Stage Directions

Stage Directions
This newsletter is for members of the Owen Sound
Little Theatre and is published four times per year.
President’s Message
With endless snow and deep-freeze cold, some may think of 2013/14 as the winter of
our discontent. However, from OSLT’s perspective, it was a winter of opportunity, ripe with dramatic changes and bright prospects.
We have said goodbye to our Theatre Manager, the incomparable Aly Boltman, who
guided us through so many new and exciting initiatives during her years with us. We
have seen our renewal project and facade redesign brought to substantial completion.
We have greeted Maria Canton in her new role as Theatre Manager, as well as Collene
Bullock as Maria's assistant and Leanne Bellamy as our new Membership Coordinator.
We have seen several of our members recognized with nominations for Owen Sound
Cultural Awards (Aly Boltman and Pat O’Connor as Outstanding Individual, Still
Standing: 100 Years at the Roxy for Cultural Heritage, and our 100th anniversary celebration as Outstanding Event – which won!). Congratulations to our own Ruth Gorbet
who was honoured with a special Lifetime Achievement Award.
We have completed the first half of our season with two outstanding shows (Les Mis
and Calendar Girls). Through the hard work of Cathie Locke, Producer; Cory Lapointe, Director; and the Calendar Girls team, we have made an important contribution, both in money and in promotion, to the work of the Residential Hospice of Grey
Bruce as it attempts to build a permanent facility. The second half of our season has
just begun with Hobson’s Choice and 18 Wheels, directed (respectively) by Val Underwood and Goldie Walma, who have recently come from within our ranks. We have
recently, through the work of Bill Murphy, enjoyed the benefit of working with a new
partner in dramaturgy (Pat the Dog), potentially giving us an opportunity to explore
new avenues for creating original theatre within our own community. We have been
exploring ways of forging closer ties with youth theatre initiatives in Owen Sound. On
top of all this, we are now less than a year away from hosting the 2015 WODL Festival
– if you haven’t heard from Yvonne and Bill Korince yet, expect a call soon!
So, even though it would be easy to focus on all the snow and cold we have endured
(or enjoyed!), and easier still to get cranky at a certain groundhog neighbour to our
north after his failed promise that winter would not extend beyond the middle of
March, I tend to dwell on OSLT's season of renewed hopes. I trust you do too!
Break a leg! - Mark
Mark Vigneux, President
[email protected]
Spring 2014
Inside
This Issue
Notes from Admin Land
Editor’s Note: For those who were unable to attend the OSLT General Meeting held March 18, 2014 here are highlights from the FINAL Report prepared by Theatre
Manager, Aly Boltman, who left OSLT mid-March to accept a new position with the
Community Foundation Grey-Bruce.
PRESENTING UPDATES
Submissions to Editor:
Judy Beth Armstrong
[email protected]
President’s Message
Notes from Admin
1
2-3
Financial Report
3
From the Editor
3
New Theatre Manager
4
Staff Directory
4
OSLT Board
4
General Meetings
4
Recent Productions
Griffin Gallery
Upcoming Productions
OSLT Library
5-6
6
7-8
8
Profiles
9-10
Roxy Façade
Improvement
9-10
Exits
10
Poet Laureate
11
Mark Your Calendar
12
Call for Volunteers
12
Doors Open
12
Blue Christmas III was a great success. Our portion of profit was $5778 (40% of
revenues) before expenses, allowing for a final profit of $4630 before any 50/50 or
bar revenue.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, our English programming for students, went extremely well. It was also a quality show. A tiny profit of $100 was made, but this is a
huge improvement over past youth theatre productions when we marketed to the public instead of schools and we almost always lost money.
The Emancipation Festival Co-Production presentation of Jackie Richardson &
Joe Sealy was a huge success and a great partnership and an outstanding performance. Each partner profited $1000. OSLT made additional bar revenue, and the Emancipation Festival made an additional approx. $1500-2,000 from the silent auctions
held in the lobby.
Our Frantics performance and our Rockabilly Series were not successful, and required that we dip into our CAPF funding to cover losses. The Frantics had a $2400
loss and the Rockabilly had a $4500 loss overall. On a bright note, the audience
growth from The Rockabilly show was significant.
The Sadies/Silver Hearts was also a successful co-pro that was in the black after
expenses, raising Mudtown and OSLT $1000 each overall including bar sales. This
show also showed growth in new and young audiences.
GRANT/FUNDING UPDATES AND APPLICATION PLANS
We have received word from ArtsVest that we will be receiving MORE than our
$4500 in matching funds. Other funded organizations did not reach their target in
matched sponsorship funds, so organizations like ours that raised more than what was
allocated will now get even more funds for their new sponsorships. The final amount
is still uncertain.
