Theatre Collingwood Teen Conservatory Debuts "THE NEW WORLD" Exploring AI

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Directed by Nadia Hovan, the original play will be staged at the Wasaga Beach RecPlex.

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Theatre Collingwood has announced the debut production of its brand new Theatre Collingwood Teen Conservatory (TCTC), an innovative performance training program for high school students launched in February 2026.

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The inaugural production, The New World, will take the stage May 22–24, 2026 at 7:00 PM at the Wasaga Beach RecPlex.

Directed and written by instructor Nadia Hovan, The New World is an original play and cabaret that combines storytelling, music, dance, and drama to explore a futuristic society shaped by artificial intelligence, and the youth-led resistance fighting to reclaim humanity. The production contains mature themes and offers audiences a bold and thought-provoking theatrical experience.

“This new program came together very quickly out of necessity, as a teen program elsewhere was no longer being offered and there was a void, but the results have been immediate and inspiring,” says Anne Raciunas, Theatre Collingwood's Education Program Coordinator. “Over the past two and a half months, 20 incredibly talented young performers have collaborated to create something imaginative, moving, and deeply relevant.”

Admission into the Theatre Collingwood Teen Conservatory is by audition, and participants actively assist in the creation and development of a full-length production. The Spring 2026 session marks the beginning of what Theatre Collingwood intends to become a twice-yearly conservatory program, with a musical cabaret-style production offered in the spring and an intensive dramatic performance program planned for the fall.

A unique feature of the program has been its partnership with Chartwell Balmoral Retirement Residence in Collingwood. Rehearsals have taken place twice weekly, Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons, in activity spaces within the residence located at 8 Harbour Street West.

The collaboration has created meaningful intergenerational experiences between the teen performers and Chartwell Balmoral residents and staff.

“This has been an incredible venture thus far,” says Raciunas. “The teens have regularly interacted with residents simply through their presence at the residence, and we believe this is the beginning of something truly special.”

As part of this partnership, a special rehearsal performance for Chartwell Balmoral residents will take place on Sunday, May 17 from 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM.

The production is led by a creative team that includes: Nadia Hovan (Director and Playwright), Emma Vickrey (Assistant Musical Director), and Layla Locke (Choreographer).

“I believe theatre, and arts in general, offers such a valuable outlet and education for teens and I am so proud of the work Anne, Nadia, and the team are doing to make this happen. The skills the students learn are not just for the stage, but also for life!” said Erica Angus, Executive Director of Theatre Collingwood.

The Theatre Collingwood Teen Conservatory program fee is $400 per participant, with subsidies available for families in need, to ensure accessibility for young artists. Thank you to all who support this program.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/ottawa/article/THE-NEW-WORLD-Will-Be-Performed-By-Theatre-Collingwood-Teen-Conservatory-20260515)._