DramaWay

We are often asked about our wonderful volunteers, who are a very important part of the DramaWay family. We’ve put together this post to help you get to know them a little bit better.  
We’d also like to thank our Volunteers for their commitment and dedication.  We couldn’t do it without you!

Angela Cha, DramaWorks Downtown Group B Volunteer

Angela on why she volunteers for DramaWay: “I am currently working full time as an Instructor Therapist for young children with autism. You can imagine how exhausting (yet so rewarding) that can be. Volunteering one evening a week at DramaWay is like a break for me. When I am in that environment and with all the wonderful participants, nothing else matters. The boundless energy and the enthusiasm of everyone is so incredibly refreshing and contagious! DramaWay is definitely my most favourite part of the week!”

Christine Duff, DramaWorks Volunteer

Christine on being a DramaWay volunteer: “My favorite part of doing volunteer work with DramaWay is being able to spend time with all of the wonderful and talented participants – each and every week! I believe that Danielle and her team really do provide a very unique kind of experiential arts programming, and that they all sincerely respect and love each member of the great big DramaWay Community.  I am continuously inspired by both the actors and their helpers, and I am so glad to be included in all the fun!”

Nicole Flynn, DramaWay Events Volunteer

Nicole is inspired by: “Hard work.  I like to work hard.  When I work I feel pleased with what I am doing.  I feel satisfied that I did a good job.  Danielle says “Way to go Flynn” and we do a high five. I like to push myself beyond what is expected.”
Nicole on why she volunteers for DramaWay: “I volunteer at DramaWay because they treat me like a human being.  They do not treat me as a person with a difference.
Nicole’s New Year’s Resolutions: “This year I plan to continue with my writing and poetry.  I am also investigating comedy.”

Merle Freedman, DramaWorks Downtown Group B Volunteer

Merle on being a DramaWay Volunteer:“I love volunteering for DramaWay because it’s so uplifting to be involved with such a warm and welcoming group of people. Almost every week someone mentions how much DramaWay feels like a family, and I can absolutely see why. Everyone who comes to DramaWay, participants, staff, and volunteers, are always positive and encouraging to one another. No matter what kind of day or week I’m having, I always leave DramaWay feeling happy.”

Jeff Kearns, DramaWorks Downtown Group A Volunteer

Why Jeff loves volunteering for DramaWay:”I find it rewarding to work with a great bunch of people I would likely not otherwise meet.”
Jeff’s New Year’s resolution: “My new year’s resolution is to continue upping my level of success and presence in the music industry.”

Renee Kwan, DramaWorks Volunteer

Renee’s New Year’s Resolution: “To volunteer with my son with special needs and strengthen his social skills. I’d also like to support the building of partnership among diversity groups.”

What inspires Renee: “My continuous involvement with developmental service agencies.”

Kyle Paul, DramaWorks and VisualArtWork Volunteer

Why Kyle is volunteering for DramaWay: “DramaWay is a unique and exciting organization where I can help, learn, and be a positive force.”
What inspires Kyle: “Great writing, innovation, and genuine surprise.”
New Years’ Resolution: “Publish my second novel, and graduate from teacher’s college.”

Brian Woo, DramaWorks, VisualArtWorks, RhythmWorks and Multi-Arts Enrichment Camp Volunteer

Brian on New Years’ Resolutions: “I don’t make New Years Resolutions, because I always want to improve myself. I don’t think this should be something I think of only at New Years.”
What inspires Brian: “People who have overcome challenges in their life.”

Ruth Zuchter, DramaWorks West End and SigningWorks Volunteer

Ruth on what inspires her: “My inspiration comes from making a meaningful connection with people, sharing some of my abilities and knowledge with them, and being able to see the sense of empowerment and fulfillment each person achieves from their own accomplishments. I am honoured to be able to work with the DramaWay team, to help to empower each workshop participant.”

Inspired to Volunteer?

We are often looking for new volunteers to support our programs, shows and events.  If you are a people person with a passion for the arts, we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteering for DramaWay can be an excellent way to gain work experience, make new friends, and fulfill OSSD community service hour requirements, and of course, HAVE FUN!

Feel free to pass this information onto anyone who you think would be a great DramaWay Volunteer.  Volunteer application forms can be downloaded off our website at: http://dramaway.com/dramaway/about/volunteer

Lauren: Why did you start volunteering at DramaWay?

Brian: I contacted DramaWay for volunteer opportunities after I saw them perform at the Abilities Church last year. I was completely blown away by their performance, so I wanted to get involved. I had applied to the Developmental Services Worker program at Centennial College, and I wanted to be a volunteer to gain experience working with people with disabilities. One of the other reasons why I was interested in working with people with disabilities is because I have a stutter, so I feel like I can relate to people with disabilities (even though some people would disagree that stuttering is a disability).

Lauren: How has your experience volunteering been so far?

Brian: My experience with DramaWay has exceeded my expectations. I enjoyed making new friends at the
Multi-Arts Enrichment Camp, and it was tons of fun participating in the final drama/dance presentations at the end of each MAE camp session.
Volunteering has boosted my confidence in my everyday life. Also, I was not expecting to enjoy choreographed dancing at the MAE camp, but I loved it!!! I have tried to teach “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga to one of my friends at her birthday party, and I did the dance for Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” at my birthday party. It’s great that volunteers can participate, and have fun at DramaWay.

Lauren: What would you tell someone who is contemplating volunteering with DramaWay?

Brian: I would tell them that it’s a lot of fun and it’s an experience that they will never forget. One of my friends helped out for only one day at the MAE camp, and afterwards she told me, “Now I know why you go there every day!!”.

Lauren: What is your experience with the Arts?

Christine: I had always loved to draw and paint, and so I went to a High School for the Arts, where I did Visual Art as much as I could.  I also met dancers and actors and musicians there, and I really enjoyed having creative friends. I then studied Fine Arts in University, and was trained as both an Art and Special Education Teacher!  I actually believe that it takes a great deal of courage and creativity for people to live with Special Needs of different kinds, and so that’s why I really love the way that it all comes together so brilliantly at DramaWay!

Lauren: Why did you start volunteering at DramaWay?

Christine: I had already taught in the Schools for over ten years, and I wanted to see if there were other ways for me to enjoy being caring and creative in the larger community. When the people at DramaWay turned out to be so warm and energetic, I felt like I had really hit the jackpot! I still feel that way – So I haven’t left!
Lauren: What did you hope to achieve with your volunteering?
Christine: I had hoped to find out more about what happens for creative and talented people when they are done going to School. One of the things that I love about DramaWay is that the actors are so professional – and that they do such quality work.  I realized that it really is an honor to work with adults who are so dedicated to the Arts!

Lauren: What would you tell someone who is contemplating volunteering with DramaWay?

Christine: I would tell them to get ready to experience Joy – because that is the essence of what happens in this Community! I would tell them that if they did choose to join the team, they would never ever regret it!  Art plus Creativity plus Commitment, Dedication and Hard work – that’s clearly such a winning combination! ….And the People? Absolutely marvelous!