An Exploration of Mental Health, Art, and Community through the Devised Creation of no less than the tress and the stars;

Art seeks to understand, represent, and express life. By its nature, art is an act of collaboration, a result of ensemble. Theater as a facet of art, both creates community and is created by community. A community, or an ensemble in theatrical terms, is a group of individuals collaborating to create a piece larger than themselves. In the process of creating no less than the trees and the stars;, the creative team was encouraged to explore themselves within the piece, their relationship to the audience, and acknowledge the relationship of the audience to itself. The creation process of no less than the trees and the stars; was devised, its concept relying heavily on previously conducted interviews which were used as an inspiration for creative movement and relational exploration among the cast and creative team. Through the interdependence of ensemble and theater, the process of no less than the trees and the stars; sought to foster an environment in which individuals could express themselves and their opinions, be vulnerable with each other, belong to a team, and explore their mental and physical relation to space, time, and the people around them both on stage and throughout the rehearsal process.Bachelor of Art