UBC medical student Julie Wong is one of this year’s producers of MedPlay. Photo credit: Sarb Glaze Photography
Only a few years ago, Julie Wong had never set foot on stage.
“I had been curious about trying out acting for a while, but I had always found excuses to avoid throwing my hat in the ring,” says Wong, reflecting on her long-standing passion for theatre.
But now — as a second-year medical student at UBC — Wong has seized the opportunity to explore her creative side, teaming up with her fellow classmates to produce this year’s MedPlay, an annual theatre production that has become a tradition among medical students at UBC.
“I’m a big believer in getting involved in activities that broaden and diversify my medical school experience. MedPlay has really enhanced my sense of belonging within the medical community — I’m meeting other medical students across different years who will one day be my colleagues,” says Wong, who jumped at the opportunity to help produce this year’s play after having such a positive experience as a performer in last year’s show.
With this year’s production attracting a record number of cast members, MedPlay — now in its 17th year — continues to prove a popular avenue for medical students looking to explore their creative side and forge close friendships with their future colleagues.
But taking part in the play goes well beyond the boundaries of medical school.
Cast and crew of MedPlay 2018 are gearing up for this year’s production, running Feb. 1-3 and 8-10. Photo credit: Sarb Glaze Photography
Students are also eager to see their extracurricular theatrical pursuits impact the wider community. As in the past, this year’s cast — a mix of first-time actors and more seasoned entertainers — are hoping to see the play raise several thousand dollars for local charity.
“Proceeds from this year’s play will go to the Food Stash Foundation, which is a registered Vancouver charity dedicated to reducing food waste and delivering edible food items to charities and food-insecure households,” says Wong, noting that in the last year, the charity recovered over 100,000 pounds of food that would have otherwise gone to a landfill.
“It’s a terrific cause, and one that we felt had a thematic connection to this year’s play, Rumours, which unfolds over the course of a dinner party.”
With opening night on February 1 fast approaching, Wong and her fellow MedPlay producers — medical students Nicholas Steinberg, Devon Mitchell, and Clare Chiu — are gearing up for what they expect to be one of the most riveting plays in recent years.
“This year’s play is uproariously funny, with a great mix of physical comedy and wordplay. Set in the 1980s, the costumes and hair are big and bold, so it’s a very visually captivating production. We’ve also hired a director from the community, Cassandra Szabo, and she’s done an excellent job bringing out hilarious performances from our actors,” says Wong.
But, aside from the thrill that comes with putting on a big performance, Wong knows that having an opportunity to serve as one of this year’s MedPlay producers — responsible for everything from costume and set design through to organizing ticket sales and concession — has allowed her to develop skills that will extend beyond her time as a student.
“The communication and impromptu problem-solving skills I’ve developed through my time as both an actor and producer with MedPlay will be valuable in my future career as a physician,” says Wong. “Collaboration is inherent in medicine.”
Play: Rumours, written by Neil Simon.
Performance Dates: February 1-3 and February 8-10
Performance Time: 8pm, doors at 7pm
Venue: Medical Student & Alumni Centre (MSAC), 2750 Heather Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $15 Email medplayatubc@gmail.com for your ticket today.
Play Synopsis
One 1980s night in upstate New York, a couple is hosting an elegant dinner party to celebrate their 10th anniversary. As the guests arrive, they find that the host has been shot in the head, the hostess is missing, and everyone has something to hide. As the confusions and mis-communications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.
Connect with this year’s MedPlay cast and crew on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UBCMedPlay/