Stage Door News
Stage Door News
After ten successful years working at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Chy Ryan Spain has decided to step down from his role as Youth Program Coordinator. Spain’s time at Buddies has been marked by major growth in the Theatre’s youth-focused initiatives, and his efforts have created countless opportunities for young people in the community.
"It has been an honour and a pleasure to have served our community in this capacity for the past ten years, and I will treasure the connections I have made during my tenure,” remarked Spain. “I have every confidence that the program will continue to flourish under new leadership, and will play an integral part in the development of emerging queer artists, activists, and community members. Thank you for allowing me to be of service."
Spain is a thought-leader in his field and his personal dedication to increased accessibility and exploration of intersectional perspectives has greatly influenced the Buddies Youth Program. He has been a beloved host and coordinator of QueerCab, a monthly open-mic event for Queer youth, which fosters new artistic voices in an inclusive atmosphere. Spain has been a mentor to over one hundred young artists through the annual PrideCab program including Sina Gilani, Kumari Giles, Michael Lyons, Flerida Peña and Andrew Robinson. As Youth Program Coordinator Spain has also built rewarding partnerships with SOY, Griffin Centre, and the Sherborne Centre. Through his endeavours, Spain has helped to cemented Buddies’ role as an essential supporter of Queer youth in Toronto.
To celebrate his tireless commitment to the Youth Program Buddies is throwing an all-ages QueerCab event in his honour on Wednesday, December 2. Everyone is welcome to join this special evening hosted by Buddies Cabaret Artist in Residence, Ryan G. Hinds, and featuring performances from Buddies Youth Program alum.
Buddies continues its tradition of innovative and inclusive youth outreach and training under the direction of
Buddies’ new Artistic Director Evalyn Parry. In September, the Young Creators Unit underwent major revitalization, bringing on new Unit Director Sunny Drake and Company Dramaturge Mel Hague. The program has expanded its parameters to include projects driven by emerging queer artists age thirty and under, with the new title of Emerging Creators Unit.
A search for Spain’s replacement is currently underway. The new Youth Program Coordinator will be announced in conjunction with further developments in the Buddies Queer Youth Arts Program in early 2016.
QueerCab: Chy’s Farewell
December 2 | 8pm | PWYC
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Photo: Chy Ryan Spain.
2015-11-04
Toronto: Buddies Youth Program to continue to evolve in 2016