Creative Essays Exhibition

The exhibition is part of the Grant Burnyeat Student Series, supported by longtime theatre supporter and former Arts Club board member Justice Grant Burnyeat.

Mika Gardner—scholarship recipient of $500
I am a grade 12 student currently attending Killarney Secondary School (which you may or may not have seen on the news). I have been involved in theatre since kindergarten as an actor, and I fell in love with acting as it allowed me to play around and become someone larger than life. In elementary school I was involved with the Vancouver Preforming Stars’ musical theatre program (though I can’t really sing), and for the entirety of high school, I acted in Killarney’s mainstage program. I have basically been a theatre kid since birth. I enjoy watching movies and hanging out with my friends in my spare time. I also have a 207-day streak in Duolingo. Thank you to my family and friends for supporting me and Ms. Mattock and Mr. Rochetta for giving me so many opportunities in theatre throughout high school. Live laugh love.
Visual Postcard | Essay | Audio recording

Grace Qiu—scholarship recipient of $500
I’m in grade 9 and I go to Magee Secondary School. I’m a first-generation Chinese immigrant who was born here in Canada, and I lived in Richmond a bit before my family moved to Vancouver. I have been an avid dancer since the age of three, and my favourite styles of dance are ballet and contemporary. I also love to read. The books I’m currently reading are Nausea and Anthony Friedkin: The Gay Essay. Both are wonderful reads that I encourage anyone to seek out. I’m also a fan of painting and fashion. My favourite art movement is surrealism and the surrealist artist I love the most is Frida Kahlo. I would describe my fashion as Archive/Gorpcore, and my favourite fashion designers are Iris van Herpen, Marc Jacobs, and Maison Margiela. I’m also interested in philosophy, as well as social and political issues. I would love to make more friends, so reach out to me on Instagram: @gracexqiu.
Poem | Audio recording

Emilie Rey
I was born and raised here in Vancouver, where I’ve lived all my life. I currently go to Killarney Secondary School, and I am in grade 12. At Killarney, I was hesitant to join the mainstage program and Theatre Criticism class, but I am glad I did. Not only was I able to make new friends, but I also enjoyed watching many shows about current issues. In September, I will be going to BCIT to study Marketing Management. I have always wanted to see the world, as this is something I did not have the opportunity to do growing up. I hope to embrace different cultures, facilitate change, and learn how to educate and entertain others in the tourism industry. My future career plans are to be a tour guide or hotel manager. In my free time I enjoy taking pictures, watching movies, playing volleyball, and reading. Growing up, my mom worked often, so it was always my brother and me. We would read books and create stories in our free time. I loved (and still do) using my imagination. It allows me to express myself and my ideas. Furthermore, at school, one of my favourite subjects is French. This summer, I’m going to the University of Montreal to study it! I am very excited.
Poem | Audio recording