self checkout is wrapping up its 2024 research lab & youth spring break intensive !
The closing event on March 23rd 2024 was a huge success, with over than 35 friends and family members showing up to What Lab to support self checkout ! Many thanks to everyone for bringing their great energy to the room. The live performance of Orange Orchard by the youth spring break intensive participants was definitely a huge highlight of the night.
The project this year was Lamont's first devised theatre exploration, with an emphasis on ephemeral tableaux that dissolve as fast as they appear. By embracing first impulses as creative prompts and saying YES (always), the team has cultivated a non-judgmental space for the unique interests of each, learning more about the art of collectively taking responsibility for all creative offering to reach its fullest potential. We danced, sang, wrote, played games, discussed, lip-synced, laughed, juggled.... We learned from each other !
The process has led us to play with non-linear storylines, finding comfort and creativity even within tight time constraints. We reflected on the balance between commitment and productivity, questioning how committing fully to an idea in the present time of your embodiment is the first step towards trusting the process! Holding on loosely to the container of the project, but creating depths in its content.
A special thank you to Maxx Sadler, danielle Mackenzie Long, Alyssa Favero, Ryan Jackson, 🍊all the incredible youth intensive participants 🧸, as well as Julie Lebel from Foolish Operations, Erin Lum from Form Vancouver and many many other artists who have offered meaningful contributions along the way.
This project was produced by Lamont, thanks to the great support of Dancemakers and ArtStarts as well as community partners What Lab, Collingwood Neighbourhood House and Q7 Studios. As you know, the project is a community initiative, entirely grant funded this year. All
activities were free for participants and paid for the team of artists. If you would like to make a donation to support future activities and ensure that they remain free or at a low cost, you can always e-transfer at your convenience at this email: self.checkout.lamont@gmail.com. One thing to know is we will not be able to offer a receipt for tax deduction, so make sure you are okay with that!
If you have any questions, comments, concerns or thoughts, please let me know. I wish to build the platform in direct conversation with the communities it is serving, so feedback is welcomed.
We hope to see you soon for more activities !