Rising Youth Theater

Keysmash

Everything happens for a reason…and I hate that I am constantly being reminded of that.

In fall of 2021, I faced quite a bit of rejection after I received no offers from any of the five companies I interviewed for an internship. But in lieu of the disappointment, I was met with an opportunity to do something even better. I joined the Keysmash team in November of 2021 and I have loved it with all my heart.

“‘Keysmash’ is a new project bring(s) youth and adults across a wide range of backgrounds together to talk honestly and compassionately about mental health, sharing personal stories and learning our community’s story around this critical topic.” (risingyouththeater.org)

Initially I was a general ensemble member and eventually made my way into the scriptwriting and dramaturgy team. After vigorous research and collaboration across the board, I wrote an entire show with my script partner and supervisor. This show represents mental health in all of its facets whether they are good or bad and encourages authentic conversation around mental health.

In forum style theater, facilitated by me and another ensemble member, the audience is immersed in the story and challenges stigmas surrounding mental health. In an interview with Mark Brodie on KJZZ’s The Show, my fellow facilitator, Trini, and I touch a little more on why Keysmash.

I don’t think I would’ve believed you if you told me that I would be writing this on the opening night of a show I helped to create. I think the most shocking aspect of that is that I am back in theater. I left performing around the time I got to high school and there is a small part of me that wishes I hadn’t. I have loved theater for as long as I can remember and being able to return to it through a production about mental health and self care and confidence is a bit—no pun intended—therapeutic.

I left performing because I was insecure and afraid of it. I disliked putting myself out there and eyes on me felt like daggers. Now that I’ve grown and become more comfortable in my skin, I am excited to see where I go from here.

June 22: This past weekend I participated in a 48-Hour Film Challenge as an extension of the production Keysmash. I was head of the art department on my team and edited the entirety of the film. My team was incredible and I hope I can do a project like it again.

Creative Interventions

“Rising Youth Theatre and the Demand to Learn Campaign of ACLU of Arizona are excited to launch “Creative Interventions,” a new program supporting students through strong relationships.” (risingyouththeater.org)

My cousin sent me an Instagram post in 2020 with information on a youth program one of her friends was assisting with. I was stuck at home going through the motions of my senior year online and feeling overwhelmed with all of the chaos of life, so I figured why not apply?

I didn’t realize that was going to be one of the best decisions of my life. Every other Saturday, I sat down in front my computer and listened and shared and created a space of motivation and progress that has inspired me to always look for ways to improve. The cohort I joined started off as the second installation of the program and centered young voices. RYT doesn't just promote the idea that young people are the future but gives them a platform to be heard and instigate real change.

Creative Interventions was like a breath of fresh air. Every where I turned I felt small and insignificant. I was just turning 18 and felt like child, someone who needed to be told what to do and when to do it. I was struggling with adults in my high school and felt like I was constantly fighting to be heard. RYT helped to provide an environment where I was able to use my voice and air my opinions without constraint. In the end I was able to help create an outline for a multi-year plan in implementing new ideas into Arizona schools.

Currently, RYT just finished their third round of Creative Interventions where they brought together the student and teacher cohorts into one space.