🇪🇺 TEEN European Digital Community: Oak of Youth Culture from Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine

Oak of Youth Culture

My name is Sonya, I am 17 years old, and I study at Carpathian National University. My life has always been connected with movement — from sports and dancing to organizing small events for friends. My friends say I’m the one who can bring everyone together when nobody can decide on plans. It’s easy for me to connect with different people, so I often become a mediator in a group. I also love creating social media content, especially short videos, because visuals can communicate emotion in a powerful way. I care deeply about my city and want to help make culture more interesting for my peers.

The soil / the need

When I first came to theatre, I was looking for more than a performance — I was looking for a place where I could be myself. I wanted a space where teenagers were not judged by grades or appearance, and where real connection could happen in the here and now. I wanted to see stories on stage that reflected my own questions and doubts, and to feel less alone in them.

The first seed

A performance you watched.

Tell us about that first spark

Theatre is very popular in our city, and when I saw a poster for my favorite work, I realized the value of theatre — and of every person who helps others understand its importance.

Roots (people & experiences that shaped your path)

During a youth community training, an actor from our local theatre visited us and shared his experience and story. That meeting was what truly set me on this path.

The trunk (what keeps you in theatre)

People. In every performance, each role is played by a person whose inner world is richer than we can imagine.

Branches (future / desire)

I want to develop this field in the future, because theatre has existed for a long time and needs care, support, and development. I want to organize a theatrical Stations of the Cross project.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Why?

An oak tree — strong, purposeful, and steadfast, not easily blown down or cut.

Contact

Email: sofiyavitushynska@gmail.com