Mixed Company Theatre is happy to welcome our new summer students Regina Li and Connor Matheson! They join us from the Ivey School of Business at Western University.

Why did  you want to work for MCT?

I became interested in working for MCT because of the various issues that the company stands up for and the way the organization communicates these issues to the public. I really liked that MCT was doing a lot of youth-related engagements on topics such as bullying and healthy living, so I wanted to get involved. Growing up, I’ve always been involved in the arts, and forum theatre as a way of teaching and empowering the community really intrigued me.

What are you passionate about?

Two things that I’ve very passionate about are health care and youth engagement, which I think go very well together since it’s important make healthy choices at a young age in order to have a healthy lifestyle later on. A lot of issues in health care are now stemming from our society’s more sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits, which can be mitigated through youth education and awareness programs.

What kind of change do you want to make in the world?

I would want more focus and action centered around education and prevention of chronic and mental illnesses. Having more creative awareness methods in the school curriculum would be a good place to start – shows like Project ACT can really demonstrate the negative effects of not making healthy choices. I would also like to see more funding for mental health research; it’s such a prevalent issue that hasn’t really gotten the attention it deserves.

What was your first experience with theatre?

My first unofficial experience with theatre was being in the chorus of my school’s production of Romeo and Juliet in grade 2… which was quite a tragic story for elementary school kids to perform. My first experience as a spectator was in high school to see a production of Hamlet at Stratford. I loved how the themes, actions and emotions from the play transcended time. At times it was hard to understand Shakespearean English, but I could still understand what the overall message was that was being conveyed.

One last question, if you could have lunch with any celebrity (living or dead) who would it be?

I would love to have lunch with Amelia Earhart. She was a strong, independent, and forward thinking individual who managed to take a tough situation and turn it into an amazing opportunity. Despite health problems as well, she was so passionate about flying that she let nothing stop her – I think I could really learn from her determination. Seeing how she was quite progressive for her time, I would love to have a chat with her about what it was like to be able to break down some gender barriers for women, as well as her views on today’s society. Plus, I would finally be able to find out exactly what happened on the infamous flight to Howland Island.

Why did you want to work for MCT?
I was really attracted to the diverse social impact that MCT has had not just in Toronto but provincially as well. They use such a unique mechanism to inspire change, allowing people to discover answers for themselves, which I think leaves a greater impact.

What are you passionate about?
My biggest passion is making a difference in the world. I feel that I’m in an excellent position to use my knowledge and experience to really make a difference in my community and one day I hope to improve the lives of people around the world.

What kind of change do you want to make in the world?
I’d like to help MCT make a real change in the way that they source revenue. I’d love to ensure that they are able to sustain the great social work that they do in the community while also helping other organizations function to their best.

What was your first experience with theatre?
The first experience with theatre that I remember was being in my elementary school’s production of “A Christmas Carol”. I was one of the smaller senior students so my teacher cast me as Tiny Tim. My reviews weren’t stellar.

One last question, if you could have lunch with any celebrity (living or dead) who would it be?
Joss Whedon.

MCT’s annual Forum Theatre Training Workshop Series is rapidly approaching. We thought you would like to hear from a past participant, now MCT facilitator, Kathryn Boyd. We ask her about her experience with our forum theatre training and being a facilitator.

What was your biggest takeway from the workshop?

The power of sculptures – to quickly capture the intangible (a feeling, or idea) and as a tool to relate with others.  The sculpture becomes a dialogue between people.  (I was reminded of these things during the workshop).

Has your training with MCT informed your work? 

I would say YES.  It reconnected me to the possibilities when making ideas concrete through action – really the ability to play with ideas, thoughts, and feelings.  This is very important, also allowing us to tap into the knowledge in our bodies – and not just the ideas in my mind.

What elements of the workshop have you incorporated into your teaching? 

I really appreciated the ideas of the “masks of manipulation” – in my counselling work I deal with issues of control and violence and manipulation regularly – it is very helpful to think of these things in terms of masks people wear and as such to think creatively about the ways I can interact with those masks (oppressive forces) – and to think about what mask I need to wear when I am interacting with specific oppressive masks.  These ideas are very relevant in my work as a therapist.

How does facilitation follows you in your daily life?

I try to hold on to the ideas of asking open-ended questions.  I think about my relationship to the group always.  I am mindful of power dynamics.

Kathryn Boyd is an actor, therapist and group facilitator.