Children’s Summer Theater and Arts Camp 2019
Spotlight on Empress:
Stage Time and Juice’s Children’s Summer Theater and Arts Camp 2019
What does Empress love about the performing arts?
When I was in elementary school, I remember creating skits for the school talent show with my fellow Girl Scouts troop member, Becky Cox. It was such a thrill to hear our classmates laughing out loud at scenes we created. When I was in high school, I remember the director of the school musical, Mrs. Cindy Quinn, giving me a role in the upcoming all-female cast of “The Quilters.” It was such an empowering experience that I would go on to perform as part of the Jazz Singers, Chamber Singers, and other school plays (such as collaborations between music teacher, Kathy White, and theatre director, Michael Kane, in the school musicals: Little Shop of Horrors and Alice in Wonderland). I took a long hiatus after being cast in a leading character in the college production “State of Confucian” because my parents threatened to stop paying for my college tuition if I didn’t stop indulging my passion for the performing arts.
What are the benefits of improv?
As an adult, I took up improv classes at the suggestion of my then boyfriend. Improv initially offered me an opportunity to build confidence for public speaking engagements since I am oftentimes asked to speak to professional and lay-audiences a variety of topics. Improv has also given me much more, including: how to perform optimally in teams, how to communicate clearly, recognizing when to take the lead and when to play supporting actor, etc.
Why direct a children’s summer camp?
I wish to help empower the youth of our future how to have increased self-esteem, more self-confidence, communication with others, ability to be a good team player, etc. I hope to use an immersive teaching method that can be fun and empowering. I enjoy working with children and especially hope to have the opportunity to work with third culture kids to give them a sense of belonging.
How do you usually spend your time?
As an American born Taiwanese (ABT), I am taking Mandarin Chinese lessons since I am only fluent in English and Taiwanese. I enjoy trying new restaurants, exploring neighborhoods while walking/biking and engaging in creative projects (e.g., sewing, jewelry making, live productions, event planning, etc.).
Anything else?
I’ve been on sabbatical this past academic year from my university in Los Angeles to develop a textbook. I am accustomed to working with children and their families in cross-cultural contexts. One day, I hope to be the director of a Wellness Center to help people realize their potentials.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity for kids ages 7-12 to be immersed in the dramatic arts at the Red Room!
The camp runs from Tues. July 16 – Fri. July 19, 2019, with a performance on Sat. July 20 at 2:30pm. Registration link
FB event
A local English theater production is pushing for a new lobby in Taiwan
Taipei Shorts 台北戲劇表演
Mar 22, 23 at 8 PM， March 24 at 1:30 PM
Download pdf of full program here
or Read online here
Comedy Shows are a rarity in Taiwan. Whether you are looking for classical Standup Comedy or English theater productions in general, the range of offers is quite limited.
Especially in Taipei – the place to be for most expats settling in Taiwan – the demand for English language performances arises more and more. On the other side, trained actors, writers and directors, both Taiwanese and local expats, lack the opportunity to present their talent. Although there is certainly enough capability and interest, showcases in Taiwan have remained very little in the past few years.
Foreign actors do not only have to deal with legal issues and unstable incomes, but also the whole set up for foreign theater productions is aggravated by governmental barriers. In addition, English Theater is often less accessible for the local community since most actors and directors are of foreign residency.
John Brownlie has experienced this huge gap in Taiwan at first hand. He is an actor himself and was involved in several English theater productions at the LAB space, produced and directed by Brook Hall. Taipei Shorts is his first own production and will take place at the Red Room venue three days in the row, from 22nd – 24th March. Given the challenging circumstances, John has dedicated his work to push for a new lobby for local English language theater.
‘Your Country Needs You’ finds a politician, secret service agent and a person of an impossible age, wrestling with the question, “Who are you?” – Your Country Needs You, written and directed by Shashwati Talukdar
Taipei Shorts consists of six different short plays covering a variety of themes and genres from comedic mystery “Why is John Klug here” to pensive female assassin in “The Love Drug”. John’s main purpose on choosing this format was to engage as many talents as possible. In total, 15 actors, 7 writers and 7 directors have worked on this production. All parties are either local expats or Taiwanese, willing to reach out to foreign and local communities likewise. Being involved in Taipei Shorts “gives both actors and directors a real chance to breathe life into English Theater in Taiwan”, says John.
TAIPEI SHORTS – Six Plays One Pass only at Red Room, Taipei
Entry passes can be purchased online on https://www.accupass.com/go/taipeishorts for $300NTD (students) or $400NTD (standard).
The short plays will be performed on
3/22 (Fri) 8pm, 3/23 (Sat) 8pm and 3/24 (Sun) 1:30pm
at Red Room Taipei, Jianguo S. Rd. Sec. 1 #177 (1st building on the left, 2F).
