The Saltair Community Centre is providing the perfect venue for the Stephanie Roth Studio.
Roth, 49, who’s not slowing down at all as the big five-oh looms next year, is currently conducting intermediate (ages 9-12) and teen (ages 13-17) music theatre sessions. She has a full slate of classes starting on Jan. 10, 2022 for acting through song (ages 14+ for 14 weeks), additional intermediate and teen music theatre classes for 14 weeks, an adult music theatre class (ages 18+ for 12 weeks) and one-on-one voice lessons. Registrations are now open.
Roth has a wealth of experience in the field. Chemainus Theatre-goers will recognize her name from pre-pandemic performances of Rock Legends, Mamma Mia! and the Sound of Music.
She’s offering a chance for would-be Broadway performers or those who’d just like to learn some new skills a chance to benefit from her expertise.
Roth has six students in each of the preliminary classes she started and is looking to expand.
“I have some of the students who want to come to the next session which is encouraging,” she said.
“What I’m learning about the kids who are coming, their parents are so incredibly thankful. It’s bringing their child excitement and something to look forward to. It’s a great opportunity for those who are wanting something a bit different for families here.”
Roth’s own career has been extensive and she’s still active in the industry along with her husband of 17 years Kraig Waye, who’s currently appearing in Holiday Jubilation at the Chemainus Theatre in both instrumental and singing capacities. They currently live in Ladysmith with their daughter Caeleigh, 5, who attends kindergarten classes at Chemainus Elementary School.
Roth was born and grew up in Woodstock, Ont. and found her own way through the acting and singing opportunities she craved.
“There wasn’t anything like this,” she said. “There was a community theatre, but there were never any classes that offered the umbrella of music theatre. For me, that would have been amazing.”
Roth started singing at an early age, but the dance component didn’t come along for her until college as well as the acting element in later years.
“That’s why I want to do this for the community,” she enthused. “I want to become a solid community member and contribute. What I know how to do is to sing, dance and act.”
Roth attended Sheridan College in Oakville, Ont. that set the stage for her immediate foray into some impressive roles. After graduating from the musical theatre program, she landed a role in the Canadian premiere of The Who’s Tommy. Also to her credit was a part in the U.S. Broadway tour of Rent, the Canadian premiere of Pelagie and The King of Thieves, four seasons at the Stratford Festival and numerous lead roles in regional theatres across the country.
Roth even entertained on cruise ships and had a chance to travel around the world at the same time.
“That really afforded me the opportunity to hone my craft,” she said. “I became friends with the people who were running the entertainment department.”
Bookings with Crystal Cruises took her above and beyond the norm.
Roth and Waye started coming to B.C. from Ontario in 2017 and went back and forth several times before settling in Ladysmith.
Roth is excited about giving back to youth and seeing how it impacts them. She feels the Saltair Community Centre provides that perfect backdrop for her classes.
“We want them to feel safe and comfortable in their environment,” she pointed out.
What Roth has seen so far is her students’ willingness to try new things.
“When you get to share something you love and you see it start to develop in someone else, it makes it so worthwhile,” she said.
For more information and to register, visit www.stephanieroth.ca. By clicking on a particular class, Roth will receive an email to start the registration process.
Even if students never get into acting, the programs are designed to build self confidence, communication skills and creativity while having fun in the process that could be useful in many applications in the future.
One day Roth has aspirations of opening her own academy.