First In A Series of ... People I Adore And Admire

Deb: There is a group of actor/ improvisers who my husband and I love. And we are not alone in our adoration. Their official title is grander than The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. And yet, it fits them perfectly:

They are called, quite simply...THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF THE WORLD.

Photo credit: Naomi Wright

They personify everything I think an artist should be. They are inventive, inclusive, supportive, and many other “ives” that escape me momentarily. They are risk takers and investors. They take themselves seriously, and yet don’t take themselves seriously at all.

And man, do they “fan up”! They are constantly seeking out people they admire to work with and collaborate with. And when you are on stage with them, no matter how shamelessly you mug or how voraciously you upstage, or how hungrily you chew the scenery, they give it over to you. They literally “fan you up”!

I have been on the receiving end of their generosity while mugging so shamelessly as to only catch––out of the only still corner of my face––their smiling admiration.  And despite the panicked mugging born of insecurity, they “fanned me up” by inviting me to play with them again.  WHAT? And this time before performing the mugging, I took some magnesium. It abates the cramping of the face. 

But these “Theatre of the World” pepes, are endlessly creative. They make us laugh and make us proud. They are younger than us (who isn’t?) and they possess a passion for the work I wish I had when I was their age. They work it!!!!

Anytime my husband is looking at his email and I hear him say “God love them!” I know he is talking about National Theatre of the World. I’ll say, “What?” and he’ll say, “ Wow, they’ve got some new thing going.” They are the personification of “if you build it they will come”. Of course, more will come on “pay what you can” nights, but still...

The “they” in National Theatre of the World are: Matt Baram, Naomi Snieckus and Ron Pederson. Chris Gibbs and Christy Bruce are associate producers who help produce the other shows outside of the fabulous “Impromptu Splendor”, their flagship and calling card. Naomi Wright is their outreach director and play-reading director. Kudos to all for your dedication and desire.

So often in show business we are measured by our fame and our fortune. But these performers have their riches in talent and sheer creativity with a smattering of big ole’ balls. The fame and fortune will come. And if it doesn't, who cares? They are artists after all.

Barbara: Wow, Deb, I love this idea of honouring people we admire! There are so many talented people out there who deserve a special shout-out.

I know that feeling of just filling up with pride when my pepes shine—whether it’s on stage, on paper, or around the dining table. So many people out there are just wells of amazing, sometimes unexpected (and often not wholly tapped) wonder.

Thanks, Deb, for sharing with us your treasure trove.

Link here for The National Theatre of the World's Canadian Comedy Award winning cult hit variety hour; The Carnegie Hall Show is proud to present a very special night on May 4th at 8pm at the Bread and Circus. A star-studded jam packed glorious night to raise funds for Impromptu Splendor's up coming Script-Tease Project.