Write Out Loud shines spotlight on local writers

On Wednesday, February 13, Swift Current’s Write Out Loud is pleased to feature talented local authors.

In its 20th year, Swift Current’s Maverick School has much to celebrate including a thriving arts program. Three current Maverick students will share their creativity on the Lyric stage. Georgia Drummond has lived independently since age 16. Her long-term goal is to become a math teacher, but writing has a spiritual meaning for Drummond. She writes when in nature, as that’s when her spiritual connection is strongest. Rebecca Korchynski is a grade 11 student who writes as a means to resolve internal conflict. Through poetry, Korchynski releases negative energy. She recently completed a work experience placement at Fairview School which has fortified her passion to become an elementary school teacher. Hayley Ginter writes poetry as an escape, recognizing the importance of pouring out one’s feelings rather than caging them inside. She credits her grandmother for inspiring her to write for self-awareness and growth.

Joey Donnelly studied journalism at Ottawa’s Carleton University and completed a BA in English literature at Concordia University in Montreal. He helped re-establish the Lyric Theatre in 2004. Last year, Donnelly completed his Master of Arts in Folklore at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL. He currently serves as Information Services Advisor at the Swift Current Newcomer Welcome Centre.

Jessica Williams has received kudos for her children’s books The Mealtime Monster and Mama’s Cloud which helps families start conversations with children about mental illness. Williams believes books imprint themselves on a childhood and create lasting ties to emotions and memories.

Gordon Mccall is the Artistic Director of the Lyric Theatre. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Directing from UBC and is founder or first artistic director of several Canadian theatre companies as well as Saskatoon’s Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival. Mccall is a successful director, actor, playwright and screenwriter. In addition to directing the plays of the Lyric Theatre’s “Sparks in The Dark” series, he is the producer and creative director for the opening and closing ceremonies of Swift Current’s 2019 Western Canada Summer Games.

Write Out Loud commences February 13 at Swift Current’s Lyric Theatre. Admission is $8. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Swift Current Rotary Club President Don Grad recently presented a $1,500 donation to members of the Swift Current Jazz Bands in support of assisting them to attend the annual Rotary Jazz Retreat. This donation is one of the projects that is sponsored with funds raised during their annual Lobsterfest. The 2019 edition of Lobsterfest is scheduled for April 13.