BY KAYLIN ZECH
The Ladysmith Secondary School Improv team has returned from competing in the Canadian Improv Games national festival in Ottawa.
Following the regional tournament in Victoria, LSS competed in an online wildcard event, winning the opportunity to compete at nationals against 14 other teams. In only three weeks the community worked together to support us at our benefit show, and helped us fund our travel. We are grateful for our regular connection with the community at our annual shows, and are proud to be a part of such a beautiful community.
LSS has made it to the national finals nine times over the years. Our history of success speaks to the diligence and enthusiasm of our coach, William Taylor, who created the program at the request of a local student more than a quarter century ago. The uplifting community created within the program has allowed it to be resilient to challenges facing the arts created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program remains a safe environment for youths to express themselves through the arts.
During the six days of the Canadian Improv Games, we had the opportunity to explore the capital, as our team performed on the opening night. In our spare time we experienced the National Art Gallery and the Canadian Museum of History. Every evening, we watched the games at the National Arts Centre, where our team cheered in support of the players onstage, many of whom we had befriended at morning workshops where we practiced skills such as listening and trusting our instincts as artists. The overall culture of the festival was one of acceptance and loving competition where every individual wished for the success of their opponents as much as themselves.
We are so proud of our work together. Being a small school and placing sixth out of more than 350 teams nationwide has given us perspective on how gifted we are. It was so exciting to represent Ladysmith during the finals, where we played to a full house of more than 800. This experience has challenged our team to test our capabilities and has let us grow as artists, friends, and individuals. The three graduating students of our team were so grateful for the opportunity to play together one last time.
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