For the 2017/18 season Imagination Theater welcomed a wealth of new talent into our team. From the first rehearsal to the last workshop of the school year, I was consistently wowed by the depth of each artist educator’s commitment to every aspect of our mission to provide diverse audiences with original, dynamic, participatory theatrical programming that enhances well-being and creates a more civil, safe society. On stage, in the classroom, and out in the community, our ensemble members proved themselves to be gifted actors, engaging teachers, and passionate advocates. This ensemble is truly rich with talent.
Every year, as the season comes to an close, our ensemble members name one person the Ensemble Member of the Year. Below is the criteria the company is asked to consider when casting votes:
“This person has gone above and beyond the call of duty throughout the season, and is well-rounded in all areas of IT’s programming as an actor, moderator, improviser, facilitator, educator, and writer. The ensemble member of the year has a positive attitude both on stage and off, and is looked upon as a leader within the company. This person shows remarkable commitment to IT, having volunteered their time on numerous occasions, and is consistently reliable and professional. The ensemble member of the year truly understands IT’s mission, and strives to incorporate “IT skills” into their life.”
The 2017/18 Ensemble Member Of The Year is Amanda Forman!
Here is some of what other ensemble members had to say about Amanda:
“Amanda has always been a shining star! They learned so much so quickly, and became a facilitator and ensemble member with ease. They’re always energetic, kind, and quite a hoot! Go Amanda!”
“I think they're great to work with and make a wonderful facilitator. They work really well with the students, and you can tell Amanda is passionate about the work they do!”
Very early in their time with Imagination Theater, Amanda stepped up to the challenge of learning facilitation and they tackled that new role with humor, grace, and an elite quickness. Watching them facilitate Ease the Tease was an absolute joy. Amanda consistently fosters an environment that invites full and free participation from young audiences. They meet each volunteer where they are and seamlessly adapts to the specific needs of each individual spect-actor and circumstance.
In one of the last shows of the school year, I had the privilege of watching Amanda morph from a lonely student at a new school to an injured competitor to an animated panda bear endorsing healthy snacks. Each character had a life of their own and the audience ate it all up (including the healthy snacks promoted by the audience suggestion of Petunia the Panda.)
Amanda is an absolute pleasure to work with and a truly exemplary ensemble member. Congratulations Amanda on being this year’s Ensemble Member of The Year!
As always, you can learn more about Imagination Theater’s ensemble and programming at www.imaginationtheater.org
