Thoughts as we write

Richard and I are still writing the show, and it really is for me, writing my life into the show. It is not autobiographical, but so much of what I have learned in my life, especially in the last four years at university is written into the show.

An important theme is how in university we learn so much about the current state of the world, but how classes do not provide the tools necessary on how to make positive change. That, it seems, is learned outside of the classroom. Sometimes it is seems such an overwhelmingly daunting task to make this world a better place. I just wrote a song today for the show called "What we don't want" and one part says:

"Learning about all of this sometimes
Presses in on my heart and on my mind
How am I supposed to change this world take a leap
When our problems are rooted ingrained so deep"

The feeling of helplessness can become so strong that people become apathetic, and that, I think is the worst state in which to find yourself after going through university. The song continues,

"It's not easy it never was
But I try anyway because
What else could I possibly try to do
When we need each other to live you need me I need you"

If we care about the people in our lives, we should care about making this world a better place for them. And maybe that comes off really cheesy, but each of us can do our part in our own communities. We do the things we are good at to bring justice, joy, art, love and beauty to the world. We continue.

~J

Auditions

Auditions will take place in late September/early October 2009 at Wilfrid Laurier University.

You will have 5 minutes to perform a song acapella (no accompaniment, just your voice), and a monologue. You may bring your own monologue or use one that we will provide ahead of time.

You may also be asked to do a dance audition and answer some questions about your commitment and enthusiasm.

We are looking to cast 8-15 people.

More info to come in September!

Synopsis!

We have one! You can read it!

Rooted: A New Musical is a story about a community of friends. It takes place during a university school year, from the beginning-of-term excitement and anticipation, through being disillusioned and lost in the winter blues, to the renewal of love and dreams with the coming of spring. It is about what is learned everyday from connections between people, the joy in sharing art and music, the strength of love, the call for social justice, and appreciating and respecting the beauty which the earth provides. The story centres around Robin, a graduating student looking to become enabled as an artist and musician, and Robin's friends as they figure out what they want to do with their lives as they enter and leave university. Rooted: A New Musical forefronts the privilege in which university students live, and how they are inspired and empowered to act and reach their potential in doing good in this world.

Show dates!

We've booked our venue, and the show will be the second weekend in January - we haven't set exact show times, but it will probably run from the 7th to the 9th.

Janice and Richard are finishing up the script and music, and Laura is working on a website (see sidebar) and funding applications - if you've got any leads, let us know!