- Production integrates live theatre, filmed moments and projection at Capitol Theatre

Mount Sentinel Secondary School Academy of Performance and Media will present scenes from British playwright Caryl Churchill’s Love and Information at the Capitol Theatre on June 12 and 13.

The ninth annual year-end showcase features a cast of 23 student actors, five student directors and six students working backstage in technical production, all part of the school’s film, theatre and media production program based in the Slocan Valley.

“Love and Information is this amazing, complex play that’s really open-ended,” said student director and actor Mischa Gretchen. 

“It gives us as students tons of room for creative interpretation. We get to make this play uniquely our own as we interpret each scene, and since we’re a film and media program, there are lots of projection and tech elements in it.”

Teacher and director Martina Avis, who co-teaches in the academy with Danny Leeming, said the play explores how information and technology affect human relationships.

“Love and Information is really […] 49 mini moments. It's an incredibly diverse, fast paced, sad, funny selection of scenes that ultimately ask, what do we know about how information and technology impact human relationships? We’re threading meaning together with an incomplete data set.” 

The production reflects the program’s integration of film, projection and live performance and is “an example of how the academy is a place to explore art and creation in a supportive school environment,” said student Katarina Matter.

“It creates a space for students to be who they actually are and be surrounded by people who are also fully themselves.”

In the play, students incorporate film and video projections to augment storytelling and create connections between scenes.

“The filmed moments support the live performance and help bring the audience along in the story, including the film sequences that serve as characters’ memories within the play,” said student film director Ethan Ash.

Students credit experiences such as the B.C. Student Film Festival for building their confidence to tackle ambitious multimedia productions. In 2026, Mount Sentinel students received more senior-category nominations than any other B.C. high school.

“My time in Academy PM has allowed me opportunities like no other theatre program I’ve been part of — not only acting but also directing scenes and working collaboratively with peers,” said Vega Payne, who plans to attend the University of Victoria in the fall to study theatre.

“The program supports and pushes students toward their individual strengths and passions.”

Gretchen agrees. “Staging scenes from Love and Information gives us credit as young actors and creators to explore a mature and challenging play. I think we’re doing it justice too, which is exciting.”

Scenes from Love and Information will be performed June 12 at 7 p.m. and June 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 plus fees and are available through the Capitol Theatre box office and at the door.

Media Release Writing Credit: Academy PM Student Melina Burgener