We are applying to the Leflar Foundation in April for funding for youth-related activities with a 5K ask, and to the Community Foundation Grey Bruce for funding
for the presentation of Don Amero next February. Don is a First Nations artist from
Alberta who will be working with youth during the daytime of his performance, and
in the evening, The Roxy will host a free concert to appeal to the First Nations Community. Depending upon how much funding we get from Community Foundation
(and possibly Bruce Power), we may be able to offer shuttles to the concert, as well as
create an opportunity for a First Nations youth to open up for Don before the show.
We will also be applying to The Community Foundation in late spring for their new
capital funding stream. The specific focus of that application will be left to the board
to decide.
OSLT will be a part of Doors Open 2014, which takes place during the run of 18
Wheels. Peter Leonard has agreed to be the point person for the volunteers we will
require, and to lead the tours, which will include a backstage view of an operational
production. It may also help generate interest in 18 Wheels for unsold tickets.
2
Notes from Admin Land by Aly Boltman (continued)
From the Editor’s Desk
New ideas, New Partnerships, New Initiatives and some Updates
Sincere apologies that this Spring issue of
Stage Directions is going out a couple of
weeks later than scheduled - mainly because
my dear old MacBook was stolen from the
dining room table of our house in Mexico –
most annoyingly after I had completed the
editing of nearly all the articles.
The City of Owen Sound has completed the joint presenters calendar, an initiative we started in 2013. All cultural groups, in theory, can now post their events
publicly, or post “pending” events to help others plan around future cultural activity in Owen Sound.
OSLT won the Owen Sound Cultural Award for Outstanding Event for their
100th Anniversary Celebration last October, and Ruth Gorbet won the Lifetime
Achievement Award for her volunteer work with OSLT and other local organizations. Jim Algie was nominated in the Cultural Heritage category for writing
Still Standing, and Pat O’Connor was also nominated in the category of Out-­
standing Individual for his work with Les Mis and other OSLT endeavours.
OSLT will be a part of Doors Open 2014, which takes place during the run of
18 Wheels. Peter Leonard has agreed to be the point person for the volunteers
we will require, and to lead the tours, which will include a backstage view of an
operational production. It may also help generate interest in 18 Wheels for unsold tickets.
Paula Mercer will be offering another musical theatre dance class in the
spring. Please watch the news and programs section of our website for more
details which are still being firmed up.
Almost of our 2014/2015 acts are now booked and our brochure will go into
production in April.
Now back home and equipped with a new
MacBook Pro, the editing process began all
over again (thanks to those contributors who
had to re-send articles!). Newsletter formatter, the very creative and patient Janet
Hutchison, has once again transformed the
many articles into another handsome product.
We proudly present Stage Directions, Spring
2014. As always, I welcome your comments
and contributions for future newsletters at:
[email protected], or
519-376-5096.
Judy Beth Armstrong, Editor
Aly Boltman, Theatre Manager (to mid- March 2014)
Financial Report
As of the end of February’s financial statements, OSLT continues to be in good financial health as evidenced by the statements sent to all members prior to the
March General meeting. As is typically the case, our position is primarily due to
the very strong support we received from the community for our November
musical and our February play.
A 12 night run for the musical was an increase in the traditional run of 11
shows. Most nights the talented cast and musicians, supported by a hard working crew, played to very appreciative sold out houses. The seven night run of the
February show also enjoyed high ticket sales and sold out the second week despite the ever present threat of a weather disaster. The funding for the renewal
project will provide a new improved façade now nearing the completion of the
final touches.
As for all of us, our ongoing concerns will be the ever-increasing costs of running not just a business but keeping the lights on...literally. The board and the
staff will continue to monitor expenses always aware that revenue is not really
within our control...beyond maintaining our high standards in what we produce,
working with community partners to provide quality entertainment with wide
appeal and presenting events that broaden our audience base without burdening
either out financial or human resources.
Cathie Locke, Treasurer, OSLT
3
Still Standing: 100 years at the
Roxy, 1913 – 2013
Researched and written
by Jim Algie, this delightful book, published October 2013 by
The Ginger Press, is
more than the story of
The Roxy Theatre’s first 100 years. It also
provides a social history of the early years
of Owen Sound, focusing on its arts and culture, further enhanced by the many photographs. Copies may be purchased at The
Roxy Box Office, and at The Ginger Press
Bookstore, 848 2nd Avenue East, Owen
Sound.; www.gingerpress.com.
Introducing . . . Our New Theatre Manager,
Maria Canton
F
or the first 15 years of my career I worked as
a news- paper reporter. I loved, and still love,
newspapers. When I started in that industry I
thought I would be a reporter forever. I really did.
Reporting took me all over North America and
gave me access to some of the best (and occasionally worst) gigs around.
