SUBMITTED BY HORIZON YOUTH THEATRE
When HYT’s board of directors decided to ask a theatre professional alum to speak at the 20th Anniversary Gala and teach a master class, they ran into some brick walls. Sometimes, things work out exactly the way they are supposed to.
Genevieve Simon, New York-based professional actor and playwright, and daughter of Wood County children’s librarian Maria Simon, turned out to be more than up to the task. This afternoon, she seemed almost giddy as she prepared to workshop with eleven students at the drama club master class held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. “It’s so amazing, being back here where it all began for me,” she said.
Simon is involved in many projects, including leading workshops for kids on the autism spectrum using Shakespeare. The therapy, developed by a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, uses drama games and play; she also hosts other workshops in New York. Simon’s latest project was “Romeo + Juliet + Anybodys” which she authored, and was performed at the Cinci Fringe Festival in June. In his coverage of that event, David Dupont wrote of how much Simon was influenced by HYT. “She credits the troupe’s founder Scott Regan and Gonzalez, who was involved with HYT, with empowering the young actors. ‘It was so important to us having authority and some sort of control over the stories we were telling,’ Simon said. ‘Scott was so good about taking our ideas very seriously.’” Simon appeared to be passing those same techniques on to a new generation of actors today in activities that were filled with fun and laughter.
Genevieve Simon, far left, instructs the master class.
Genevieve Simon will be speaking tonight at the 20th Anniversary Gala, as well as current HYT and Toledo School for the Arts student Scarlet Frishman, rounded out by teacher, stage manager and board member Brittany Albrecht. Dr. Scott Regan and Dr. JoBeth Gonzalez will be honored and plan to say a few words, Mayor Edwards will make a proclamation, and there will also be short skits and monologues by current HYT students.
To add to the pomp of the Gala, which takes place tonight at Simpson Garden Park’s banquet room from 6-9 pm, there will be a red carpet, costume photo booth, finger foods and desserts as well as door prizes and a silent auction with all profits funding the future of the troupe. Being nomadic by necessity, they have no permanent home for rehearsals and performances, and rely on the generosity of Otsego Schools, the Woodland Mall, and churches such as St. Mark’s and First Presbyterian. HYT’s long term goal is to find a home of their own. Tickets for the gala may still be purchased at the door for a $15 suggested donation.
