Odyssey Theatre has definitely been one of the best choices I have made in a long time. The audition and interview process was a great experience, giving you a feel of maybe not
working on stage but how people get jobs working behind the scene and in the office. Getting cast was a moment of surprise because when I auditioned I was only just the right age limit.

Then the summer programme started and I met all the wonderful people I was going to spend the summer with. One of first tasks I learned was how to make coffee. This really helped me  because there is a lot of down time in the park when your not needed, so offering to make some coffee really helped my popularity.

When the acting began I got to work with the professional actors, learn from them and perform myself. Alongside this, I helped construct the set, prepare the props and stage before every performance and then pack it all away again.

It was very exciting working for a summer season and many of my school friends asked if it got boring doing the same show 38 times and the answer was always no. Doing the show 38 times built a bond with the cast and crew and there was always a different situation or mishap to keep everyone on their toes.  But when the shows were done and dusted and the set was taken down I walked away with about 30 new friends, carpentry and set building skills, many different acting warm ups and more happy memories than I could count.

I would recommend anyone who was interested in the theatre to apply to Odyssey Theatre. It has been an experience of a lifetime and was the best environment to learn performing, practical and life skills in.

by Phoebe Williams ( YAP of 2011)

Michaela Deng – Front of House

They say that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. After participating in Odyssey Theatre’s Youth Apprenticeship Program, I agree. I’ve learned that every little job contributes to the final show, and this show could only be made possible with a full team of everyone… from stage managers to ticket sellers. There are countless people working on this play (half of them, I’ve never even met), and it’s simply magical to see how everybody’s share of work molds into something much bigger than you’d expect.

When I first applied, I honestly didn’t know what I was getting into! I thought it’d be “theatre camp”-ish, where every day, we’d fool around… let our creativity run. But, it turned out to be a true, hands-on, learning experience. I found that the trick was to absorb as much as possible; you learn as much as you want to learn because your will and observation all depends on you. And so, even though I didn’t have the chance to come as often as the others, I learned a truckload. I mean, I hammered my first nail on this set! Something I never would’ve expected to do! I feel privileged to have had this opportunity; it has been enlightening.

Something unique that has made this particular production outstanding is the fact that the play is a classic Italian comedy. Now, THAT is some pretty highbrow stuff. You don’t see many ads for those these days! It is said that theatre is becoming more and more underrated and overlooked. It’d be sad to think that beautiful masks and over-the-top costumes, hearty stories, real charisma, and “all that jazz” is slowly being replaced by plastic screens and “one-hit takes”. I, however, have definitely found a shiny, silver lining through Odyssey Theatre’s production of The Fan. The actors are so honest and raw in every rehearsal, the whole crew is so hard-working and dedicated, and the atmosphere is so down-to-earth and composed, yet totally professional at the same time. The setting, Strathcona Park, is so amazing that even the dozens of mosquito bites I get every night are worth it. As cheesy as it sounds, theatre is my bread and butter… the thing that drives me, and so, the idea of this play being a success so far is uplifting! It feels great to be a part of this marvellous masterpiece that Ottawa has been waiting to see unveiled!

Madison Hayes-Crook – Front of House

The second week of performances has finally commenced and after volunteering for a month with Odyssey I can honestly say this has been one of the best learning experiences in theater I’ve ever had. Being given the opportunity to take part in the stage management, set construction, front of house and helping the actors in any way possible has proven that it really does take the hard work and dedication of every one in a show; from each individual working back stage and in rehearsals to the actors themselves in order for a show to be successful.  Being able to watch rehearsal was a fantastic opportunity in itself, as an aspiring actor it really set apart professionals at work from amateurs having fun.

Every actor in the show is tremendously talented and has the ability to take immediate direction and work in a way that is always positive and contributes to the performance. Witnessing this has shown me many desired characteristics in an actor, characteristics that I now hope to learn. Each and every one of Odyssey’s actors in the FAN have work countless hours discovering their characters and analyzing their thoughts, movements and lines to create a performance that will entertain, anyone young or old, and make the most of their theatre experience. Learning about the stage manager’s position in the workshop and seeing the stage manager in action, was an incredible learning curve as well.  I hadn’t realized just how crucial and demanding the stage manager’s job  – have the utmost respect for all of the individuals in the profession. And finally that brings me to my work with the front of house crew.  Everyone is focused, and always willing to help those who ask. Every individual I’ve had the pleasure of working with at Odyssey has been so kind and appreciative of the YAP’s work, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one who I have had the chance to work with, and congratulate them on the fantastic show they have created.

