The Basement Files

Credit to St. Thomas Journalism and Pat Richard

Hosts: Cody Peters and Nathalie Sturgeon

Radio Work - Warning: Trigger

WARNING: before you move forward with this should you have any nervousness about rape, or the topic please refrain from listening to the documentary. 

I've done some radio work this year. Deep, intense topics. But some I think are worthy of your ear.


Rape culture and how we move on:
https://soundcloud.com/nathalie-sturgeon/sturgeon-rapedoc


Commentary on my life as a diabetic:
https://soundcloud.com/nathalie-sturgeon/commentary-diabetes-sturgeon

Theatre St. Thomas gears up for the future

by Nathalie Sturgeon

The lights go down, the music builds and the crowd leans forward. The first face with a pale white face, and bright red cheeks appear. Nothing can be heard but the sound of the voice as they begin their dialogue. It is a flagship extracurricular club that has 45 years of experience under its belt. The club has under gone some major changes in the past two years but they aren’t slowing down.

Trudeau and the FLQ was the most recent Theatre St. Thomas performance. It had 68 parts played by 16 actors, and included more than 600 cues.  All five viewings of show were sold out.. But what is the future for this after-school club?

Robin Whittaker, the Theatre St. Thomas artistic producer, said he has high hopes for the club going forward.  

“It’s definitely batting above it’s weight class, for sure, among Canadian university campus clubs,” he said.

Whittaker says they aim for variety, and variety is what they have produced. Since joining the club, Whittaker has directed Carnation Voyage, William Shakespeare, Taming of the Shrew, - this year - Trudeau and the FLQ.

Theatre St. Thomas is more then just a club. Despite the changes the club retains that sentimental value that many students past and present hold dear.

This club wasn’t always a beacon of hope and prosperity though.

Ilkay Silk was the faculty advisor for Theatre St. Thomas for 36 years. Almost two years ago, her position was eliminated, and as a result the club’s future became unclear.

The club became unsure of what might happen with the removal of the permanent positions.

Silk had told the university she would retire that year, but the decision not to replace her was upsetting.

“I’m perplexed. Of course I’m upset. That goes without saying, Silk told The Aquinian in 2014. “But the emotions are very layered. One is perplexed. Deeply, deeply not understanding the decision. So deeply. I don’t get it.”

The change came about due to budget changes that happened at university.

Tuition hikes and cut backs were put into place in order to clear the deficit that the university faced.

A petition circulated among the students to have the position renewed but at the end of the 2013-14, year the position was still cut.

Despite the removal of Silk’s position the club aims to work together with the St. Thomas community in their future projects.

This year’s Theatre St. Thomas president echoed Whittaker’s sentiments. Sharisse Lebrun, a fourth-year St. Thomas University said the club works well with the drama department.

“It’s really important to have here at STU, and it compliments the drama concentration and allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom,” she said.

Both Whittaker and LeBrun said that TST also allows them to be creative in the ways they explore different topics.

LeBrun said even though she isn’t in the drama concentration, the club allows her to get that experience that she can’t get through her degree.

“It not only compliments the drama education at STU, but all the education at STU,” she said.

But the club isn’t just able to feature their community and current events that happen around the world. It also provides a sense of family.

A St. Thomas graduate who was a member of Theatre St. Thomas since her first year, Kelsey Colford knows exactly what this family means to each member of the club.

“In my first year I was terribly homesick and didn’t really feel like I had found my community at St. Thomas,” she said. I decided to audition for Oh! What a Lovely War. I didn’t get in.

Despite that the club felt like a home away from home for Colford.

“They give me a place to go where I forgot my homesickness. It gave me mentors and friends who encouraged me to better myself. It gave me a purpose even on the difficult days. Those people were relying on me to show up and be a part of something,” she said.

“They were more than a cast and crew, they became friends and a chosen family.”

I sent an email to Ilkay [Silk, the club’s former faculty advisor] asking if there was any way I could assist the production. She welcomed me with open arms and introduced me to my second family,” said Colford.

