This Monday, our 2024 Riotous Youth cohort wrapped up an incredibly successful season with a presentation of their devised show, A Shakesperiment, on the Howard Family Stage. Our Riotous Youth have been hard at work this summer devising A Shakesperiment and supporting our Teaching Artists with Bard Summer Camps, while also receiving mentorship from professional theatre artists working in their field.
In today’s Bard Blog, we had a chance to chat with Gelareh, Sarah, Isabel, and Samantha about their experience as a Riotous Youth. Learn more about them below!
Isabel, Samantha, Sarah, and Gelareh on stage at the Riotous Youth Showcase.
Gelareh Hashemishayan
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
Working with the kids has been such a delight. It’s completely changed my perspective on Shakespeare. As both an actor and a director, I’ve come to recognize the playfulness and joy in these works—multiplied by ten!
How has it been working with your mentor this summer?
All the mentors at Bard are incredible artists. They’re living examples of a successful artist’s life, and it’s inspiring to look up to them. I’ve learned so much, and I feel braver than ever in pursuing this path. They’ve encouraged me to think bigger and louder.
Do you have a favourite memory from the Riotous Youth program?
As an immigrant artist, it can be really hard to find your people. Bard on the Beach introduced me to an incredible community of artists. Every moment with them has lifted my spirit. There were times when I felt at my lowest as an artist, and the support I received during those moments is something I’ll always cherish. Those are my favourite memories.
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
Of course, I’ve learned a lot about Shakespeare, theatre, acting, directing, and leading. But the biggest takeaway for me is the strong sense of community and support this program offers. It reminded me how much I need my fellow artist friends and coworkers. I definitely plan to spread this sense of community wherever I go.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
Auditioning is a big part of my job, and I love doing it. Thankfully, we get a lot of them during this season, so I have to balance that with work as well. I love starting my day with yoga and a trip to the gym. If I’m feeling adventurous, leaving town for a hike always excites me. But honestly, chilling with a good book at the beach and spending time with friends is always a good choice. Also, thanks to my mentor’s encouragement, I’ve started writing a short piece and have invited several people to join the team!
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Sarah Olberg
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
It’s been incredible! I’ve learned so much from the artists I’ve had the chance to meet through the different aspects of this internship. I’ve gained so much from our workshops, and have loved applying this knowledge to our devised process with A Shakesperiment. Through the different events we’ve had the opportunity to attend, I’ve been able to immerse myself in the Vancouver theatre scene. I’m so grateful to have found community through this program.
How has it been working with your mentor this summer?
I’m so lucky to have the amazing Sara Vickruck as my mentor! Being able to have honest conversations about a career in theatre and receive guidance from an artist I admire has been a true gift. They’ve inspired me to think of my artistry in new ways and have encouraged me to keep exploring my various creative interests. Thanks to our time together, I feel excited about where I’m at as an artist.
Do you have a favourite memory from your time in the Riotous Youth program?
There was a moment about halfway through camp when I was working with the 8–10 age group. We asked students what different pieces of text meant to them. Their interpretations were so clear and creative! I was moved by how much fun they were having with Shakespeare, and how much they had learned throughout the week at camp.
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
I’ve learned how much I love teaching! Witnessing how fun and accessible Shakespeare can be through the different Bard Education exercises has been so inspiring. I feel a greater appreciation for the text after teaching it this summer. I admire the incredible teaching artists I have worked with, and I’m looking forward to building my own practice.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
I love being outside and eating ice cream with friends and family in the summer, and I love a good day trip. I’m a dog walker and I enjoy walking the seawall while taking in the beautiful views of the mountains. I’m also a singer-songwriter and spend my time playing my guitar and writing.
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Isabel Miller Iparraguirre
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
Simply put, Riotous Youth has been a glorious melange of friendship, growth, and creation. It has been a blast. There is so much generosity in many parts of the program; a chance to connect with creative innovators, create and dream with my beloved cohort, and learn from teaching young actors. Teaching in this context, specifically, has been a valuable experience as helping to facilitate Shakespeare explorations has been exciting.
How has it been working with your mentor this summer?
Christine Quintana is iconic. End of sentence.
Do you have a favourite memory from the Riotous Youth program?
Hmmm, it’s difficult to lock into just one memory. Walking onto site in the mornings to teach camps always has a magical anticipation. Getting a chance to choreograph soundscapes for the Teen Macbeth was really rewarding and fulfilling. Laughing with my peers over everything and yet nothing. Watching devised theatre with my mentor. Yup. Feeling pretty grateful.
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
I definitely think I will be taking forth a lot of the devised theatre practices that were useful to us in our A Shakesperiment rehearsals into my own productions and projects. These lend themselves very well to image- and feeling-based creation—specifically in the music and poetry world, I see a lot of overlap and find it useful to lean into less “linear” storytelling and instead into the Japanese concept of jo-ha-kyū (which was introduced to me by colleague and friend Sarah).
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
There are many wonderful things that enhance my life, and a big portion of that has to do with music. I like to go to eclectic beach jams by Sunset Beach, visit my friends at the jazz houses of Vancouver, and go watch performances at different festivals. I also find summer to be a very valuable time to do some slow practice on my own musical technique! Then there is reading and writing at the beach; a most prized and delicious literary treat.
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Samantha Levy
Photo by Pink Monkey Studios
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
I am having a wonderful experience so far! I love how varied the program is—we do so many different things, including devising sessions, classroom learning, assisting with Summer Camps, and more. I have had the chance to meet and learn from so many awesome professionals—artists I really admire! I love to learn and the growth has been significant. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to get to know and collaborate with Sarah, Isa, and Gelareh. Our ensemble means a lot to me.
How has it been working with your mentor this summer?
My mentor is the fabulous Ming Hudson and learning from her is a true gift. Ming uplifts me, pushes me, gives me great advice, and more. I value her so much. Not only is her career aspirational, but she’s also a lovely person. I have admired her work for many years, and it is exceedingly special to be her mentee.
I am currently directing an original piece called Bitches with Baggage which will premiere at the Vancouver Fringe Festival in September 2024, and Ming has brought her brilliant brain to a couple of our rehearsals to give me directing feedback! Ming and I have also spent valuable time playing with clown techniques or simply talking. Thank you for everything, Ming.
Sam performing in her last Fringe show, Wrecked. Photo by Katie Voravong.
Do you have a favourite memory from the Riotous Youth program?
Because there are several facets to the program, it’s tough to only choose one memory! I will single out a particularly special rehearsal for our A Shakesperiment—our first time on site at the Howard Family Stage. It was a powerful moment when so much of our devising and exploration came together—it is amazing what an ensemble can create. And obviously all of my moments with Ming are precious. I’ve also giggled lots while assisting with Bard Summer Camps, including a delightful week spent with Ashley Chodat and the Extra Little Players (four to six years old).
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
Bravery can be nerve-wracking, but many jewels have sprung from it this summer. I’ve come away with a “why not ask because the answer may be yes” mentality. I’ve also pocketed many fun games and devising devices to bring into my collaborative creator and arts educator practices!
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
In the rare moments I am not immersed in my theatrical projects, spending time with loved ones is important to me. Some things I love to do include swimming, reading, dancing, petting dogs on the sidewalk, and playing Dungeons and Dragons!
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 can’t wait to see where your journeys take you next.
Applications for the 2025 Riotous Youth cohort will open November 1, 2024. 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 Program.