Theater Arts Bootcamp

As part of its industry-academia interface policy, Igbinedion University Okada has partnered with the Edo State Government for a theater arts bootcamp within the University campus.

Tagged the “Heartbeat Theatre Bootcamp”, the program, which is designed to grill participants on the rudiments of acting and theater production, will run for a period of twenty-one days, between July 10th and July 30th, 2023 at Nigeria’s premier private University, Okada. During this period, participants drawn from all over the State will work with industry professionals to hone practical skills in theater productions, from costume design to lighting techniques, stage design and construction to directing and allied crafts.

Speaking at the commencement of the program, the Director, Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub —co-technical partner along with GIZ-SKYE — Mr Rex Charles stressed the importance of theatre for self-actualization and national development. Speaking further on the rationale for the initiative, he said the Edo State Government, through Edo Jobs, its agency for skills acquisition, was committed to taking the participants’ talents to the next level. He thanked Igbinedion University for being a reliable partner in progress.

While receiving the event co-organizers at his office, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, (PhD, FAS), lauded the Edo State government’s initiative, describing the theatre bootcamp as a step toward strengthening and repositioning theatre in Edo State as a force within the national and the global community. Professor Ezemonye reminisced on his love for theater in his undergraduate days, describing it as “always therapeutic” and an innovative way to discover and nurture great talents for the uplift of Nigeria’s entertainment industry. He stressed the continued commitment of the University to positive collaborations with institutions within and outside Nigeria with a view to making transformative impacts in the society.