LISTEN to our theme song YOU DA LIGHT
Co-Produced by Jessaii + Juno Award Winner DJ Kemo!
Co-Produced by Jessaii + Juno Award Winner DJ Kemo!
ABOUT...
QLP is excited to announce that we are developing neuroaffirming, inclusive and accessible performing arts programming set to take place both spring and summer 2026!
Light The Stage was founded in 2011 and summer camps were held at the Dorothy Somerset Theatre at UBC. Miss Jessi had a baby and now that much time has past and her baby is now 14 years old, the time has come for Light The Stage to return to our wonderful community, providing classes, workshops and camps for all ages, preschool through to adult.
Our programs will offer opportunities for participants to be creative and take part in activities and games that develop the whole person, including music, theatre, dance/movement and visual arts. Participants will also have the chance to showcase their work in a supportive, low pressure environment in front of friends and family.
What is our philosophy?
We truly believe that every single person deserves to be seen, heard, felt and fully expressed and that each one of us has a unique and special light inside that longs to connect, share and create. We support and celebrate each participant for who they truly are and create opportunities for them to shine in their own way - and that may look completely different from the way another person shines. We all have gifts that don't necessarily fit into just one box; nor should they ! We invite our participants to "come as they are", unmask and show up authentically.
What makes our programs special?
We know what it's like to enrol your child in a program, camp or activity only to be told that they are misbehaving, can't focus or refuse to participate. Our programs are carefully curated to accommodate a vast array of special accommodations, sensory needs, sensitivities, the need for breaks/recharge time and space for adaptations whether it be to address physical, emotional and/or cognitive functioning/needs. We plan our days with this in mind and create a different set of expectations for our students. We give space and room for them to be themselves without feeling judged, dismissed or overlooked.
What does a typical day look and feel like?
We custom build our workshops, classes and camps to suit the needs of our participants rather than a "copy and paste" approach. So in each situation, things might look a little different based on what is required to create success for all.
Types of programs include:
The following is an example of what a morning might look like:
9-10am soft start / trickle in (we like to leave lots of room as we know how getting out on time can go, depending on the day)
10am warm up / focus / team building
10:30am guided snack time (outside if possible)
10:45am transition to next activity
11:00am character work
11:30am visual art
12:00pm lunchtime!
etc....
Where will Light The Stage be located in 2026?
We are in the process of securing a space and are looking at (hopefully) partnering with an organization that both has the space but also that specializes in working with neurodivergent people.
Where can I find more information?
As the summer/fall move forward, we will continue to update this page and eventually will post program information and registration forms. We are excited to bring this vision to reality as we know what it's like from a lived neurospicy experience as well as from a parent perspective.
About the instructor, Miss Jessi...
Miss Jessi is a part time K-7 music teacher with a local BC school district and in 2024 also taught a secondary course in Early Childhood Growth & Development. She holds her B. Mus. Ed in Voice from the University of Regina, completed in 2001. She is also a professional vocalist, songwriter, recording artist, vocal coach, producer and stage performer; this is coupled with a vast background in musical theatre and has had much experience working with students of all ages, abilities, levels of experience and levels of confidence and ways of identifying. She creates a safe supportive space for participants to explore creativity, take risks, to be vulnerable and try new experiences. By the end of a workshop or camp, students often feel like a little family and it's always hard to say "until we meet again".
Miss Jessi facilitates not only learning about the performing arts but provides opportunities for the social/emotional (SEL) aspect of these experiences and quite often real and lasting friendships are formed. Miss Jessi has worked with many organizations in the capacity of "Director", "Music Director", "Vocal Coach" and "Choreographer" from Saskatchewan to the Yukon to British Columbia including Arts Umbrella, Learning Through The Arts, Youth Association of Watson Lake, Sarah McLachlan School of Music, UBC's Take To The Stage, Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society, VSB Artist in Residence Program, KidSafe, Sask Express Musical Theatre Studio, Uncle Randy Productions and so much more. Past productions include: Annie, Alice in Wonderland, Lion King, Mystery of Edwin Drood, A Chorus Line, A Night In The Ukraine, Sleeping Beauty and Dregs: Rock Bottom. Her passion for creativity, education and working with those who, like herself, are neurodivergent is evident in the way she approaches each learning space and lasting connections with families.
If you would like to express interest, have any questions or would like to discuss anything related to what we are building please send us an email:
[email protected]
Take good care,
QLP
Light The Stage was founded in 2011 and summer camps were held at the Dorothy Somerset Theatre at UBC. Miss Jessi had a baby and now that much time has past and her baby is now 14 years old, the time has come for Light The Stage to return to our wonderful community, providing classes, workshops and camps for all ages, preschool through to adult.
Our programs will offer opportunities for participants to be creative and take part in activities and games that develop the whole person, including music, theatre, dance/movement and visual arts. Participants will also have the chance to showcase their work in a supportive, low pressure environment in front of friends and family.
What is our philosophy?
We truly believe that every single person deserves to be seen, heard, felt and fully expressed and that each one of us has a unique and special light inside that longs to connect, share and create. We support and celebrate each participant for who they truly are and create opportunities for them to shine in their own way - and that may look completely different from the way another person shines. We all have gifts that don't necessarily fit into just one box; nor should they ! We invite our participants to "come as they are", unmask and show up authentically.
What makes our programs special?
