Guest Post: Young actors receive scholarships in honour of Sabrina Shannon

By Young People’s Theatre, Toronto

Thanks to Food Allergy Canada, two students have been awarded Drama School Bursaries for the 50th Anniversary Season of Young People’s Theatre! Food Allergy Canada donated this wonderful gift in honour of Sabrina Shannon. Sabrina, who passed away due to an allergic reaction at the age of 13 in 2003, is a special member of our Drama School alumni.

Sabrina loved YPT! In fact, when Sabrina’s mom suggested taking part in another type of camp one summer, Sabrina replied, “No Mom. I found my love. I love Young People’s Theatre!” Sabrina, having severe food allergies, was also a true advocate for food safety and allergies. This year marks the 10^th anniversary of Sabrina’s Law, which mandates all publicly funded schools in Ontario to have measures in place to protect students at risk of anaphylaxis. Since Sabrina’s passing there has not been a death from anaphylaxis in an Ontario school. Sabrina’s remarkable legacy has served to protect Ontario students, and has influenced policies across the country and internationally.

Thank you again to Food Allergy Canada for the honour of keeping Sabrina’s legacy alive by providing these students–who love YPT as much as Sabrina–with the opportunity to take part in our Drama School programs during out 50th Wonder-Filled Season. Approximately 2.5 million Canadians self-report having at least one food allergy in addition to the many at risk for insect sting-, mediation-, latex- or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

YPT will have print material from Food Allergy Canada available in our lobby during the run of Goodnight Moon from February 29^th to March 19, 2016.

Find out more about the great work of Young People’s Theatre and their bursary program

Learn more about Sabrina Shannon and Sabrina’s Law