Appreciating Your Own Voice

Recently, I lost my voice due to laryngitis and have not been able to verbally communicate with anyone unless absolutely necessary for the past three days. I've grown accustomed to always having notecards or little notebooks at my side with a pen, so that I don't have to talk too much. I keep a page saved that says "Sorry! I have laryngitis and am not supposed to talk too much :( " at the register. It's been interesting at work, because for the most part people just look at me (and my oh-so-special made-up sign language) and smile kindly. They make sure to keep their eyes up at me the whole transaction, so that they can read my facial expressions and I'm so appreciative of that. Then there are people who don't bother to look up, so unless I absolutely have to talk in order to get a customer through the checkout, they take my silence as being rude and unfriendly, and leave in a bad mood. I wasn't even aware until now, but did you know that it's possible to shop for items, check out at the counter and then leave without ever making eye contact with the cashier? If those people had looked up, they would see me waving goodbye or mouthing the word 'sorry'. One customer was especially rude to me, so I had to talk a little and that made him even angrier. When he left, the customer behind him had a look on his face. I thought that he was upset with me too, but instead he said "You didn't deserve to be treated like that. You know that, right? Thank you for working today, even though you aren't well." If he had kept that thought to himself, I probably would've felt awful and useless and sad for the rest of the day. I loved him so much for talking and then felt bad right away, because I've witnessed situations like the one I had just been in, and made the decision to be quiet so that I wouldn't make the person feel even worse. Because the latter customer decided to say just a few simple words to me, I was in a good mood all day. Don't ever doubt the thought's going on in your head, if they involve worry, concern, love, or goodwill for your fellow man.

Comparing the past to present ....

The other day I was thinking back to my good old grade school, junior high and high school days. Really they were not that good but I made it through and moved on like everyone else did! I am now asking YOU to go back to those days, 12 years, 15, 22,28,35,40,54 and even 60 years. It was a journey to say the least. I did not only learn and become educated but I mastered the challenge of being social. Learning to work with many unique social situations. I was overweight, had horrid buck teeth, didn't like to take showers and had greasy hair until my 10th grade. Then I did that blossom thing but at that point the damage was done. It took me … oh lets say another 15 years to gain the confidence. I would love to tell you that what only hurts us makes us stronger, it can but at what price. I still feel unattractive, damage done.

I am in a musical called "Mean" with a theater group called Youth Performance Company. The show follows 3 story lines that are currently at the forefront of todays media. There is one story about a slightly overweight girl (slightly meaning MAYBE 20-30 pounds over the BMI!) She is consistently being belittled for her weight, despite her kind heart and natural beauty. She soon learns about a web page with her name and cropped photos of herself and she wants to give up. Next is a group of 3 boys, one of them feels threatened by the others "perceived" sexuality. We watch as they banter back and forth trying to prove who each other is or is not. The last story is about a Muslim girl, innocent and just trying to fit in but still believe and respect her religion and choices. She hears questions like "Is that really a dog food sandwich?" We watch her ultimate frustration of just trying to be herself. At the end of each story that intertwine between each other we are shown ways, outlets and abilities to solve the bullying they are dealing with. As we view the set we see names. some you may know, others just a name that died from the pain. This is a powerful show that will leave you with so much thought and remembrance. If you go back to those years, you will remember things you may have wanted to forget. I dealt with bullying but watching this real story, written from real accounts, I see it is so much more intense. Most of us did not have cell phones to spread slam, FB was not around, the hate was more innocent … or was it? In my HS years there were 3 suicides, do we really know why they did that? Kids left schools all the times, rumors would go around like, I heard she was pregnant or he wanted a better school for sports. Why did so many alumni go missing? Put these puzzle pieces together, maybe some or for a real reason but I suspect many are simply from bullying. The difference today? This generation is more egotistical and tells us everything via media because we all know it is easier to write something then to say it to their face.

I am currently in this show with 3 of my teens. I have been in the mix of intense conversation about this issue and feel blessed. I am the proud parent of a son that is gay, a daughter dealing with acne and another son who is bullied for appearing gay. They are empowered by the one's that love them and they walk forward everyday with their head held high because they are who they are.

Christina

How to change lives

The title of this post is what I put in the subject line of all the emails, notes, and messages I sent to people like Ellen DeGeneres, Oprah, and many news companies. I'm hoping that everyone will do everything in their power to get this show out there. It is truly going to be amazing. I attached the letter that I have been sending out to people so everyone has a chance to read it and kind of see my point of view.