When I worked for Northern News Services I had
the thrill of living in Yellowknife, Iqaluit, Rankin
Inlet and Inuvik, of flying in DC3s to Holman
Island and Igloolik and boarding Twin Otters to
Cape Dorset and the Belcher Islands, nothing
more than tiny blips of land deep in the Hudson
Bay. At the Calgary Herald, I travelled to every
Photo by John Prettie
corner of Alberta, including its geographical centre – a middle point filled with nothing but mosquitoes and muskeg. There has been a lot of free- lance work over the years
too, and a stint at the Owen Sound Sun Times when I first moved here from
Western Canada.
At some point during that journey, I made the leap – in this case it was just
across the street – from journalism to the theatre world, specifically Owen
Sound Little Theatre and their beloved building, The Roxy. It’s hard to believe it was 2.5 years ago that now-former Theatre Manager Aly Boltman called to
offer me a job. Even harder to believe is that last month we bid adieu to our
fearless and intrepid leader. It’s with great excitement and a healthy dose of fear that I now take over the helm of OSLT.
These are big shoes to fill, indeed, but The Roxy has amazing staff, a supportive Board of Directors and an outstanding membership. Not to mention all of
the different audience members who walk through the doors to see OSLT musicals and plays, concerts, comedy shows, community co-productions and special fundraisers, among the many other events we have here.
This spring, our building’s new look should be substantially complete – you
may have noticed that The Roxy was having some work done during the cold
and snowy winter months. We have made necessary repairs to our aging building and have updated her look too. We hope you like it.
Please feel free to drop me a line, pop into the theatre or stop me at The Bean
where I can frequently be seen fueling up on coffee. I look forward to seeing
all of you, at some point, at The Roxy.
Maria Canton, Theatre Manager (March 2014 -
Staff Directory at the Roxy
Theatre Manager:
Maria Canton - 519-371-3425;
[email protected]
Box Office Manager/Administrative:
Collene Bullock - 519-371-2833;
[email protected]
Membership Coordinator:
Leanne Bellamy: [email protected]
Box Office Attendants:
Kate Baker:
[email protected]
Diane Humphries: [email protected]
OSLT Board of Directors
2013-2014
President......................... Mark Vigneux
Vice President ................. Shirley Jarvis
Secretary ............................. John Flynn
Treasurer .......................... Cathie Locke
Past President .................... Bill Murphy
Director ...........................Dale Albrecht
Director ......................... Corry Lapointe
Director .......................... Cory Laycock
Director ....................... Michelle Scobie
Director .......................... Goldie Walma
General Meetings
Mark these OSLT General Meetings on
your calendar:
June 10, 2014
September 9, 2014 (GM and AGM),
all at The Roxy Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
Editor’s note: The OSLT Newsletter Stage
Directions, ideally will be published at the
first of the month immediately following a
general meeting.
)
4
Recent Productions
Calendar Girls and The Calendar Project
As a producer, this will be a year I will always
remember. To have been involved in both of
these projects was a very gratifying experience.
Right from the moment I realized that this play
had to be on the 2013- 14 playbill because as of
March 2014 it would no longer be available to
Canadian theatrical companies, I was all in. I was
pretty confident this was a show that would be a
hit with OSLT audiences. It would be a great fit
for our sometimes slow February slot. The board
was amenable to the last minute change of show. The director, Corry, was willing to change her play from one about an invisible rabbit to a play she had
never read which seemed to be about “naked women.” And the female OSLT members appeared to be pretty enthusiastic about the decision as well.
The planets aligned and we were ready. Having made the decision to amend
the playbill it seemed that a charity calendar which could benefit some local
community organization was another good idea. The Hospice was very much
on the lips and minds of residents so it became the decision of the production
team to donate whatever profits the sales of our own version of the WI calendar might generate to this worthy cause. The Residential Hospice of GreyBruce -board was excited when the proposal was presented to them.
It became obvious that the show needed to be cast much earlier than usual as
the women in the cast would be the models in THE calendar. A calendar has a
definite “best before date” so it needed to be ready for sale long before the show was to be on stage in late January - early February 2014.. With casting
complete by early September, the photographic talents of Danielle Valiquette
were enlisted and the calendar photos were taken on a cool Saturday at the end
of the month. Before we knew it, we had a calendar which went on sale during
the run of our fall musical.
The Calendar was never intended to be an
advertising tool for the play. Our intent was
difficult to maintain because the buzz about
the calendar generated buzz about the show.
Before we opened on January 30, the show
was over 86% sold. Ultimately we did play to
sold out houses despite the unpredictability of
the weather throughout the run.
By now the names of all the cast are
known...both the women and the men. It was
an amazing collection of talent. The names of
the crew who worked equally hard are less
well known. I cannot list them all but I will
name that core of women who were The Production Team for both projects. For me they
were my “Calendar Girls” – director, Corry
Lapointe; stage manager, Lisa Miller; properties, Judy Beth Armstrong; wardrobe, Joan
Spence; assistant stage managers, Leslie Garnett and Sandy LeMaitre. I thank them all for
the collaborative effort.
