Rest In Peace
Posted By:
Dani Stover
·
5/23/2012 12:30:00 PM
A lot of wonderful things have been said about the tragic passing of Paul O'Sullivan.
For the past few days, I've been thinking about how to express what Paul meant to me. I didn't know him for a very long time, but Paul made a big impact on me -- as he did with everyone he met, I'm sure of it.
I'll start by saying that over the weekend I had the pleasure of hanging out with a group of talented improvisors, actors and comedians. Naturally, we got talking about improv and how it brings people from all walks of life to one place where you are encouraged to be open and silly - to listen, to react, to support each other and to get outside of your comfort zone.
Someone had said that they found that usually people went to improv classes at a time when they were in some sort of transitional phase.
That might not be true for everyone, but the idea really stuck with me, and it brought me back to Paul.
I started going to the drop-in classes at PAPA (Peterborough Academy of Performaing Arts) when I first came to Peterborough a couple of years ago. This was during a big transitional phase for me, as I was starting a new job, living in a new place and meeting new people.
Paul was one of those people who, as soon as I met him, I felt as if I'd known him for years. He was always super supportive and taught me a lot about trusting my gut reaction -- making a decision and then validating it. The funny would come. He always created a welcoming and warm environment, making "outside your comfort zone" a more comfortable place.
Anyway, this is just a slice of what I learned through classes with Paul. I also met some wonderfully talented and sweet people, but that's just who he rolled with.
My thoughts are with Paul's three daughters and Linda -- his friends and family.
Rest in peace to the always pert and sassy, Paul O'Sullivan.