What is the 100 Watt Youth Ensemble?
100 Watt Youth Ensemble is a company of youth aged 15-22 that work, play and train in collaboration with professional artists to offer innovative theatre to audiences of all generations. Throughout each year, the Youth Ensemble receive rigorous training & development opportunities led by Kristina Watt Villegas, followed by & combined with a rehearsal and production period. The 100 Watt Youth Ensemble youth not only develop as artists and engaged human beings, but our productions awaken audiences to the potential of young artists to share their voices about global issues that affect us all. The productions created with the 100 Watt Youth Ensemble always communicate the experiences, longings and questionings of youth.
WHEN:
- Weekly training & rehearsals from September to May/June
- Added rehearsals pre production, schedule variable depending on our project
- Public performances at a professional theatre or festival, schedule variable
- Annual Auditions in August
WHO:
- Led by Kristina Watt Villegas, Artistic Director of 100 Watt Youth Ensemble and Instructor; 100 Watt Productions
- Guest Artists in many areas of theatre: direction, design, voice/movement, producing, marketing, accessibility in theatre
- Depending on the year, 100 Watt works in partnership with professional theatre companies, such as the Great Canadian Theatre Company (100 Watt Youth Ensemble as Resident Artists 2022-24), and supported by Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Theatre (2023-24)
WHAT ELSE:
- Participation in 100 Watt Youth Ensemble is by audition only. A maximum of 12 are accepted. As collaborative ensemble is of primary importance, ensemble members are often invited to be a part of 100 Watt Youth Ensemble for more than one year
- 100 Watt Youth Ensemble productions are either created original work or published plays written by international writers who are commissioned specifically to write plays intended to be performed by youth. The content always communicates the experiences, longings and hopes of youth.
- Depending on grants and arts funding, there is no fee. In exceptional situations and only if absolutely necessary, there may be a nominal fee which covers production costs, rehearsal space & administration costs. 100 Watt Youth Ensemble is not-for-profit.
In their words…
From the 100 Watt Youth Ensemble 2021-24
“The feeling I had when heading to rehearsal is like one I have before a show. It’s a kind of healthy nervousness which stems from the fact of knowing that what we’re doing is important and that we are being treated as professionals! That really doesn’t happen everywhere which is unfortunate because it creates a more constructive environment for people to work in, especially youth. There is no ego, no spite and all effort is put into crafting a story. I learned that all results in theatre are linked to work! Fellow actors, production people and Kristina are working on this every week with a generosity and a drive that is extremely special!”
“This project told me not to allow myself to be satisfied with the status quo. So often thoughts, feelings, genuine concerns (especially of youth) feel dismissed. Being involved in this project has given me a push to always keep pushing for answers that we deserve.”
“I loved the whole process! I look back on everything so fondly, especially the time spent with the rest of the cast and crew! My favourite part of any production is the people, hands down, and working so diligently and so often with everyone truly made my year and is something that will always leave me so fulfilled and full of joy! :)”
“I don’t know what my life would have been like without this. Being with the ensemble, working with you, seeing the audience’s reactions, feels like the heart of what I’m meant to do. Thank you for creating a space that gives me permission to do that. You are redefining what it means to work in theatre, what it means to be an artist, and what it means to love the planet. Thank you for being so dedicated to all of us.”
“I am so happy to be able to call you a director, a mentor, a coach, and a friend.”
“This has made such an impact on my life and I couldn’t be happier.”
“The first time we were researching and sharing our discoveries for the script, it made me wonder how much I didn’t know, about the environment, issues concerning it, what could harm it, what was being done to help, etc (albeit slightly horrified at some parts!)”
“Working on this project reminds me how much art can impact a person and make them think differently and I’m honoured to have been a part of it. I’ve learned so much I didn’t know before …I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
“This year awakened a feeling of immense gratitude in me. It was truly amazing to see how many people care deeply about the climate crisis, and this project is what allowed us to connect together to create based on this issue.”
“I feel so lucky with this incredible experience and that I have the opportunity to thrive in an environment which works with me, my whole/true self, and embraces my youth, thoughts, impulses and where everything is met with love and appreciation. Thank you a million times over, I feel thankful every day, even though I don’t say it enough.”
“This has been an amazing journey. I learned so much and am grateful.”
“My relationship with hope changed. Before this project, I was hopeful of a better future regarding climate change but it was based on the fact that I wouldn’t know how to keep going if I didn’t have hope. Now, my hope is based in reality and human connection. To have worked on this project with all the other youth who care so much about the environment really makes me feel understood and connected.”
“This has been the experience of my life and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“You have helped me grow so much as an actor. Really, you’re a kickass director.”
“Thank you so much for allowing me to be involved in this production. I can’t wait to experience more.”
“There are no words to express how much this project has changed my life.”
“Thank you for letting me be part of this project of yours, I cannot express how fulfilling it was.”
From the Production Team:
“I want to say how lucky I am that I got this opportunity to come and work with everyone. This show, 12, is so special. It’s an important message, a somewhat heavy topic, extremely heavy for many, but I will never forget the Joy that was also constantly in the room. Amongst the crisis there is hope, amongst the chaos there is joy.” (Stage Manager 2023)
Congratulations! It has been a huge pleasure to see this show grow, but also to work with the Ensemble all season long. In lieu of flowers or chocolates, donations have been made to Oceans North and Friends of the Earth (Canada).” (Lighting Designer 2023)
PRODUCTION HISTORY:
- 2024 STUFF
- Youth Ensemble as Resident Artists of the GCTC 2023-24
- 2018, 2021, 2023 “12”
- 12 is part of GCTC’s 2022-23 season
- 12 opens IONESCO’s International Year of the Child 2018
- 12 is sold out to multi-generation audiences at the Ottawa Children’s Festival; nominated for Best Direction, Prix Rideau Award
- 2017 Tiny Dynamite by Abi Morgan
- 2016 The Grandfathers by Rory Mullarkey, w/ TWA
- 2014 Eclipse by Simon Armitage, w/ TWA
- 2013 Prince of Denmark by Michael Lesslie, w/ TWA. 100 Watt Youth Ensemble is born.
For questions contact Kristina HERE.
100 Watt 