***

It seemed like the loss of position and Silk would hurt Theatre St. Thomas in a big way until a solution could be reached. But thanks to past, present and future contributors the club remains as strong as it ever was.  

Even though LeBrun said, she wasn’t involved in the club her first year because of another program, she said friends who we’re involved before the changes are happy with the trajectory of the club.

“TST is in good hands, she said. “You guys are doing not only high quality work with talented actors and crew, but it’s work that is challenging and further the students and engaging the community.”

***

Thriving and bringing people together looks like something Theatre St. Thomas members want to see happening in the future.

Whittaker said the club’s future is always changing, and they take no particular direction right away. He said it’s important to keep the club inclusive to everyone.

“We always involve first, second, third and fourth0years… TST is really open to everyone,” said Whittaker.

Kelsey Colford said she knows these changes were necessary but hope that club remains as it always has been.

“I hope the administration continues to support TST as it currently exists. That TST maintains the caliber of performance going forward and that if it remains open to all the university population,” she said.

Colford said she found her second home in Theatre St. Thomas and says the club will always have a special place in her heart.

The club’s growth is a constant drive for the people who hold TST dear to their hearts, including LeBrun.

“I’m graduating this year, and I’m not worried at all, I’m excited to see the work that comes out of TST,” she said.  

Going forward, Whittaker said he hopes to incorporate more plays that are Canadian and, are relevant not only locally, but globally along with student works.

Whittaker will soon be teaching a script writing class. He said he expects it to be included in Theatre St. Thomas’s future line.

“Definitely incorporating a venue for new writers, and Canadian plays when it makes sense to do them, definitely introducing our audience to new styles as well as new playwrights and new plays, these are the things we hope to do.”

A spotlight of change, success and hope shines through the Black Box at St. Thomas University for all to see.

I'm here

Blogging hasn't actually been my thing lately. For the past year or so I've gone off the blogging grid.

For a number of reasons. School, mainly. Work, too. I've since joined the fast food life and it's treating me, well... like a fast food job.

So many things have happened in the months I've been away from my blog. I will be updating journalism pieces I've written, as well as much more.

I've experience many new things, and I've had to over come some challenges. But, hey, that's life.

Meet Meredith, my newest addition:

She's quite the little monster. But I love her nonetheless, we're hoping to make more additions to our fur family in the future. She's energetic and she likes carpets. Licks herself often, and runs into doors. Deficits yet to be determined. 

I've actually travelled. Yes, shocking, I know. Not far, not as far as some but I've been to places I thought I would never go. 

This summer was a summer to rival all summers. I went to PEI and Nova Scotia. And they were both experiences that have given me a tremendous insight into the things I enjoy doing. 

I spent the weekend in my first hotel stay in P.E.I. and I spent several weekends in Nova Scotia. As my significant others parents live there.
I also went on hiking adventures. Something I have never done before. It's exciting. It's challenging, because I do not have the "shape" I require to do long hikes. Shame on me.
But I did a couple of different trails this summer and a national park where I'm from.

This was a hike in Moosehorn and Laverty Falls. A long hike. 8km, from start to finish. But we got some amazing views.

Photo credit for the second one goes to my significant other. He takes amazing pictures. The scenery is amazing.

I should note that there is someone new in my life and he is amazing! Couldn't have asked for a better person in my life. He makes me very happy, but he doesn't like social media so much. So I'm going to respect his wishes regarding that.

School is going well (there will be journalism posts to follow), but yes, it takes a lot of work to be a journalism student. A lot of time an effort goes into putting together journalism video. A lot of work goes into putting together radio and print.
I've got one more year to my degree and their are a lot of changes coming in the future.

I don't like change. At all. But, here's to the future and all it holds.

10 Songs To Get You through the Day

Each day I like to start my day with some music. And depending on the mood I’m in, the music changes and will change. So, here are some songs that should be on your playlist right now.