My name is Scarlett Thompson, and I wanted to tell you about something that should be broad-casted as far as possible. I am currently in a play called "Mean". It is all about the kind of bullying that's going on right now and the hardships of it in high school. The show is with a theater company called "Youth Performance Company". This theater is probably the only place that people should be in February. The performance follows the story lines of three different kids. One who is tormented about her appearance, one who is bullied about her religion and another who is tormented daily about his perceived sexual preference. This show is not just another 'oh, bullying is bad, try to stop it, goodbye' performance. Absolutely not. The actors in this show have ALL been through some kind of bullying in their life. Some are being teased every day, right now. Almost every night at rehearsal someone is crying because they just have to relive or watch this HORRIBLE stuff that happens in everyone’s lives!

I KNOW that this show could change lives. It already has. For me, as the youngest person in the cast (most of them are in high school, and I’m 12), I am just shocked at the kind of stuff that’s been going on that I didn't even know about! These actors are opening up part of their lives to us, and I think EVERYONE deserves to see this. So PLEASE help us spread the word about this. Thank you.

Scarlett

Making Progress? - Thoughts from Shauna, a board member

I was watching Oprah today, and the show was about all ages of people and their "coming out" stories.  Oprah was checking in with where these people were today in their lives with their parents (or others who didn’t accept them being gay).  I didn't see the show in its entirety, but the parts that I did see moved me to tears because it helped me realize that we are making progress with civil rights for gay people.  Maybe an even more powerful thought is that we are making progress in the area of removing our visions for people's  lives (including our children's) and allowing everyone to live into their full potential without judgment.

The best part of the show for me was the follow up from a prince who lives in India.  His mother stopped speaking to him after he told her that he was gay.  The last time that he was on Oprah (a few years ago), it was illegal to commit homosexual acts in India.  These acts were punishable by up to 10 years in prison.  Due to Oprah's power and ability to spotlight important issues around the world, combined with the prince being true to himself and not compromising who he is as a human being, the prince updated that today homosexual acts are no longer illegal in India.  This was an awe filled moment for me because it helped me remember that we are getting better every day as a worldwide family unit and allowing each other to live as we are truly intended to live.

This Oprah episode made me think about the upcoming “Mean” performance at YPC.  "Mean" has the courage to deal with tough emotional issues that need attention in our community.  I applaud what the actors are personally giving and experiencing as this production comes to its final days of rehearsal.  I know that this show will changes lives, and I am grateful to be in a place to see it happen.  One day at a time, one country at a time, one person at a time, we will remove behaviors of persecution and ill-will and live in a space of understanding and equality for everyone.  We are making progress every minute…can you feel it?

Close to Heart

It really wasn't until I started to work on promoting this show that I realized truely how much this show means to me. Talking to people at school, some interested and some scoffing at the idea of a musical about bullying, it has shown me that people really don't understand the severety and seriousness that bullying creates. Teenagers are oblivious to their surroundings, their actions, their friends. I want them to see the truth, the harsh effects that simple words can create. Everything is taken very lightly in high school, things are thrown out, words are spoken without any thought of the repercussions of their actions. I want them to start to care.
Passion. To stop bullying. To think before you act. To let people be knowledgable about bullying and it's deadly effects.
This show has the power to change lives, the power to give new perspective. We need to take the chance we have with MEAN to try and change lives. I am going to use my story, my character, my own life to change even one persons life. I never want anyone to have to go through what I experienced with bullying. This show is dear to my heart. Close to my heart, my story and my life. This is my passion and I am going to use it to change a life.

Who Forgets and Who Holds On?

