The Emerging Stage (TES) Theatre is a community-based theatre company that supports youth in creating student-led musical theatre in an inclusive, accessible and immersive setting.
Our core values include:
- Mentorship of young and emerging artists, both on and off stage.
- Supporting true collaboration and experiential learning through youth-led, high quality theatre productions and performances.
- Profound respect for youth and their ability to lead and direct their visions.
- Ensuring a safe and supportive community space for self expression and creativity (with an emphasis on LGBTQ2SS+ and gender diverse youth).
What makes our program unique
At TES Theatre, we believe in facilitating students’ love of musical theatre and respecting each individual’s contributions. We try to make youth theatre as accessible as possible through:
- Affordability: We prioritize youth access to the arts
- Immersive: Spend more time doing what you love!
- Flexibility: Choose between on stage or backstage, full-season, or individual workshops
- Inclusivity & Diversity: a safe space for youth, including members of the LGBTQ2SS+ communities
Our Team
Isabella Halladay – Artistic Director, Teaching Artist
Isabella Halladay is a Vancouver based performer, working and playing on the the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh first nations. She studied opera performance and received a Bachelor of Music from the University of British Columbia, while training in theatre in dance. She has performed in musicals, opera, and theatre in BC, New York, and Europe, as well as working as a choreographer and vocal coach. An interdisciplinary artist, Isabella is always thrilled to connect the worlds of opera, theatre, music, dance and physical storytelling. Isabella also teaches with Bard on the Beach, Vancouver Opera, Choral Stage, and throughout the community. She is thrilled to be supporting youth who are passionate about musical theatre through the TES Theatre program.
Harriet Dykstra – Teaching Artist
Harriet Dykstra is a young performer, living, working, and playing on the traditional and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh first nations. She is a performer new to the professional world but very excited to be working with youth through TES theatre. She has nine years of onstage and behind the scenes experience in the community with Windsor House Theatre and Sheep and Goats Productions. Harriet has worked in an education based retail environment and hopes to bring her experience from that to TES. Harriet believes strongly in being excited about everything she does and is looking forward to creating a safe and inclusive space for young performers from any background.
Stephanie Ondrack– Executive Director
Stephanie Ondrack is delighted to support the TES Theatre Company in an administrative capacity. Former Box Office Manager for the Arts Club (and Stanley) Theatre Company, and ongoing Executive Director of the Childbearing Society, Stephanie brings experience with non-profit organizations, theatre administration, and educational programming. Parent to four alternatively educated children, including two graduates and one current participant in TES Theatre Company, Stephanie is honoured to be part of such a dynamic and inspiring program for youth.
Our Locations
TES Theatre classes and rehearsals take place at two venues in the vibrant Mount Pleasant neighbourhood.
Our Monday, Thursday and Friday classes take place at Tightrope Theatre on Main Street, while our Wednesday classes are located at iDance Studios on East 7th Street.