This Monday, we celebrated our 2023 Riotous Youth cohort at the presentation of their devised show, A Shakesperiment, on the Howard Family Stage. In addition to working on A Shakesperiment, the Riotous Youth support Bard Education’s programming and special events, all while receiving mentorship and training from Bard Teaching Artists and Company members.
Samriddhi Singh, Kelly Zhou, Kiyomi Hoover and Loughran MacLeod on stage at the Riotous Youth Showcase performance of A Shakesperiment.
We had the chance to chat with this year’s Riotous Youth about their experience with the program. Learn more about them below!
Loughran MacLeod
Photo of Loughran MacLeod.
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
It has been an incredibly educational experience. The program doesn’t hold back on teaching as much as possible in a short time, and every single instructor taught so much in one session that I hope to learn from them again in the future.
Do you have a favourite memory of the summer?
Technically it’s multiple memories, but it’s the same event happening at different times throughout the camps I taught: doing scene analysis with teens and working with them to find some answers in their text, resulting in an eyes-wide “ohhh” moment. It doesn’t get old seeing that.
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
The way I’ve changed how I think about movement/dance. One instructor got us to think of the difference between impulse and pre-meditation, and drawing my focus to when I’m trying to plan how I move has allowed me to connect more to the impulses and motivate clearer movement choices.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
I read and write a lot, or I immerse myself in TV shows. Spend time outdoors on the beach with friends. Game nights are always good, with an emphasis on card games. I’ve got a nice balance hanging out with myself and with others.
Samriddhi Singh
Photo of Samriddhi Singh.
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
Hmm, if I was to answer this question in only two words, I would say beautifully chaotic. The Riotous Youth internship has been a true process of discovery, innovation and of nurturing craft. We’ve had the privilege of learning some extremely valuable techniques regarding various aspects of theatre and performance as part of the education program. Being a part of the Riotous Youth ensemble is similar to biting into popping candy – an explosion of creativity and knowledge!
Do you have a favourite memory from this summer?
I got the chance to have a few special moments with the camp kids while assistant teaching the camps this summer! I still have the drawings and cards they made me, along with the fun memories. Assisting also helped me grow tremendously as a teaching artist!
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
Bard has instilled in me what it means to lead with kindness. The entire team supporting the Riotous Youth program has been so accommodating to our needs as people and performers that it reinforces how creating theatre can be done in a safe and enjoyable environment. I hope to embody compassion in a similar way and to be able to recreate a safe place for art to grow with my future ensembles.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
Oh, I’m a very busy bee, especially in the summers when it’s pageant season and I’m coaching a bunch of people for their competitions while still doing film/TV auditions. However, most of my time, whether it be in the summer or not, is spent with my baby bunnies. We love cuddling and watching comfort shows together!
Kelly Zhou
Photo of Kelly Zhou.
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
My experience as a Riotous Youth so far has been tremendously insightful and rewarding! I am very grateful to have been able to blossom as an actor with a company I’ve admired for so long. The approach Bard on the Beach has to Shakespeare and arts education is one that I strongly resonate with.
Do you have a favourite memory from this summer?
I have so many wonderful memories that it’s hard to choose. I really enjoyed co-teaching the summer camps and learning from diverse teaching artists, but I also had a lot of fun sharing ideas with the rest of the cohort as we devised A Shakesperiment!
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
Definitely! We had a lot of workshops throughout the summer with many talented theatre artists and each of them gave me a unique set of tools to approach my work with. Additionally, as a teaching artist, co-teaching the camps was an extraordinary experience in allowing me to learn new ways of lesson planning and class management that I will be carrying into my personal practice.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
To be honest, I’ve spent most of my summer working on theatrical projects! However, when I have the time to, I enjoy spending time with friends and expressing myself through other creative means such as music and jewelry making.
Kiyomi Hoover
Photo of Kiyomi Hoover.
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
It has been inspiring to observe and work with many incredible artists during the Riotous Youth program this summer. I feel so welcomed into the lovely community here at Bard on the Beach. My favourite memories from this Season have been collaborating with my wonderful ensemble members to create our devised performance. I enjoy the curiosity, support and playfulness we bring to the rehearsal space.
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Thank you to the Riotous Youth for sharing your experiences with us! We were so lucky to have you with us this Season, and we’re so thankful that Bard could be a part of your journeys as emerging artists. We can’t wait to see what you do next.
Applications for the 2024 Riotous Youth cohort will open December 1, 2023. For program updates, check back on our Riotous Youth page or follow us on Instagram at @bardonthebeach or at @bardeducation!
Bard’s Riotous Youth Program is generously supported by the RBC Emerging Artists Project.