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West End Studio Theatre expands use of its studio space Oakville-based West End Studio Theatre (W.E.S.T.) is reimaging its studio space in an effort to expand its operations into new initiatives and relationships with other arts group, according to executive director Paul Groulx. Since 1997, the facility has operated as a non-profit hub for the performing arts, offering adult and child workshops ranging from theatre, TV and film to improv, vocals and yoga for those with special needs. It also offered its rehearsal space for a trio of major productions ultimately staged at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. The change in vision will kick off with an exhibition and sale of works by a pair of artists in April and a jazz cabaret show in May. The showcase in April will act as a "test drive" for what Groulx said he hopes will be more and similar events. "I would love this to happen very often. An enhanced visual arts presence is not unprecedented and two-fold in application," he explained. "Firstly, it connects available space with artistic opportunity. The point is, the space is there if people want to take advantage of it. Secondly, being non-profit often means finding alternative ways to offsetting operating costs." 39 | Thursday, March 31, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com We are offering the space to the Halton artistic community and beyond. We hope people will consider using it. West End Studio Theatre executive director Paul Groulx ing in oils on canvas. She has been exhibited internationally and has works in public, corporate and private collections. The free opening reception at the 1109 South Service Rd. studio theatre starts at 7 p.m., and continues Saturday (April 2) and Sunday (April 3) from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. W.E.S.T. space perfect for emerging artists Groulx said he imagines the "large, open and functional" space of the W.E.S.T. studio would be perfect for emerging artists, especially individuals, pairs, groups and high school ensembles, looking for a spot for their exhibitions. "We are offering the space to the Halton artistic community and beyond," he noted. "We hope people will consider using it." · · · Opening Friday (April 1) will be The original art of Groulx & Goossens exhibit, featuring works from professional artists Cathy Groulx and Sue Goossens. Sue Goossens A watercolour artist from Otterville, Ont., WW' works are inspired by natural scenes of light, shadow and reflection, along with heritage architecture and its place in the natural world. She works with scenes from rural Ontario and beyond. Cathy Groulx Cathy Groulx is a Woodstock, Ont.-based artist with nearly 30 years experience paintUpcoming events Upcoming events coming to W.E.S.T. include: · Judith Lander: A Cabaret Performance -- May 6 and 7; · W.E.S.T. one-act plays -- May 11-14; · The Oakville Players one-act plays -- May 26-28; · XOXO: The Relationship Show and Love with Leila -- June 4-6. For more information about any of the upcoming shows or exhibits, visit www. the-west.ca. St. Jude's Celebration of the Arts is Puttin' on the Ritz in April St. Jude's Celebration of the Arts (COTA) is Puttin' on the Ritz next month with a concert featuring the Talisker Players String Quartet. One of Toronto's acclaimed instrumental ensembles, the group was founded in 1995 and is well-known of its collaborations with singers. "The concert will take the listener on an adventure through the music of Irving Berlin, one of the greatest Broadway and Hollywood songwriters, showcasing favourites such as Top Hat, Cheek to Cheek, Heat Wave, Always, What I'll Do, and of course, the title song (Puttin' on the Ritz)," stated a media release. "Alongside Cole Porter and George Gershwin, Irving Berlin made an outstanding contribution to the `Great American Songbook,' an early 20th century genre, often featured in movies and musicals, and celebrated for clever lyrics, beautiful melodies and its emotional impact on the listener." Berlin's music has been "innovatively arranged" for string quartets for the upcoming, according to COTA organizers. Featured soloists will be tenor Bud Roach and mezzo-soprano Whitney O'Hearn. The concert takes place on Friday, April 8 at St. Jude's Anglican Church, 160 William St., at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $30 and available online at www.oakvilleconcerts.com or by calling the church office at 905-844-3972. For more arts news, visit insidehalton.com/oakville-on. `Like' the Oakville Beaver on Facebook. General $8.50 | Children & Seniors $6.50 | All seats Tues $5.00 ShOWTiMES fOR ApRil 1 - 7 10 Cloverfield Lane (14A) Fri: 3:15, 9:10 Sat: 9:10 PM Sun - Thu: 3:15, 9:10 Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice (14A) Fri - Thu: 12:40, 3:40, 6:40, 9:40 The Divergent Series: Allegiant (PG) Fri - Thu: 8:45 PM The Lady in the Van (PG) Fri - Thu: 1:00, 6:50 The Little Prince (PG) Fri - Thu: 3:30 PM My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (PG) Fri - Wed: 12:50, 2:50, 5:00, 7:10, 9:20 Thu: 12:50, 2:50, 4:50, 9:20 A Royal Night Out (PG) Fri - Thu: 1:15, 6:30 Zootopia (G) Fri: 1:10, 3:45, 7:00, 9:20 Sat & Sun: 12:00, 2:20, 4:40, 7:00, 9:20 Mon - Thu: 1:10, 3:45, 7:00, 9:20 In the Arts... Artworks Oakville display Artworks Oakville has recently hung a new display of works by local artists in the corridors of the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, 2302 Bridge Rd. The display is available during the centre's operating hours. Visit http://goo.gl/ePXZRi. Free annual piano concerto A free annual piano concerto will be held Sunday (April 3) at St. Simon Anglican Church, 1450 Litchfield Rd., from 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m. Four accomplished pianists will perform. A small reception will follow with food, drinks and a chance to meet the musicians. 171 Speers Road, Oakville (at Kerr St.) | 905-338-6397 (MEWS) www.film.ca