Ava McKay

         Art is about human connection. My call to theatre stems from a need for human connection, friendship and validation. I have always been a very anxious person. I care too much about how others perceive me. I get embarrassed easily. I second guess myself too much. Acting has pushed me to just let go of my inhibitions, I know I am stunting my growth as an actor if I get too caught up in how weird I may look. Through the encouragement of teachers and peers I have been able to release my inhibitions (not all but most) and push myself to become a more sociable and confident person off and on the stage. Through letting go I get the ability to play and explore the world around me, and theatre has allowed me to continue to do that even as I begin to approach adulthood. Leading me on the set path I have created for myself as an artist, reaching my goal of being able to continue to share my art with others. Which is something I so desperately want. The ability to change someone's perspective and start a conversation

          Over the past few years I have been lucky enough to be able to explore myself and figure who I am and who I want to be and the world around me through devised theatre, specifically the devised theatre company Cry Havoc. Through Cry Havoc I have been able to explore topics such as women’s personal relationships with food, climate change, the treatment of women in fairytales, and the continued silencing and horrific treatment of women with mental health issues, specifically the institutionalization of women in the late 1800s. This limitless exploration has allowed me to become more comfortable with myself. I have become less nervous and more open, ready to take on the world with confidence. 

          Through structured improvs, extensive research, personal experiences, and interviews, we construct a show. Hours and hours of audio recorded improv, letter writing, and movement work, only a small fraction of what we do makes it into the final cut. For every one minute of content, an hour of work has gone into creating that specific moment. This long process allows for a strong cast and crew relationship. Everyone in the cast is comfortable with everyone. We grow close as we grow as actors and as people. We speak freely with each other, we joke, we create solid relationships with each other. We connect. I connect.

          Being able to explore freely through all of these topics I have been able to grow into the type of artist I wish to be. One that is not afraid of pushing boundaries, one that is not afraid to take a stand, and one that wishes to point out societal issues. Through this I am able to create connections with the audience. I want to leave them with questions and newauced feelings of the world around them. A perspective change.