There are things from my childhood that I'll always remember, like when my Mom was waiting for me at the door in our yellow kitchen and I was deciding whether or not to take another slice of a pear that was on the counter. I remember that I was the height of the counter and the pear was green and yellow. When I told her that story, she said she didn't remember that ever happening. There are some things that I know I'll always remember (for whatever reason) while others will forget, because they didn't see the memory from my angle. I'm sure that if I were to approach the actual person that part of the "Hannah" character is based off of (from MEAN) and told her I didn't appreciate her trying to yank off my nails in junior high, she would sincerely believe that I made up the story. The memory for me is so vivid that I actually remember what color nail polish I had on (lavender Sally Hanson Maximum Growth). I can only hope that "Hannah" has changed for the better, and has matured since then. If she's a respectable person now, why would I ever burden her with a memory that would make her feel bad about herself? In fact, she probably didn't think anything of it at the time. It wasn't like she planned on pulling my nails back that day, it just happened, and that was it. Whenever my siblings and I would fight, I'd always run to my parents hoping they'd punish my brother and sister. I'd tattle so much that my parents would eventually say "just let it go." The same thing with my teachers. I'd tell them that my bullies were teasing me, and for awhile the teachers would assist. But they eventually turned to the "let it go" attitude because I had something to report to them every day. My parents would say "if something's wrong, tell a teacher." Then all of a sudden, that wasn't an option anymore. At the time, I thought that it meant that I would be bullied for the rest of junior high, and no one would care. But now I'm thinking that maybe it was because the adult figures from my childhood thought that bullying is something that kids grow out of? That they don't really mean it? Bullies are bullies and then they grow up? So, they get to move on and become "better people"...As for me? After being cast in MEAN, it would appear that I never got to leave Junior High. I'm still there.

Relive and Relieve.

I stood there shaking. I was crying and I couldn't stop. The memories were too strong to forget and the words spoken too real.

Rehearsal on Friday was our first rough run through. And for being the first, it went fairly well. We ended the night on my hardest scene. The scene where my character, Taylor, is cyber-bullied. It's one of two scenes that's completely true to what I've been through.

In eighth grade I became really frustrated with my weight; I didn't look like the other girls. My friends were all smalls and I was a large. I started to starve myself because dieting wasn't working. It never was enough for me. The rate of weight loss. The size I was. Who I was. The biggest bully in my life became myself. There were still whispers and messages, posts and rumors, but I was the one who kept it going when others weren't around. I stopped looking in the mirror at myself; I started looking in the mirror at flaws. I wanted the pain to be over. To stop the crying and the tears. End the pure hell I had to go through every single day. With pills in hand, ready to end my life, I texted my friend "I can't do this anymore."

The last part of my story, the last quote. Purely that is the essence of the scene. That moment, that memory. It's so vivid to me that I can barely make it through the scene. But the truth of it is, this time I know I won't be alone. This time I know that there will be many hugs for me when I make it through. This time it isn't real.

I never thought reliving these events would be quite as emotional as they are. I knew it'd be hard, but not to this extreme. But I also never thought this show would be so relieving. So freeing. So cleansing.

We live and we love, we forgive and forget, we relive and we relieve.

Think Before You Speak

I don't think people realize how ruthless we are as human beings. The things people say to eachother, especialy teens, is really kind of insane. As a part of the Mean cast, I've started to look at what I say to others, and I've realized that I'm just the same as everyone else. Just as sarcastic, just as rude, just as thoughtless, just as mean. Honestly, I think of myself as a nice person. I'm compassionate, I care about my friends and I work towards doing service for others. But I don't think about the people in my daily life just as much as I do the starving children in Africa or simply the homeless people on the streets. My ideas are broad, but the truth is simply this: We need to focus on the people in our lives, our friends and our family, because they're the ones we hurt subconciously. Throwing things out like 'gay' and 'stupid' especially 'I hate you' to the person saying it, most of the time it's not meant to hurt. As people, we really need to start to think before we speak. There have been too many people hurt from words that are just thrown out, it needs to stop. We need to start to think. And speak kindly.

From the eyes of a mother ....

I am a mother of 4 wonderful children whom all enjoy performing. In the fall of 09 three of my children and myself auditioned for "Seussical" through "Southwest Theater Project." We all had a part and aside from missing one of my children who was in a show at "Stages" we had an amazing adventure. I learned a few things from this experience. The best lesson was that I found a connection with my children ranging from 7-16. Next, I learned how much effort it took to be a part of a show and how it made every aspect of my life become more clear. I am a stay at home mother and a PT nanny. Life seemed to have more adventure, more meaning and it seemed to find a nice flow aside from running like crazy ... in other words, I found a good challenge. Over the summer I saw an audition post for "SemiDarkness" with YPC for their fringe. I could tell the story line had a twisted humor and I wanted to learn more. We tried to get to the auditions but the timing never worked so I was able to get my older three in for callbacks. I am the type of (what some may call "annoying") parent that wants to stay involved in what the children are doing. At the time my twins were 12 and I wanted to make sure it was a "safe" environment as we had never worked with YPC. All I can tell you is that my children have 21 shows and at least 6 theaters under our belts .... in the last 3 years I have learned so much! So in the end, if you asked me what show was I most proud of, that is easy, "SemiDarkness" with YPC. The beautiful thing about working with a variety of theatre groups is that you always take something away from each new director or theatre. I am becoming a bit bias about YPC, I just can't help it! I had the honor to work with Jacie Knight in "Afternoon of the elves" last fall, I was very impressed with her connection to a show, her passion, her love for each child that passes through her door for an audition or in a show. She is honest with a kind heart and in the end, she trusts, believes and respects each child simply for who they are. I am far from looking for brownie points, I do not need any, like I stated before ... there are many theatres, we live in a city with more live theater per ca pita then NYC, this is just a wonderful theater.

There is a reason they have a following, why they are popular, why when one can leave they keep coming back. YPC is an addiction for the average theater kid! With that said, my children had their eyes on auditioning for "Mean." They asked to go to the script readings and if I only had a recorder in the car after these you would understand why this show was on their radar. Really, who has not had to deal with a bully! The week of the auditions was going to be hard. We all closed in the show "Honk" that me and the four children were in, we had a 19 yr old move in and the stress was at the top. That Monday after school I had the older 3 and our new border working on songs and monologues. Our youngest felt left out but was ready for the break, being a duckling for 4 weeks and doing 4 shows in one weekend had that 8 yr old worn out! The house rang with excitement as I was read monologue after monologue and heard pop songs ranging from the Beatles to Katy Perry. There is something to be said about watching them focus in so hard on something they want to achieve, and knowing that in the end it could be a disappointment. When we got there my children pushed me into auditioning. I did not mind but needed to think about the commitment. So here I was, me, my three older babies and our new boarder! In the end, we all made it in. I am the Principle with about 8 lines! My twins are ensemble, my son ... after a few issues with his school ... is Josh and our boarder is Austin. At dinner last night we were talking about the show and I was giggling about my 8 lines and the twins then had to top that off with their 1 lines. Funny, it has nothing to do about the lines, it does not matter, it is only about the show, about being a part of history, making an impact, sending a message and simply teaching or reaching out to a few people. There was a chance to walk away knowing you have a small role or little lines but then who would make up that village to walk with others? To witness hate or love? One line or one hundred lines, the message is sent via being present.

I am now proud, yet again, to be a part of this adventure. To stamp a spot in this world. To walk with my children while working together, to talk and connect over an issue that is on the front burner. We are all learning to love and respect a little more thanks to YPC (and mostly Rita!)

New to the Board

As a general rule, the performing arts aim to draw in the audience and keep them captivated. As an avid play-goer I seek this captivation and strive to find the secret gem in each city in which I live or visit. In Indiana the gem was a small town theater in a historic small town, in South Dakota it was the local university and in Minneapolis I have found that gem at YPC.

My first experience at YPC was a play that exceeded my expectations, kept me engaged, and left me thinking about the content for weeks after the show. During a month when I attended several shows including some at Minneapolis’ most famous theatres, the only show I wanted to talk about was YPC’s.

A friend on the Board increasingly peaked my interest with conversations about activities and exciting upcoming shows. Eventually I was introduced to the Board and quickly learned that the positive energy and dedication to the company was something I had to be a part of. From the first moment I watched a YPC play to my recent interactions with the Board I have felt energized and motivated to support their cause. I couldn’t be happier to start the New Year with this talented group and I look forward to seeing future audiences walk away as impressed as I did after my initial YPC experience.

Annie - "New" YPC Board Member

Confronting the Past

In relating my stories from grade school and junior high to YPC, I thought that I was able to because I'm over the teasing, the name calling, etc. I'd casually say "Oh yeah, and this one boy came with a nickname for me, because of my birthmark on my chin. He called me droolface 4th through 8th grade. It caught on quickly, and soon he wasn't the only one." No big deal. I'm over it. I've "moved on." Well, in the opening number for MEAN there's a soloist who sings about that same story, which ends with a bystander shouting out "Droolface" over her shoulder. For the shows that I'm in the ensemble, I just happen to be standing inches away from that isolated moment. The first time we ran it, I cringed, covered my ears with my hands at DROOLFACE. The room changed. Droolface. Why should I care? I'll never see this boy again. It's not real anymore. Droolface. I don't care. This was what, 13 years ago? 15? It's not my name anymore. I'm overly sensitive and always want attention. That's what this post is about. I'm making this about me when it actually applies (unfortunately) to many people who have been bullied for a birthmark or a scar, at some point in their life. I need to grow up and be able to hold onto this memory without caring about what people think of me when they look at me. I'm better than this. People say they can't even see it anymore.

