Showlab

Showlab is a FREE and NEW program from the Guelph Youth Music Centre that will equip youth aged 14-18 with everything needed to organize and host music events, in a team of your peers. 

REGISTER HERE!‍ ‍

You will learn what it takes to run a concert from pre to post production, including:

  • Ideation, vision and theming

  • Budgeting and sponsorship

  • Booking artists and contracting

  • Branding and promotion

  • Production management

  • Basics of sound, stage and lighting tech

Along the way you'll develop skills in collaboration and communication, learn from industry professionals, get to know local artists and organizers, and have fun! 

Showlab is limited to 15 participants per session, accepted on a first come first serve basis.

The program is provided in four 5-week sessions, each ending with a concert YOU put on! In each session you will plan the following session's concert.

Participants are invited to take part in all sessions, and have the opportunity to mentor newcomers.

Where: Guelph Youth Music Centre (GYMC), 75 Cardigan St, Guelph, ON N1H 3Z7

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Who: Ages 14-18

Cost: FREE with transportation coverage available and snacks provided for all participants at each session!

For more information, please contact: showlab@gymc.ca

REGISTER

Session 1: July 21, 2026 - August 20, 2026

Concert 1: August 22, 2026 at 7:00pm at the GYMC Recital Hall 

Session 2: September 22, 2026 - October 22, 2026 

Concert 2: October 24, 2026 at 7:00pm at GYMC Recital Hall

Session 3: November 3, 2026 - December 3, 2026 

Concert 3: December 5, 2026 at 7:00pm at the GYMC Recital Hall

Session 4: January 19, 2027 - February 19, 2027

Concert 4: February 21, 2027 at 7:00pm at Silence (46 Essex St., Guelph ON)

Showlab is hosted by Em Wright.

Em Wright (she/they) is a multidisciplinary artist and event organizer based in so-called Guelph, Ontario, who has been hosting concerts in the city since 2022. She is known for adventurous curation, community-focused concerts, and her genre-defying DJ performances as Bodywaltz. As a DIY organizer who has learned by doing, they are so stoked to pass on their knowledge to the next generation!

Guest Speakers: Session 1 (July 21, 2026 - August 20, 2026)

Showlab is possible due to a grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation.