May YP of the Month

May YP of the Month

May 14th, 2018

May YP of the Month

May’s YP of the Month is one of those young performers whose energy is so overwhelmingly positive that she makes every rehearsal hall better just for her presence. She’s been with CYPT since 2015, and we’ve loved having her on our stages ever since. We’ve also been fortunate to have her working behind the scenes as a musician and sound designer, but regardless of whether she’s onstage or off, she always brings focus, dedication, and creative spirit to every project she works on. We love her very much. And who is this cheerful, charming, and cherished creator of characters and chords? May’s YP of the Month is none other than,

Natalia Cortes!!!

In the summer of 2015, fifteen-year-old Natalia made her theatrical debut in Calgary Young People’s Theatre’s production of Richard III as a tower lieutenant by the name of Brackenbury. Although, at the time she believed that she was merely tending to her slight thirst for acting, little did she know that for the next three years, this incredible company would bring so much love and support into her life. In the coming years, this company provided her not only with the tools to grow as a performer but surrounded her with talented artists that served her to realize how profoundly she adored this art form.

Macbeth (2017). Photo by Rob Galbraith/Little Guy Media.

For the following three seasons, Natalia was fortunate enough to have participated in seven productions with Calgary Young People’s Theatre and to play a multiplicity of roles. From a sassy shopkeeper to a ghastly witch, she tackled quite the variety of wacky roles. Furthermore, Natalia was provided the opportunity to work as a musical collaborator and to explore the world of sound design.

Life in the Realm (2016 Cannonball Festival). Photo by Rob Galbraith.

Natalia is so incredibly grateful for this company, and for its vital role in shaping her both as a person and a performer. She is truly appreciative of all the amazing projects she has been able to do with CYPT over the last couple of years and cannot wait to continue her journey with this wonderful company.

“Acting is such an exciting personal craft. It has allowed me to access quite a compelling range of emotions that I never would’ve thought to explore otherwise.”

-Natalia Cortes

Actors perform a scene from The Fan at West Village Theatre in Calgary on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2017. The Calgary Young People’s Theatre production runs from August 2-6, 2017. (Photo by Rob Galbraith/Little Guy Media)

Cast and crew stage Macbeth at West Village Theatre in Calgary on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. The Calgary Young People’s Theatre production, which sets Shakespeare’s play among the stone formations of ancient Druids, runs until March 4, 2017. (Photo by Rob Galbraith/Little Guy Media)

Actors perform Life in the Realm during the Cannonball Festival at West Village Theatre in Calgary on Saturday, May 7, 2016. The festival features six plays, all produced by youth, in conjunction with Calgary Young People’s Theatre. (Photo by Rob Galbraith/Little Guy Media)

Actors pose for a portrait after performing The Fan at West Village Theatre in Calgary on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2017. The Calgary Young People’s Theatre production runs from August 2-6, 2017. (Photo by Rob Galbraith/Little Guy Media)