CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Confederation Players is marking two important milestones this summer: the 100th anniversary of its program sponsor, CN Rail, and the 30th anniversary of the program itself.
Founded in 1989 to mark the 125th anniversary of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, the program has offered historic vignettes, guided walking tours, Victorian songs, croquet games with tourists and improvised street encounters to thousands and thousands of visitors in downtown Charlottetown.
More than 250 young people from across Canada have taken part in the youth leadership program to date. The troupe employs about a dozen young people from P.E.I. and elsewhere every summer. Since 2012, it has been a key part of Confederation Centre of the Arts’ (CCOA) heritage and arts education offerings.
CN came on board as major program sponsor in 2017, launching special Canada 150 and rail-themed celebrations with the group in cities across Canada. Now, to highlight CN’s own 100th anniversary, the troupe will return to Ottawa and Montreal in the weeks ahead to perform on Parliament Hill and participate in centenary celebrations.
The Confederation Players launch their summer season at CCOA on June 29 and will offer two enhanced public walking tours until Aug. 18.
The Great George Experience guides tourists from the city’s stunning waterfront to Queen Square and includes historic vignettes and appearances from half a dozen different performers.
After years of public requests, The Ghost Tour returns this summer, hosted by “the Gravedigger”. This evening walk is offered every Friday and delves into the darker side of Island history, including tales of unsolved murders, ghost ships on the harbour and even a famous execution.
All tours are family-friendly, and the Great George Experience is available in French and English. For full program details, times, and to book walking tour tickets, visit the Confederation Centre website.
At a glance:
This year’s Confederation Players troupe includes a strong mix of new and returning collegeage performers who will bring Canada and the Island’s histories to life all summer and into the fall.
Led by artistic supervisor Cameron MacDonald, this year’s troupe includes returnees Guy Brun, Dylan Gaudet, Grace Hickey, Jim McClean, Eden McFadden, Sam Rainnie and Jacob Rollwage. New players are Connor Briggs, Hannah McGaughey, Mitchell McNally and Alexandra Sorenson.
