Images from Blackstones & Bathtubs, a Canada 150 Legacy Project for The City of Nanaimo. Written and directed by Jessica Lowry in collaboration with Katy Bowen Roberts (Producer) James Mark (Musical Director) Nicole Jackson (Choreographer) Gary Manson, Snuneymeux Elder and a team of youth Hul’q’umi’num language champions.
I have been developing programs for school age children that bridge mindful movement, theatre exercises, story telling, and sensory exploration with the express aim to cultivate space for awareness and observation in these practises. The beauty of employing mindful practise through theatre, acting and mind/body practises is in the call for holistic engagement in the somatic exploration, and play that brings students closer to feeling the full breadth of their human experience. Students can joyfully and naturally explore their capacity to build mindful practise through a study that is whole body engaging and doesn’t feel like work. The practise of ‘staying present’ requires the development to make it a habit. These artistic practises offer many tools to make awareness, observation, connection and courage habitual and enjoyable.
Are you curious?
Find out more about and to book your school or homeschooler license to my new Mindful Practise through Mindful Expression Challenge.
Jessica also offers in person live yoga classes in schools and PRO D presentations to educators on Playing with the Power of Yoga in the Classroom. Contact Jessica directly to discuss these options.
My creative work focuses on projects that align my theatre practise with mindfulness in schools, theatre organizations, arts institutions and for public presentation. I have worked with French Immersion students offering yoga classes to embed language, through movement or Total Physical Control (TPR) coordinating meaning to physical movement. I am a classically trained CAEA professional actor, with experience directing, writing and performing for theatre across Canada. I am trained and certified as an Iyengar Yoga Instructor and have I also worked and trained in applicable mind/body practises including Suzuki Method, Laban Technique, View Points, Modern Dance and Ballet as foundational physical actor training. These disciplines offer wonderful cross over for mind/body practises in schools.
Jessica’s resume can be viewed here.
‘Jessica brilliantly combines her strengths as a storyteller and actor to lead classes that communicate her knowledge and passion for the mindfulness required for full embodiment. Empathetic, funny, and expertly able to adapt to meet the individual needs of her students, Jessica challenges learners at all levels to work hard and push their boundaries, while creating an environment that is enriching and supportive.’
– Julie Bevan, Executive Director. London Museum
Jessica is a fourth generation settler to Vancouver Island with roots in Norway, Scotland, England, Poland and France. Jessica is a grateful guest on the traditional territory of the Stz’uminus First Nations. She was born on Esowitsa peninsula traditional territory of the Nuu-chah-nulth and raised on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nations. She is committed to listening to the land and the stewards of this land in the spirit of reconciliation; humbly bowing a listening ear, mind and heart to nature’s guidance.