Theatre; Just Because is honoured to have had Jenny Bowie included in every year of our Youth Players program since the program’s inception. In her years in the program, Jenny has proven herself to be a brilliant actor, director, and improviser. This year, we celebrated her graduation. We asked Jenny if she would share some of her reflections on her years with the company.

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Theatre has been a huge part of my life since 2016 when I was 11. The first Youth Players production of Fantastic Mr. Fox was in the 2016-2017 season and was the first play I had ever acted in. It was scary to jump into something I had never done before, but after the production ended, I realized I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I met many amazing life-long friends and experienced things I would never have experienced elsewhere. Throughout the first production, I knew I wanted to continue doing this program, as there was something about the program that was unlike any other thing in town. Now finishing my final year and aging out of the program lets me reflect on what I’ve learned and done and how excited I am to watch the program continue from the outside.

The Youth Players Program is wonderful for youth wanting to get into the theatre scene and looking for more experience. The program administrators have taught me something new every year, and I am glad I rejoined. Because of them, I have become a better actor, socializer, and person. Every year I have met new people from all different kinds of life that I will never forget, that I can’t forget. This program has taught me much about myself as an actor and a human being, and without it, I know I would be a much different person. I will always cherish the memories I have made throughout the years, being in all the shows they have produced.

Finishing my final year has been a weird experience for me. I have been doing this program for seven years, and now I feel unsure how to let go. It has been a constant routine in my life since 2016. At every job I worked, I told them I was unavailable every Tuesday and Sunday between November and April. It was my second home for years, and now, knowing I’m going off into the world, I am forever grateful for what Theatre; Just Because has taught me. I want to thank all the program administrators I have worked with over the years, especially Emma and Bailey. Since I started working with them, they have made my second home feel special. They have taught me so much, and I know they will continue to give youth the same amazing experience I had been a youth player for seven years.

If you are a youth or a parent looking for a program to put your child/yourself into to learn social skills, theatre, and other talents, I would strongly suggest the Youth Players Program. Even after so many years of joining and rejoining, I never was tired of it, and I am forever grateful. If you are considering putting yourself or your child into this program, I would advise being yourself. Though the first few days may be scary, once everyone comes out of their shell the experience is life-changing. You will meet amazing people, learn spectacular life lessons, and will have so much fun along the way!

- Jenny Bowie

By Justin Shaw
Originally submitted for YMM Parent Magazine

In February 2018, Emma Gonzalez captured the world’s attention when she spoke out about a recent mass-shooting at a school in Florida. Her words were spoke with clarity, passion, and conviction as a crowd of people stood behind her and supported her every word. Her words reached a global audience, going viral overnight. The world was listening.

Who is Emma Gonzalez?

She is a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. And she’s a theatre kid.

Being comfortable being seen by millions of people and being outspoken has nothing to do with being “dramatic.” Well, perhaps a little – but the two virtues are not mutually exclusive.

“A theatre class is more than an artistic distraction for students,” writes Stephen Sachs, of American Theatre. “It can serve as a lightning rod of empowerment for young people. For many teens, the experience of standing in a spotlight on a stage in a play or musical, galvanizing the attention of adults in the audience, is the first time a young person discovers that what they say matters. They learn that words have power, that their voice can move and inspire others.”

Youth Production “A Kidsummer Night’s Dream” directed by Justin Shaw, Fort McMurray 2018.

What does that mean for the rest of the world? Will all drama students find themselves in front of a camera campaigning to save Western civilization? Or headlining Broadway shows next in line for a Tony award? Realistically – probably not.

What a drama student will discover is that, with practice of their skills, they will have acquired a sense of empowerment that you may not be found in any other extracurriculars.

In a traditional theatre production, rehearsal takes place in the interest of refining a piece of theatre until it satisfies authenticity. In a theatre-based program for youth however – education is at stake. Basic theatre values are instilled in these programs that transcend the medium entirely. Virtues such as valuing your peers’ time by not being late for rehearsal, respecting stage managers and technicians with words like ‘thank you’ and ‘please’, being accountable to complete your work, and, perhaps most importantly, sharing your ideas, thoughts and creativity in the interest of working as a company.

Youth Production “Fantastic Mr Fox” directed by Michelle Thorne, 2017.

While some programs are focused at creating a full-length production complete with costumes, props, and (hopefully) an audience, the heart of an educational theatre program for youth is to instill a sense of empowerment, and ownership of their craft. Whether that empowerment takes them to Broadway centre stage, in front of a camera before an audience of millions, or to, what is considered by many students to be the most painful form of punishment, giving a presentation in front of your class about something you wrote yourself – the growth is unmistakable.

Empowerment conquers fear.

A work of art may not change the world, but an artist might.

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