We know what it's like to enrol your child in a program, camp or activity only to be told that they are misbehaving, can't focus or refuse to participate. Our programs are carefully curated to accommodate a vast array of special accommodations, sensory needs, sensitivities, the need for breaks/recharge time and space for adaptations whether it be to address physical, emotional and/or cognitive functioning/needs. We plan our days with this in mind and create a different set of expectations for our students. We give space and room for them to be themselves without feeling judged, dismissed or overlooked.
What does a typical day look and feel like?
We custom build our workshops, classes and camps to suit the needs of our participants rather than a "copy and paste" approach. So in each situation, things might look a little different based on what is required to create success for all.
Types of programs include:
- creative camp - participants get to try out aspects of music making, acting, dance/creative movement & visual art, stringing together bits n piece, culminating in an informal sharing of work with friends and family
- musical theatre production - participants work together focusing on a scripted show and develop skills in theatre etiquette, group vocals (small groups/solos also available to those who feel ready to try), learning bout staging/blocking, some simple choreography, learning lines, development of characters and having the chance to build props, create costuming and culminating in a final presentation
The following is an example of what a morning might look like:
9-10am soft start / trickle in (we like to leave lots of room as we know how getting out on time can go, depending on the day)
- during this time participants have choices such as finding a corner to be quiet and curl up with a blanket, eating a snack, visiting with another participant, playing with toys, making art, resting, etc.
- if any dysregulation is present, parents are welcome to stay and co-regulate; teachers are also there to assist with this
- check in about how we are feeling (use of words, actions, sounds, body shapes etc)
- may include some one on one connection activities as well as ice breakers to help develop familiarity with one another to nurture relationship building, trust and comfort
- we also talk about safe bodies and safe words as well as what to do if difficult feelings start to arise as well as the importance of self care and making positive choices for ourselves and how those affect others
10am warm up / focus / team building
- each day includes both physical and vocal warm up as a full group to help get those executive function wheels turning
- activities that get everyones' brains moving and focused including ice breakers and team builders - this also allows us to build our sense of community and "team"
- includes large group work, small groups and one on one activities
- memory work
10:30am guided snack time (outside if possible)
- this time is just as important as activity time as it offers an opportunity for kids to start getting to know each other on their own
- participants are expected to sit while eating and focus on nourishment
- parents are asked to pack low sugar/nut free snacks with nourishment that supports cognitive and physical engagement
- this is also a time for participants to socialize with each other - we are here to support this time as well, offering a hand with initiating conversations, inclusion and shyness or lack of confidence
10:45am transition to next activity
- we like to leave extra time for bathroom/wash hands/regulate through transition if needed)
11:00am character work
- this is done through organic creative process and is based on the idea of "creating something from nothing"
- we play with movement, words, sounds, personality traits as well as use of costume pieces and props
- may include mask work, clown and aspects of story telling
- circle up following activity to discuss how it felt to go through the process
11:30am visual art
- work on set decoration / props making
12:00pm lunchtime!
etc....
Where will Light The Stage be located in 2026?
We are in the process of securing a space and are looking at (hopefully) partnering with an organization that both has the space but also that specializes in working with neurodivergent people.
Where can I find more information?
As the summer/fall move forward, we will continue to update this page and eventually will post program information and registration forms. We are excited to bring this vision to reality as we know what it's like from a lived neurospicy experience as well as from a parent perspective.
About the instructor, Miss Jessi...
Miss Jessi is a part time K-7 music teacher with a local BC school district and in 2024 also taught a secondary course in Early Childhood Growth & Development. She holds her B. Mus. Ed in Voice from the University of Regina, completed in 2001. She is also a professional vocalist, songwriter, recording artist, vocal coach, producer and stage performer; this is coupled with a vast background in musical theatre and has had much experience working with students of all ages, abilities, levels of experience and levels of confidence and ways of identifying. She creates a safe supportive space for participants to explore creativity, take risks, to be vulnerable and try new experiences. By the end of a workshop or camp, students often feel like a little family and it's always hard to say "until we meet again".
Miss Jessi facilitates not only learning about the performing arts but provides opportunities for the social/emotional (SEL) aspect of these experiences and quite often real and lasting friendships are formed. Miss Jessi has worked with many organizations in the capacity of "Director", "Music Director", "Vocal Coach" and "Choreographer" from Saskatchewan to the Yukon to British Columbia including Arts Umbrella, Learning Through The Arts, Youth Association of Watson Lake, Sarah McLachlan School of Music, UBC's Take To The Stage, Saskatchewan Cultural Exchange Society, VSB Artist in Residence Program, KidSafe, Sask Express Musical Theatre Studio, Uncle Randy Productions and so much more. Past productions include: Annie, Alice in Wonderland, Lion King, Mystery of Edwin Drood, A Chorus Line, A Night In The Ukraine, Sleeping Beauty and Dregs: Rock Bottom. Her passion for creativity, education and working with those who, like herself, are neurodivergent is evident in the way she approaches each learning space and lasting connections with families.
If you would like to express interest, have any questions or would like to discuss anything related to what we are building please send us an email:
[email protected]
Take good care,
QLP
Blast from the past!
Take a look at some of our previous posters/flyers/pics that we dug up from the vault!
We just might resurrect THE GREAT SHIFT as the first show we produce!
It's all about finding that bright light within and letting it shine in its uniqueness and fullness....
Take a look at some of our previous posters/flyers/pics that we dug up from the vault!
We just might resurrect THE GREAT SHIFT as the first show we produce!
It's all about finding that bright light within and letting it shine in its uniqueness and fullness....
