Acting serves up life lessons - Delhi News-Record - Ontario, CA

Acting serves up life lessons

Theatre teaches conflict resolution, time management

Community theatre actress Coco Lee is handing out a backstage pass to the world of theatre this summer. She will be hosting three, two-week sessions to nurture young actors and actresses. (Barbara Simpson Delhi News-Record)

Theatre can be the stage to developing a strong backbone of personal qualities.

That's what local actress Coco Lee has learned from her years on community theatre stages. Performing in the Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the age of 8, Lee, now 18, has been acting — and writing, stage managing and eventually directing — ever since her debut. She has been involved with the bulk of local theatre troops, and of course, her schools' theatre productions.

"You put so much work into it," she described. " I mean, you go home and complain and complain and complain. But there's always one rehearsal where things fall into place…"

She credits her theatre responsibilities for helping her develop a strong host of personal values. For example, working with fellow cast members establishes a set of conflict resolution skills. And the very nature of a live performance cements a sense of adaptability — a trait required by many workplaces.

"We can't pretend you're totally prepared for every working day of your life," she added.

In one of her final acts, Lee will be passing on her theatre know-how through a summer camp before heading off to the University of Toronto. She will be hosting the inaugural Backstage Pass summer camp — "your child's VIP ticket to the exciting world of theatre," according to her press release.

Her three, two-week summer sessions will couple acting fundamentals with the opportunity for participants to develop their own musical. This summer camp will take place at Delhi's Backstage Capitol — a special treat for Delhi and area children, Lee added.

Growing up, the Delhi actress had to pursue theatre in outside communities, such as Simcoe and Port Dover. She admits transportation proved to be a challenge.

"Driving to Simcoe every day was a hassle for everyone," she added.

Juggling a young actor's many responsibilities is also a challenge.

"Mainly it's trying to find a balance between your school obligations, your work obligations and your theatre obligations," she added.

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However, she believes that children can maximize their experiences by starting theatre relatively young.

"It's a confidence thing," she added. "If you haven't been on stage until 16, you won't have that confidence."

Young participants in her summer camp will be charged with creating their own musicals from scratch. They will do the range of theatre roles, from writing the script to even designing the costumes. At the end of their two-week session, they will stage their production for their parents.

"Musicals are always fun to watch for everyone, especially because you can incorporate dance," she added.

The summer camp takes place over three sessions from July 12 to 23, July 26 to Aug. 6, and Aug. 9 to 20. Classes run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with early and late pick-up also available at an additional cost. Registration is $250 per child. For more information, Lee can be reached at 519-582-7272 or camp@backstagecapitol.com.

Barbara Simpson

Acting serves up life lessons - Delhi News-Record - Ontario, CA