Beginning July 3rd, we welcomed over 300 students ages 6-18 into the building, and they have filled the theatre with their enthusiasm and creative energy. As it’s our last day of Drama Camp for the summer, we find ourselves thinking about what helps to make our camps so successful. One thing that really makes a difference is the team of volunteers who dedicate their time to ensuring the best experience for every camper. We asked one such volunteer, Alex, a high school summer co-op student, to tell us a bit more about her summer at YPT:
Alex (left) with fellow volunteer Tamarra. Photo credit: Isaac Thomas
My experience at YPT…What more is there to say than, awesome? I mean, yes, it’s been hard work, and yes, I’ve had to wake up early during the summer, and yes, kids can be…difficult, but I think it’s been worth it. I think. I’m pretty sure…definitely sure.
When I first began volunteering at Young People’s Theatre, I kind of had this idea that I would be treated like a kid by my supervisors, and I wasn’t sure that the kids in the camp would listen to me, or if I’d even have any good ideas to bring to the class. I thought it would be a long summer.
However, it’s been just the opposite. The people who work at YPT are ridiculously easy to work with, and they make the space a really comfortable place to be in. They treat me like a bona fide person, and they trust me with important responsibilities. And they’re hilarious too. It’s really nice to not be scared of the boss.
The kids are freaking awesome. They are sooo creative! Some days I marvel at how inspiring they are. I’m not going to lie though; a few of them have been challenging, but I think I’ve grown from the experience. My creativity has grown too, being a part of the creative process. Helping children develop ideas, and then helping the teacher figure out how to connect certain scenes to make a play, and even being big and random during drama games – it’s all brought me to a more comfortable, creative place. Kids treat every day as brand new, which is pretty cool.
Alex running the soundboard for final presentations. Photo credit: Isaac Thomas
I loved running the soundboard during the show. I loved choreographing a dance for one of my classes. I loved watching the children’s performances. I loved learning about how YPT works. I loved meeting the people that I now consider my friends. And I love the fact that I wore tie-dye pants to work, and it was totally alright!
I’ve learned so much here. About children. About adults. About myself. And about the type of person that I’d like to be. Thanks YPT!
Thank you to Alex, and to all our other fantastic volunteers, for the hard work this summer. Your contributions have been invaluable, and we are so glad you chose to spend your summer with us!
Now that summer is over, what’s up next for the Drama School? Find out more about our Fall, Winter and Spring programs on our website at: http://www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca/en/drama/fallwinterspring.cfm