Dayna Loeper – Stage Management

When I first signed up for the Youth Apprenticeship Program, I was thinking that it would be a fun way to spend my summer. I thought that I would sit in the park, observing actors, and doing what the stage manager told me. I was wrong. It is 100 times better than I had originally presumed it would be. I didn’t think that I would learn so much, work so hard and meet such great people.

When we were first introduced into Youth Apprenticeship Program, we were told that there is so much to learn by just observing, and I really have. Watching the rehearsal process that these professional actors go through is really fascinating. It was interesting to watch how the actors took direction, and the choices they made. When the director would give a note to one of the actors, the actor would take the note and really bring it to life, which was just so intriguing to watch. Also the very first day all the Youth Apprentices read through the script. The script was funny, but watching the actors act out the script, and seeing the decisions they made with how they said the lines, how they moved, and with their characters made it hilarious.

Another aspect of the Youth Apprenticeship Program that I was not predicting was the amount of work we have been doing. We have made scaffolding; moved flats, and painted, all in the insane heat. It may be hard work, but it is so rewarding. I know how to build scaffolding now! It’s amazing! Also, seeing how our hard work pays off is such a great feeling. The set is almost finished now, and knowing that I was a part of creating it, makes me very proud.

Working with Odyssey on a professional show is an amazing opportunity that I could have never expected. I have learned so much and it’s only been three weeks. We’ve gotten the chance to be a part of a very educational stage management workshop, and we’ve gotten to understudy characters in the show. These are just some of the benefits of this program.

Ben Murchison – Administration

Three weeks ago I started at Odyssey Theatre as a Youth Apprentice, and three weeks ago if you asked to send a fax, build scaffolding or do any sort of odd job I would not have any idea how to even start the task. Now, three weeks later I can proudly that I can do most jobs quickly and efficiently. When I first started working in the office I thought it was just going to be a boring desk job, I had no idea that it would turn out to be a fun experience, I enjoy getting up and going to work everyday, knowing that what awaits me in the office will both educate me and put a smile on my face. I have always been interested in theater, both the acting and production sides. The Youth Apprenticeship Program has given me the opportunity to expand both horizons. I have learnt an unbelievable amount about: Costumes, Set design, light design, Front of House and anything that goes in to a production. One of the main ways I have learnt these things is not by any lesson, or instruction but just by observing these professionals at work. For example I have learnt an unbelievable amount about stage management just by observing, the way they can call show it is truly spectacular; a true art form. Acting is the other aspect of theater that Odyssey has helped me with. I can honestly say that just by watching these actors perform one scene you learn an exponential amount. The cast is truly spectacular and they are so open to questions, that it makes the experience that much better. So far Odyssey has given me so much more than I had anticipated, three weeks ago I thought I was going into a boring office job, but I now realize that I could not have been more wrong. From building sets to typing emails, Odyssey has given me  an experience far beyond than I could have ever hoped for, the skills and memories that I have gained so far this summer and will continue to gain, will stay me for the rest of my life.

Phoebe William – Performance

Though the last 2 week’s or so i have learned so much that i never even expected to learn. and do thing that i wouldn’t even thought about doing.

Being a YAP is a hard job. But I know  that what I am doing is what needs to be done weather I  want to or not its what makes every thing run smoothly. I am really enjoying working with the cast and the crew. I have had a blast watching the actors seeing how the manipulate the mask in to art. I loved working on the set I helped paint build scaffolding and moved lumber.

I am also enjoying being an under study for one of the actors parts. learning their lines and blocking is a very fun job watching learning and then doing what the actors are doing.

Now that I am looking back at the past 2 weeks I have realized  that the amount of things I have learned is huge just watching the director, the actors, the stage manager, the lighting and sound guys, the set making crew really shows all the components you really need to put on a show. I am looking forwarded to the shows there will be lots to learn seeing them.

Hannah Kaya – Front of House

When I first started with Odyssey Theatre I could never have expected to possibly learn so much in so little time! In fact, I find it nearly impossible to believe that we’ve only just finished our first week here. The cast and crew welcomed us with open arms and helped us ease into the idea of beginning a professional rehearsal process. Being surrounded by such talent is a fantastic blessing. Just by observing the different choices the actors have been making with their bodies and their words has been truly eye opening and inspirational, especially in such a physically demanding and technically specific art form as Commedia dell’Arte. Being there for the process of rehearsing bits and specific mask technique really is like striking a gold mine of new information.

It’s been hard, but rewarding work. The motto “Hurry up and wait” is often heard, where we are left with lots of time to be able to observe the actors, and then rush about to help with lines, or unload a cave filled with lumber in the beating hot sun. Hard, but educational. Something I’m really valuing about the process so far is how much I’m learning behind the stage. Beyond all the observations I’ve been able to make about the actor’s rehearsal process, we’ve also been exposed to the production side of it all. We were fortunate enough to have partaken in a Stage Management workshop lead by the very talented Lynn Cox, which was especially helpful if any of us want to go into the more production side of theatre, or are thinking of starting up our own company or taking part of Fringe Festivals and Youth Infringement. We learnt about the glory of forms, and were hooked on her every word as she talked us through making one’s own prompt script and what to expect in the imperative cue to cue run.  Can’t wait for the weeks to come!

