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Friday, June 28, 2024 7 Brooklin Town Crier On June 11, 2024, the world became a little less bright, having lost a brilliant star that lit up the sky of so many. At the very young age of 29, Marissa Blagrove, drama director at Brooklin's The Song Spot School of Music, passed away in her sleep, just five weeks before she was to wed the love of her life, Daniel Gomez-Garcia. Marissa joined The Song Spot in the fall of 2018 to direct its musical Into the Woods. The school needed to find a director with enthusiasm, dedication and experience to bring it to life. It found more than that in Marissa, who, at 24, was already accomplished in theatre and entertainment. With a passion for theatre, she'd been an actor, director, instructor, producer and casting agent, along with experience in improv comedy, film and touring. Armed with a theatre and education degree, Marissa earned her Masters in Theatre at York University, with a focus on children and education. She then worked at Seattle Children's Theatre and Virginia Rep Theatre for two years before her directorial debut at the Song Spot. At the time of her passing, she was the Education and Programs Coordinator at Young Peoples Theatre in addition to coaching and directing for five theatres across the GTA. Marissa had directed over 34 plays and musicals throughout her short career, reveling in the growth of the youths in her programs. She directed The Song Spot's The Sound of Music in March, 2020, till Covid shut it down after six months of rehearsals. Last year, she directed Matilda, and this past March, the musical she'd always wanted to do, Beauty and the Beast. Aubrey, 16, said this about her. "She would always say 'Argentina' instead of swearing and it led to the little kids saying it when they stubbed their toe or something like that. I'll even catch myself saying it now and again. Her warm up games like "Show me how you get down" really created a safe and a judgment free environment that allowed people to be silly." "Marissa would always say 'Cool Beans' whenever she wanted to acknowledge what someone said," added Jess Docherty, 18. "I remember her writing personal notes to each and every one of us with candy attached that she would leave for us after the last show, and she would always make sure there was cake!" From Emily Urquhart, 14. "I will forever miss you and the theatre won't be the same without you. You always pushed me to my limits so I did my best. You leaving will forever leave a void in my heart. I have always looked up to you as a strong, caring and independent woman. You will forever hold a special place in my heart. I love you Marissa. Fly high." "Her crazy outfits and new jokes and games were something to look forward to," recalled Shaan Singla, 15. "She helped me grow as a performer, and pushed me to pursue my passion and dreams. The impact she has made on all of our lives is remarkable." An exceptional teacher and cherished member of our school community, Marissa brought creativity, passion, and dedication to every class, inspiring countless students with her gift for nurturing talent and fostering a love for the performing arts. She lived by the words of Dr. Seuss: "Why fit in when you were born to stand out." A true showstopper and a tough act to follow, she will be forever in our bows. Kathryn Docherty is The Song Spot Theatre Costume and Set Coordinator In Memoriam: Marissa Blagrove - "Born to stand out" by Kathryn Docherty