Maxwell International School
Workshop Program

The Maxwell Workshop is a Service-Learning and Educational Arts Outreach Project.

We use music, dance and drama presentations to connect with other youth to share important information and ideas.  Each of our dramatic dances tells a story that revolves around issues we face everyday; including - peer pressure, bullying, drugs, racism, and violence.  We also present other themes such as poverty, the equality of men and women and appreciation of cultural diversity.   

We hope that our program will...

Encourage meaningful discussions about each of the issues presented

Inspire positive and healthy choices

Promote appreciation for human diversity and respect for the environment. 

History

The Workshop concept was brought to the Maxwell school in 1989.  Our skits and dances were created by a variety of choreographers and passed down from one generation of students to the next.

Workshop members have performed for thousands of children, youth and adults in schools, universities and community centers across Canada and the US.  International tours have included performances in China, Brazil, Belize, Israel, Spain, Dominican Republic, and Japan.    

Presenters

We are students of the Maxwell International School, grades 7 through 12.  Some of us come from different countries to attend the Maxwell School and some of us live close by.  Many of us had very little or no formal arts training prior to joining the Workshop. 

How We Prepare for the Presentation

Our group meets and practices after school and on weekends between 2 to 7 hours per week. 

We practice different kinds of dance as part of our training and rehearse each of the dances and skits.  Character development and leadership training is an important part of being in the Workshop.    

How You Can Prepare for the Presentation

As an audience, you are an essential part of the presentation.  You are the reason we are here!  We have worked hard to create, what we hope, will be a meaningful experience. 

You can demonstrate your respect and appreciation for the Workshop members by keeping your focus and attention on the presentation and applauding when a dance is finished.    

Most of our program is done with very little talking.  You will get more out of each story if you listen to the lyrics of the music and closely watch the dramatic and symbolic movement of each of the performers.  Be aware of how each person is affected by the issue that is being presented. 

With the permission of your teachers and administrators, there may be time to have some discussions about the dances and the issues.  Sometimes we get to spend a few hours at a school to share some activities and teach a few steps from our dances. 

We hope you enjoy our presentation and we look forward to the opportunity to meet you.