Distillery District Journey to the Young Centre for the Performing Arts
Last week in the Distillery District we had an unexpected surprise of winter flurries after all of the spring like weather. Officially spring had arrived as of March 20. However, the weather conditions were not in agreement. It was a little quiet on the Distillery streets on Thursday so I walked down Mill Street and took a turn towards the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. 
The snow flurries were definitely blowing in my direction. I continued forward against the western directed wind flurries determined to find a story. My friend quickly ran up ahead to bolster himself from the unexpected cold wind on his ears. He was not prepared for this venture. Fortunately, I could endure more of the flurries with my winter clothing. I took my time walking the streets of the Distillery District appreciating our harsh Canadian winter weather and reveled in it’s unpredictable yet unbelievable beauty.
A Warm Distillery Atrium Cafe/Bar
Despite the cold weather there was still a warm friendly environment in the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. It was definitely worth the effort of bundling up and venturing outside. There were other adventurous people inside the Young Centre enjoying the fare of the new cafe situated in the building. I noticed the gorgeous and well lit Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Atrium has a full time cafe/bar that offers delicious food and beverages. I enjoy finding new spaces that hold lots of character and charm. I could feel the creative vibe as I entered the atrium. This is a location I will store in my memory bank for future meeting places. I visualized meeting a friend or colleague here. The appeal of the space also invites a visit with a sketch book, camera, journal or laptop to enjoy a drink while sitting with character and charm. I definitely could visualize the creative juices flowing.
Soulpepper Theatre and George Brown College with The Young Centre
The Young Centre staff informed me of the many performances in the theatres. I had only explored the atrium and did not have tickets to see any performances in the theatres. I wish I had purchased some. I envisioned a lot more exciting artistic inspiration in this venue. The Young Centre for the Performing Arts is the home of George Brown College and Soulpepper Theatre Company. It is obvious that Toronto’s art community is alive in this historical heritage building. Soulpepper has a year roung classical repertory as well as George Brown College’s Theatre School and other leading artists and arts organizations across all performance disciplines. In the fall of 2008, the Young Centre launched an exciting programming involving four major streams of activity. Festivals, presentations, incubation and outreach are a part of this slate of programming. There are twelve Resident Artists who lead the programming in music, theatre, dance and spoken word with all the collaborative possibilities in between. The space offers flexible venues with it’s different stage configurations. They consist of the proscenium, thrust and arena staging. I admire this major investment that was made for the future of this Toronto community.
paper SERIES by David Yee
I was impressed with the amount of performances taken place at the Young Centre. It seems like there is always somethi
ng innovative to see and experience. The theatre loving staff informed me that The Cahoots Theatre Company in association with The Young Centre for the Performing Arts is currently presenting paper Series by David Yee March 18 until April 9, 2011. The paper Series is a collection of six short plays that explore how we use paper to create, amuse, define, and communicate. It sounds very exciting and profound. It is directed by Nina Lee Aquino. It is comprised of stories involving: fortune cookies, an origami crane, counterfeiters, orphans with paper cut-out dolls, and a Dear John letter. All very intriguing subjects worth venturing out in the unexpected spring Canadian weather to witness and enjoy. Something to consider if you are looking for an inspiring performance. I began to think of ways clearing my schedule and of purchasing a ticket for myself.
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