel might take months, and the entire process had to be completed before the creative writing process could begin. Researching a historical […]
In our An MFA in Creative Writing: Is It Worth It?
Read the bios of a dozen new fiction writers, and the chances are good that at least half will list among their credentials an MFA in Creative Writing. I completed my own MFA in Creative Writing through the University of British Columbia, and I’m often asked by my writing students: […]
An Actor’s Workshop. Acting Classes for Teens
Ages 11-17, In our Bloor West Village Studio:
Tuesdays, 7.00pm-8.30pm
Semester 1 (14 weeks), starting Tuesday 24 September
Semester 2 (14 weeks) begins January 28 2025
** Students can join semester 1 or 2 (or both).
Instructor: Marina Gomes
Join our exciting acting ensemble and […]
A Creative Writing Salon
Ages 12-17, In our Bloor West Village Studio:
Saturdays, 11.15am-12.45pm
Ages 9-13, In our Bloor West Village Studio:
Tuesdays 5.00pm-6.30pm
Semester 1 (14 weeks) starting Saturday 21 September
Semester 2 (14 weeks) begins late January
(students can enroll for semester 1, or 2, or the full […]
Film Production and Performance
Ages 11-17, In our Bloor West Village Studio:
Thursdays, 5pm – 6.30pm AND 7.00pm-8.30pm
Semester 1 (14 weeks) starting Thursday 26 September
Semester 2 (14 weeks) begins January 30
(students can enroll for semester 1, or 2, or the full year)
Discover the art of film-making – […]
An On-Line Creative Writing Salon for Teens
Ages 11-17, Virtually, on Zoom:
Wednesday, 7pm-8.30pm (ET)
Semester 1 (15 weeks) begins late September
Semester 2 (14 weeks) begins January 29
(students can enroll for semester 1, or 2, or the full year)
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10 Reasons to Join our Drama Camps This Summer!
1. Our Drama Camps Focus on Acting Skills
Voice training, movement, improvisation, character creation, scene study, stage presence and more… our drama camps are a great way to develop essential acting skills.
2. Drama Camps are a Terrific Way to Make Friends
There’s a huge amount of laughter that happens in an acting […]
Creative Writing Camps: 8 Reasons to Join our Writing Camps in Toronto This Summer!
1. Creative Writing Camp is All About Creativity
We’ll inspire you with a wealth of creative writing prompts, exploring science fiction, fantasy, poetry, comedy, playwriting, screenwriting and more.
2. Creative Writing Camps are Good for Emotional Wellbeing
Creative writing is about self-expression, whether you are composing poetry, journalling, plotting a novel or writing […]
Elmore Leonard: 10 Rules Of Writing
In July 2001, the crime fiction writer Elmore Leonard wrote a short piece for The New York Times on his ten rules for writing. This was eventually adapted into a book. I’ve shared his rules many times with writers on […]
Ten Reasons to Register for Film Camps in Toronto This Summer 2023!
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, The Junction, Roncesvalles and anywhere in Etobicoke, Mississauga or Toronto.
Why choose a film camp this summer? Here’s TEN reasons:
1. Learn a wide […]
Young Writers and Artists: Five Places to Send Your Work
If you are a young writer hoping to publish your creative writing, or a young artist looking for places to submit your work, here are five writing and art competitions you may want to check out:
1. Scholastic Magazine holds annual competitions […]
Summer Arts Camps in Bloor West Village
Registration Now Open for Arts Enrichment Camps This Summer!
Centauri Arts offers intensive, week-long arts enrichment programs for ages 11-18 throughout July and August, virtually and in our Toronto arts studio in Bloor West Village. Programs run for four hours each day, […]
Top Five FREE and Open Source Software Tools for Creative Writing
Google Docs!
Tech Radar voted Google Docs the BEST free software for authors and poets – which is great news, since this writing software is likely the one most of us already use! […]
Best FREE Photo Editing Software
If you love photography, or taking photography workshops such as the ones offered through Centauri Arts, you will be aware of some of the great FREE and open source photo editing software options. Whether you are a teenager looking for photography camps, or a student hoping to take our photography […]
Best FREE Animation Software
With most modern animations being created digitally, there is a continual growth in demand for easy-to-use software allowing anyone to make their own animation creations. If you are taking our summer animation or digital art programs, or our year-round virtual classes in digital art and animation, you may be interested […]
Digital Art & Animation
Offered hybrid; join virtually, or in-person at our Toronto studio.
Mondays, 7pm-8.30pm (ET), Ages 11-17,
Semester 2 (14 weeks) Monday 27 January-Monday 12 May
** Students can join semester 1 or 2 (or both).
Instructor: Aaron Alviano
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Summer Intensives for Teens: Creative Writing Camps, Fine Art Camps, Acting Camps and More!
Summer Intensives for Teens:
Creative Writing Camps, Fine Art Camps, Film Camps, Acting Camps and More!
Summer is a special time at Centauri Arts – young writers, artists, actors and filmmakers from all over the city come together to build community around a shared […]
Acting Classes for Teens in Toronto, starting September 2023
Centauri Arts is Offering TWO Acting Classes in Bloor West Village this fall!
Acting Classes for ages 9-14: Exploring Drama
Explore improvisation, comedy and mime. Develop characters, rehearse scenes and create your own performance! Our acting classes for kids aged 9-14 […]
Congratulations to our Senior Acting Troupe!
We are thrilled to announce that our Semester 2 Senior Acting Workshop received a DISTINCTION from Trinity College for their production of a self-devised show entitled, The Clouds. Congratulations to all our actors, and a special thank you to Marina […]
Fine Art Programs at Centauri Arts This Fall!
Centauri Arts has TWO Fine Art programs available this coming academic year – an in-person studio art program on Wednesday evenings and a virtual Digital Art class on Mondays.
Fine Art Classes for ages 11-16 in our Bloor West Studio, Toronto
Our Fine Art […]
Registration now open for fall classes starting September 2023!
Weekly after-school and weekend classes for kids and teens in Creative Writing, Acting, Film-Making and Fine Art. Registration now open!
Film Classes in Bloor West Village
Film Production and Performance: Starting September!
Ages 12-17, In our Bloor West Village Studio:
Thursdays, 5pm […]
Ten Reasons to Take an Acting Class
Children and teenagers benefit from drama classes in numerous ways. Here’s just ten reasons why your child or teen should take drama classes and explore acting with Centauri Arts this year:
1. Acting classes […]
Join us for a NEW hybrid Arts Course in Semester 2: Digital Art & Animation!
Beginning at the end of January 2024, Centauri Arts will be offering its first ever hybrid program – and what better choice for this than Digital Art & Animation? Students aged 11-17 can work on their digital art and animation skills […]
News From Arts Academy Classes
There’s so much going on at the Centauri Arts Academy right now that we thought we’d share whats happening in our classes!
Creative Writing Class (Toronto and On-Line):
This semester, both our virtual and Saturday in-person […]
Creative Writing Retreats: Magical Moments in Merida!
Just about every day on our creative writing retreats is special – after all, retreats are not only a chance to learn, they are also full of new experiences and great memories. Writing retreats are holidays, too!
But there are some days so magnificent that they take your breath away and […]
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Tips for Young Actors
Are you the parent of a child or teenager who loves to act? Here are some suggestions to help you encourage their interest of acting:
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Tips for Young Writers
Are you the parent of a child or teenager who loves to write? Here are some tips to help young writers keep the words flowing…
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Registration now open for winter classes starting January 2024!
Weekly after-school and weekend classes for kids and teens in Creative Writing, Acting, Film-Making and Fine Art. Registration now open for Smemester 2 starting January 2024!
Film Classes in Bloor West Village, Toronto
Ages 12-17, In our Bloor West […]
Tips for Young Film-Makers
Are you the parent of a child or teenager who loves film-making? Here are some suggestions to help you encourage their interest in film:
Look for after-school film-making programs in your community.
There are many kinds of film-making courses available for young […]
Our Creative Writing Retreats – The Delights of Merida!
Our next Mexico Creative Writing Retreat in 2024 will once again be held in the beautiful Yucatecan city of Merida. In addition to the morning creative writing workshops (which are appropriate to writers of poetry, memoir, short fiction […]
Acting Classes for Teens in Toronto, starting January 2024
Acting Classes in Bloor West Village with Centauri Arts!
Acting Classes for ages 9-14: Exploring Drama
Tuesdays 5.30pm-7pm
Explore improvisation, comedy and mime. Develop characters, rehearse scenes and create your own performance! Our acting classes for ages 9-14 are a great way […]
Spotlight on our Mexican Creative Writing Retreat Destination: Luz en Yucatan, Merida!
A Creative Writing Retreat in Mexico requires a very special location. It must be somewhere relaxing, inspiring, with a wonderful ambience. It should be somewhere with ample nooks and crannies 
for writers to relax and write. It […]
2024 Summer Arts Camps in Bloor West Village
Registration Now Open for Arts Programs & Camps This Summer!
