BWW Blog: Amanda Grillo - Understanding Empathy: A Theatre for Community Impact Reflection

In taking the class this semester, I learned so much about how theatre makes an impact on our community (yes, that is the class title and it is self explanatory). I learned about other theatre companies make their impact such as La Poca Nostra, the Yes Men, and the San Francisco Mime Troupe. I got the chance to research issues affecting our communities and collaborate with my classmates to make art addressing those issues. This show was certainly one for the books. With a minimal amount of rehearsal time, we put this show together within a matter of weeks. Everyone took on a wide array of responsibilities and I couldn't be prouder of my classmates. Here is what some of them had to say about their experiences:

"I would have to say doing this production was well worth it on more than one level. We as a cast jumped right into the idea of picking up difficult topics and shedding some light on them. Personally I would love to keep doing this show just because of how impactful it was to our audience. I'm proud to say I was a part of this!" -Greg Pease

""It was great to see so many people work so hard in the time they had. We created something great and I am grateful that we were able to reach the hearts & minds of so many people" -Timothy M. Gadomski

"Having a group of people that were so passionate about a topic really helped us create some beautiful art. We didn't even have to try that hard to create the show, the words were just flowing out of us." -Samantha Paquette

"This was the most eye opening and liberating experience in a show I've had; a true gift to and for myself" -Dalimar Irizarry

" I love how everyone had a voice and had a chance to get their voice heard in this show because sometimes that is just what somebody needs: a chance to let their voice be heard and to have someone listen." -Jared Reynolds

At the end of every show, post curtain call, the company would ascend the stairs of the Bucknall Theater and we would be astounded by the labels people gave themselves that they contributed to the lobby display during the preshow. We would soon be greeted by our audience and received their positive feedback.

Thank you to everyone who has come out to support our shows this semester. It truly means the world to us. Stay tuned for updates for next semester's productions!

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