In 2009, I was introduced to Children's Theatre when I was cast as 'Madame de la Grand Bouche,' also known as the Wardrobe in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The show was produced by Cameron University's theatre department and was to be my first big role as a theatre major. My audition piece was 'Maria' from The Sound of Music and the director, Scott Richard Klein said I surprised him with my sweet Caribbean voice which had a hint of a french accent; an accent which turned out to be perfect for the french character.
It wasn't surprising to me that children's theatre would grow on me, since I have never outgrown the child within me. I later went on to perform in A Year with Frog and Toad, a play based on a series of children's books about best friends, Frog and Toad. The books encapsulated stories surrounding the two friends beginning Spring all the way through Winter. The play featured stories of the friends swimming, flying a kite, baking cookies and one of my favourite scenes--receiving a letter from Frog.
I remember the experience of working on this production as if it was yesterday. Building and painting the set, assembling and sewing my own Lady Bird costume, and a task that I became pretty good at--designing and constructing props brings back bitter-sweet memories. I remember thinking 'Go big, or Go home". The snow flakes for winter were never big enough, the Styrofoam had to be the perfect size, the sunflowers had to be animated and that kite had to fly! Yes! you heard it...I had to figure out how to make a kite fly on stage.
After many attempts, my kite, covered with red, yellow an green fabric (colours of my flag) was suspended into the air during our TECH rehearsal, a moment which was applaud by all in attendance. It was then the Magic of theatre filled my heart and I knew that Theatre would my career for the rest of my life.
Why does Children's Theatre matter....
The best part of children's theatre for me is being able to be fully immersed in the story while making it fun and exciting for young minds. Children can be active participants and experience the magic of theatre, while also being a part of something positive. Theatre for children, fires the imagination, and gives our children the skills and the creativity necessary to face the world, to understand it and perhaps to change it too. you see, children are truly the future and we should take them seriously.
An eight year old changed my life a few months ago. she attended a play at Marryshow House with her grand mother, who used to be an actor but for some reason has taken a log holiday. That eight year old attended a few rehearsals of that same play and started giving very insightful feedback to me as the stage manger. her questions about the set design and blocking choices were so thought provoking that I challenged her to be a part of my upcoming play, (which of course, I hadn't planned yet). As witty as she was she decided to outsmart me by saying "I don't want to act! I want to do what you do. And I want to direct and write the play too". She continued to give me so many ideas and then decided firmly that we should do it during the summer holidays when all the children will be at home with nothing to do.
I was dared by an eight year old! And I gladly accept. This is my chance to make a difference in young minds. A chance to change a course, create a new path and empower!
Theatre had such a great impact on my life as an adult. Can you imagine how great an impact it can have on a child's development?
Because a play brings a story to life in front of an audience, there is no doubt that theatre connects the importance of reading and helps jump-start your child's imagination.
If you inspire a love of theater, there's a great chance that your child will develop his or her creativity, and maintain a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts. So help me help you this summer. For two weeks in July, I will mold those young minds and inspire the next generation through diverse theatrical and educational programs. Activities will include puppetry, movement and voice training and a 30-40 minute production to culminate the workshop.
Comments
Post a Comment