Meet The Educator: Syd!
We connected with Sydney Avitia-Jacques (they/them), one of our new educators for the 2021 season. Check out their interview below to learn more about their secret talents, passion for community, and what they’re hoping to learn from tour…
Syd, how can theater can be an important vehicle for teaching young people about consent?
Relatable examples are so important to learning & remembering anything! Theater provides those, plus some comedic shenanigans to make things memorable. I still remember the first time I saw the show as a first year in 2014.
What is something that you hope to take away from tour?
I want to practice holding space for people to talk comfortably about things that tend to be uncomfortable. Spaces like that open the door up to realizing that we don't have to hold those challenges by ourselves, and we can support each other through them. I’m looking forward to working and experimenting with my team to create space for honesty, questioning, and realness.
This has been a tough year in many ways. What has self care looked like for you lately?
I start most mornings with alone time before I have to interact with other humans, and prioritizing spending time with the people who help me feel like myself!
If you had a podcast, what would it be about?
How to understand the political economy using memes, TikToks, and playlists.
What is your karaoke song?
Werewolf by Fiona Apple
What’s a book that you’re loving right now?
Normal Life by Dean Spade is blowing my mind! It explains how we’re taught to think that there is a legal answer for every social problem, and social change happens in courtrooms when super smart lawyers make bad things illegal… but truthfully, anti-discrimination laws don’t actually help most trans people and people of color. I find it a really hopeful, empowering book because it exposes this myth and redirects our energy to strategies that work better and include all of us (like communities organizing to change systems).
What would five items in the Syd-Starter-Pack be?
A journal, Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos, a book about organizing, roller skates, & a powerful androgynous outfit.
What is something you’re super proud of? (don’t be humble!)
My secret skill is that I can rewrite the lyrics to any pop song to make it into either an ode to a human (on your birthday) or a political poem. If you’re lucky, there will be a music video.
Anything else you want to shout out?
I’m part of Maine Renters United and Maine People’s Housing Coalition and you should check them both out if you want to organize with your neighbors and support community controlled housing in Maine!