This summer, we were excited to welcome Stella Jack-Rennie, Claudia Alecchi, Sadie Quinn, and Tom Snape as our 2025 Riotous Youth cohort!
In between receiving mentorship from our professional Bard Teaching Artists and supporting our Summer Camps and Special Events this Season, our Riotous Youth have also been hard at work on their devised show, A Shakesperiment, which they presented in our Douglas Campbell Theatre in late August. It was a wonderful evening for everyone to come together and celebrate these incredible artists as they embark on the next step in their journeys.
In today’s Bard Blog, catch up with Stella, Claudia, and Sadie as they reflect on their time in the Riotous Youth program—and learn about when applications will open for our 2026 intake!
Stella Jack-Rennie, Claudia Alecchi, Sadie Quinn, and Tom Snape
Stella Jack-Rennie
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
I’ve had such a wonderful time this summer as a Riotous Youth! Being able to spend the summer surrounded by theatre and Shakespeare has been so fulfilling. I’ve learned so much about devising, teaching, and being an artist from the fabulous people and artists around me. I’ve especially been having the best time at the Summer Camps working with the amazing Teaching Artists and with young actors ranging from 6-18!
How has it been working with your mentor this summer?
Working with Arthi Chandra has been an absolute joy! I’ve been a fan of their work since before the mentorship and it’s been a pleasure being able to spend time with her, getting advice, and being creatively challenged. I’ve had the privilege to learn some of the tricks that they have in their creative toolbelt that has allowed me to grow so much as an artist and a person!
Do you have a favourite memory from the Riotous Youth program?
Throughout the summer no moment has even been the same, and I’ve found that incredibly exciting. I’ve been really enjoying working with the rest of the Riotous Youth ensemble, Claudia, Tom, and Sadie. We have an agreement to bring snacks for each other during rehearsals, and some of my favourite moments have been involving food that we have brought in. It’s no wonder we chose to explore that theme in A Shakesperiment! I’ve also been having the best time at the Summer Camps with young actors of various ages and seeing how they approach the plays.
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 importance of being spontaneous! Being able to pivot on the spot based on the information I’m getting from the people around me is so important in every aspect of this program, whether that be teaching, devising, or acting.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
I love to spend my summer days running around the city with my friends and finding interesting little festivals and events. I also love doing dance classes, reading books, and playing guitar! But on hotter days I can never say no to going to the beach and grabbing ice cream.
Claudia Alecchi
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
It has been an amazing summer as a Riotous Youth at Bard, learning, creating, and teaching alongside incredible artists. The program exceeded my expectations and has given me so much joy and growth as both a performer and educator.
How has it been working with your mentor this summer?
My brilliant mentor is Ming Hudson. Our sessions were not only inspiring but also a safe space where I could express myself freely. I received invaluable support from not only a great professional, but also a remarkable person. Her biggest lesson to me? Be courageous and true to myself.
Do you have a favourite memory from the Riotous Youth program?
It’s hard to choose just one, but devising, performing, and connecting with the Riotous Youth cohort, guided by our amazing director, Santana Berryman, has been unforgettable. All those moments of play and discovery reminded me of why I love devised theatre.
And honestly, any moment at the tents! The site is so beautiful and to be able to make art there is precious.
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 gained so many tools as a deviser and can’t wait to put them into practice. This program has reminded me how to embrace process, accessibility, and playfulness—values I want to carry for life in my work.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
Outside of theatre, I love taking walks, especially near the water, and spending quality time with my loved ones while sharing a delicious meal I’ve cooked.
Sadie Quinn
What has your experience as a Riotous Youth been like so far?
It is such a privilege to be back at Bard after so many wonderful summers here as a camp participant, volunteer, and audience member. I love the variety of the program; teaching youth in the Summer Camps and devising our own piece are very different processes that nonetheless have interesting overlaps to be explored.
How has it been working with your mentor this summer?
My mentor, Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg, has provided many great insights into the theatrical devising process, which I’ve been able to share with my peers as we create A Shakesperiment. She is also about to finish a master’s degree and I’m starting one in the fall, so it’s been nice to be able to talk about grad school with her as well.
Do you have a favourite memory from the Riotous Youth program?
I had so much fun working on A Midsummer Night’s Dream with teens in my first week of camp. I realized I did that play as a camper exactly ten summers ago, which made it even more special. I played Peter Quince back then and got to direct some of the Mechanicals’ scenes this time around, and I loved all the silly ad libs and other fun moments we added in.
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
This summer, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want my relationship with theatre to be in the future. I’m about to start a Master’s of Environmental Studies and I see my career going in that direction, but because of my wonderful experiences this summer, I know I will always want theatre to be a part of my life in some way. Supporting the Summer Camps has made me increasingly interested in arts education, so I might want to explore that further.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
I love cycling around the city; reading under trees; going on outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, and swimming (bonus points if BC Ferries are involved); and eating lots of delicious summer fruit!
A huge thank you to Claudia, Stella, and Sadie for chatting with us today! It was a joy to have you with us this Season, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.
Applications for our 2026 Riotous Youth cohort will open in Winter 2025. 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.