And finally, I need to share the numbers.
Seven shows generated $44,174.05. Expenses
were $6,229.23. Net revenue for this production was a very healthy $37,944.82. Gross
revenue from the sales of A Calendar with a
Difference were $16,575. Expenses were
$5,043.15. A cheque in the amount of
$11,531.85 will be given to The Residential
Hospice of Grey Bruce. As producer of the
two projects, speaking on behalf of everyone
involved, thank you for the outstanding level
of support from OSLT and the community at
large.
Cathie Locke, Producer
5
Recent Productions (continued)
In the Griffin Gallery
Hobson’s Choice
April 3 – 5 and April 9 - 12
As I write this, the third show of our season is just days away from the building
of the set on the Roxy stage. By the time you read this, the applause for the last
curtain call may have died.
Hobson’s Choice by Harold Brighouse is a British suffragette comedy set in 1880
Lancashire. From a 21st century perspective Henry Hobson’s reality seems so distant and unreal. It does make us laugh and laughter is good. Always happy to
produce a show for OSLT and being a bit of a lover of period literature and historical settings, this one fills a hole in my soul.
A wonderful cast with some familiar faces and some new ones, a great set with
features created by Carey Carrick once again, a story to enjoy under the directorship of Val Underwood all make for a fine way to spend an evening as we wait
patiently for the real spring to arrive. The show opens on April 3 with two more
shows that week then again on April 9 through to April 12. Not sure what to
say...”Be sure to get your tickets!” or “Hope you got out to enjoy it.” Timing is everything.
Cathie Locke, Producer
“A Few of My Favourites”
by Georgia Bunston
Over thirty original watercolours by Georgia Bunston - talented artist, long-time
OSLT member and Past President of OSLT,
are on display in The Griffin Gallery until
April 26th.
The opening of the show and sale, with a
reception generously sponsored by OSLT
members and supporters Peter & Nonie Little and Christopher & Katherine Little, coincided with the dress rehearsal of Hobson’s Choice, April 2. Guests at the special reception enjoyed a delicious buffet prepared by
Casero (Emily Leonard and Beth Milne).
Georgia very generously donated
all proceeds of any sales (paintings, gift cards,
etc.) to the Roxy Centennial Renewal Fund.
At the end of the evening, close to $10,000.
had been raised, with more paintings yet to
be sold. These beautiful pieces of art depict
many local scenes that you will recognize
and enjoy and will remain hanging in the
Griffin Gallery until April 26th.
A beautiful Quilt, created and donated by
long-time OSLT member Jo Eckersley, was
won by Jan Chamberlain - who donated it
back to OSLT! The Quilt remains hanging
in the Griffin Gallery and tickets may be
purchased for it up until the closing night of
18 Wheels on June 7.
It was wonderful to see such a great turnout with so many longtime OSLT members
and friends of Georgia Bunston’s and The Little Family. Considering the buzz, everyone had a fabulous night out at the theatre.
And this all happened on April 2nd which
was Peter Little’s seventieth birth-
day!
“Best wishes” and “thank you, Peter” from us all.
Shirley Holmes
6
Sad News from Woodstock … Upcoming Productions
“Friends... It is with a sad heart that I confirm
that the fire that took place last night down
18 Wheels is/are Rolling!
town was, indeed, in The Annex which is the
space that Theatre Woodstock rents for storage
18 Wheels by John Grey, the final show of this OSLT season, is cast! Thank
of many of our props, furnishings, set pieces,
you to everyone who picked up a script/score and auditioned.
historical records and some costumes. Many of
“Congratulations” goes to Lacey Mooney, Kelda Mikalson, Matt Evans and Eric Endersby, Robin Rich on keyboards, Brian O’Rourke on Guitar and TBA the pieces are not replaceable. We also used
this space for rehearsing both Theatre Woodon Bass.
stock and CAST productions. I have no confirmed word as to the extent of the damage, as
Goldie Walma is directing and Robin Rich Music Directing. We have Mithe building is cordoned off while under inveschelle Scobie as Stage Manager, Carol Edwards - Assistant Stage Manager,
tigation, but it is clear that there will probably
John Melsom - Lead Set Builder, Joan Spence - Wardrobe, Wendy Smart not be much that can be salvaged.
Make-Up, Kasey Williams - Hair, Anne Kaarid – Poster, John Prettie - Photography, the inimitable Gary Byers -Tech Director, Bill Murphy - Lights, Cory
As President of the Theatre, I can assure our
Laycock - Lighting and Sound.
own theatre family and the community for
whom we perform, that we will rise above this
tragedy and continue with the well known
We’re fortunate to have Jantien Sneyd designing the set and lights. Cathie Locke continues to be the world’s best mentor while leading her own shows to motto of 'the show will go on'. As we find out
success. Our new Theatre Manager, Maria Canton and the Roxy team ensure more information we will share it here.
that we’re on track. The OSLT board has also been instrumental in guiding Ted McLauchlin, President, Theatre Woodstock
our way down the theatrical highway. I think of the Board as our GPS!
