Similar to the old Art Linkletter TV show "Kids Say the Darndest Things" that asked young children for their views on the world, What’s That? features children from 4 to 10 years of age whose imagination and youth are just right for ‘unusual’ answers.
The series produced locally, was the brainchild of well-known figure skating coach Janet Dawson and Bruce County Playhouse producer Leslie McNamara working with Eastlink’s Betty Uiselt and teacher Tina Hrinivich. Together, the foursome came up with the idea of working with the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre where the entire series is being filmed.
Artifacts are brought out of the Museum’s historic collection and the young students are then able to examine them and arrive at their conclusions as to what the items are and what their purpose was. Many of the answers drawn from the young imaginations are brilliant and innovative as well as entertaining.
The series premiered at the Museum this past Saturday, February 23rd, with all the trappings of an Oscar production including the red carpet. For the young performers, it was their first chance to see themselves on the ‘big screen’, along with the many family and friends who were in attendance.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for young students to learn about history and be engaged in the process,” said Deputy Mayor Don Matheson. “As a teacher, I think this is a great initiative and would definitely like to see more of this kind of thing.”
As with any production, students from surrounding elementary schools were required to audition. There will be six productions in the series with approximately 12 students per production. Open auditions will be continuing, with the next show on Saturday, March 2nd. I'll try to be there, living vicariously, because once again I was born 70 years too soon.
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