My name is...

My name is Caitie Drewery and I have a love affair with theatre. I am a recent grad from Dalhousie University’s Theatre Honors program. Having acquired years of new skills and goals I found myself going back to the place where, as a student, I was first inspired to follow my dream. My volunteer experience at LKTYP has been very positive. It has allowed me to get back to my roots, and re-connect with all the reasons I fell in love with theatre in the first place. It has also helped me become immersed with people who are interested in changing children’s lives through theatre, just like me. I have met some fantastic people, who I look forward to seeing every time I come into the office. I have been given the opportunity to see the shows, and then learn about the sheer complexity of putting the piece on the stage. The curtain, so to speak, has been drawn back for me, and I am given a glimpse of all the inner-workings of the productions. As a volunteer, your work is not only appreciated, but has an impact on you as a person. Working as a volunteer for March Break camp, I realized that my campers came to class to everyday to “hang out” with me and my instructor. They got up early in the morning, and instead of watching t.v., or playing video games, they wanted to hang out with me, because I made their day so much fun. My actions as a volunteer resulted in a week long experience that those kids will take with them into adulthood; and really who could ask for more then that? Those experiences have solidified my interest in children’s education, and I will be applying to teacher’s college in 2010. I know the relationships and knowledge I take from these walls will help me achieve my future career goals. This experience is worth every penny I’m not getting paid!

-Caitie

Magic & Excitement

Connecting with others who share the enjoyment of working with children and the love of theatre, led me to volunteer at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People. As a child, growing up in Toronto, my family had visited the Young People’s Theatre many times and I remember how much I had valued those experiences. Having returned to Toronto after more than 20 years my sister, who has always been involved in theatre, suggested volunteering. Taking a leave from my job as a kindergarten teacher of 18 years in Hamilton, I was keen to keep myself busy with something I enjoyed. Volunteering this year has meant meeting teachers and students during the week for school shows and on weekends meeting families who have come to enjoy the shows. I have had the opportunity to lead some of the Question and Answer sessions. This is a favourite part after the show where children and educators get a chance to ask the actors questions.
In the spring the Open Doors Toronto event helped me learn more about the building and the history of the neighbourhood. During the summer months assisting with the drama school camps whether with the young enthusiastic professional teachers, in the office working with the creative administrators or helping supervise children during lunch was a lot of fun. It has been a privilege to meet all the professionals at the theatre including production crews, actors, directors, musicians, box office managers, and educators, and to work closely with the front of house manager, Margaret. I have met many volunteers, some who are new to Canada, from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Germany. The theatre has an active Co-op student program and the students who come here are eager young people who are thinking of future careers in theatre. Volunteering has meant having a chance to watch the performances. Whether in the Main Stage theatre or the Studio theatre the shows have been varied and excellent.Each child and adult who attends comes away with a unique experience. Teachers leaving the current show, The Forbidden Phoenix, have marveled at every aspect of the performance. Children leave wanting to learn more about Chinese history in Canada, Peking opera and martial arts. Everyone who comes to the theatre is looking for the magic and the excitement of live theatre. I know I find something magical and exciting every time I am here.

-Marcia

Good thing I did...

I was a newcomer when I decided to volunteer for Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People. I have never had a theatre background I just thought it would be nice to see a place that I would not normally think twice to enter. Good thing I did because I have learned a lot from the staff at the theatre.Volunteering has assisted in building up my confidence by making me aware that there isn't that big a difference in how everyone does things. I initially thought that maybe people were into witchcraft or something - so it has leveled the plain so to speak. The reason why I choose volunteering was to get some form of work experience in Canada and the theatre was very conveniently located to where I live and where I used to spend most of my free time - that is the library. I found a flyer that was recruiting for volunteers and I thought I should give it a shot since I had some time to free. My goals for volunteering are to gain skills that would be able to secure me a job. The most important aspect I get from volunteering is the sense of doing something. Because I have always been an active person, volunteering just helps me get that feeling of being proactive.

-Ibrahim