By Iris Liao
Ash Alguneh, both a multi-talented artist and an exceptional student at Collingwood School. He is a member of performance arts who participates in several school plays. Enduring his performance will surely captivate you into the scene, as he embodies each character both physically and emotionally. However, this is not the only flair up his sleeves.
Ash Alguneh was born and raised in Texas and eventually moved to Vancouver when he was 14 years old, and right away, he attended Collingwood as he was going into grade 8. He has developed many artistic interests throughout his journey, being abstract art, photography, and music! He especially loves the fluidity in abstract art paintings, describing it as Modern Abstract art with sub-categories like 'minimalist'. Another appreciation of his is plays and music, especially Rap and House music being his top choices. However, he does not include all genres, as he is not a big fan of musical theatre. When he is not doing anything school-related, he enjoys many hobbies including, weightlifting, playing tennis, following the news, and going out with his friends before Covid.
Yet, it does not stop there! Not only does Ash have an artistic side, but he also has a deep fascination with several academics. He is very fond of Model UN ever since he was young. Ash has big future aspirations, planning on studying international relations or political science when he enters university. His interests in these subjects flourished ever since he was a child, stating, “I guess it's been something that's always just made sense to me. The 'newness' aspect, as in current events, of it all, is very appealing.” Reflecting on Ash’s journey and passions, we have to wonder what can he not do?
Over the years in Collingwood, Ash has participated in 2 school plays: The Crucible and Almost Maine. His favourite was The Crucible from Fall of 2019. He found it a lot more conventional than Almost Maine and connected with the characters' emotions better. He described The Crucible’s story to be stronger as a whole. This year in the school’s play, some of Ash‘s favourite moments worked with the crew members, especially Mr. Wener, as they hold a funny dynamic. As his favourite on stage was when he fell on stage right when he was making an exit in the last show, and luckily it had made the scene even more perfect!
In performance arts, Ash believes the most crucial part is accurately portraying the message and story across the audience, and performance arts is precisely that. He says if one can not achieve that skill, they have not done the play itself justice. Though it can be difficult, Ash still manages to capture that. One of the most challenging aspects for him in acting has to be memorizing the lines. However, he states with enough repetition; it will surely stick with you. If Ash were to travel back in time, one thing Ash wished he knew before entering the world of performance art is the hefty amount of time commitment he has to go through. It has undoubtedly taken a significant chunk of time from his day; despite this, it does not take away the joy he has within the subject. Ash praises how facial expression and tone of voice can portray such a story in performance art, which blows his mind. He expresses, “You can pick up so much information based on just facial expressions, body language, and voice. The fact that I have the power to control the story yet not change it the way I want simultaneously makes me feel powerful and like I am a part of a bigger picture.” I can say this is certainly enchanting and agreeable. Overall, the meaning of performance arts for Ash is the portrayal. Embodying a fictional character and giving it life is what performing arts mean to him. Acting on behalf of the character is what gives him the feeling of fulfillment.
In conclusion, Ash Alguneh is an excellent and talented student, defeating roadblocks along his way, dedicated to both of his artistic and academic fields, and taking time for himself at the same time. It is truly inspiring to see a member who is so hard-working and yet still fulfilling his dreams and aspirations. Ash has been apart of Collingwood’s community for several years, and it is great to see his development throughout his journey to success.
Ash Alguneh, both a multi-talented artist and an exceptional student at Collingwood School. He is a member of performance arts who participates in several school plays. Enduring his performance will surely captivate you into the scene, as he embodies each character both physically and emotionally. However, this is not the only flair up his sleeves.
Ash Alguneh was born and raised in Texas and eventually moved to Vancouver when he was 14 years old, and right away, he attended Collingwood as he was going into grade 8. He has developed many artistic interests throughout his journey, being abstract art, photography, and music! He especially loves the fluidity in abstract art paintings, describing it as Modern Abstract art with sub-categories like 'minimalist'. Another appreciation of his is plays and music, especially Rap and House music being his top choices. However, he does not include all genres, as he is not a big fan of musical theatre. When he is not doing anything school-related, he enjoys many hobbies including, weightlifting, playing tennis, following the news, and going out with his friends before Covid.
Yet, it does not stop there! Not only does Ash have an artistic side, but he also has a deep fascination with several academics. He is very fond of Model UN ever since he was young. Ash has big future aspirations, planning on studying international relations or political science when he enters university. His interests in these subjects flourished ever since he was a child, stating, “I guess it's been something that's always just made sense to me. The 'newness' aspect, as in current events, of it all, is very appealing.” Reflecting on Ash’s journey and passions, we have to wonder what can he not do?
Over the years in Collingwood, Ash has participated in 2 school plays: The Crucible and Almost Maine. His favourite was The Crucible from Fall of 2019. He found it a lot more conventional than Almost Maine and connected with the characters' emotions better. He described The Crucible’s story to be stronger as a whole. This year in the school’s play, some of Ash‘s favourite moments worked with the crew members, especially Mr. Wener, as they hold a funny dynamic. As his favourite on stage was when he fell on stage right when he was making an exit in the last show, and luckily it had made the scene even more perfect!
In performance arts, Ash believes the most crucial part is accurately portraying the message and story across the audience, and performance arts is precisely that. He says if one can not achieve that skill, they have not done the play itself justice. Though it can be difficult, Ash still manages to capture that. One of the most challenging aspects for him in acting has to be memorizing the lines. However, he states with enough repetition; it will surely stick with you. If Ash were to travel back in time, one thing Ash wished he knew before entering the world of performance art is the hefty amount of time commitment he has to go through. It has undoubtedly taken a significant chunk of time from his day; despite this, it does not take away the joy he has within the subject. Ash praises how facial expression and tone of voice can portray such a story in performance art, which blows his mind. He expresses, “You can pick up so much information based on just facial expressions, body language, and voice. The fact that I have the power to control the story yet not change it the way I want simultaneously makes me feel powerful and like I am a part of a bigger picture.” I can say this is certainly enchanting and agreeable. Overall, the meaning of performance arts for Ash is the portrayal. Embodying a fictional character and giving it life is what performing arts mean to him. Acting on behalf of the character is what gives him the feeling of fulfillment.
In conclusion, Ash Alguneh is an excellent and talented student, defeating roadblocks along his way, dedicated to both of his artistic and academic fields, and taking time for himself at the same time. It is truly inspiring to see a member who is so hard-working and yet still fulfilling his dreams and aspirations. Ash has been apart of Collingwood’s community for several years, and it is great to see his development throughout his journey to success.