Thank you to Leigh Greaves at the Harmony Centre and Maria Canton at the
Roxy for providing us with rehearsal space. It’s fantastic to be rehearsing in such vibrant performing places.
We are rehearsing from now until opening night roughly three to four times per
week, learning the music, then blocking and doing all of the exciting tasks necessary to mount eight great performances for our audiences. The show runs for
two weeks, starting May 28th, 29th, 30 th, 31st and June 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th at
the beautiful historic Roxy Theatre. Tickets are available at the Roxy Box
Office, in person, by telephone (519 371-2833) or online at
www.roxytheatre.ca
(from WODL Facebook page, conveyed to our attention by
Yvonne Korince, March 23, 2014.)
The AED is in the building!
The Roxy now has an AED (automated external device), more commonly known as a defibrillator. This portable electronic device diagnoses and can correct arrhythmia of the heart.
Knowing it is available and how to use it may
From our season’s brochure: “Climb aboard a big rig, buckle up and hold onto prove to be invaluable to one of our patrons.
your cowboy hats and ball caps as you re-visit the landscape along the Trans- The defib machine was provided at no initial
Canada highway. Experience ordinary work-a-day Canadian life through these cost thanks to a program managed by Grey
extraordinary stories (and spectacular voices) in this country/blues themed
County EMS. A training session, that included
mini-musical.”
CPR, was recently provided to 15 OSLT memIt’s never too late to get involved with our fabulous production team. We wel-­ bers through The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The group spent some time discussing the
come your participation, for an hour, an evening, backstage, up in the workshop or green room, in the lobby, or even from your home. As a new producer unique and complicating factors involved in
providing this potentially life-saving service to
to OSLT, I’ve been impressed with the expertise and the huge outpouring of our patrons, and hope that this training will
support from members. Thank you.
permit us to better deal with any such situation
If you want to blow away those winter blues, join us in driving 18 Wheels to a in the Roxy. Our trainer, Robert Campbell, was
pleased with how quickly we learned what to
rollicking success! Contact Fiona McConachie-Anderson, Producer at
do in a medical emergency. Look for our new
519 376-6564 or email [email protected].
green, defibrillator machine next time you are
in the building. It is located on the lobby wall
There is a job waiting for you - and a party too!!
just as you enter the cloakroom.
Fiona McConachie-Anderson, Producer
Cathie Locke
7
Upcoming Productions (continued)
The Portrait by Allen Smutylo
The renowned local artist Allen Smutylo has written a play entitled The Portrait, based on a story in his book A Memory Of Water which was one of the
five finalists for this year’s Governor General's Award for Non-Fiction. It depicts the true story of Allen's time in Tobermory in the 1970's as a young artist
and in particular of his relationship with O. C. Vail, a local knife maker. It is a
portrait of a man and a community facing changes wrought by time and encroaching development. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to direct
this play in the April slot of next year’s playbill. Unlike the usual procedure, which is to take a fully formed script and bring it
to life on the stage, with The Portrait, I have been involved in helping shape
the script and have been a part of its evolution towards presentation. Heady
stuff.
About a year ago, Allen approached me about reading an early draft of the
script and making some suggestions. The script is really a play with music.
Allen has written the lyrics for several songs, and his brother Terry has written
the music. I read the play, loved the story and music, and made some suggestions, which Allen found helpful and valid about developing the characters,
themes and the dramatic structure of the play. The sequence of dialogues and
drafts continued.
In the summer, I invited a few OSLT members (Michael Clark, John Flynn,
Mark Vigneux, Pat O'Connor) to do a reading at Allen's home in Big Bay.
Terry was with us to play the music live. After the reading, everyone contributed his insights and suggestions about the play to us. Another rewrite.
Next, we learned about a federally funded organization in Kitchener-Waterloo
called patthedog.org, the focus of which is to help playwrights, beginning or
otherwise, to develop scripts. We sent a script off to them, and then met with
them late last fall. There was no charge for their services. As we already had a
production date, they moved us up in the queue, read the script and sent back
notes (a barrage of Socratic style questions about many areas of the script),
which led to yet another rewrite for Allen.
Recently, we had the folks from patthedog up for a daylong workshop of this
version of the script. Again we had readers from OSLT, including Matt Evans
and Gabe Rossiter. Terry had hooked up with the multi-talented Will Henry to
enhance the music for another live presentation of most of the songs. We read
the script, and spent the afternoon discussing the content, and its strengths and
weaknesses. The dramaturges gave us many suggestions, with the notion that
we "Take or Toss" their suggestions. Hence another rewrite
Allen also submitted the play for presentation in this year's Stratford Springworks Festival, which is running two weeks in May 2014, and we have been
accepted to do two performances: on May 17th at 10 PM, and May 18th at 4
PM. While this is exciting news, the parameters for the show insist that it run
between 60 to 70 minutes. That means that the play has to be edited down to
allow it to run in that time. Not only do we have to work on a full-length play
for our season next year, we have to do a shorter version this year. Both are
works in progress. Fortunately, this Festival allows you to workshop your production so you can read, or stage your play, as most of the entries are works in
progress.
