Devised and playwriting theatre student Luke Reece has proven himself to be a capable entrepreneur, founding the rising theatre company, Little Black Afro Productions. Having put on a variety of in-company shows over the last two years, LBA has found success in fringe festivals and short runs across southern Ontario. Luke answered a few questions for incoming theatre students.
Excalibur: What’d you like and dislike about first year theatre?
Luke Reece: My favourite thing about first year theatre was the variety of skills I learned. I was hanging lights, making skirts, and building a giant water tower for Hippolytos. You get to learn about every aspect of theatre, inside and out. There is also a really friendly community that is wonderful to be a part of.
I don’t think there was anything I really disliked but something that was challenging for me was making the time for crew shifts. I was (and still am) commuting from Mississauga and I wouldn’t be home until 11:30 pm or later on days I had crew shifts and then up early the next morning to get to Stagecraft.
E: What do you wish you had done more of in first year, especially re: your program and your aspirations?
L: I’m fairly happy with everything I did in first year. I was there for Orientation Week, acted in Playground, played intramural sports and all that fun stuff. I guess what I wish I did more was go see more of the upper-year devised shows. Shows, shows and more shows! See the un-mounted ones too.
E: What do you wish you hadn’t done?
L: I wish I hadn’t procrastinated as much as I did! I wish I hadn’t not slept as much. Yes, that’s a double negative. That’s what happens when you don’t sleep enough. ..make sure you stay healthy! Take care of your body and your body will take care of you.
E: How did first year shape you as both a creative person and help build up Little Black Afro ?
L: First year shaped my creative being in the most positive way ever. I was exposed to new techniques and did things I never thought I would even try. I also met a ton of other creative people who I learned from. You learn a lot from working with your fellow theatre students.
As for Little Black Afro, after my first year of theatre, I had learned so much and I wanted to put it into practice. My friend Ryan Ovas came to me with the idea and we just went to it. It’s that easy. I reworked a piece I wrote back in high school, and it was noticeably better. It was clear proof that I had improved as a theatre artist through my first year at York. And then, in future shows our cast and crew were all Yorkies.
E: What advice would you give to incoming theatre students regarding the program?
L: Try everything! Approach everything with an open mind, and prepare to surprise yourself with everything you will learn. There are things you didn’t think you’d like that you’ll like a lot and vice versa. It’s a lot of work, but you get out what you put in, so work hard. Also, don’t be afraid to have fun. It’s a big York theatre family, and now you’re a part of it. Welcome!
Abdul Malik
Arts Editor
