Leader Arts Council is mentoring the next generation
By Joan Janzen
LEADER - There's a Spark in Leader, and his name is Logan Duchscherer, the newest Spark Coordinator in the Leader Arts Council. He has teamed up with Treena Redman, the Performing Arts Coordinator, who is his mentor in OSAC's Spark Program.
Spark is a performing arts mentorship program for those aged 29 and under. As Spark Coordinator, Logan, a Grade 10 student at LCS, is tasked with choosing one performance for the season, and he chose The Wardens.
Treena Redman from the Leader Arts Council is mentoring Logan Duchscherer as part of OSAC's Spark program, designed to develop the next generation of arts presenters in Saskatchewan. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
The three members of The Wardens collectively worked as Canadian national park wardens for over 50 years. Through their mountain music and three-part harmonies, they share chilling tales of their experiences. The April 1st performance looks to be a crowd-pleaser, and Logan has a number of attractive options to offer his peers.
Admission to the concert is only $5 for students, and season ticket holders can bring their kids aged 16 and under to the concert for free. "Our local travel club is operating the canteen by donation in order to fund their trip to Thailand and Vietnam," he added. "And I've recruited students to run the admission booth."
Treena explained the purpose of the Spark program is for Logan to gain hands-on experience. Logan had the opportunity to look through the videos of performers who are showcased and make his selection.
"I looked at prices, how I can market it to my peers; it had to be something they would want to see," he explained. "We recently set up a TikTok that I'm working on developing; that's one way of marketing the concerts."
"I also set up volunteers and contacted the artists themselves. I make sure they get accommodation and give them the options available." Logan is also the MC for the evening's performance.
Treena said she heard about Logan and thought he would be a good fit for the Spark program. "I like organizing," Logan said. "I'm technical. I like light and sound, and all the audio-visual equipment, and business and marketing. I did all the sound and lights at the school since I was in Grade 7."
Part of the Spark program involves an entry and exit surveys for both the mentor and mentee. "The surveys evaluate my engagement - both before and after the performance," Logan explained. After the successful completion of the surveys, the Arts Council receives a $500 grant which helps pay for the performance.
The goal of the Spark program is to help OSAC members mentor and develop Saskatchewan's next generation of arts presenters. At the same time, Logan is excited to have the opportunity to develop the skills and pursuits he enjoys.