Alone, with you
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Created & Performed by Noah Sisson and Ashley Frederick
A virtual theatre experience
Premieres on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 2:00pm
Show Length: 45 Mins
Available for viewing until March 21, 2021.
Noah Sisson – Co-creator, performer (Lucian)
Ashley Frederick – Co-creator, performer (Emelie)
Eryn Lidster – Stage manager
Kate Story – Mentor/outside eye
Philip Ratcliff – Assistant stage manager
The effects of COVID-19 linger in 2023, when a new virus is suddenly discovered in North America. Fearing the worst, a young woman named Emelie immediately isolates herself in her 500 square foot Toronto apartment. In the months that follow, the psychological toll of paranoia, anxiety, and digital surveillance fuels a reconnection with a familiar individual as she calls on her past for guidance.
Alone, with you is a work of experimental virtual devised theatre by Noah Sisson and Ashley Frederick, two emerging artists and recent graduates of York University’s devised theatre program. The work reflects on our current experience from a near-future perspective. It explores the psychological and emotional effects of long-term isolation, contrasts the necessity and invasiveness of technology, and ultimately asks how this time apart will shape us.
Alone, with you has been supported by theatre artist and storyteller Kate Story, who acted as a mentor for Noah and Ashley, and is virtually stage managed by Eryn Lidster with assistance from Philip Ratcliff.
About this event
Alone, with you is Public Energy’s latest initiative supporting new work by the next generation of theatre and dance artists.
Noah Sisson came to us, via the Canada Summer Jobs program, from York University’s devised theatre program. While Noah was hired through CSJ to gain experience in the field of marketing, we decided that an even better way to support Noah’s career development would be to match him with a veteran artist as a mentor – Kate Story – and give him a chance to create and perform an original work of devised theatre.
Noah of course agreed, contacted his collaborator Ashley Frederick, and after just 6 busy weeks of creation, voilà, we now have the world premiere of the first original online performance ever presented by Public Energy Performing Arts. Enjoy!
–Bill Kimball, Executive Director, Public Energy Performing Arts
Artist Bios
Noah Sisson is an artist with experience in writing, directing, performance, and a passion for creating. He is currently working with Public Energy as a Media and Marketing Intern, but will be stepping out of this role to create this show. He studied devised theatre and performance creation at York University. His work includes acting in The Heidi Chronicles (Alumnae Theatre) and web series Stunt Club (Ace Entertainment), writing two original plays for the PlayGround Festival and devising original work such as Dead Skin for the Devised Theatre Festival at York.
Ashley Frederick is a multi-disciplinary artist working in theatre and film, specializing in devising, directing and stage management. Since 2015 she has stage managed for Hamilton Fringe, Talk Is Free Theatre, and York University. Her devised piece “After George” premiered at York University and was remounted at The Theatre Centre in 2019 as part of YesFEST’s collection of new work. As a producer, Ashley has assisted on such works as the site-specific production of The Music Man with Talk Is Free Theatre (2016), and developed a youth mentorship opportunity as part of The Curious Voyage, a 3-day intercontinental theatre experience (TIFT, 2018).
Recently, Ashley has begun working in film as an Assistant Director and head of the Art Department, creating commercials, shorts and promotional content with her partner and colleagues.