Makes Us Stronger

The theatre is like a family. Competitive, loving, unorganized, but most of all...supportive.

I think I've managed to cry every day at rehearsal. Jacie says I'm a good crier and a talented actress, but for me it's truely just hard for me to relive these moments.The good thing now is I know that it will stop. I know the scene will end and someone will be ready to comfort me, say they love me, just purely being there for me. We came into the project of putting on this show very vulnerable. We put ourselves out there. Beginning with the very first rehearsal. Sharing our mongologues bonded us in more ways than one. This show has already brought a cleansing to most of our lives. And if no one in the audience is affected by this show, at least we know our own lives will have changed. I knew from the start that doing this show would be a struggle, but I've also known that YPC automatically comes with the support of a family. And that support will only bring us closer together. Make us stronger.

Six degrees of Separation from YPC

A few years ago I was out with some YPC alums that were home for the holidays. They were living in LA at the time. And they were joking about how they would play "Six Degrees of Separation from YPC." They said it was easy to pick any famous TV or Film star and draw a connection to YPC. And then they threw out a couple of names to prove the point and make the YPC connection.
At the time I thought that was crazy. But as we get older as a company; and more and more alums are working professionally -- I have found that YPC is well represented.

I just saw a promo for Devin Kelley's  T.V. show "Chicago Code" on Fox TV -- it begins airing in early February.
I am always so thrilled when I see a YPC alum doing so well professionally. And really amazed at how many YPC alums are working professionally in Film, TV, Theatre...
The list is quite impressive...
 Nick Swardson--T.V. Film and Stand -up,
 Paris Remillard, Seth Numrich, Stephen Anthony all are currently doing shows on Broadway,
 Matt Koskenmaki composes music for T.V.--(Survivor, The Apprentice, American Choppper, Big Brother) and film--'The Fighter"
 Tim Hedberg is the story editor for Project Runway and Real World,
 Suzy Michaelson created and developed the T.V. show "Food Budda"
 Myles Bender-VP at Focus Features,
 Josh Hartnett--Film.

And that is only a partial list!! Wow!!!

Next time you go to see a play or watch T.V. or see a film--there's a great chance you'll be seeing a YPC alum!

Mean Rehearsals Begin!!

Rehearsals began for "Mean". Its always exciting for me to start a project--but especially a project like this. I know that this show will be life changing for everyone involved --YIKES!! That is a huge responsibility!!! But that is what really pumps me up--knowing that we will be creating a peice of theatre that will provoke conversation and action.

What has already been so impressive is the willingness of the cast to surrender their whole selves to the process. That takes tremedous courage. To be willing to let go of oneselves to discover and create in a honest and authentic process.

2011--A WHOLE NEW ADVENTURE!!!

Happy Joyful-Adventurous-New Year!!!

I love the beginning of the year. It's an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start AGAIN!!

I'm especially excited about what this year will bring to YPC. We will be creating and producing a new original show "MEAN"-- I know this will be a a production that will be ground-breaking for us as an organization. We are cracking open the difficult subject of "bullying."
Though I know we will not be solving this enormous problem--I do know the show will definitely get people thinking and talking about this. Rita Cannon has written an incredible, thought-provoking script. I am so proud and impressed with what she has created. Rita is a YPC alum; and a brilliant and smart writer!

We are also going to be premiering our third educational film-"The BoyShow" -- sometime in late January. We filmed this project this past July. The guys that were involved did an outstanding job. I'm excited to see the final cut--and get people's reaction and feedback.
When its all said and done we will have produced three films that focus on teen health. These films have been sold all over the country. I am truly proud of this accomplishment.

We have also been selected by the folks at Rock the Cause to be the nonprofit organization that will be featured for their Glitter Ball. We will be able to promote YPC to a whole new audience--as well as receive the proceeds from this event--which is on Friday April 8th. Look for updates on this event.
Time to get your dancing shoes out of the closet and ready to rock and roll!!!

There's lots more that will be happening--I'm just scratching the surface. That's why I love my job. Every day there is something new and different. I feel so lucky and blessed to have such an amazing job. I get to do so many different kinds of things...and meet so many interesting people. And best of all I get to imagine possibilities. And that is my favorite thing to do--professionally and personally. To dream and think ...what if?! And then to actually make it happen---nothing more magical than that!!

Imagine what your possibilities will be in 2011!!