City of Brampton Logo

Arts Inside

​​​​​What arts are inside you? This is your chance to find out!

Arts Inside is a monthly performing arts workshop series for adults ​and youth 14+ led by arts professionals working in all art forms. With a focus on creation, connection and community, this is your chance to bring out your inner artist! Whether you are interested in exploring acting, poetry, singing, creative writing, digital storytelling or dancing, each month will provide a new and exciting option! No previous experience is necessary — just an open-mind and the willingness to try something new in a safe space. Meet new people and learn from a new artist each month

Accessibility

We are committed to offering an accessible and comfortable experience for all. Here are some accessibility features of this program:

  • Free to participate
  • Wheelchair accessible venue
  • ASL interpreters and support persons are welcome
  • We celebrate neurodiversity and active listeners
  • Snacks and refreshments provided

Time and location

Where: (New!) Snelgrove Community Centre, 11692 Hurontario St, Brampton

When: One Wednesday each month (with some exceptions)

Doors open at 6:30 pm, program starts at 7:00 pm.

How to participate

Cost: Free

Questions: Email us at arts.culture@brampton.ca

Register for Tickets

Features of Arts Inside Workshops

  • Learn from a different arts professional each month
  • These professional development workshops can be added to your resume
  • Enjoy snacks and refreshments
  • Explore your creativity
  • Be in the company of like-minded people in a welcoming environment

Arts Inside is an ongoing series - let us know what interests you! Email us at arts.culture@brampton.ca

Photos taken at December 11, 2024 Arts Inside: Vocal Accompaniment workshop with Corey Butler and Shakura S’Aida

Fall 2025 Workshops

Join producer, composer and internationally renowned drummer O'Neil "Drummy" Fuller in an exciting hand drum & percussion workshop. No experience needed. Materials provided or bring your own.

Artist Facilitator

Image of O'Neil "Drummy" Fuller 

O'Neil "Drummy" Fuller attended Mayfield S.S of the Arts and later earned an Audio Production certificate from Trebas Musical Institute. It was evident early out that his talent was matched with his ambition when in 1999 he started drumming professionally with the gospel group K Morris and the Jewels; going on to win several Canadian reggae awards and Juno nominations starting off his musical journey with a bang. Later that year he backed Grammy award winning Yolanda Adams and Donnie Mclurken; earning him a solid position for the next five years, as a member of the Explorer Band, who often backed international artists Sizzla, I-Wayne, Gregory Isaacs, John Holt and Josey Whales. After playing for the fifth consecutive year at the Calgary Reggae Festival, 'Drummy' is now focusing his attention on "Full a Sound Studio" which ​he founded in 2002. The main focus in the studio at present is the production of musical compositions for home grown and international talent under the independent (Fullasound records) label. Recently this very ambitious musician also founded a music school, "Full-A-Sound Music school" in Toronto, where he teaches children and adults music through drums, percussion, bass and guitar, piano and vocal training.

Are YOU ready to sing, act, and move with confidence? Step into the TRIPLE THREAT workshop where you will find your voice, own the stage, and celebrate your passion for the performing arts. This fun, inclusive workshop welcomes all skill levels to take center stage and experience the thrill and joy of singing, acting, and expressive movement. Whether new or experienced, rise up and shine as the triple threat star you truly are!

Artist Facilitator

Image of Summer Saiegh Mihail 

Mrs. Summer Saiegh Mihail (she/her), a seasoned judge and passionate performing arts advocate, brings a wealth of diverse performance experience spanning over a decade to global audiences. Trained in vocal and acting under esteemed, renowned experts in the performing arts, Mrs. Summer has graced d​iverse musical productions, directed, written and contributed to prestigious performing arts companies in Ontario, and engaged audiences as a passionate and compelling conference speaker, championing the transformative power of the arts. As an Ontario Certified Teacher with a Master of Education (M.Ed.), Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Mrs. Summer is deeply committed to the universal power of education, encouraging lifelong learners to experience the world through storytelling.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Mrs. Summer has been the proud Director of SPARKLE Performing Arts Studio, offering versatile instruction for all ages in vocal, drama, public speaking, audition techniques, and performance development with its mission of nurturing confidence at the heart of each lesson.

Alongside her educational and artistic pursuits, Summer and her husband own and operate Unravel World Travel, a full-service events and travel agency that merges their passions for travel, performance, education, and event planning, inspired by the belief that the whole world is your stage ready for you to take the spotlight! Mrs. Summer's profound mission is to continue to inspire others that with love, dreams, perseverance, curiosity and plenty of passion, truly anything is possible! @SummerSaiegh #ADesireToInspire

This workshop will provide an introduction to Theatre of the Oppressed. This style of theatre has its roots in Paulo Freire's critical pedagogy. Augusto Boal was the founder of Theatre of the Oppressed and developed it to empower workers and community members to fight back against oppressions they were facing. There are multiple branches of theatre involved in Theatre of the Oppressed such as Legislative theatre, Newspaper theatre, and Invisible theatre. The branch that we will be talking about the most in the workshop is Forum Theatre. Forum Theatre originated in the early 1970s, with the original intention of helping spectators realize their "internal oppressions" and begin to overcome them. Learn key concepts in forum theatre such as the anti-model, the joker/facilitator, and the spect-actor.

