SPARKLAB YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL

We are now accepting applications from performers ages 10–25.

This September, share your work with fellow artists and connect with the local youth arts community.

Apply to perform

Connecting Young Artists

SparkLab Youth Arts Festival brings together emerging artists from across the creative spectrum. Presented by VanPlay Stage Society, this festival offers young performers a platform to share their work and connect with peers who share their passion for the arts.

The festival welcomes artists working in dance, music, comedy, musical theatre and acting. Participants can present original work or perform pieces that showcase their creative talents. SparkLab creates space for diverse artistic expression while fostering connections within the local youth arts community.

  • Industry Feedback: Perform for experienced arts professionals who offer insights and guidance for developing your craft

  • Peer Connections: Meet other young artists and form relationships that extend beyond the festival

  • Development Focus: Designed around artistic growth and learning rather than competitive rankings

Meet our Adjudicators

  • Jennifer Lynch

    Jennifer is a performer, teacher, and choreographer based on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. She is a graduate of Capilano University’s Musical Theatre program, and has been working in and around Vancouver since graduating in 2016. Most recently, Jennifer had the privilege of performing as Velma/ Anybody’s Understudy in CTORA’s production of West Side Story. Other select performance credits include: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Beauty and The Beast, Mamma Mia! (Arts Club Theatre Company-Ovation Award Winner), Reflections on Crooked Walking (Firehall Arts Centre), Mamma Mia (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Dancer in Al Wasl Plaza (Dubai Expo 2020), Nutcracker (Caravan Farm Theatre), The Music Man (Gateway Theatre), Anything Goes, Cabaret (RCMT), West Side Story (Theatre Under The Stars), and Jesus Christ Superstar (URP- Ovation Award Winner).

  • Peter Abando

    Peter composes, directs, teaches, improvises, and performs all over Metro Vancouver. He's currently composing for two new Canadian musicals with local collaborators. Favourite include TUTS productions Something Rotten, Matilda, School of Rock, and Legally Blonde, a special charity concert of Dear Evan Hansen with Laughing Matters Theatre, 9 to 5: The Musical at Capilano University, and the Ovation nominated 2019 Vancouver Fringe hit, Amélie, with West Moon Theatre. Most recently, MD for Mary Poppins with RCMT, and now, James and the Giant Peach with CTORA. Peter has attended Chicago's Second City Training Center and frequently flies to the Broadway Teachers Workshops in New York City.

  • Chelsea Rose Winsby

    Chelsea Rose Winsby is an award-winning singer, actor, and songwriter. She attended both the University of Victoria, and the Canadian College of Performing Arts. She is the vocalist and lyricist/songwriter of Vancouver band Ophelia Falling. This fall Chelsea Rose will appear as ‘Elsa’ in the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Disney’s Frozen.

    Favourite Credits include:

    Guys and Dolls, Sound of Music, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol (Arts Club Theatre Company), I Think I’m Fallin’ (The Belfry), As You Like It and Julius Caesar (Bard on the Beach), Th’owxiya (Axis Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Gateway Theatre), Les Filles Du Roi (The Cultch/Urban Ink), Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth (Firehall Arts Centre), Broken Sex Doll (Virtual Stage), RENT (Fighting Chance), Grease, and The Wizard of Oz (Victoria Operatic Society).

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Date: September 12, 2025

Venue: VPS Theatre - 114 East 4th Ave

Ages: 10-25yrs

Deadline: September 5th, 2025

Application Requirements:

Age: Must be between 10-25 years old

Performance Length: 3-5 minutes (recommended) 

Maximum 20 minute original productions will be considered for September 12th evening performances.

Any applicants wishing to perform short plays/musicals must have appropriate rights acquired.

What We're Looking For:

SparkLab welcomes all performers, from those honing their craft to professional young artists. We value authentic expression and original work as the festival serves as a development opportunity for young artists in our community. By creating a platform for emerging performers, we are proud to supporting the growth of the next generation of creative professionals and engaged community members.

Questions? Email vanplaysociety@gmail.com


Apply to perform

FAQ

  • Yes! Solo acts, duos, and small groups are all welcome. Please specify all participants in your application.

  • The festival includes sound and lighting for your performance. Special technical requests will be considered if time allows. 


  • No, SparkLab is free for all selected participants.