The Rehearsal Hall

Ankita is a Soulpepper alumna of the Youth Mentorship (2009) and the Youth Leadership (2010) programs. Ankita made significant contributions to these programs with her energy, passion for the arts and dedication to Soulpepper. Being a strong creative leader and collaborator made Ankita a perfect fit for her role in Soulpepper’s Youth Mentorship Program this summer. It has been a pleasure to see Ankita grow from a youth participant to a young professional. Ankita remains an ambassador for our youth programs and an integral member of the Soulpepper community.

- Farwah Gheewala, Education Manager

Often in life, we find that there are some places that we keep going back to. We may not know why – we only know that we’re drawn to them. Maybe it’s a vacation spot, or a particular city. Maybe it’s even simpler than that – perhaps a park, a coffee shop, a restaurant. Soulpepper is and has been one of the places that I can’t seem to get enough of.

I have spent three summers in a row at Soulpepper. First, as part of the 2009 Youth Mentorship Program, then the 2010 Youth Leadership Program. And then, this summer, I came back to act as Paula Wing’s Assistant for the 2011 YMP.

For me, the youth programs at Soulpepper gave me a place to play, explore, reach out and find myself as an artist. Growing up in Brampton, though I went to an arts high school – my understanding of theatre barely reached the borders of my high school drama department. By grade 11, I started to realize how little I knew about the theatre world in Toronto – a city so close to me, yet one that I had barely started to discover.

In 2009, I came into the YMP not knowing what to expect. I felt exhilarated, but also nervous – I knew the name “Soulpepper” came with a sort of prestige that I thought was a bit intimidating. However, this feeling went away very quickly. The feeling of love and care by all members of the Soulpepper team was something that I did not expect – we, as youth, were treated with a kind of respect and equality that we often had to fight for.

In the first week of the YMP, Paula reminded me that I didn’t need to “audition.” I was there for a reason, she said. I didn’t need to “prove” anything to anyone here but myself. These words helped me truly experience the YP for what it was meant to be – not about the ego or just the self, but about the collective – the experience of working with a group in such an intimate setting – and perhaps, most importantly, about opening up, finding new things about oneself with others.

Thus, coming back to work as a Program Assistant this summer was like a dream come true. I always felt like my voice was important – Farwah, Molly and Paula were always interested in hearing my opinion on the programming for the summer. And oftentimes, they would take my suggestions. The chance to come back and help the new set of fourteen find themselves as young artists was equally exhilarating. I knew what they were in for and I was excited to be a part of their experience. I was also able to see just how much heart it takes to run the Soulpepper youth programs. This summer, the YMP theme was “from the heart.” I don’t think we could have picked a more appropriate theme.

Click here >> for more information about our Youth Outreach programs.

Daniel Kim was a participant in Soulpepper’s Youth Mentorship Program in 2001. Ten years later, he applied for an internship in Soulpepper’s Education Department. His passion for arts education and youth, and a strong desire to continue his association with Soulpepper made him an ideal fit for this position. This summer, Daniel has been an integral part our activities and we are thrilled to have him with us.

– Farwah Gheewala, Education Manager

Coming back to Soulpepper Theatre Company after all these years has been a surreal experience. Like returning to an old hometown you grew up in long ago, the sights and sounds may have changed but its essence and soul is all so familiar; and like tender memories, it is warm and inviting. I reflect upon how much I have changed and grown in the years since, and it makes me happy to see how much Soulpepper and its outreach programming have evolved and expanded along the way. For me, it has been the ultimate joyride continuing this relationship 10 years later.

It is now August, and I cannot believe we are halfway through the summer months already. As an Education Intern, I have served as an administrative support for our Youth Outreach department. While my specific job description and responsibilities have grown throughout my season here with the company, I still have a silly time detailing the specifics of my day-to-day activities.

I have organized spreadsheets of information, made updates to our program postings and documents, written and responded to a fair assortment of e-mails and made numerous phone calls. It has been an incredible learning experience, helping with the planning and organization of Soulpepper’s multitude of youth oriented programs.

To this day, I still can’t believe that all of this relies on the stewardship and dedication of two phenomenally passionate ladies, Farwah Gheewala and Molly Gardner (and the overseeing care of Claire Sakaki). They will credit the total team effort of our entire company of course, but I still shake my head in wonder.

Being a part of the Youth Mentorship Program changed me. It challenged me, dared me to open my eyes wider; to be more inquisitive, generous, creative and bolder than I was before.

Fast-forward 10 years. I am now a growing arts educator, passionate about working with youth of all different ages. Joining Soulpepper’s education initiatives and reigniting that long-lost relationship this summer has been my greatest joy and privilege. Not only have I gained invaluable experiences in administrative organization and behind the scenes planning, I have been blessed to watch a whole new generation of young talent learning and growing together in both the Youth Mentorship Program as well as the Youth Leadership Program.

Soulpepper positively influenced and shaped my young life as an artist, and even after 10 years I could still see its lasting effects in my life. I want to thank the Soulpepper family for making this place feel like another home, even for just another summer.

Click here >> for more information about our Youth Outreach programs.