Ira Pettle

Discipline: Interdisciplinary
Homebase: Vancouver/Whistler
Regions Available: Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley &, Howe Sound, Vancouver Island Lower, Vancouver Island Mid, Vancouver Island North, Interior, North, Remote, Kootenays, Virtual
Languages: English
Grant Eligibility: Eligible for 70% AIE

If 'kid whisperer' was a job title, Ira Pettle would write the handbook. Canadian-born performing artist, entertainer, and arts educator, Ira is a graduate of the acclaimed Second City Conservatory Program in Toronto where he also studied theatre at the Randolph College for the Performing Arts. He is well-known as ‘DJ Ira’ throughout the Sea to Sky corridor and is one of BC’s most sought-after family entertainers. A key player in BC’s performing arts scene, most notably in Whistler, where he was named the 2019 Champion of Arts and Culture at the Whistler Excellence Awards, Ira also holds a Masters degree in Education and has taught improv, acting, and music to thousands of kids, teens, and adults. In 2022, his debut children's album, A Little Bit, co-written with Juno award winning singer/songwriter, Norman Foote, was nominated for Children's Artist of the Year at the 2023 Western Canadian Music Awards and his next record is slated for release in the fall of 2025. His knack for teaching, entertaining, and bringing audiences together is truly a sight to see.

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While on Ira's website be sure to check out the various offerings, from the 'DJ Ira Dance Party' to 'A Little Bit Live!' He also produces and stars in Whistler's acclaimed comedy variety show, Laugh Out LIVE!

Performance(s)

A Little Bit Live!

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Music, Theatre, Dance, Storytelling, Interdisciplinary, Film/Video
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 5
Duration: 45-60 min
Capacity: 1000
Tech Requirements: Gymnasium, Theatre, Stage (optional)
Available Formats: In Person

Find out who dropped the peaches in this heartwarming musical theatre experience for young audiences. Fully interactive in its scope, A Little Bit Live! is an exercise in problem solving through teamwork and critical thinking all wrapped in a magical adventure. Additional themes include managing emotions, interacting with nature, and listening skills development through song, dance, theatre, and storytelling.

The DJ Ira Dance Party!

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Music, Theatre, Dance, Storytelling, Interdisciplinary
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: K - 12
Duration: 30-60min
Capacity: 1000
Tech Requirements: 1 X 6ft table, 1 power outlet, and staging/risers (ideal but not obligatory) - In addition to the performance, all audio equipment, travel/delivery, set-up/tear down, and consultation is included in the fees quoted.
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

Unify your school, grade, or class with a music and movement event like no other! The DJ Ira Dance Party is a fully interactive education-based celebration promoting team work, self-expression, and school unity. Recommended for: school year kick-off events / assemblies (all themes - fully customizable) / fundraisers / PAC Events / Halloween / back to school events / Valentines Day celebrations / outdoor themed days / end of year celebrations / grade 7 and high school graduations

Workshop(s)

Improv & Acting Workshops - Grade 1-12

School Year: 24-25
Discipline: Theatre, Storytelling, Interdisciplinary, Writing
Offered Languages: English
Grade Suitability: 1 - 12
Duration: 45-90 min
Capacity: 500
Tech Requirements: A projector and screen may be required for groups over 50
Available Formats: In Person, Virtual

Available for individual classes, grades, and school wide events, Ira's improv and acting workshops promote spontaneity, creativity, and team work while cultivating the students' sense of self, including awareness of others and the environment. In addition to being hilarious and fun, this workshop hyper-attunes listening skills, promotes self-expression in a safe space, and nurtures confidence and fear management. It's truly transformational...and super fun!

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