Mixed Company Theatre

Reflections by Carli Fink

Mixed Company TheatreSince wrapping up rehearsals for Life Gets in the Way, Mixed Company Theatre has kept me busy. Every day I’m here entails something different. I contribute wherever I can, involving myself in a little bit of everything over my few weeks. I’ve been part of discussions regarding the upcoming season, project plans, and marketing strategy; I’ve gained some insight into everything I set out to in my initial goals, including understanding the steps of project management from ideation to execution.

It has been especially interesting for me to witness the workings of a small administrative team, and how so few people are able to juggle so many responsibilities. Developing new material, determining logistics, contacting artists and audiences, and distributing information are part of every person’s daily work.

My three weeks here have been full of laughter and learning, a glance into the world of MCT and arts administration at large. I have enjoyed spending time in the rehearsal and office spaces, and soaking up the processes of these people and this organization. Until next time, thank you!

Carli Fink is a volunteer at Mixed Company Theatre and is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Queen’s University. 

Life Gets in the Way Rehearsal

Life Gets in the Way, a First Impression by Carli Fink

Life Gets in the Way RehearsalBeing brand new to MCT, I had no concept of what to expect when walking into Tuesday morning’s rehearsal for Life Gets in the Way. My first observation was the people around me: two MCT staff, a very tall musician, and six senior citizens already joking with one another.

I quickly learned that Rex Deverell, a Chalmers award winning playwright, wrote the show and five senior performers plus MCT’s Artistic Project Manager starred in the show. While helping to set up, I caught them doing warm-ups and running line drills; their jokes made me chuckle, and their eagerness inspired me. Each was so friendly towards me, the newcomer, and seemed so comfortable with the many characters they portrayed.

The show itself is a collection of scenes conveying different elements of life as an older adult, and it begins and ends with the titular song “Life Gets in the Way” which has stuck in my head since first listen. Life Gets in the Way provides a forum for discussing the issues facing senior communities, including memory loss, technological difficulties, and institutionalization among others.

My two days in rehearsal were filled with laughter and learning, an interest in Mixed Company Theatre and its work come alive in a celebration of seniority. The people I’ve met thus far are nothing short of wonderful – welcoming, talented, and engaging – and I can’t wait to see what they do next. I trust they will continue to dispel the myths surrounding old age. Until then, I’ll keep humming “Life Gets in the Way.”

Carli Fink is a volunteer at Mixed Company Theatre and is currently completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Queen’s University.