Project Limelight rehearsing for There's No Place Like Oz

What a whirlwind today's dress rehearsal was!
Things got a bit worked up at times (as dress rehearsals are suppose to get) but all in all, I think everyone worked very hard and pulled it together! The performers were so thrilled to finally rehearse in the space with their costumes and tech. I was amazed to see the quality of these costumes, hair and makeup! It was incredible! It's hard to believe that this will be the first time some of the younger ones will be performing in a production as large as this one... and what an experience to be performing in front of a SOLD OUT HOUSE for both performances! I've heard so many people, including myself, say "man, I wish I had this kind of opportunity growing up!" And it's true. I mean, the "productions" I was in when I was young consisted of a shower curtain in the backyard with very supportive parents as an audience while my best friend and I performed improved make believe - which I must say, was very inspiring. But to have an opportunity like this at such a young age is so incredible!! Sure, some people may brush this off as a "kids show" but imagine years down the road a young up-and-coming theatre artist looks back and remembers this show as their starting point. In fact, one boy who saw last year's production of "Wonderland" was so inspired by the performance that he asked his dad if he could join Project Limelight. A year later he is one of the main characters of the show! See, it's already starting to happen!

This is why the community needs more programs like this one. Especially for children in the East Van neighborhood where chances like this are rare. Not only does it provide opportunities for young performers but it's a way of getting the parents, schools, and community involved.This is why I'm so passionate about this project and community engagement projects in general!

WELCOME BACK!

Welcome back to the revival of The Paper Crane Project!
I have decided to reopen this blog once again after a one year hiatus. Now, before I tell you about this revival I will update you on my past year. Since my volunteer expedition to Japan in the summer of 2011 I have been heavily involved in several theatre productions at SFU including: Escapement, ReCall, Women of Troy, and The Sandalwood Box. I have learned so much about art and life through interdisciplinary collaboration with many up-and-coming local artists. 2012 was a year of expansive creative explorations as well as fruitful self discoveries. So why reopen my blog now? After a year of intense theatre training, I felt it was finally time for me to start fusing my humanitarian efforts and artistic passion together!

This year, I am helping Project Limelight, a local theatre company for youth in the Strathcona neighborhood. The 18 performers between the ages of 8-12 have been working extremely hard for this year's production of "There's No Place Like Oz". I am so grateful to be working with such dedicated people in the local community who are all pitching in to make this show a success.

 The show will be on February 24th at 2pm and 6pm at the Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema at SFU Woodward's (149 West Hastings St).

Please see the links below for ticket info.

There's No Place Like Oz - Tickets

In addition, I'd like to thank Emily Ross from SFU Vancouver who has written a blog post about my work in community engagement!

SFU Vancouver Blog - Feb 2013


Stay tuned for more community engagement initiatives in the near future!