8
Because of this schedule we have to cast
now for both this year's and next year's
shows even though there will be only four
characters plus musicians in the Stratford
show, and 6 characters plus musicians in
next year's production. After making sure
that Goldie has 18 Wheels cast, I canvassed
all of next year's directors to get their permission to go ahead and do my casting this
year, well ahead of our usual schedule.
This will also allow us to cope more easily
with the interruption that the WODL Festival will make in our rehearsal schedule for
next season. I am also hoping that it will
free our cast up to audition for the other
terrific shows in our season. Auditions
were held April 14 and 15.
Bill Murphy, Director
Looking for a Good Read . . .
Owen Sound Little Theatre has a lending
library and your membership entitles you
to use this wonderful resource. We have
630 titles catalogued and the list will continue to grow.
The library is located outside the booth on
the 2nd level of the theatre and the lending
instructions are provided below.
View the theatre’s library collection online at www.librarything.com/catalog/oslt.
You can use the 'Search This Library'
search box to find your favourite plays and
playwrights. Using the search box, you can
search by author, title or any keyword
(handy if you only know part of a name or
title).
You'll still need to manually sign out the
books from the OSLT library. Please return
books to the Return Bin in a timely fashion
so that others may use them. As always,
donations are greatly appreciated.
If you have any questions or concerns,
please feel free to email.
Dale Albrecht
[email protected]
Profiles
Karen and Rick Twining
Karen and Rick Twining were born and bred in Owen Sound and
have both been OSLT members for 20 years or more.
Karen is admin support for the VON where she has
been a Coordinator of Nursing Visits and is now
responsible for Reception and Medical Records for
Grey-Bruce. Leadership skills used at work easily
transfer to the role of Stage Manager, the area of
production she most enjoys. This soft-spoken petite
woman is capable of commanding respect and serious work ethics from a cast under her charge.
Karen's Stage Management credits include The
Devil's Disciple, Hello Dolly and Anything
Photo by John Prettie
Goes. Her biggest undertaking to date was certainly
her Stage Management of the OSLT production of Les Miserables for
which Karen received a 2014 WODL award.
Rick, while having worked on sets and lighting, prefers
to be on stage. His many credits include roles in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Heat Wave, The
Odd Couple, Hello Dolly, The Sound of Music, and
most recently in Les Mis. When not 'under the lights',
Rick is most likely in front of a computer screen programming as an IT Department System Specialist.
Asked to recall some 'exciting events' that occurred
during these many years of service, Karen recalls an
evening when she was Stage Managing the production
Photo by John Prettie
of The Devil's Disciple and the sound computer died
about an hour before curtain. An heroic replacement of computers (with instructions relayed over the phone) saved the day. Perhaps even more heroic
was our Karen again, this time lying flat on her stomach back stage behind a
scrim, shining a flashlight upwards to create a lighting effect. Just at the
wrong moment, a large, dark 'dust bunny (?)' skimmed across the stage floor
directly towards her. In the dark, this object quickly took the form of a massive
spider, perhaps even the dreaded Owen Sound scorpion. At great risk and dare
we say, courage, Karen stayed still as required. A real trooper!
Rick's adventures are somewhat different. He is apparently quite accidentprone. There is a saying around the Roxy, during rehearsals, that "if Rick hasn't
hurt himself yet, the show’s not ready to put on." A story goes that on the closing night of Hello Dolly he was accidently clocked under the chin by a fellow
actor, which almost knocked him out. Seeing stars and quite disoriented, Rick
was able to get off stage somehow in character, but, was nowhere to be found
during intermission. After a frantic search, he was eventually discovered recovering in the dark of the photocopy room. With the help of some ice packs cleverly hidden on the set for Act 2, he was able to make it to the final curtain with
the audience none the wiser.
9
Through the strange intricacies of 'little theatre
logic' our accident-prone thespian is, of course,
the individual who 'has been volunteered' to
handle the signage changes on the Roxy marquee. Through rain, sleet, ice and snow, Rick
struggled up often-slippery ladders to perform
this task.
As rumour has it, the actual drive and intent to
renovate the Roxy facade is somewhat
more focused on 'saving Rick’ than cosmetic and visual up-dating.