Youth Apprentices 2010

Top row:

Sophie Crump, Chloe Lemay, Morgan Stedman, Sarah Laham

Bottom row:

Tyler Tanner, Jim Gilbert, Alexa Polenz, Francesca Esguerra
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Sophie Crump

This week the show opened! Previously, I had assumed that it would be rather hectic in the office this week – after this was what we had all been working towards for a fairly long time (some much much longer than others — this play had been in development since 2007!) and no theatre production I have ever known has ever gone off without a hitch. But oh boy. The final week before the show opened turned out to be a whole lot more hectic than I had expected. There is so much more to opening night in a professional theatre company than in a amateur performance! People who were important to the company (sponsors, board members, etc) and also important in the Ottawa Theatre company were invited and we were all working hard to make sure that the administrative portion went off without a hitch. We did of course encounter some issues, but luckily they were all dealt with throughout the day of the 29th, and finally, much sooner than anyone thought they were ready for, we came to show time. The crowd was large, enthused and really responsive to the play, which was wonderful, and although I only got the chance to watch about 15 minutes of the show altogether, it was entertaining, and I look forward to being able to watch the whole thing.

Compared to Opening Night, the rest of the week was fairly calm. I’m not sure of what my role is at the moment, as most of what I had been doing before hand was in preparation for the first few shows, but I am sure that I will be kept busy, and keep learning!

Jim Gilbert – Stage Management

And so the shows begin and he summer is already half done. Where has all the time gone? We started this week with one more dress rehearsal and then we continued with our first audience. Women from Zonta came to see the show and we really got to see the show completed. Then we had opening night with a massive audience. As the shows continue it is interesting to see the small changes that are made. People say things a little differently or small actions change. It has been much fun working up in the booth with Sam (SM) and Oz (TD), it is different from high school. As the shows continue we will all start to get a rhythm!

Sophie Crump

This week was once again, another adventure. I delved more deeply into the happenings at Odyssey’s office, learning about what it takes to run a box office, a media call, and even simply a professional theatre company. The publicity that is needed to make sure that this show is a success is impressive, but it’s nice to see it pay off – I’ve been noticing a lot of They All Do It posters around town, and I even saw an advertisement in a program from a show I went to this weekend.
But simply postering won’t do it. So we YAPs are doing some more publicity stunts. Sarah and I have gone out several times over the past week or so as our characters from the Commedia workshops we did with Lib. Brighella and el Capitano have been roaming the Byward Market and Sparks Street, attracting many a stare and cause a few children to be afraid, but most importantly, making people stop and pay attention. I carry a sign advertising the show and people sometimes come up and ask questions. Very few successfully ignore us, in costume and mask, swaggering around Downtown Area.
Unfortunately, the Captain is going to be off killing pirates on the Rideau during the show, otherwise he would be playing the starring role, and Brighella… well, his skills are much less refined than those that are required for acting. But as I tell everyone else, it will still be a wonderful show, and I can’t believe we are opening this coming week!

Alexa Polenz – Directing

Week four… tech week. I was warned of late nights and long days, but I found that I actually enjoyed these days more than some rehearsals. It was great to see the set all lit up. It seemed almost ethereal, the trees perfectly framing the stage. Once it got dark, it seemed like the stage becomes part of the forest. It was really cool! It felt kind of like camp, staying up late, and having this great experience. It also helped that someone had a bag of chips open backstage almost every night.
The show looks almost done. There are only a couple of things to clean up, especially backstage for the costume changes. They are pretty intense! Actors only have about thirty seconds to completely change outfits (including socks!) and it gets pretty hectic! It’s a lot of fun though.
Another fun part of this week was getting to experience what Morgan gets to do. Unfortunately she twisted her ankle, (get well soon!! We miss you!) so I stepped in to do her part for a day. Some of those scene changes require a lot to remember. I really enjoyed getting to see what other people do, and I can’t wait to start FOH to get more experience. (Although I will miss being backstage; the excitement, the jokes and the energy)
The only thing I didn’t get to do this week was work with Morgan and Tyler (acting apprentices) to work on the children’s show, and talk about the Best Seat in the House. We’ve just been busy with rehearsal… but it will get done this week. We shouldn’t need to do much in rehearsal anymore so there should be time! Almost show time! I’m really excited, it’s looking good!