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Arts Inside

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

Arts Inside is a 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! 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 professional artist.

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: Snelgrove Community Centre, 11692 Hurontario St, Brampton
When: December 10, 2025; February 18, 2026; March 26, 2026
Program starts at 7:00 PM

This program is intended for ages 16+

How to participate

Cost: Free

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

Register f​or Tickets​

Features of Arts Inside Workshops
  • Learn from professional artists
  • 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​

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

Upcoming Workshops

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.

Artist Facilitator

Image of Leighton Alexander Williams 

Leighton Alexander Williams is an award-winning actor, writer, and director based in Brampton, Ontario. He's a graduate of Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School and of York University's acting conservatory (BFA 2015). Since leaving theatre school, Leighton has performed on some of the biggest stages across Canada and the U.S. His most notable achievements in the theatre industry were winning the esteemed Emerging Artist of the Year Award for acting, writing, and directing his play "Judas Noir" (Obsidian Theatre/BDB Production). His breakout performance as “Satan” also led to his first Dora Mavor Moore Nomination, Toronto Critics' Pick Nomination, and critical acclaim.

Beyond his accomplishments in acting, Leighton is also a co-founder of BDB Productions Inc. As a writer, his debut film "Residue" gained significant attenti​on as it delved into the aftermath of police brutality. The movie received media coverage on Breakfast Television and CHCH News during its successful festival run. Subsequently, CBC swiftly licensed "Residue", making it available on demand via CBC Gem. As a director, Leighton worked on season 2 of the groundbreaking series: "21 Black Futures", which featured 63 of Canada's top black artists (21 actors, 21 directors, & 21 Writers). This series won four Canadian Screen Awards, including "Best Digital Series", and he was nominated for a Pauline McGibbon Award for his work. Leighton is a recent graduate of the prestigious Canadian Film Center's: CBC Actors Conservatory.

Since graduating, he has starred in a plethora of award-winning series and feature films. His short film "Queenie & Alpha" was well received at its TIFF BellLightbox debut, and led him to being offered his first series regular role, as Jarod in the upcoming comedy "Settle Down" — coming to OutTV/AppleTV in 2025.

For a comprehensive list of Leighton Alexander Williams' credits, you can refer to his IMDb page at imdb.me/leightonwilliams, or follow him on instagram @livingwithlaw.

We'll explore the essentials of crafting jokes that hit home and resonate with your audience. You'll learn how to mine your own experiences for material—because if you can't laugh at your own life, who can? By the end you'll be armed with marketing tools and who knows...you might just become the next comedy sensation—or at least the funniest person at your family reunions!

Artist Facilitator

Image of Keesha Brownie 

Keesha Brownie is an energetic, multi-faceted performer. She crafts her comedic recipe with a background in theatre, sketch, and music. Making observations about her Jamaican roots and Canadian upbringing, she punctuates punchlines with act-outs, parody songs, and sometimes even backup dancers.

"Theatre is what really gave me the legs and the skeleton to do standup comedy because it's the same kind of art form, you're up there and you're vulnerable." - Keesha Brownie, interview with Alexis Perikleous for CBC

Behind that dynamic stage presence lies a fierce work ethic and an entrepr​eneurial mind. Brownie is a Second City alumni, independent show producer, and she keeps her fingers on the pulse by frequenting open mics all over Toronto.

Brownie earned a Canadian Comedy Award nomination for Best Female Stand-Up in 2015. From there, she has made a name for herself on a global scale. Brownie has graced the stage across Canada and the United States. She's also performed in the Caribbean and the United Kingdom.

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​

Contact Cultural Services

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

Email Cultural Services