The Bus Stop Theatre Co-op is excited to announce a new partnership in new programming based on our StART Music Mentorship. The African Nova Scotian Music Association has been piloting programming recently that aligns with their new strategic plan, igniting new beginnings for musical creatives in the HRM. We see this as an opportunity to work together with the growth of our StART Music Mentorship and advocate in the arts community alongside an aligning organization.
ANSMA x BSTC have collaborated to create three new programs launching in July 2023 that will be free to attend all summer.
The TOWN HALL, a bold concept open mic, is all-ages and open to all for performers & public. This event will be once a month on Sundays, encouraging new performers and more seasoned artists to workshop new material in a safe space – venue may rotate between Dartmouth & Halifax. Poets, singers, rappers, dancers, and more… Come out and share! Special guest hosts and a headlining act will be welcoming everyone into the space. This will also be tied into an ANSMA-led youth program held weekly during the day. Find out more about the youth program on the ANSMA social media pages! For more info regarding TOWN HALL, pre-registration for performers and other opportunities, email: Donny@ansma.ca
GOOD Ingredients, holistic music training, is a program held weekly in the Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen Street, on Mondays from 6-8pm. This is music training from the ground up with a wide base foundation to coach in knowledge and communication skills for any industry professional. Topics covered include: Live Sound & Stage Applications, Rhythmic Fundamentals & Lyrical Considerations, Fundamental Music Theory, and Proficiencies for Contemporary Vocal Technique & Rhythm Section Instruments – Drums, Keyboards, Guitar, and Bass. The system in place is for complete development so this is an intensive session where participants will be active in all elements. For more info regarding GOOD Ingredients, curriculum details and design, email: Donny@ansma.ca.
Through The CHOIR, a contemporary R&B choir, will run weekly for the summer starting July 11th at Radstorm, 2177 Gottingen Street, on Tuesdays from 6-8pm. This program is a collaborative community program with fundamental contemporary vocal technique focus and all R&B repertoire. Arrangements will be notated for reference and recordings of parts will be made available as sessions progress each week. For more info regarding Through The CHOIR, repertoire or arrangements, email: Donny@ansma.ca.Through The CHOIR repertoire: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5xTzUvLOqHZoLkGSIHF9Pm?si=750d05bccf3c447a
We are looking forward to seeing the impact of these pilot programs in the community and to seeing our collaborations with ANSMA lead to new programming and productions in partnership with the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op.
More info on the organizations:
The Bus Stop Theatre Co-op is a multi-use performance venue located on Gottingen Street in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. The theatre has been in operation since 2003 and operating as a co-op since 2012. We host over 100 different groups and shows annually and are booked for performances, rehearsals and gatherings of all kinds for 250+ days of the year. In addition to operating the only independent and professionally equipped black-box space in Halifax, the Bus Stop Theatre Co-op offers a range of programs aiming to develop the skills of artists across disciplines.
The African Nova Scotian Music Association (ANSMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the development, promotion and enhancement of African Nova Scotian Music locally, nationally, and internationally. Since its inception in May of 1997, ANSMA has attracted hundreds of local musicians and music industry professionals as active association members. Over the past 24 years, ANSMA has created support systems for musicians of all ages. ANSMA is the primary organization responsible for promoting all aspects of music industry development in African Nova Scotian communities.