1. “FourFiveSeconds” - Rihanna, Kanye West and Paul McCartney

This is a new song from three out-of-this-world talented singer-songwriters. The song has an upbeat tempo that’ll get your booty shaking. There is a vital combination of rap and upbeat melody. Of course, there is also McCartney’s always flawless guitar playing.

2. “Masterpiece” – Jessie J

This is the ultimate self-confidence song. I love it! It’s like, probably one of my favourite songs of all time. And, it has a great beat to keep you listening to the end. You’re all masterpieces, ladies!

3. “Chains” – Nick Jonas

So, I just recently came across this song. I had been listening to “Jealous” which is also a good song, but will not appear on this list, but I felt instantly connected to this one. It’s a deep song - and even if you don’t like the song, Nick Jonas is beautiful to look at.

4. “Style” – Taylor Swift 

A playlist would not be complete without Taylor Swift in there. This song is perfect. Even without the James Dean reference you kind of have to love this song. It’s slow but its tempo is the perfect morning song when you brew your morning coffee.

5. “Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift 

Yes, another Tay Swift song. But, this one is a good motivator. Shake off the negative emotions, shake off the haters, shake everything off and start the day.

6. “Make It To Me” – Sam Smith 

This song is soft and slow. As most of Smith’s songs are, but the strong positive vibe about love in this song could make anyone happy. He’s confident there is someone out there for him. You just have to “keep your head down, and make it to him.”

7. "Uptown Funk" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars 

Of course this is on my list. What a great song. It’s so catchy and it's got such a funky vibe. Don’t believe me, just watch!

8. “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon

What a great dancing song. As Meredith Grey would say, it’s time for a 30-second dance party, right? 30 seconds: go.

9. “Sugar” – Maroon 5 

Maroon 5 is, like… everything. They are like my favorite band. So of course they are on my playlist. This song is terribly cute, and “punny.” So, why not? It’s a fast-tempo song which makes it great anytime of the day.

10. “Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding

Last, but certainly not least, is "Love Me Like You Do." It’s from the ever-popular Fifty Shades of Grey movie. This song is on the top of the charts, for obvious reasons. Ellie is a beautiful singer and she adds a great quality to the song. It's an overall great song!

Sometimes we just need a little music to change our day. Rock on, dudes!

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt Review!

Shows like Parks and Recreation, The Office, 30 Rock, and Arrested Development are comedy gold. These will no doubt go down as brilliance beyond their time.

But, have you heard of the new show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt? It’s a Netflix original series, and my recommendation this week.

From producers Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, comes a show starring Ellie Kemper, Jane Krakowski and Tituss Burgess.

Kemper plays Kimmy Schmidt, who is rescued from a doomsday cult and ends up trying to start a new life in New York. Kimmy becomes a New York nanny for Jane Krakowski, whom you might know from 30 Rock, and learns how to live as a free woman in the 21st century.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt really deserves the hype it's getting. Fey and Carlock have created a comedic masterpiece.

Kimmy has to learn to live on her own. What makes this show so great is Kimmy’s newfound sense of independence. This woman has been locked in a bunker for 15 years and she manages to get a job, do math, learn how to be social again and go on a date, and even use a “Macintosh."

Kimmy is awkward, she makes old references from before she was in the bunker. Insert MC Hammer joke here.

References to old music, an appearance from The Babysitter's Club series, and light-up sneakers make this show gold.

But, we learn other things from Kimmy. We learn that we can overcome circumstances beyond our control.

She teaches us that we do not have to be dragged down by the things that have happened to us in the past. We're as strong as we choose to be.

She teaches us that being weird is not a bad thing. We must embrace who we are.

And most importantly, she teaches us that life changes very quickly. One minute you can be in an under grown cult bunker, the next a nanny to a New York socialite. Life is unpredictable as hell. But, “women are strong as hell."

I give Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt five out of five stars. I already cannot wait for the next season!

