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Leadership By Design

SummerUp

Summer Learning

SummerUp · Arts & Culture

Summer Mixtape

A week-long studio storytelling experience
by Soulpepper Theatre

About this Course

Originally developed in partnership with the Lifelong Leadership Institute, the Summer Mixtape program provides Black youth ages 14–19 with an exciting opportunity to experience the world of theatre creation from the inside.

Happening at Soulpepper Theatre this summer, this 3-week intensive will help participants grow and build community in a cohort of emerging theatre creators. Participants will be invited to draw back the curtains and dive into storytelling and playwriting, collaborative creation, live performance, and more. All of this will be done by harnessing the power of theatre to tell stories rooted in both Canadian Black history and the present with lead instructor Khadijah Salawu.

Why this Matters

For some, this program may be an early start, a pathway to a career in theatre and performance. A mixture of participants who may or may not have prior experience in theatre will allow for peer-to-peer skill sharing. Moreover, having Black representation in theatre is one way for ensuring that Black stories and history are preserved, and this is empowering to the community and enriching to the still-growing culture of Canadian theatre.

Limited LBD Seats

This workshop is presented by Soulpepper Theatre, who will partner with the Lifelong Leadership Institute to provide a set of seats to LBD students. This application form relates to LBD-assigned seats. The LBD program will nominate students for this theatre workshop.

Learning Outcomes & Takeaways

The Curriculum will Include Workshops

Some of Soulpepper’s previous workshops included:

  • Dance
  • Spoken Word
  • Music creation and Songwriting
  • Creation in Historical Contexts
  • Design

The Experience will Provide:

  • Development of a new cohort of Black Canadian artists ready to share their talents with the world
  • Workshops in storytelling and theatre creation
  • Facilitation by industry professionals
  • Laying the foundation of creation and performance leading to the creation of new original work and a final performance open to the public
  • Providing a dedicated space for Black youth to have their voices heard
  • Guidance regarding pathways for careers in the theatre

Technical Requirements & General Information

  1. The Lifelong Leadership Institute (LLI) presents this learning opportunity as part of our commitment to expanding access to transformative learning experiences for Black youth—experiences that have too often been limited by historical inequities. We aim to nurture the talents, ambitions, and leadership potential that Black youth possess while ensuring they have full access to the skills and opportunities that drive future success. This workshop enables students to explore pathways to a career in theatre and performance.
  2. Because this is a fast-paced, seven-day learning experience, only students who can commit to attending all seven days should apply. Students who cannot attend the full program are encouraged to consider future opportunities.
  3. The course emphasizes interactive, hands-on, and experiential learning. Students are expected to participate actively in discussions, collaborate with peers, and complete in-class assignments.
  4. Parent’s Role: Once LLI selects students for this workshop, it will transfer the necessary student information to Soulpepper Theatre. The workshop will be managed and delivered entirely by Soulpepper Theatre; the Lifelong Leadership Institute will not be involved. The workshop will admit Black youth ages 14–19, which means some participants will be classified as adults. Parents or legal guardians will be responsible for ensuring that students under age 18 arrive on campus and depart safely and on time, as well as for providing lunch.
Course Instructor

Khadijah Salawu

Actor · Arts Educator · Creative Producer

Khadijah Salawu is an actor, arts educator, creative producer and DJ. She is a graduate of the Arts York drama program at Unionville High School, and holds a HBA in Drama, Theatre and Performance from the University of Toronto. She is the founder and editor of The African Diaspora Literature and Performance Toolkit, a forthcoming online adaptable list of resources that provides examples about African diasporic literature and performing arts with a focus in African-Canadian creation. It is designed to be used by high school English and drama teachers in their classrooms.

She has served as the Artistic Director and co-founder of FreeUp! – an annual nation-wide youth-led Emancipation Day celebration, wherein the CBC Gem Emancipation Day 2020 Special received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Performing Arts Program at the 9th Canadian Screen Awards.

Khadijah brings her love for imagination and storytelling to young people as an arts educator at Young People’s Theatre, Soulpepper Theatre, St. James Town Community Arts and across the Greater Toronto Area.

Course Snapshot

Status: Applications closed
Dates
Tuesday, August 4 · Thursday, August 6 · Tuesday, August 11 · Thursday, August 13 · Tuesday, August 18 · Wednesday, August 19* · Thursday, August 20
Daily Schedule
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(* Wednesday, August 19: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Mode
In-person
Venue
Young Centre for the Performing Arts (50 Tank House Lane), Distillery District, Toronto
Duration
7 days – spanning three weeks
Instructional Leader
Khadijah Salawu – actor, arts educator, creative producer
Fee
No charge.
Lunch
Lunch will not be provided by the LBD program or by Soulpepper Theatre. Students are welcome to bring a packed lunch.
Certificate
No.
Who Should Apply
  • Leadership by Design (LBD) students, who in September 2026 will be in Grade 12 (C24) and Grade 11 (C25), or in first-year post-secondary studies (C23).
  • Other Black youth in Ontario, who in September 2026 will enrol in Ontario Grade 10, 11, and 12, and who have required academic qualifications.
  • Students who are curious about storytelling in all its forms, who love expressing ideas, experimenting with characters, and collaborating with others. Students without formal theatre experience but who are imaginative and creative may also apply.
Important

Apply only if you can commit to attending all scheduled days of this in-person workshop.

Go to Application Form
LBD will admit eligible applicants on a rolling, space-available basis.