Mount Pleasant Welcomes New Youth Arts Hub
Vancouver Performing Stars (VPS) has just launched its dream facility in Mount Pleasant, bringing fresh energy and opportunity to the local arts scene. In April, the doors swung open at Unit 102, 114 E. 4th Ave., revealing a vibrant 5,000-square-foot space complete with two dance studios and an 80-seat theatre. This milestone marks a major leap for founder Katy Finlay, who started VPS in 2012 and has since watched her vision grow from humble beginnings to a thriving community hub.
From Humble Starts to a Second Home
What began as a couple of parent-and-tot classes at Hillcrest Community Centre has blossomed into a network of nine locations, serving more than 1,500 young artists aged one to 18. The new Mount Pleasant studio stands as the flagship, anchored by the motto “Work Hard Dream Big”—words that truly reflect the spirit of VPS. “We believe in more than just training for the stage; we develop essential life skills,” says Finlay. “We foster resilience, confidence, creativity, and community in every child that walks through our doors.”
A Space for Growth, Creativity, and Community
Designed by Proscenium Architecture and Interiors Inc., the bright and open facility offers a refreshing change from VPS’s previous home at Fraser and 24th Street. The space now hosts a packed schedule of programs, including musical theatre, acting, jazz, tap, hip hop, breakdancing, acrobatics, voice, and various competition teams. Finlay emphasizes that the goal is not just to train future stars but to build character and provide life-changing experiences for every participant.
Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience
Finlay admits the path to this new location wasn’t easy. The original plan to lease the space in 2019 nearly fell through, but a silver lining emerged: “If that had gone through, the pandemic would have done us in,” she recalls. Instead, VPS weathered the storm and emerged stronger, recently wrapping up four musical productions, recitals, dance showcases, and a gala for the non-profit VanPlay Society.
Opportunities for All: Camps, Rentals, and More
Summer is now in full swing at VPS, with day camps, mini-camps, and two-week intensives filling the daytime timetable. Meanwhile, evenings and weekends are open for rentals, helping to keep the studio financially sustainable. Finlay hopes to expand daytime rental options in the fall, making the space even more accessible to the community.
Life-Changing Experiences for Young Artists
One of VPS’s longtime students, Colette Creasser, credits the studio with shaping her confidence and communication skills. “VPS theatre, dance, and singing have always been there for me as a stable and wonderful part of my life,” says Creasser, who joined VPS at age five and recently aged out of the program at 18. Even as she heads to Simon Fraser University to study criminology, Creasser plans to stay involved in the performing arts. “The balance between academics and expressing myself has always been a part of my life, and I think I need to maintain it.”
A Vision for the Future: Breaking Barriers and Celebrating Voices
Finlay’s passion for inclusivity led her to launch the non-profit VanPlay Society, which provides bursaries, mentorship, and school performance projects for young artists facing financial barriers. This September, VPS and VanPlay Stage Society will present the SparkLab Youth Arts Festival—a youth-led, barrier-free celebration of emerging voices in dance, theatre, spoken word, and music.
Why This Matters
For Finlay, the real reward comes from seeing young artists thrive in a supportive, creative environment. “It’s more than I ever imagined,” she says. “VPS is a second family to many of these young artists.” As Mount Pleasant’s newest arts destination, Vancouver Performing Stars is poised to inspire the next generation—one performance at a time.
