“Speaking of…”
by C.C. Lee
This summer, I had the excellent opportunity to participate in the Speak Up: Take a “Chance” theater program held at the Chance Theater in Anaheim. A teacher from school was one of the educational directors and teachers at the theater, so she suggested that I go and chip in. Because it was a sponsored program that ran solely on donations, grants, and ticket sales, participation was completely free of charge and targeted towards students in junior highs and high schools in the Anaheim area.
The whole experience was completely new for me. I have never gone to a “summer camp” to write my own script and perform my own work. I have never been to a room where each and every face was eager to contribute his or her idea into a 100% student-created production because they couldn’t do it anywhere else. But most of all, I have never worked in an environment with people of totally different backgrounds than me.
The students at the program had very inspiring stories to tell. One student had grown up homeless for many years of his life, and moved in and out of motel-like apartments, or what he called shabby rooms in the bad part of town. Another had his father deported to Mexico when he was a young boy, and when he finally saved up enough money to go visit him, he discovered he was dead; he, too, lived on a tight budget, but with a single
mother and many sisters. A majority of the kids had gotten free rides to and from the Chance Theater from the ever-generous Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim.
Hearing about all the incredible obstacles my new peers had overcome, I immediately felt out of place, especially since I left for a 15-day vacation abroad in the middle of July. Most of the students had never left the state, much less the country! I tried my best not to gloat when I returned, even though everyone was eager to hear about my trip. In fact, it was hard to chat with them about anything in my life without having to think about phrasing it in a way that would not seem like bragging. I felt awkward when everyone had trouble finding rides yet my mom drove me to class every time. I excitedly smiled and laughed along with them when they shared their latest thrift shop findings, though I have never been to one in my life. I tried my best to contribute to their conversations about school life, though I didn’t know much about public schools. Basically, I suddenly felt like I was the one who needed to fit in among these teens, who were the same age as me yet lived such a different life.
What amazed me was how happy everyone was—you never would have guessed that they may come from economically challenged families. Not only was the cast supportive and friendly, we all helped each other to write and perform our show, titled Unexpected Journeys. It turned out to be a collection of student-written scenes and monologues that came from our own hearts. At the end of each show (there were two), there was a “Talk Back,” or a Q & A part where the audience was able to ask questions. Many students took the time to express their gratitude towards the faculty and donors for giving them the opportunity to be in a show. Since theater programs had been eliminated at some of their schools due to budget cuts, they were grateful that they could be on stage once again.
I left the program feeling not only (too) privileged, but refreshed. All those students were happy because they were able to spend their summer in an environment with others who loved to follow their passion of acting. I, too, shared that passion with them, which was how I was able to meet such an incredible group of people. I hope I can return to the program next summer, and I wish them all the best.
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