In February, the Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) was proud to serve as host venue and community co-partner for the 26th annual Goodwill Shakespeare Festival, welcoming approximately 300 students and educators from across British Columbia.

In collaboration with School District 23 drama educators and under the leadership of festival lead Ryan Grenier, the RCA was transformed into a vibrant hub of performance, learning, and connection. For one full week, our studios, rehearsal halls, and performance spaces were alive with creative energy, demonstrating the power of the arts to bring young people together in meaningful and transformative ways.

A City-Wide Celebration of the Arts

Festival programming extended beyond the RCA and into Kelowna’s Cultural District, activating multiple community venues including the Kelowna Community Theatre, Kelowna Art Gallery, Innovation Centre, and the Okanagan Regional Library – Downtown Branch.

This city-wide approach created a dynamic, accessible experience for students while reinforcing the importance of collaboration among arts and cultural organizations. Together, these spaces formed a connected ecosystem of creativity, positioning Kelowna as a destination for arts education and youth engagement.

Workshops, Intensives, and Creative Exploration

Over the course of the festival, students engaged in an immersive program of workshops, rehearsals, and performances, culminating in final showcases that reflected both individual growth and collective achievement.

Intensive sessions included:

• Choral workshops
• Stage combat
• Music improvisation
• Movement and dance
• Technical theatre

The festival’s Creative Carousel offered shorter, exploratory sessions in:

• Audition technique
• Physical improvisation
• Modern Shakespeare adaptations
• Storytelling
• Costume design
• Theatre jazz
• Close study of Shakespeare’s language

These experiences encouraged students to take creative risks, collaborate across schools and regions, and deepen their understanding of both classical and contemporary performance practices.

A Lasting Impact on Students and Educators

The impact of the Goodwill Shakespeare Festival extended well beyond the stage.

Rooted in values of kindness, inclusivity, and creative courage, the festival created a space where students felt safe to express themselves, build confidence, and be part of something larger than themselves.

As one educator shared: “Now more than ever, festivals and events like these are crucial for the development of these students. To have a safe space where they can be their true selves is invaluable. From start to finish this was just an amazing experience.”

Another reflected: “It was so beautiful to see the joy and confidence among the teens. The organizers really centred kindness and support, and you could tell that the kids took it to heart.”

Educators also highlighted the importance of bringing students together from across the province, fostering peer learning, mentorship, and friendships that extend far beyond the festival week.

Connection, Collaboration, and Community

Throughout the festival, students connected with industry professionals, guest artists, and keynote speakers, gaining valuable insight into artistic pathways and careers in the arts.

As the central hub, the RCA played a critical role in shaping this experience. From rehearsal rooms buzzing with activity, to shared meals and informal gatherings in the Atrium, the building became a place of belonging, creativity, and exchange.

Festival lead Ryan Grenier noted the importance of the RCA’s welcoming environment and adaptable spaces, which allowed the festival to operate seamlessly while creating meaningful opportunities for connection.

Supporting the Next Generation of Artists

The Goodwill Shakespeare Festival is a powerful example of how arts organizations, educators, and community partners can come together to support youth development through the arts.

By hosting and supporting this long-standing festival, the RCA continues to:

• Provide access to professional arts spaces for young people
• Strengthen connections between education and the arts sector
• Foster creativity, confidence, and collaboration in emerging artists
• Contribute to a vibrant and inclusive cultural community

We were honoured to play a role in this important work and look forward to continuing to support opportunities that inspire and empower the next generation of artists.

Interested in bringing your school or program to the RCA?

We welcome opportunities to support arts education and youth engagement. Connect with us to explore how we can partner with your school or organization.