The mission of Project Limelight Society is to create an environment that will allow youth to develop a strong sense of self and to unleash their imagination. The program provides a nurturing community that supports their development through participation in the performing arts. Project Limelight gives young people a sense of confidence, self-assurance and creative freedom that will be carried forward outside of the initiative and into their school and home life.

 

Project Limelight is a non-profit performing arts program in East Vancouver offering residents ages 8 to 15 years old of the Downtown Eastside, Strathcona and Mount Pleasant programming at no cost. Project Limelight provides youth with a safe place to build an artistic community alongside professional actors, directors, dancers, singers, costume designers, filmmakers and musicians. As part of their commitment to the community, nutritious meals and snacks are provided to every child at each workshop and rehearsal.

 

Since 2012, numerous youth within the East Vancouver community have taken part in the program. Previous Project Limelight productions, WONDERLAND, THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE OZ, MIRROR MIRROR, THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, EASTSIDE STORY, #FAIRYTALE, and OFF THE HOOK, were performed in front of sold out crowds at SFU Woodward’s to rave reviews.

 

Mentorship is a big part of Project Limelight’s culture and is pivotal in creating a sustainable program that reaches deep into the community and provides participants with an appreciation of what goes into the making of a performance. Project Limelight encourages past participants to come back and mentor the next round of Project Limelight kids. They also offer participants a select number of internships and scholarships to continue their studies in whatever field they choose.