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| FRANCE |
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| INTRODUCTION |
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| I want to take this opportunity to truly thank you for all that you had
taught me during those few months with BOFA. With a lesson plan so dense
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| overwhelming (remember, I had never done drama before Canterbury!)
it takes months, if not years, for some of the more subtle wisdoms to surface
and take their effect.
Indeed, it is almost daily that I use the skills I honed during my short
Improv career, or realise that a new approach to solving a problem can
be derived from lessons learned at Ms. Moore's Boot Camp. Ah yes, it was
very hard-core at times, and it comes as no surprise that from all the
'classes' I attended in high school, those after school BOFA seminars
are the ones that stick out the most in my memory. What could we do to
make them part of the official curriculum?! It's only now that I realise
how multi-dimensional that training was, how portable those skills are
across a variety of disciplines, how ... necessary.
Yet while it seems the rest of BOFA grads have taken their lives down
a more theatrical path, I have managed to pick my way through a different
trail: leading, it seems, through the forest of international politics.
Nevertheless, the call of drama has been strong and I have ventured a
few times into artistic fields upon graduation.
And here is my story:
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| AFTER C.H.S. |
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| I went to McGill after Canterbury, originally for Political
Science, but selected a major in Economics after the introductory year.
I suppose I was fascinated with the logic. A bit bland perhaps to most BOFA
grads, yet I managed to spice up the time with a little art (this is where
Improv training became invaluable!) I entered student politics though
through a type of back door - as a campaign manager for a friend who was
running for student government office. I was responsible for his advertising
campaign, speech-writing, public image, etc. Perhaps we settled for silver
that day in March '96, but the training was of definite gold calibre.
The ability to think on my toes, to sculpt the campaign in real-time response
to actions taken by the competition, and to be prepared for any eventuality
through late-night brainstorming sessions was what secured a lead of twice
as many votes ahead of the runner-up candidate. I successfully led 3 more
campaigns, including two for executive office positions, and was an advisor
on communication issues throughout all three terms. I could only thank
my improv training for that.
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| CAREER: AFTER UNIVERSITY |
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| After four years at McGill, I was offered a job at the Canadian
High Commission in London, where, after a brief stint as an Information
Officer, I found myself as editor of a series of education modules aimed
at teaching British school children about Canada. This was a joint effort
between the Department of Academic Relations and the Department
of Public Affairs. |
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| ACTING |
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However, my time in London was not without its (brief) dramatic relapse.
Interested by a demand for North-American looking 20-somethings, I found
myself one weekend on set beside Emma Thompson who was in London filming
Wit - a production that cast her as a cancer-stricken
college teacher and myself as one of her students (an extra really). As
I understand, the film probably went straight to video, however not before
rekindling in me an interest in drama.
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| CAREER: NEXT STAGE |
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| Unfortunately, my time in London was coming to a close, as
my visa was nearing its term. Having lived previously in Geneva, I decided
to try my luck with the international agencies in town, and found a job
with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe working
for their Department of Statistical Publications - specifically
on gender issues in the region. For the past year and a half, I have been
living in a small border town on the French side of Geneva with a beautiful
view of Mt. Blanc from my window, and several house-mates, two of whom were
involved in film-making: one as an actor and the other as a director. |
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| CREATING |
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| Yes, it does seem sometimes to me that this is an industry
I cannot stray from for long. Within no time I was helping direct, shoot,
screen-write, act, and edit anything from spoof-adverts to more serious/creative
short-films. Indeed, I'm currently working on one now!
Being in such an artistic milieu does have its effects. While on holiday
in Barcelona, I met with a young and energetic film producer from Montreal,
and together we collaborated on a script via email. Our idea had been
entered into a financing competition and has won itself the means to appear
one day on film. I have just received an email from her letting me know
that filming has started in Montreal. It is unfortunate that I am unable
to assist in the process.
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| FUTURE PLANS |
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Well - that should bring you to today. Currently, I'm back
in the little border-town in France, having completed my contract with the
UNECE. I am currently looking for work both in Geneva (with
international organisations) and in London (with private communication/advertising
firms). However, I am also feeling the desire - or perhaps rather the need
- to return to school for further studies, and am entertaining both the
option of Law Schools in Canada, and a new program in Global Media and Communication
with the London School of Economics (though I will admit
I had a brief fantasy about attending NYU's TISCH
film school). Regardless of the path I choose, I know I will use and build
upon those very same skills I was introduced to in that drama room at Canterbury.
For that, my heart-felt thank you.
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| BOFA MEMORIES |
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| Those seven weeks with BOFA were the most time I spent with
the same 8 people in my entire life. And the silver medal we received is
proof that team-work achieves goals. Kudos to all of you! Amy, Christie,
Jesse, Kurt, Michelle, Sarah, Steve, and of course, Ms. Moore |
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| ON BOFA, KNOWN FOR |
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| An astonishing array of world travellers, especially a certain
customs agent; his Commedia dell'arte servant;
his musical talents, and teaching us how to do the rhythm and the music
behind the talking in Two-Melodies; his amazing
piano playing; learning to play the banjo in half an hour at midnight in
Martin's living room, so we could play a Blue Grass game in that day's competition;
the beautiful Piano Bar; learning to move VERY
fast in Herald. |
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| Written in Sept, 2002 |
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