Posted by: insighttheatre on: October 5, 2009
As seems to be a usual trait for me, I completely forgot the promise I had made in writing this down. As such, I am currently frantically writing down my thoughts on Insight Theatre into text form; hoping that something with at least a glint of quality will be produced so that I will have the nerve to hand send it.
So, October is now here. This is, without a doubt, my favorite month. It’s probably around this time that Fall truly begins to show its yellow, melancholy colors; the sky itself seems to be in a calm, mellow frame of mind, and the trees are all busy shedding their leaves to prepare for the upcoming winter. Not only that, there is much to look forward to this month! (Like Halloween, aaaaand my birthday. ^.^)
More importantly, Oct. 24 marks our first performance. I admit I am semi-terrified about this thought. I find it’s a lot harder, when acting, to perform material you yourself have created. When people judge our skits, not only will they be judging the skits themselves, they will be judging us for having made them… At the same time though, I feel pretty happy with what we have developing. I feel there is a lot of great ideas we’ve crafted, and I truthfully can’t wait to see others reactions to them.
In general, I love Insight. This is truly one of THOSE experiences; the kind I’ll find myself thinking back to when I’m like one-hundred and forty, and nostalgiaing all over. (And nostalgiaing is now a word.) I truly love the group we have; I feel so comfortable around all you peoples. You’re all so open-minded. It’s nice.
Oh, and like Aisha said; we love you Jon and Nadine. We wouldn’t be as far as we are if we didn’t have your constructive criticism and enjoyable laughs to urge us on!
And, I kind of don’t have a conclusion for this. I think I’m going to shave my sideburns finally today, so I may feel semi-naked on Monday. See you all then!
Luv
Agent A (Aidan)
Posted by: insighttheatre on: September 28, 2009
Ahh Insight…
So we’ve been having rehearsals for about… three or four weeks now. Personally, I think our ship of scenes and people and knowledge is sailing smooth as can be. We’ve got tons of scenes that I love (and I hoped the rest of the troupe loves them too!) and behind the scenes are our fabulous troupe of 8, PLUS our two unbelievably amazing adults who tell us when we’re off. Wow, I just realized in total there are ten of us.
Anyway, Insight seems to have become a huge part in my life. I mean, once I realized I was on the troupe, I kind of figured it would be a pretty significant piece of this year, but I hadn’t realized it would be this… big.
It’s strange, because I’ve never been terribly comfortable talking about all the stuff we talk about (and we talk about a LOT of stuff) but here I am in scenes where we’re completely open about issues youth face every day. I find it’s helped me become more willing to talk about everything with people not in the troupe.
I suppose that doesn’t seem so significant – handy, but maybe not the biggest thing in my life. But obviously, there are other reasons why Insight is the second biggest thing in my life. The people I work with twice a week – the troupe, Nadine, Jon – have become a second family for me. I love them all as if I’ve known them for years, when in all reality I’ve known them for three months, which really isn’t that long.
Speaking of Nadine and Jon, gosh. I think I ought to let you guys know, and I’m nearly positive I’m speaking for all of the troupe, we love you. I’ve got no clue how we’d get through this without you guys, and thank you for doing this.
On a side note, I got a haircut today and it’s alright, but the hairdresser did this weird thing in the back of it, that I’m not entirely fond of. And I think my mum and I are going to finish the skirt we’ve been working on tonight. Thought everyone should know this.
Love,
Aisha (Troupe Member)
Posted by: insighttheatre on: September 9, 2009
When it comes to New Year’s, I think Jewish culture has it down. This weekend is Rosh Hashanah, a celebration that marks the beginning of the Hebrew calendar. Fall has always carried a sense of renewal for me — much more so than January. Perhaps it’s a remnant of my youth, when September meant not only a new school year, but all the “new”s that went with it: new teachers, new books, shiny new school supplies and sometimes new friends.
Now that I’m all grown up (at least on the outside) autumn still heralds a time for shiny newness. This fall is no exception. I’m four weeks into a fantastic new job as Program Co-ordinator for Insight Theatre! There are several facets to the position all of which are sweet, tasty biscuits! I’m part of the Planned Parenthood Ottawa staff. Team PPO are a group of hardcore intelligent, active, informed, super-fun women. I spend a lot of time just soaking up the awesome around the office. Speaking of the office, my personal office has the most comfortable couch (feel free to stop by and sit sometime)! Some of my most fervent beliefs are reflected in the work I do. I repeat: sweet, tasty biscuits!
I also have the privilege of creating a show with a wonderful team of youth. Eight talented, insightful teens from across the Ottawa region who are starting afresh with their new school years, are also working together to create a new season of Insight Theatre! Rehearsals are perhaps the easiest part of my job. I show up, sit back and watch in amazement as the troupe explore topics like masturbation, STIs and pregnancy options with fresh, creative juice. I could write ten blog entries singing their praises. But a key rule of theatre is “show don’t tell”. So rather than taking my word for it, the troupe members will be writing their own posts, so you can see first hand what exceptional people they are.
The year ahead will certainly be fraught with the highs and lows we all go through. But for now, I’m enjoying the newness of this experience, eager to see where Insight takes me next.
- Nadine (Insight Theatre Program Co-ordinator)
