Black Kids In Action Summer Camp participants rehearse in the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/The University of Windsor)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
A transformative partnership between the University of Windsor’s School of Dramatic Art (SODA) and Black Kids in Action (BKIA) is bringing the power of the performing arts to Windsor’s youth.
The collaboration provides a free, five-week theatrical summer day camp for children designed to empower, educate and uplift Black youth through the arts.
“In underserved communities, access to arts-based programs is rare, especially in the summer when kids need structure and enrichment the most,” says Dianne Hardcastle, BKIA program coordinator.
What began as a search for rehearsal space evolved into something much deeper.
SODA not only opened its doors but also extended a hand of mentorship, collaboration and opportunity.
"This outreach connects the University to community in a way that actively engages young participants," says David Court, director of the School of Dramatic Art.
"We believe it’s about more than just providing a space for a summer camp.”
“It’s a vibrant community effort that promotes inclusion in artistic disciplines like dance, vocal performance and acting."
Held in the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre, the camp places young aspiring artists in professional spaces where stage lights shine, mirrors line dance studios and rehearsal rooms are designed to inspire.
For many, it’s their first time in such an environment.
Black Kids In Action Summer Camp participants rehearse in the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre.
“Having it here legitimizes the experience,” Court explains. “It gives the group and the students a sense that what they’re doing is real, in a facility designed for this very purpose.
“The kids rightly see themselves as performers.”
By the time the curtain rises on Aug. 8 for their final showcase, students will have rehearsed original scenes, songs and choreography that reflect their heritage, their struggles and their dreams.
This year’s original play explores the often-overlooked journeys of new immigrants whose professional credentials are not recognized after moving to Canada.
“We want to teach our kids not just history, but empathy, because there’s so much more to our community’s history than hardship,” says Hardcastle.
“There’s brilliance. There’s resilience. We want to highlight the perseverance and dignity behind those stories.”
For Court, this partnership is a clear example of how institutions can engage with communities in meaningful, creative ways.
"It’s about bringing like-minded people together and finding new ways to collaborate," he says.
“Our faculty members have participated in workshops, and we’re exploring the idea of sending SODA instructors into BKIA’s own spaces during the year to continue this exchange.”
Black Kids in Action's summer camp is just one facet of a larger organization deeply committed to youth development, explains Hardcastle.
With math competitions, bike-a-thons, community conversations and an annual Black History Month production at the Capitol Theatre, BKIA is a year-round force for good.
The summer camp has become a fertile ground for discovering rising talent.
Hardcastle beams as she shares stories of young performers who moved her to tears with their raw talent and dedication.
“You walk in on a rehearsal and think a child’s hurt only to discover that she’s acting,” Hardcastle remarks.
“That’s how committed they are. They’re naturals.”
Hardcastle has witnessed that transformation first-hand.
“The growth is just phenomenal,” she says.
“Kids sometimes arrive shy, barely whispering ‘good morning’ when they walk in and a few days later they’re up singing and dancing.”
This partnership with the University of Windsor and the School of Dramatic Art, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, represents the kind of meaningful outreach envisioned in the University’s broader community engagement goals.
“This is about showing up for the community and giving these kids the room to shine,” says Court.
And shine they will.
On a professional stage, under real lights, surrounded by mentors and loved ones who believe in them.
Windsor’s next generation of artists is finding its voice; loud, proud and ready for the spotlight.
Black Kids In Action Summer Camp participants rehearse in the Jackman Dramatic Art Centre.