The Biggar theatre company Castwell & Co. recently partnered with teacher Janelle Carr to launch the Castwell Kids Theatre Program, aimed at filling in the gap in theatre programming for local youth.

With support from Creative Kids, younger children in the community were able to step onto the stage this past holiday season for a performance of The Nutcracker, an opportunity that would not have been possible otherwise.

Janelle was hired as the educator and facilitator of the new program, having previously directed youth musicals through her private studio.

“I received a ton of positive feedback from the programs I started prior to The Nutcracker, which was incentive enough to keep them going,” she says. “I felt there was a void for kids younger than grade five before I started; I often heard them say, ‘I can’t wait until I’m old enough to be part of a show like this.’ Castwell’s support with The Nutcracker was invaluable, and I’m so happy we collaborated.”

Erin Hadden, one of the original founders of Castwell and Co., worked alongside Janelle to help manage rehearsals for the group of 23 children, aged seven to nine, from September to December 2025. She says the experience offered many opportunities for growth for the young participants.

“In terms of skill development, we observed children growing in speech, vocal projection, musicality, and stage presence,” Erin says. “In terms of character development, we observed them growing in their capacity to focus, listen to one another, wait their turn, cheer on others, work together respectfully, and take personal responsibility for their learning. All of which will only benefit them throughout their lives.”

Erin adds that the “Backstage Heroes”, a group of eight teens that helped mentor and backstage-manage the production, also gained much.

“Our teens developed confidence in their own voices and in sharing their stage experience with their young charges. At the theatre, they gained technical skills as they supported with props, sets, costumes, lighting, and even operating the scrim and front curtain,” she says.

Janelle expresses her gratitude to Creative Kids, noting that the partnership came together because of its support.

“The program was so successful. It just reinforced to us that the need is there, and the value of accessibility and opening the door as wide as we can to allow for more kiddos to access theatre programs,” she says. “At the end of the day, it’s not just about programming; it’s about belonging, it’s about community, it’s about providing space for these kids to connect with one another and to learn and grow from each other.”

Erin agrees and adds, “This was only possible through the generous funding provided by Creative Kids and its donors. We literally could not have done this without you folks. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.”