It was almost 2 years ago at school that our mixed interests in performance and visual arts led us together. In this semester, we have shared a number of memorable experiences together, and here is a small selection.
Rocky Horror Picture Show *Interactive*
Paramount Theatre
$15 per ticket
Dammit, Janet! I forgot my bag of tricks for the interactive Rocky Horror Picture Show presented by the Kamloops Film Society at the Paramount Theatre!
We were stoked to be able to attend Kamloops’ annual Halloween showing of the picture show this year, even if we were ill-prepared. The anticipation was in the air as the costumes lining the streets began to file into the theatre to choose their seats. Those who may have forgotten to bring their own props could purchase pre-made bags at the concession stand along with snacks and drinks.
The night began with a lively costume contest won through audience engagement. Congratulations to Brad in the blue housecoat and his enthusiastic group of pals who (we thought) truly outshone the rest!
As the theatre lights dimmed the smiles grew for those who knew what was about to happen. Our 200-minute journey included confetti, toast, toilet paper, and playing cards being thrown at the screen, as well as a surprise 4-D rain experience powered by squirt guns. Live-action commentary from show veterans kept the spirit alive throughout the show and helped maintain the cult classic feel!
We already have our bags packed for next year – do you?
@kamloopsfilmsociety on Instagram
Kamloops Art Gallery
Free for students!
Our minds felt free upon walking into the building through a glass entryway, where we were immediately thrust into an open, creative, visual experience.
Helpful staff located in the giftshop verbally guided us through the 3 exhibits currently on display:
‘Astral’ by Autumn Christopher
This was the first display we viewed as the entrance was accessible through the gift shop.
Through the gift shop and out of a long dark hallway way we found a singular bench and projector in an otherwise empty room. A silent black and white animated film began to play. The film utilized eerie electronic music and epic visual effects to follow the main character through their lone journey (about 2 minutes).
‘Witnessing’ by Alicia Henry
Juxtaposidly, a large, open space was the location of the next exhibit we viewed. Mixed-media displays of faces made from canvas, felt, and other textiles are displayed throughout multiple rooms.
There is an informative element found on a wall with a description of the meaning behind the piece and an interactive element that invites the viewer to share their perspective on the display in the sketchbook through drawings, words, & other mark-making of your choosing.
‘With the Gathering Tree’ by Kamloops Child Development Centre
Children’s art is displayed alongside a television showing a beautiful slideshow about four seasons at a childcare center.
Kamloops Courthouse Gallery Society
Admission by donation
We were greeted by a new kind gift shop lady again who provided a background of the cooperative and described the quaint display of art located in the Old Kamloops Courthouse building showcases pieces made by various local artists.
Art pieces are all for purchase, and anyone can contribute theirs to the organization.
https://www.kamloopscourthousegallery.com/
Kamloops Art Party
Price dependant on choice & size of medium
Utilizing their current weekday drop-in times of 11 am-4 pm, we sat down recently for a mixed-media brain break afternoon. One of the studio artists sat us down and gave us menus detailing a variety of media options such as acrylic, ceramics, pottery, paint pouring, glassware, resin, sculpting, and watercolor with various add-ons and a kid’s menu! In our case, we chose to do a paint pour; our art guide was informative, and helpful, but kept a respectful distance to let us enjoy the experience.
Loaded with enough glitter to scare a drag queen, we flipped our cup full of paint onto our canvas and let gravity help to do the rest!
Rather than watch paint dry, the studio kindly offered to hold onto our painting until we could come back to pick it up. The studio had a small gift shop at the front where we paid after cleaning up. After applying a 10% discount for students, we only paid $8.50 for an afternoon brain break and a souvenir (well, once we pick it up, haha)!
The Freudian Slips
The Effie Arts Collective
$20 per ticket ~ $15 for Chimera Members
After a long day of lectures, we were excited to join some friends to be able to relax and belly laugh with The Freudian Slips, a local improv comedy troupe, at The Effie Arts Collective on the North Shore.
The doors were cast open at 7:30 pm for seating and snacks; table reservations were available to Chimera members – annual supporters of the non-profit theatre company (only $10/month). Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks were available and averaged $5 each – bags of buttery popcorn were only $2! A heated bidding war started when Dan, the show’s host, auctioned off “the best seats in the house”, and the winner paid $80 – close to the troupe’s record price!
From 8 pm, Dan led six players in two acts with a 15-minute intermission in the main event featuring hilarious improv games enhanced by audience suggestions. Even using the washroom is entertaining at The Effie with unique art drawn/sketched/sprayed on the walls of each stall.
**Side Note: This is only one style of improv this troupe performs. Our favorite show has been ‘Strip & Sip’ – a long-form improv show guided by timers and fear (of having to take a shot and strip on stage)!
By 10 pm everyone had had a good laugh and it was time to end the show and still make it to bed in time for class again tomorrow.
By sharing our different appreciation for arts and culture, we have been able to find a community to escape to when the feeling of homesickness is too much to bare. We find a sense of comfort in the Kamloops art community which encourages creativity and a desire to share our experiences.
