A former Carman resident is returning to his roots to help grow the local theatre scene through a new collaboration with Back on Cue.
Brent Buchanan, an actor, director and acting coach with more than 25 years of experience, will lead a series of acting classes in partnership with Artist’s Alley and the Carman-based theatre group. The bi-weekly sessions will run from May 4 to June 4 and are open to both current members and newcomers.
The initiative is being organized locally by producer Lee Collingridge, who said she is excited to welcome Buchanan back to Carman, where his theatre career first began.
“Back on Cue is a group that promotes local talent and works toward an artistic goal, and Brent really embodies that,” Collingridge said. “He’s local, he started here, and he’s gone on to achieve a high level of excellence in his theatrical career.”
She noted that several members of Back on Cue worked with Buchanan in his early years in Carman and are eager to learn from him again.
“People are really enthusiastic about the opportunity to learn new skills, collaborate on a presentation with Brent and see beyond our own creative community,” she said. “It’s about broadening our horizons.”
Buchanan’s career has taken him to stages across Canada, beginning in Carman before continuing his training at the George Brown Theatre School in Toronto.
“It has been my calling,” Buchanan said. “It is where I face my biggest challenges and reap the best rewards.”
He said the classes are rooted in a deep appreciation for local storytelling and community engagement.
“Carman is my first home and I hope to cultivate a space for connection and shared experience,” he said. “It is the community aspect that I strive to bring together — the ultimate nature of acting.”
Collingridge said creating a welcoming and supportive environment is a key priority for organizers.
“The environment we’re building is one of kindness and calm, where we can learn, support and share,” she said. “There are no mistakes — only creativity — and it’s open to all skill levels.”
The program will focus on acting techniques while also highlighting the mental and physical benefits of performance. Participants will explore movement, expression and collaboration in what organizers describe as a supportive, low-pressure setting.
Collingridge added that Buchanan’s connection to the community makes him uniquely suited to lead the sessions.
“He is our own — he is Carman — and he’s succeeded in the larger theatrical world,” she said. “He’s personable, and he draws from rural community in his creative work. We feel safe and comfortable with Brent leading us.”
The sessions will culminate in a performance night, where participants will have the opportunity to showcase their work for friends and family using lights, sound and simple staging.
While details of the final showcase are still taking shape, Collingridge said participants can expect a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate their growth.
“It’s a bit of a mystery to us as well at this point, but we expect we’ll be able to showcase some of the skills we’ve learned,” she said. “There will be plenty of chances for growth and achievement that we can build on to entertain Carman going forward.”
The classes are open to participants aged 18 and over, with a cost of $220 for the full session. Organizers say a limited number of spots remain available. Those interested in registering can contact Collingridge by email at leecollingu@gmail.com.
The collaboration reflects Back on Cue’s goal of supporting the growth of the local theatre community while encouraging participation from residents of all backgrounds and experience levels.
