Laughter, Tears and Mood Swings
By Sierra Thambiratnam
York House School, Vancouver, B.C.
Writing my short play Get out of the Road has been quite an experience, one filled with laughter, tears and mood swings (evidently). Yet through it all, my family, friends and teachers have been the most supportive community I could have ever hoped for.
The idea for a play set in traffic was created by my sister and I when we were, ironically, stuck in traffic. In December, my drama class attended a STARFest, and I heard about the short play program. This spurred me to write fifteen drafts over the span of winter break, all of which I deemed absolutely terrible. At this moment, I must confess my deep gratitude towards my mother and sister who uncomplainingly proofread, and provided feedback on, all fifteen drafts. I must also thank my father, who was very encouraging. (He didn’t read my drafts, but only because I wouldn’t let him. He wanted me to make that clear.)
After winter break I almost had a heart attack, because I realized that in three weeks the play would be due; so for the next two weeks I spent every night desperately typing away. Fortunately, it didn’t affect the quality of my schoolwork.
One week before the play was due, I emailed my drama teacher, Ms. Keira Louis, and asked her to give feedback on my work. In hindsight, this wasn’t very fair of me, because I only gave her a few days and she’s a very busy person. I’m so sorry, Ms. Louis. I have many things to thank her for, but a lot of those things happen later on in the story, so I’ll hold them for now.
A single day before the deadline, I submitted the play, and then proceeded to forget about it for a month. One day, I opened my inbox and almost had another heart attack. I received an email from Prof. John Lazarus, saying that my play had been selected and that I had the opportunity to perform it at a National STARFest. There was a lot of joyful screaming that afternoon. Many thanks to John Lazarus for judging my play and providing amazing feedback on it. It really helped fix the plot.
Right before spring break, Ms. Louis and I asked our drama class if they would like to perform a staged reading of Get out of the Road at STARFest West. I really want to thank my drama class. Everyone was so enthusiastic and worked so hard to put it all together. Thank you for putting up with my terrible communication and being such great friends! This is where I will also thank Ms. Louis. Thank you so much for your never-ending encouragement and direction. None of this would have been possible without you.
In April, after weeks of lunchtime rehearsals, we were finally able to perform. I was so proud of everyone and couldn’t stop smiling. A day later, I had an amazing meeting with John Lazarus, which allowed me to finalize my script.
That was the journey that got Get out of the Road to be the play it is today, and I am so thankful for the multitude of people who helped me traverse this road. Thank you so much and I love you all!