Eric Endersby
Roxy Façade
Improvement March 2014
Roxy Façade Improvement
April, 2014
Profiles (continued)
Michael Clark and Cathy Brouse
When Michael Clark met Cathy Brouse, the first thing he did was throw her in
the oven. I probably should mention, at this point, that they first met while performing leads in the play Sweeney Todd at the Mariposa Art Theatre. Their relationship, since then, has improved immensely.
They are both accomplished 'theatre people' and the couple's decision to relocate
to Owen Sound has added considerably to the existing OSLT pool of talent. Both Cathy and Michael note that OSLT's reputation for quality productions and play selection was of consideration in their decision to move here
some two years ago.
Cathy studied drama in London England, did some TV
work there, and upon returning to Canada began a
twenty year 'run' as drama teacher at Innisdale S.S. in
Barrie. She directed over fourteen shows during that
time, including Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest. Taken with the role of Lady Bracknell, Ms. Brouse finally got the opportunity to portray
'The Lady' to great acclaim in our recent Earnest production. She also performed in The Donnellys.
Photo by John Prettie
Michael Clark is a Red Seal cabinetmaker who creates fine custom furniture. He has taught this art to
students for thirty-five years. At OSLT he has performed in Anything Goes, The Donnellys, The Importance of Being Earnest, and most recently in a
truly magnificent portrayal of Javert in Les Mis.
Michael also has designed and built sets for
OSLT. His latest, the intricate revolving set for Les
Mis, was awarded a WODL accolade for Best Set
Photo by John Prettie
Design. One of Michael's most rewarding memories
from his time with OSLT was watching the cast
revolve the pieces of the Les Mis set with such grace that it elicited applause from
the audience as the set changed from the streets to the barricade, and from the
barricade to the sewers.
Eric Endersby
10
Exits
We extend our sympathies to the family of
Carole Lande, who passed away on
Wednesday, March 5, 2014. Carole was a
dedicated member of the Georgian Bay
Garden Club and Owen Sound Little Theatre (Producer, Stage Manager) for many
years. A celebration of Carole's life will be
held when the flowers start to bloom. Expressions of sympathy and donations
(Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada or
St. Joseph's Hospice of London) would be
appreciated and may be made through
LONDON CREMATION SERVICES
(519) 672-0459 or online at
www.londoncremation.com.
Sincere condolences go out to Rick and
Karen Twining and family on the April
12th death of Rick’s mother, Barbara Twin-­
ing. The family would appreciate donations to the O.S.P.C.A. (Ontario Society
for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or
the Canadian Cancer Society Bluewater
Chapter as an expression of sympathy and
may be made through the BRIAN E.
WOOD FUNERAL HOME, 250 - 14th
Street West, Owen Sound, Ontario N4K
3X8 (519-376-7492). Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at
www.woodfuneralhome.ca.
Owen Sound Poet Laureate Terry Burns
Poets on a Cold Tin Roof Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m.
What has the Poet Laureate been doing?
Since her appointment as Owen Sound Poet Laureate
in October 2013, Terry Burns has participated in the
following events:
Roxy 100th Anniversary Gala, October, 2013
Pre-Christmas “Snowfall and Starlight” event at Keppel Sarawak Church, organized by Helen
Harrison, November, 2013
Fundraiser for “Calm in the Eye” Typhoon Hai-­
yan disaster relief, organized by David Sereda
and Anne Finlay-Stewart, December, 2013
Introduction of Poet Laureate to City Council, organized by Poet Laureate
Advisory Committee, January, 2014
Reading at Owen Sound Cultural Awards, organized by Doug Cleverly,
February, 2014
The Poet Laureate:
maintains a Facebook page, and attempts to post something to the page at
least once every two or three days,
developed a Fact Sheet, which has been sent to the Bruce County Library
system, the West Grey and Grey Highlands Library systems, and the Owen
Sound, Meaford, and Thornbury Libraries, and the Bluewater District
School Board, the Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board, and Edge
Hill Country School. The Poet Laureate Fact Sheet includes a Poet Laureate
logo, which was developed by graphic designer Shelley Jackson,
in collaboration with the Poet Laureate Advisory Committee, the staff of
the Roxy Theatre, and Jennifer McGuire of Tin Roof Press, is planning the
first Poetry Salon, to take place on April 24. This will be the first of six
salons/workshops, which will take place over the next two years,
has confirmed readings at the William Wilfred Campbell Poetry Festival in
Wiarton (June, 2014) and the Words Aloud Festival in Durham (November,
2014),
continues to work on new poems, for reading at the Poetry Salons and outside events. Some of these poems are also meant for the Poet Laureate
chapbook, to be produced in 2015.
Terry Burns and OSLT’s Poet Laureate Advisory Committee
Owen Sound Poet Laureate Terry Burns
hosts her first poetry salon in The Roxy’s Griffin Gallery. Like the famous literary
salons of old, it will give the public an opportunity to enjoy and learn about poetry in
a casual atmosphere. Admission is free.
