This summer, we were thrilled to have Garvin Chan 陳嘉泓, Sofia Farahani, Asa O’Connor-Jaeckel, and Gabrielle Morin joining us as our 2026 Riotous Youth cohort!
Designed to support young artists beginning their careers in theatre and arts education, our Riotous Youth program offers mentorship, training, and hands-on experience with teaching and devised theatre-making. In late August, they presented their show, A Shakesperiment, in the Douglas Campbell Theatre to a crowd of friends, family, and mentors.
We had the chance to catch up with Garvin, Sofia, and Gabrielle to learn more about their experience in the Riotous Youth cohort and the lessons they’ll take away from their time under the tents.
Garvin Chan, Gabrielle Morin, Sofia Farahani, and Asa O’Connor-Jaeckel
Garvin Chan 陳嘉泓
How was your experience as a Riotous Youth?
It’s been a fantastically fun time being in the Riotous Youth this year. It’s been incredible to collaborate all around—with children, teaching artists, and my peers, devising in various capacities. That, plus the mentorship aspect, has encouraged me to return to a more abstracted approach to theatre making and has been a reminder of the joy that is art creation.
Do you have a favourite memory from the Riotous Youth program?
Over this summer, we had been using the term “retina burns” during the devising aspect. I one day used the word “punctum,” which was a term used in my higher education. Seeing my peers have a laugh and proceed to sketch little creatures based off what a “punctum” would look like has been an exquisite pleasure.
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 so many exercises I hope to bring into my own practice. The articulation exercises (thanks to Mike Stack), scrapbooking AND a cafecito (thanks Santana [Berryman]), and adapting both Laban and Lecoq into a directing practice (thanks Ming [Hudson]).
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
Outside of the theatre, I love making coffee and listening to music. That, and theatre, are all I seem to be able to talk about. At the time of publication, there are two more performances of The Walk of Shame, which is the debut show of my company Jawbone Theatre Collective! And there’ll be more projects, so… keep your eyes peeled!
Sofia Farahani
How was it working with your mentor this summer?
Working with my mentor, Kate [Besworth], has been invaluable. It’s rare for emerging artists to have sustained mentorship, and I feel grateful to have been in conversation with such a thoughtful artist. So many lessons stand out: that questioning classical text is not only okay, but essential, and the value of having someone experienced to turn to with the sometimes messy questions of being an actor. Having someone in your corner who believes in you is incredibly powerful. The opportunity to practice, experiment, and ask questions every week with her guidance has given me greater clarity and confidence in my craft.
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
So much! Diving into classical text not only as an actor but as a writer and director has helped me claim agency as an artist. Classical text can feel distant, so experimenting with ways to make it feel true to me is something I’ll carry into my practice. I’m also taking with me the importance of letting people into a process early. As a writer, it can feel safer to wait until a piece feels “finished” before letting anyone see it. A Shakesperiment encouraged us to rip off that Band-Aid and allow people to encounter the work while it is still discovering itself.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
Mostly, I like the slower pace of summer. The feeling that there’s more time to let a day unfold, to wander, notice things. I like to be outside as much as possible and sit in parks with a book. I’m also a big believer in a summer coffee becoming a three-hour conversation and I like plans that accidentally turn into other plans. There’s something about summer that makes me want to be a little less productive and a little more curious. So when I’m not working, I try to do that!
Photo by Kristine Cofsky
Gabrielle Morin
How was your experience as a Riotous Youth?
Being a Riotous Youth has been nothing short of exceptional. The program is balanced, allowing participants to bounce between learning, teaching, and devising. I am grateful to have spent so much time at Sen̓áḵw, which is a palpably special place to create and witness art. I have felt welcomed, supported, as well as challenged, and this summer will remain one of the best of my life. Thank you to Mary Hartman, Santana Berryman, Sargil Tongol, and Nhu Nguyen for your gracious leadership!
How was it working with your mentor this summer?
Working with Moya [O’Connell] is such a gift. She brings openness, generosity, and what I now recognize as her characteristic zest for life and art to each meeting. I will always remember our coaching session on Cassius, from Julius Caesar. At one point, she stopped me and said, “Okay, let’s work on Shakespeare’s ‘o’s, so you’re never scared of them again.” And for a solid 20 minutes, we tossed a ball back and forth, speaking nothing but the vowel ‘o,’ stretching it, pitching it, and infusing it with intentions. During that coaching session, something clicked. Revelling in sound and centring play is the name of the game to uncovering Shakespeare’s characters. And lucky for me, we are not even halfway through our allotted time! I look forward to filling my satchel with more gems as we keep working together.
Do you have a favourite memory from the Riotous Youth program?
A Shakesperiment is undoubtedly a highlight of the summer. Sharing our summer findings with loved ones as an ensemble was such a felicitous endpoint. I also loved the pranks we played with the little ones on the older participants during the Macbeth camp: it felt like an appropriate use of mischief!
Is there anything you’ve learned from the Riotous Youth program that you hope to bring into your own practice as an emerging artist?
Working with heightened text regularly for a few months in a row did wonders for my artistic mind. It was like flossing, but for my brain! I found myself using more precise vocabulary in my own life and even witnessing the world with more presence and acuity than usual. I definitely want to keep this practice going to let those benefits compound over time. I also learned a ton from the Teaching Artists I was blessed to work with. I have amassed a wealth of new games, warmups, and, most importantly, intentional ways to hold a rehearsal room that I am eager to bring into my own practice. A warm thank you to Scott Bellis, Katie Johnstone, Sam Levy, Bella Halladay, and Erik Gow for your passion, excellence, kindness, and immaculate vibes.
Outside of theatre, what do you like to do in the summer?
In the summer, I love spending as much time in the water as I can. Beaches and bodies of water bring me so much joy. I was lucky enough to go scuba diving at Whytecliff Park with my dad this August. In fact, my love for the ocean inspired one of my contributions to A Shakesperiment! I collaged a dialogue between a fish and a drunken sailor. Of course, I played the fish. I even tried my hand at costume design by making a fish hat/mask for our showcase!
In the near future, I will be reprising my role in Liste des enfants dévorés par les loups (List of Children Devoured by Wolves), written by Caroline Bélisle and produced by Théâtre la Seizième, but in the booth! We are making a radio version of this play, which premiered last spring, and which explores—with unsettling honesty and dark humour—female friendship, motherhood, and the interplay between the two. If you’ve been meaning to brush up on your French from the comfort of your headset, stay tuned!
A huge thank you to Garvin, Sofia, and Gabrielle for chatting with us today! We can’t wait to continue following along on your journeys as artists.
Applications for our 2027 Riotous Youth cohort will open in Winter 2026. For program updates, check back on our Riotous Youth page or follow us on Instagram at @bardonthebeach or at @bardeducation!