Decide has been called a musical, a play, an inspirational workshop and a party. In reality it can be billed as an urban-loft extravaganza because the show is a combination of all of the above and more. It contains segments of dance, music, film, sketch, beat box, rap and slam poetry, pieced together to make the audience question and think.

Stuart Knight, founder of KnightFlight Productions, has taken his motivational speaking background and transformed the basic concepts into a 2-hour high-energy show that has been captivating audiences for just over a year. Decide started off with a 2-member cast doing irregular Saturday evenings and is now up to an 8-member cast with a weekly Saturday night schedule.

The show has been so successful that as of the first week of November it is relocating to its new 2,000-square-foot loft location at Queen and Tecumseh. The space will be set up in a similar style that accommodates both the performance and the must-do after party. Decide was preceded by an analogous performance that was produced for a teenage audience. Knight noticed a great number of adults were attending the shows, which led to the creation of Decide, an adult version with more mature subject material. He likes to refer to the show as “lubrication for conversation” that carries on into the evening within the comfortable confines of the after party.

One of the newer cast members, Danish Ahmed, recalls seeing the show for the first time about three months ago and being so inspired that he knew he had to be part of the vibe. Ahmed explains, “all of the current cast members were previous members of the audience.” There’s a great mix of talented backgrounds that include actors, singers and musicians who all realize the importance of a positive motivational atmosphere. It seems to work. Audience members come out of the show feeling pumped and rejuvenated, and ready to start putting thoughts into practice.

The crowd begins to arrive shortly before 10 p.m. and choose a seat in the makeshift theatre. Many are here for the first time, while others look for friends they met during previous shows. As one patron states, “It’s like family. This is my fourth time and I truly enjoy the atmosphere that is created with each performance.” The crowd is comprised of singles, couples and groups of friends all out to experience an evening of exploration.

The show flows quite nicely between skits, videos, songs and motivational monologues with many that encourage some audience participation. One of the key components to making decisions is to take the first step. Topics range from work, to friends, to relationships.

One can feel the enthusiasm and positive energy in the audience both during the performance and immediately after as they set out to become “friendship sluts,” a term coined during the performance by a child in a video piece. She uses the phrase to question why adults hang on to friends who project negative energy. Why not go out and find individuals who are more positive and can provide some encouragement for what you are aiming to do in life?

The show ends with Knight thanking his cast and crew followed by a routine list of announcements pertinent to the moment. Some are standard, such as everyone folding their chairs and placing them at the far end of the loft, conveniently located alongside the bar area. Others are informational updates that range from one member’s fundraising efforts, a cast member’s birthday greeting and a listing of upcoming local events of interest. As well, he suggests people sign up for the email distribution list, as this is their primary source of promotion. Knight reiterates, “The reason this show is successful is because each member of the audience does their part by making others aware of the show.”

Cast members mingle with the audience, people start conversations with strangers, and others sit idly on the side as an outside observer. There’s no pressure to go outside your comfort zone; however those who want to take the first step toward a new decision are encouraged to wear a “Snuggle” pin that indicates you are approachable to meeting others. Decide is a unique concept that seems to work for the hundreds in attendance. Knight gleefully states his next goal; “I want to take this show to Broadway.”

The last show at the present location was Sept. 25. The show is taking a break for the month of October while the new space is completed and the cast work on a revamped version of Decide. However, Knight mentions that there’s a huge bash happening on Oct. 16 that will be making use of the entire building at 66 Portland. There will be three full loft spaces transformed into various themes with a combination of DJs, performances, art and other surprises. Details will be posted shortly on the KnightFlight website.

Another area where Knight hopes to expand into is the corporate world. Motivational speakers have been around for years providing a series of topics that are presented via speeches, manuals and slide shows. Recently the Decide cast was given the opportunity to showcase their approach to the motivational concept to one of the larger banking corporations in Toronto. Knight believes this is an area that is ready for expansion. Of course, like the weekly performances, the corporate version can be fully customized as to topics, structure and duration.

The next show is Nov. 6 and will feature an array of new material that is sure to dazzle those attending for the first time, and those regulars who are craving another dose of positive energy. Decide is on for an indefinite run every Saturday night at 10 p.m. with the after party kicking in around midnight. Tickets are $20 (including one complimentary cocktail) and can be ordered on the web (www.goknightflight.com) or by calling 416-703-9696.