ABOUT US
Established in 1995, the Canadian Children's Theatre Co. has been a community staple in York Region for over 25 years. CCTC is dedicated to the continual development of quality, recreational, performing arts programs for children and teens aged 18 months to 18 years. With programs in theatre, musical theatre, dance, and music, all young people with a desire to become involved are accepted, engaging them in lively and fun, high-quality productions to be performed for and within the community. Our passionate and professional staff, led by Artistic Director Jennifer Martin, foster a safe space for students, with an emphasis on equality, inclusion, and a sense of community. Unlike other programs of its kind, CCTC prides itself on cultivating meaningful relationships while training with students, focusing on the process over the final product.
Remarkably, only one rule of conduct has ever been needed at the CCTC, for students and staff alike: “No upstaging.” And by never stealing someone else’s spotlight, CCTC participants soon learn the power and joy of treating everyone with respect, dignity, and integrity – a certainty that extends beyond the walls of the CCTC studios and stages into the students’ homes and schools and communities. It is no wonder that families return year after year to the CCTC. Over 7000 child and youth participants have attended CCTC classes during Jennifer’s tenure, a singularly impressive number for any recreational program.
Why has Jennifer chosen to maintain the CCTC as a quarterly recreational program and not a year-round company? The recreational format gives children a chance to explore their personal fit with the theatrical arts at different ages and stages as they explore their world, to discover their ideal fit without making an expensive year-long commitment ahead of discovery. Parents are often surprised by Jennifer’s enthusiastic response to children’s choices to study arts not available at the CCTC -- karate, for example -- celebrating a child’s opportunity to find their passion at any age and stage.
MEET OUR TEAM
Britton Mehew
Musical Director
Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance, and a Bachelor of Education, Britton has shared music with children in a variety of settings over the years. Also holding a specialist certification in Children & Family Yoga, Britton blends movement with music, creating an environment where children can develop emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically in their own unique way. Britton is continually inspired by young people and their creativity, playful imaginations and zest for life and is devoted to assisting children in developing their love and appreciation for music.
Persephone Sedgwick
Director/Musical Director
Persephone has been performing since the age of three, beginning at the CCTC in Goldilocks and The Three Bears. Since then, her love of performing has taken her to Wexford Collegiate School for The Arts, where she graduated with Music Theatre, Vocal, Drama, and Tech credits and is now going into her second year of Music Theatre Performance studies at St Clair College. Persephone has performed in several musicals and plays over her performance career, including The Sound of Music, East of Berlin, Hairspray, and most recently, Heathers. Since being at St Clair, she has learned many new skills including stage combat and film and tv acting. Persephone is very happy to be working with the CCTC and can’t wait to sing and dance with you soon!