Centauri Arts offers intensive, week-long arts enrichment programs for ages 11-17 throughout July and August, virtually and in our Toronto arts studio in Bloor West Village. Programs run for four hours each […]
2024 Day Camps in Bloor West Village, Toronto
Registration Now Open for Half Day Camps This Summer!
Intensive, week-long day camp programs for ages 11-17 throughout July and August, virtually and in our Toronto arts studio in Bloor West Village, close to Etobicoke, Swansea, […]
Join us for our Next Creative Writing Retreat to Costa Rica!
Our next Costa Rica Writing Retreat (Saturday 19th to Saturday 26th January 2025) is held in partnership with a boutique hotel in Quepos, just 2.5 hours south of the international airport at San Jose. Like all […]
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 […]
Serenity in Nature… While you Write2024 Summer Arts Camps in Bloor West Village, Toronto
Registration Now Open for 2024 Summer Arts Camps!
Centauri Arts offers intensive, week-long arts enrichment programs for ages 11-17 throughout July and August, virtually and in our Toronto arts studio in Bloor West Village, close to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
Fine Art Explorations
In our Bloor West Village Studio:
Wednesdays, 5.00pm-6.30pm Ages 11-17
Semester 2 (14 weeks) 29 January- 14 May
(students can enroll for semester 1, or 2, or the full year)
Instructor: Aaron Alviano
Develop your creative potential as you paint and draw your way through […]
The Joy of Words: An Adult Writing Salon
Ages 18+, Hybrid: In our Bloor West Village Studio or Virtual:
Saturdays, 9.30am-11.00pm EST
8 weeks, starting Saturday 21 September
Leave the cares of the world behind and reconnect with your creative self! There’s something in this writing workshop for everyone – seasoned writers hoping to rediscover […]
Creative Writers Belong Here!
Over the past few years our exciting courses and talented instructors have placed Centauri Arts at the forefront of creative writing schools in Ontario – and now we’re offering programs for adults, too! Here’s everything you need to know about our Creative Writing courses and instructors…
Summer Programs for Youth in […]
Why Do We Write??
Our ‘Short Story Creation’ camp is now well underway at the Centauri Arts Academy! We began by asking ourselves why we write, and the ‘tools’ we use to inspire our creative writing. All campers created statements […]
Creative Writing Successes!
We are THRILLED to announce that the achievements of THREE of our Creative Writing students have been recognised in competitions and with publication! One of our young writers has had a short story accepted for publication in Stone Soup magazine and another will see her work published […]
Creative Writing Retreats: Feedback from Participants
Running creative writing workshops in fabulous and inspiring locations is a passion for us! Check out what previous participants have to say about our writing retreats. All these reviews – and more – can be found at […]
Registration now open for fall 2024 classes!
We are thrilled and excited to share our fall arts classes. Choose from weekly classes in Fine Art, Digital Art, Film, Creative Writing and Acting!
New programs in Art for 9-13s, a new Musical Theatre program and a new adult writing course!
Most classes take place in our Bloor West Village, Toronto […]
Read Books by Centauri-Connected Authors!
Over the years, Centauri Arts has worked with dozens of authors. Many of them have taught for us, offered guest classes, or advised our young writers. Others are parents who have sent their kids to our overnight arts camp – or writers who attended our programs as children. Here’s a […]
After-School Enrichment for Teens in Bloor West Village, Swansea, Roncesvalles and The Junction.
With so much going on for teens in our area, we’ve decided to compile a resource of local enrichment opportunities for middle- and high-school students. Here is a selection of businesses in the area. When kids are younger, it’s easier to keep them occupied, but teens need high quality activities, […]
10 Great Resources for Young Writers
It isn’t always easy for young writers to find places to submit their work, so we’ve collected together competitions, magazines and online publications to which teenage writers (and tween writers) can submit their poetry and short fiction. A […]
After-school Acting and Film Production programs
Our after-school Acting and Film Production programs begin again in mid-September with all-new content, and run for 15 weeks. Courses are available for ages 11-17 and taught by industry professionals. With arts programs facing more cuts in schools, and a creative mindset more important than ever, there has never been […]
After-School Enrichment for Teens in Bloor West Village, Swansea, Roncesvalles and The Junction
With so much going on for teens in our area, we’ve decided to compile a list of some of the local enrichment opportunities for middle- and high-school students. When kids are younger, it’s easier to keep them occupied, but teens need high […]
Join our Year-Round Acting and Film Classes at the Centauri Arts Academy!
