It’s June, so The Outpatient Collective is hard at work on our fall production of Atlantis, and our cast is learning their lines for our summer production of Richard III.  A few of our young people are actually working on both projects (while also completing a little thing called high school), and yet all of them remain as devoted and hard-working as ever!

One of these young people has been on our stage a lot in recent years, and we always love what she gives us!  Her comedic chops are sharp and her dramatic skills are nuanced (and she’s also a blast to have in our rehearsal room).  She’s an extremely generous leader, and one of the strongest writers we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, and we couldn’t be more pleased to celebrate her as June’s YP of the Month.  And who is this erudite, eloquent, and effervescent expert of (dramatic) enchantments?

June’s YP of the Month is none other than,

Taylor Sisson!

At the tender age of 15, Taylor Sisson became a proud performer with Calgary Young People’s Theatre. Looking back at her experiences as old fogey she is thrilled with the wonderful opportunities that she had the delight of working on. From the very first moment dancing on stage as Providence, Taylor was absolutely hooked.  Fast forward through five productions, three years and one incredible Children’s Festival and Taylor has finally graduated.

The Count of Monte Cristo (2012)

Nevertheless her involvement now extends farther than just the stage as under the guidance of Jason Long, Taylor and several other CYPT veterans, including past Young Person of the Month Erin Navarro, are involved in the writing for Atlantis. As well you can see her in this summer’s production of William Shakespeare’s Richard the III as the Duchess of York! Taylor would like to give thanks to CYPT for the life lesson only they could give; Such as learning to accept and grow from her mistakes, not being afraid to laugh at the little things and most importantly that nothing makes a dance party better than 40 children of varying ages screaming the lyrics to Grease.

Andrew (L) and Taylor (R) in The Wooer’s Woods (2014)

“When I first started acting I was a very shy kid with braces and a bit of a stutter. Although I can’t speak for CYPT’s orthodontistry skills I’m positive they helped with everything else – especially the confidence. I’m so glad I found such a lovely company!”

–Taylor Sisson

Taylor, Maddie, and Kate in Holmes and Watson (2013)