An Exciting New Theatre Project in Lambton County

The Lambton Young Theatre Players and Lambton Meadowview Villa are delighted to announce the creation of an exciting new theatre project called THINGS I DID WHEN I WAS A KID!

An intergenerational collective creation, THINGS I DID WHEN I WAS A KID! brings together members of the Lambton Young Theatre Players and residents of Lambton Meadowview Villa in the workshop and development of a theatrical presentation celebrating “bring a kid” then and now.

For four weeks during the month of July, participants will gather to share stories – tall tales and all - and bring them to life through creative play, improvisation, acting-out, scripting, and ultimately performance.

“We are looking forward to working with the Lambton Young Theatre Players on this exciting project,” says JEFF HARVEY, Resident Manager of Lambton Meadowview Villa. “THINGS I DID WHEN I WAS A KID is a wonderful opportunity for the residents of the Home to connect with a younger generation and share their knowledge and experiences growing up in a world very different from today's.  It also provides the participants with an opportunity to expand their connection to the community and develop new friendships along the way.”

The finished product, THINGS I DID WHEN I WAS A KID, will be performed by members of the Lambton Young Theatre Players at Lambton Meadowview Villa, Petrolia Discovery, and schools throughout Lambton County.

The Lambton Young Theatre Players and the folks at Lambton Meadowview Villa first became friends several months ago during rehearsals at Meadowview for the LYTP production of THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. Many residents attended rehearsals and followed the development of the show right up to performance at the Sarnia Public Library Theatre. It was during this time that the concept for THINGS I DID WHEN I WAS A KID! was born.

“While rehearsing at LMV for THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, the members of LYTP developed relationships with many of the residents who came out to watch them work,” says LINDA SMITH, Board Chair, Lambton Young Theatre Players. “This project allows us to develop those connections, enriching the lives of everyone involved. The young actors are learning how to build and sustain personal relationships across the generations. Most importantly they are having fun, making connections that foster respect for each other.”

And fun is the name of the game! Under the direction of Lambton Young Theatre Players’ Artistic Director, NANCYKEYS, THINGS I DID WHEN I WAS A KID! will be a joyous discovery/creation process and celebration of all things “kid”.

“Some of the best and funniest stories are about things people did when they were kids,” says KEYS. “And it doesn’t matter how old, or young you are, everyone connects to these stories. We all marvel at some of the choices we made, the narrow escapes and adventures we had, the generosity of spirit we encountered, or just the sheer fun of it all. And whether they’re my stories, or yours, we all love hearing them. This is going to be such a fun project.”

CAROLYN GREENING, Life Enrichment/Day Program Supervisor, Lambton Meadowview Villa couldn’t agree more.

"We are very excited to welcome the Lambton Young Theatre Players back to Lambton Meadowview Villa.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the residents living at Meadowview to share their stories with a younger generation and to work together creatively, with local kids, on a community theatre production.  The Life Enrichment staff at Meadowview are always looking for opportunities to involve the residents in the community and enhance their quality of life.   The wealth of knowledge and depth of experience offered by the residents at Meadowview combined with the excitement, energy and creativity of the youth and their instructor, will make for a very rewarding experience for all involved."

Lambton Young Theatre Players are thrilled to celebrate their 1st Anniversary, and look forward to a Summer of Funwith the Junior Players Summer Theatre Camps in July, the 24 Hour Radio Play Contest July 21st & 22nd, Acting Shmacting! Senior Drama Classes in August, Auditions for THE CHRISTMAS LETTER in August, and QUEEN VICTORIA VISITS BOOM TOWN with Petrolia Discovery in September.