New “Buskers School” teaching Thunder Bay youth to turn streets to a stage
Bay and Algoma Street has been home to Thunder Bay’s annual Buskers Festival for more than a decade. For one summer weekend, the streets close to make way for free performances by jugglers, aerialists, daredevils, musicians, and artists from across Canada and beyond.
For years, these performers have dazzled local children. Now, it’s the kids’ turn to take part.
On July 24, one day before Busker’s Festival kicks off, kids can attend the first-ever “Busker’s School” at Magnus Theatre.
Four of this year’s headlining international acts will lead hands-on, beginner-friendly workshops in circus arts, aerial acrobatics, beatboxing, and object manipulation.
“These are performers who have busked on six continents and competed on world stages. For one day, they will be teaching Thunder Bay youth their talents. That isn’t something that happens everywhere, and it’s something that will stick with these kids for years to come and even inspire future talent,” says Buskers Festival Co-organizer, Sam Plavins.
Here’s what’s on the schedule:
| Time | Workshop | Hosts | Description |
| 10-11 a.m. | Intro to Partner & Aerial Acrobatics | Hercinia Arts, an all-female acrobatic collective | “Explore movement, balance, trust and basic aerial techniques in a safe and supportive environment” |
| 12-1 p.m. | Object Manipulation: Spinning Balls, Hats & More | Twin’s Trip, Argentinian twins & the festival’s headlining act | “Discover the art of playful movement and classic busker-style tricks” |
| 3-4 p.m. | Beatboxing | Scott Jackson, Canadian Beatbox Champion | “Learn how to turn a voice into an instrument, exploring rhythm, sound effects, vocal percussion, and performance basics in a fun, interactive environment” |
| 5-6 p.m. | Juggling & Character Performance | Juggling & Character Performance | “Learn beginner juggling techniques while exploring movement, character and performance style” |
“Buskers festival has been wanting to make this happen for years. We have some of the coolest street acts in the world landing in Thunder Bay every summer, on top of the talent that already exists in our own backyard,” Plavins said. “Buskers School is about giving our community a chance to actually learn from them, not just watch from the sidewalk.”
Registration is open at buskersfestival.ca/buskerschool.