Our after-school Acting and Film Production programs begin again in mid-September with all-new content, and run for 15 weeks. Courses are available for ages 11-17 and taught by industry professionals. With arts programs facing more cuts in schools, and a creative mindset more important than ever, there has never been […]
Her Secret Soldier is now available!
Last year, one of our directors – Julie Hartley – signed a 2-book deal with an international publishing house (Bookouture). She was contracted to write 2 historical novels, and her first novel is now available!
Supplies for Artists
We are often asked what supplies would recommend for film, digital art, fine art etc.
For Film/Theatre
We have used Neewer Professional Metal Bi-Color LED Video Light for Studio. They have the option to use batteries, so they are very portable.
We use green screens sometimes. We have the […]
2024 Fall classes start this week at Centauri Arts.
Weekly after-school and weekend classes for kids and teens in Creative Writing, Acting, Film-Making and Fine Art start this week in our Bloor West Village studio!
Film Classes
Film Production and Performance
Ages 11-17, In our Bloor West […]
How to Raise a Reader – 7 Tips for Parents
How do you raise children who see the value in books? It’s harder than ever these days, with so much technology out there to distract. Reading is an immersive activity that requires attention over a significant period of time, allowing a person to spiral down into an imaginative world. There […]
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Certification Programs
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a two-year program available to all students in Grades 11 and 12 in Ontario
Centauri Arts has a network of […]
How to Raise an Introvert
For too long in our society, introverts have played second fiddle to the extroverts among us, and even in 2024, many people still see introversion as something to counteract. Is your child an introvert? If so, what does that mean? Read on to find out.
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Fabulous Fabric Arts
In our Bloor West Village Studio:
Wednesdays 7.00pm to 8.30pm, Ages 11-17
Semester 2 (14 weeks) 29 January- 14 May
(students can enroll for semester 1, or 2, or the full year)
Instructor: Micah Chu
Make original art with fabric in this exciting new program! Learn to […]
Suggested Reading and Great Book Gifts for the Holidays!
Over the years, Centauri Arts has worked with dozens of artists. Many of them have taught for us, offered guest classes, or advised our young writers. Here’s a selection of gift ideas, all of them with Centauri connections:
Julie Hartley
Her Secret Soldier. A World War 2 novel filled with […]
2025 Winter classes start in January at Centauri Arts.
Weekly after-school and weekend classes for kids and teens in Creative Writing, Acting, Film-Making and Fine Art start January 2025 in our Bloor West Village studio and online!
Film Classes
Film Production and Performance
Ages 11-17, […]
Reflecting on Our Creative Writing Retreat in Mexico
It is difficult to imagine a city more perfect for a creative writing retreat than Merida in Mexico. This was our fourth year running a writing retreat here, and it was spectacular.
Our Creative Writing Workshops
Each morning we began […]
The Joy of Words: An Adult Writing Salon
Saturdays 9.30am-11.00am, ages 18+ only,
Hybrid: In our Bloor West Studio or Virtual
5 weeks, starting Saturday 1 February
Leave the cares of the world behind and reconnect with your creative self! There’s […]
The Business of Writing. March 29 2025
Hybrid – join us on Zoom or in our Bloor West Studio
Saturday 29 March 2025. 2pm to 4.30pm EST
Open to adult writers, and teen writers 16+
Join us for an intensive workshop on the business of getting published. Learn how to prepare a manuscript for […]
2025 arts classes start January 27th at Centauri Arts, Bloor West Studio.
After-school and weekend classes for kids and teens in Creative Writing, Acting, Film-Making and Fine Art start January 2025 in our Bloor West Village studio in Toronto and online!
[…]
Planning a Novel or Memoir. April 12 2025
Hybrid – join us on Zoom or in our Bloor West Studio
Saturday 12 April 2025. 2pm to 4.30pm EST
Open to adult writers, and teen writers 16+
Join us for a lively workshop on the process of plotting and planning a novel or memoir. We’ll cover […]
Costa Rica Creative Writing Retreat 2025
What a spectacular creative writing retreat this has been.
This year, we had a brand new location for our writing retreat in Costa Rica: a lovely boutique hotel located on the edge of rainforest just outside the town of Quepos. We brought together 10 wonderful […]
Centauri Arts also offers year round classes in Creative Writing, Fine Art, Digital Art, Film-Making and Acting. Check out all our programs here: https:\\centauriarts.com\academy