Artist Facilitator

Image of Simon Malbogat 

Simon Malbogat has been a key player in Canada's popular theatre scene for over 30 years. He has studied with the greatest contemporary popular theatre practitioners (Augusto Boal, Jerzy Grotowski, Eugenio Barba, Yoshi Oida) and adapted Forum Theatre to the modern, Canadian audience and artist de​veloping an innovative theatre and teaching approach.

As MCT's Artistic Director, Simon has worked extensively in engaging communities including street-involved newcomers, youth, children, seniors, educators, parents, mental health professionals and artists through Forum Theatre and the interactive arts approach. His vision has been to create positive social change through communityengaged theatre across a wide range of social themes including mental health, education, HIV awareness, intergenerational relationships, cross cultural understanding, racism and privilege, and elder abuse. Simon's recent successful community-engaged productions have been Spring Moon (2017), The Golden (C)age (2017), Photographic Evidence (2018), Breaking the Cycle (2018), In Your Head (2019), Consent Matters (Virtual Forum Theatre in 2020), Two-Sided Mirror (VFT 2022) and I Carry with Me (VFT 2022) and the upcoming Harvest Justice: Twice the Speed of Lightning (2025).

Simon has provided workshop creation, direction and facilitation for young people ages 14 to 18, resulting in over 40 theatre forum plays. Other youth group projects have involved the Community Initiative Project, Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club, the East End Community Health Centre, the Sears Drama Festival for Youth, the Social Planning Council of Peel and the Toronto West End Community. International workshops for youth have taken him to the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ukraine on three separate occasions.

Simon has directed and acted in over 50 new Canadian works, many of which many are now seen as important benchmarks in the development of Canadian theatre. He has played key roles in numerous plays by the Chalmer's award winner Rex Deverell; David Fennario's On The Job, Nothing to Lose, Banana Boots which won the Montreal Gazette's Best New Play and Joe Beef which won the Pauline Julienne Award; George Walker's Criminals in Love; and Michael Glassbourg's Bad Apples.

Teaching credits include The University of Toronto, York University, Humber College, Queen's and Brock University. In 1997 Simon created The Ripple Effect: 8th International Festival of the Theatre of the Oppressed which presented 450 artists from over 22 countries. He also produced The Open Stage Toronto Theatre Festival, The Canadian Popular Theatre Alliance Festival and From the Ground Up: The National Festival of Canadian Theatre.

This workshop is designed for performers at the beginner to intermediate level. It will introduce the basics of acting, challenge participants to step out of their comfort zones, and deepen their understanding of performance. We'll touch on everything from how to warm-up (physically, vocally), to character status and stakes, and finish with each participant getting a chance to perform a 2-minute monologue with redirection. This workshop emphasizes hands-on, interactive participation to build confidence and creativity, making it suitable for both first-timers and those with experience in performance.

Artist Facilitator

Image of Alexia Vassos 

Alexia Vassos (she/her) is an actor and writer currently based in the Greater Toronto Area. An alumna from the Theatre and Drama Studies joint program between the University of Toronto and Sheridan College, she holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and an Advanced Diploma in Acting. Since graduating, she's appeared bo​th on stage and screen in a variety of theatre productions (Shakespeare in the RUFF), commercial campaigns (Amazon, PetSmart, Wells Fargo) and TV/film ventures (Bell Fibe TV1, Lifetime). In her recent endeavours, Alexia has been able to combine her love of the arts with her passion for disability advocacy, moderating events, participating on panels and facilitating workshops that focus on accessibility within the industry and reflect her experiences as a Disabled artist.

Past Participant Quotes

"These workshops invite and build community." - Rose, 2025

"It is a great opportunity for young people to learn without being judged. For parents to gain knowledge and perspective and for the community to see the talent amongst them." - Participant, 2025

"It's a great way to meet people with the same interests as you. I went with a friend and left with a few new ones!" - Sofia, 2025

"Allison was such a treat to learn from. She radiates joy. Has incredible experience. I just enjoyed so much playing theatre games with the other participants, and especially doing the different treatments of the scene. Can't wait to see the lineup next year!" - Participant, 2025

Both Shakura and Corey were experts in their field and their passion for teaching and music was clearly evident. They not only taught us new techniques but also emphasized the importance of musical expression and creativity. My daughter and we gained deep insights of music, vocal confidence and art of accompaniment. It was an incredible experience, we absolutely loved it. - Shabnam, 2024

I was a participant at this workshop last November. I continued taking workshops with The HIVE this year, and just recently had my debut on stage as part of a one-act play. So what started last November has continued on as a growing passion now! :) As a result, I am responding to a casting call and creating my first ever Artist's/Actor's resume. - Hina, 2024

This workshop was fabulous! It was very informative, a lot of fun and was a very wonderfully supportive small group. It took me out of my comfort zone, which I think is a good thing for a 70-year-old brain. LOL. - Karla, 2024

Thank you so much for putting together the Singer-Songwriter Circle with Pam Levi tonight. I left feeling energized and inspired. Right now, my heart and bucket are full and overflowing. Tonight was just what I needed!! - Adam, 2024​​

Contact Cultural Services

Brampton City Hall
2 Wellington St W
Brampton, ON
L6Y 4R2