And of course, there is Titus.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt © Universal Television

10 reasons why Olivia Benson should be every girls role model

If you're not watching Law and Order: SVU you should make the point to do so!

The lead role of Sgt. Olivia Benson is played by Mariska Hargitay. SVU has been on the air for sixteen years and just announced a seventeenth season. I have watched Hargitay since season one, and though the content of this show may be harsh at times, it’s definitely real.

Olivia Benson is totally a strong female character that every girl should look up to. Let's just say, there's a reason Taylor Swift named her cat after her!

1. She is kind to everyone

One of the things I can say about Olivia is she's kind. I’ve seen her even be kind the people she is meant to put away. It takes a special type of person to be kind to everyone despite his or her faults.

2. She helps the victims

A lot of our culture is centered on blaming someone. Olivia pushes the boundaries, and fights each episode for the rights of the women and men she meets. We are always looking for reasons why things happen, but Olivia does a great job of putting aside the unnecessary and focusing on what's important - the victims.

Her victims are the most important people. She is a natural listener. And in a world of people with opinions, and some always having something to say. It's a great quality to have.

3. She doesn’t take crap from anyone 

One of Olivia’s most prominent characteristics is her attitude. She is a woman in a male-dominated field - she broke the gender bias! She doesn’t take the bullsh*t that the other characters throw at her. Instead, she shows them she is just as strong and establishes herself as a presence. Every girl should be confident in that way.

4. She is proud of who see is, naturally

Even when she's covered in blood, she manages to be flawless! Yes, I realize how awful that sounds but the statement cannot help but be true. Around here, we're used seeing cops in complete uniforms. That's not the case, at least not in most Law and Order shows. She pulls off "Sergeant" extremely well. She doesn't feel the need to conform to what society might think is pretty. She is just one cop trying to save the world.

5. She is loyal

Loyalty is a hard thing to come by these days. It’s a rare quality and those who posess it are special. She was a partner to Detective Stabler until he retired from the SVU squad. She stood by him, regardless of his sometimes erratic behaviour. Some fans even speculate she loved him. But, who wouldn’t? Have you seen Detective Stabler?

6. She's amazing with children [Spoiler Alert!]

Olivia doesn't just deal with adult victims, but children as well. Despite all the stress in her job, one thing you can tell about Olivia is that she loves kids. She puts aside her own childhood issues and aims to help those little kids. Recently, Olivia met a little orphan boy named Noah. Now, he's her own son!

7. She's dedicated

Olivia Benson is one dedicated person. She will do anything to help someone, even if that means putting herself in danger. And sometimes, that isn’t always a good thing (I'm not recommending you do that). But it does show how far she is willing to go to help her victims. There are several episodes where Olivia is ordered to go home and rest by her commanding officer. Why? Because she is freaking dedicated!

8. We aren’t invincible, and neither is she

Olivia has been through some tough stuff on SVU. She is a child of rape. Her mother was an alcoholic, and she has been victimized more then once on the show. Still, she manages to work through her troubles. She has showed that we are all affected. We can all feel sad and helpless at times. But, we must fight back. One of the most classic examples is her fear after being held captive for four days, of returning to her squad room and being treated differently. We all feel that way sometimes. Fear of being seen a certain way, right?

9. Mariska has been married to Peter Hermann for 11 years!

Though Olivia has been unable to capture this sort of lasting love, the actress herself has it down to perfection. These days having a lasting relationship in the celebrity spotlight is hard. Mariska makes the best of that by staying true to herself, her husband and her three children. She is a working woman who manages to keep her home life stable, and her fans impressed. What makes this even more awesome is that Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay met on the set of SVU!

10. Mariska's Joyful Heart Foundation

Inspired by the work she does on SVU, Mariska has an foundation called The Joyful Heart Foundation. The mission of this foundation is to educate, heal and support sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse victims. What a woman!

So, to recap: kindness, strength, selflessness, and love. This is why Olivia Benson - and Mariska Hargitay - should be every girl’s role model!

Law & Order: SVU © NBCUniversal