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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, January 22, 2016 | 38 John Bkila Sub-Editor jbkila@oakvillebeaver.com Oakville actors take on small screen in new TV shows Soma Bhatia, 17, and Matthew Bacik, 14, star in pair of new Family Channel series by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Artscene "Connected to your Community" A couple of Oakville actors are taking on the small screen with the release of two new television series. Viewers watching the latest rendition of the popular TV show Degrassi may recognize Soma Bhatia as one of the new cast members, while Matthew Bacik is one of the stars of the Family Channel original series Lost & Found Music Studios. Soma Bhatia joins Degrassi Bhatia joins the cast of Degrassi: Next Class as character Goldi Nahir, who is in Grade 11 and a social activist, spearheading a new feminist group at the ctional, Toronto-based school. Seventeen-year-old Bhatia is no stranger to the screen, her TV and lm credits include: Poltergeist, Cheerleader Death Squad, Monkey in the Middle, Drift and Spin the Barrel. She's also dabbled in theatre, including the productions of: Legally Blonde, Ordinary People, The Twits, Imperfect Proposals and Andrews. "Soma is also well-studied in her craft, having participated in workshops and camps at The New York Film Academy at Harvard University, The Lewis Baumander Acting Studio, The Second City Training Center, The Armstrong Acting Studio and The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute," stated a press release. Degrassi: Next Class tells the sto- From left, Soma Bhatia, 17, joins the cast of Degrassi: Next Class as character Goldi Nahir, while Matthew Bacik, 14, stars as Nate on the Family Channel original series Lost & Found Music Studios. | photos courtesy DHX Media ries of Generation Z high school students and the drama that follows them as they deal with a series of " rsts" in their journey to adulthood. "Pushing their own limits and testing the bonds of family and friends, the students each nd their own way to deal with a range of issues: from homophobia and racism to substance abuse and the complications of dating in the social media age," stated a media release. From DHX Studios, the series was co-created by Linda Schuyler (executive producer) with Ste- phen Stohn, Sarah Glinski and Matt Huether. Matthew Bacik on Lost & Found Music Studios A classically-trained musician and YouTube star, Bacik appears as Nate on Lost & Found Music Studios. His character is a shy piano prodigy and a newcomer to the studio. "Despite his reserved nature, Nate surprises his fellow musicians with his subtle ways of encouraging people," stated a media release. The new TV series follows the lives of a group of talented young performers who are part of a unique music program, run by a musician turned producer. Each year, a select few are chosen to go on a live tour and hopeful candidates audition to ll the spots that have been made available. Each episode features an original soundtrack sung by the series' cast. Fourteen-year-old Bacik has taken formal classical music and piano lessons, completing his practical Grade 10 conservatory piano training when he was 12 -- focusing on studying music theory, harmony and composition. By 14, he had already written a number of original songs, some of which are available on his YouTube channel (MattErrs). New episodes Both new Family Channel television series premiered earlier this month. New episodes of Degrassi: Next Class air weeknights at 9 p.m. on F2N on Family Channel, while Lost & Found Music Studios airs regularly Fridays at 6 p.m. on Family Channel. FEED YOUR ADDICTION Offering CANADA CUT & STYLE FROM $50 COLOUR FROM $65 TREATmENTS KERATIN $300+ Book your appointment today! 518 Postridge Drive 905-257-7427 colouraddiction.com