Winnipeg theatre company offers mental health resources through free arts programming

People are stronger when they’re together — it’s a sentiment a local theatre company is challenging youth and young adults to explore through its annual week of free arts programming at the University of Winnipeg.

Meraki Theatre is hosting the ‘Stronger Together’ arts week, which offers a variety of perfoming arts classes through to Sunday for children and teens from 7 to 18-years-old.

New to the program this year is a ‘university night’ Friday, where people ages 18 to 25 can gather at the Asper Centre for Theatre and Film for a night of free arts classes.

“I learned so much through their programming. I had a blast, I made tons of friends, and I’m really excited to go back this year,” said Quinn Zwarich.

The 17-year-old is ready to begin her week of music, acting and improv with Meraki Theatre. She said the program over the past two years impacted her so much, she keeps coming back for classes.

“Before (the program), you’re kind of by yourself. You don’t know what to do. And after it’s like, okay well here’s the people I can talk to. Here’s the next step. Here’s what to do,” said Zwarich.

Meraki Theatre’s associate artistic director, Kennedy Huckerby, said the week’s theme is to focus on the freedom of self expression, which goes hand-in-hand with caring for personal mental health.

“We hope that by continuing these workshops and by connecting both theatre and mental health that we have folks understand that they’re not alone because they aren’t,” said Kennedy.

Meraki Theatre’s mandate is to offer student-led programming, so coming up with classes for the week’s worth of classes also meant listening to the community’s needs, one of which was breaking down the financial barrier for children and families.

“One of the largest barriers to accessing arts education here in Winnipeg is the financial aspect. By having this ‘Stronger Together’ event that is completely free, we hope to reduce that barrier so folks can come out and enjoy some free arts programming,” said Huckerby.

The message of ‘Stronger Together’ seems to be resonating with youth involved in the Meraki Theatre event.

“Having a week like this where you have a whole week of free resources and information is really, really important because sometimes the cost is why people don’t take it up,” added Zwarich.

Zwarich, still a high school student, said more programming like ‘Stronger Together’ is desperately needed for youth as during this time in their lives many are looking for support and resources but are unsure of where they can turn to for help.

“I know people always say it’s gonna get harder as you grow older, but really, high school’s a time when so many students are struggling and they don’t know what to do. No one tells them where to go or who to talk to,” she said.

“I learned a lot about how you never really know what anyone else is going through and to approach everything with kindness. I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I wasn’t alone,” said Zwarich.