Poets on a Cold Tin Roof will feature a
reading by special guest Marty Gervais,
Poet Laureate of Windsor, a performance
by the Soundlings improv group and readings by Burns and Richard-Yves Sitoski
who is showcased in the latest issue of Tin
Roof Press, co-sponsor of this event.
Part of the mandate of the Poet Laureate is
to help raise the profile of poetry in the
community. Poets on a Cold Tin Roof is
intended to do just that. It’s also intended to help demystify poetry.
As a special treat, people attending this
free event will be able to savor an aptlynamed ice cream confection along with the
poetry - tin roof sundaes.
How to find the
Owen Sound Poet Laureate:
Phone number: 519-794-2083
Email: [email protected],
The Owen Sound Poet Laureate 2013-2015 is a program of the Owen Sound
Little Theatre sponsored by David Madill, CFP of BMO Nesbitt Burns, with
additional support from Frank Dabbs, the author from Annan, Ontario
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/
Owen-Sound-Poet-Laureate
Website:
http://roxytheatre.ca/poet-laureate-program
11
Mark these OSLT/Roxy Events on your
2014-2015 Calendar !
Call for Volunteers
April 2 - 26: Georgia Bunston’s art show in the Griffin Gallery. All sales to benefit the Roxy Centennial Renewal Fund.
April 3-12: Hobson’s Choice
April 14-15: Auditions for The Portrait
April 24: Our first Griffin Gallery Poetry Salon featuring Poet Laureate Terry
Burns, Windsor Poet Laureate Marty Gervais, co-presented with The Tin Roof Press.
May 28-June 7: 18 Wheels
May 31 & June 1: Doors Open Owen Sound
June 13: Country 93 and The Roxy present country music artist John Landry
June 17 (Father’s Day): The Roxy presents actor/comedian Chris Gibbs in his
hilarious one man show Like Father, Like Son? Sorry!
June 17-19: Auditions for Brigadoon
September 5: Soldiers of Song - The Dumbells: (WWI Centenary co-pro with Billy
Interested in Getting Involved in OSLT?
Bishop Museum)
Maintenance ~ Gene Cassidy
376-7415; [email protected]
September 7: Insect Circus – Look Up Theatre: (by donation show for youth, proceeds
to OSLT)
September 18: Hats Off #1 – Rock Around the Clock (a co-pro with Country 93)
October 2: Hats Off #2 – Forever Everley (a co-pro with Country 93)
October 16: Dada – French language programming (2 shows) with Theatre
L’Aubergine
October 16: Hats Off #3 - Beach Party Boys (a co-pro with Country 93)
November: Brigadoon
November 29: Blue Christmas 4
December 5: Emancipation Festival Co-Production Fundraiser
(act TBA, possibly Chloe Charles)
January, 2015: The 39 Steps
January 24, 2015: The Mudmen (Robbie Burns event with OSLT
Here are the people to contact:
Archives ~ Eileen O’Connor 371-1156; [email protected]
Bartending ~ Shirley Jarvis
372-9372; [email protected]
Creative ~ Aly Boltman
371-3425; [email protected]
House Managing & Ushering ~
Cathie Locke 372-1145;
[email protected]
Newsletter ~ Judy Beth Armstrong
376-5096; [email protected]
Playreading ~ Eileen O’Connor 371-1156; [email protected]
Sewing and Wardrobe ~ Val Underwood
371-8899; [email protected]
Teams ~ Mark Vigneux
371-0159; [email protected]
WODL 2015 Festival ~ Yvonne Korince
371-6640; [email protected]
(scotch tasting fundraiser)
February 20, 2015: Don Amero (First Nations performer)
March 5, 2015: Gruffalo’s Child (youth performances for schools in English)
March Break, 2015: WODL (Western Ontario Drama League Festival)
April 9, 2015: Celestial Being (youth performances, French and English, for schools)
April 10, 2015: Alysha Brilla (co-pro with Georgian Bay Folk Society)
April, 2015: The Portrait
May 8 & 9, 2015: Greetings from Wingfield Farm
June, 2015: The Mousetrap
Christy’s Stage Door Presents three camps, Summer 2014:
June 30-July 18:
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (an adaptation)
July 14-25:
Teen Broadway boot camp
July 28-August 1:
Drama camp (no music)
12
Doors Open @ The Roxy
On the weekend of May 31 (Saturday) and
June 1 (Sunday), OSLT will once again be
participating in Doors Open Owen Sound, as
on several occasions in the past. This province-wide initiative (www.doorsopenontario.on.ca)
provides an excellent opportunity to introduce our theatre and promote its events to
visitors, both local and from out-of-town.
I shall be looking for volunteers to act as
guides to show small groups around the
building. This normally involves a 3-hour
commitment. (Training and orientation will
be provided.) Any interested member is
asked to contact me at 519-376-5096 or by
email at [email protected].
Peter Leonard