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Winter 2014
Stage Directions
This newsletter is for members of the Owen Sound
Little Theatre and is published four times per year.
President’s Message
I guess it would be fair to say a lot has happened since the last newsletter.
Sheesh!
Les Mis has come and gone to great acclaim – what a success! I heard so many
say it was a huge undertaking for a community theatre; that, of course, is absolutely true, but to me, the most impressive thing about our community theatre is
that we routinely take on huge challenges and just as routinely turn them into
great successes. That speaks volumes about the levels of commitment, expertise,
creativity, and just plain hard work demonstrated by our volunteers, staff, and
members. A true team achievement, every time.
That leads me to our necessary goodbyes. Hazel Lyder, after all too short a stint
getting the role of Membership Coordinator off the ground, has said goodbye. In
her time with us Hazel connected with many members, put together several
teams and began some excellent support work in several important areas. She
created a members’ handbook that is comprehensive in its approach and scope.
Hazel brought enthusiasm and a cheerful disposition to her role and she will be
missed. We wish her all the best in her journey.
Of course, Aly Boltman has also announced her decision to take the next step in
her career path. Aly has done truly outstanding work for us in her three and a
half years at the theatre. Her achievements have been many, but her legacy will
be the new face that The Roxy Theatre presents to the world. Aly recognized
that the need for improvements to the façade of the theatre presented an opportunity to create a whole new look for us. Her vision will benefit us and the downtown for many years to come. It was through her work that the funds were obtained to make the new vision a reality. That vision will be brought to life over
the next few months and may even be completed by the time Aly finishes in mid
-March. Our best wishes go out to Aly in her new role as Executive Director of
the Community Foundation Grey Bruce.
There are still other changes as Kelley Dewey has left the Board of Directors to
devote more time to her commitments in Toronto. Every cloud has a silver lining, of course, and the silver lining for the Board is Michelle Scobie, whom we
welcome to the board with enthusiasm.
The Board went through a facilitated long-term planning session on January 4,
2014, which was very fruitful as we endeavour to come to grips with the best
possible business model for the immediate future. We hope to meet with the
membership in the near future to report our thinking arising from that planning
session.
I am happy to hear any time from anyone with concerns or kudos – just give me
a call (519-371-0159) and I will do my best to address what I hear.
Break a leg.
Mark Vigneux, President
Notes from Admin Land by Aly Boltman
Inside
this Issue
Editor’s Note: For those who were unable to attend the OSLT General Meeting held
December 10, 2013 here are highlights from the Report presented by our Theatre
Manager, Aly Boltman.
Major Presenting/Project Updates
Submissions to
Editor: Judy Beth Armstrong
[email protected]
President’s Message
1-3
Financial Report
Membership
Coordinator's Report
4
Ontario Volunteer
Service Awards
5
Recent and
Upcoming
6
Audition Notice
7
A Calendar with a
Difference
7
News from
Playreading
8
Calls for Volunteers
8
Profiles
9-10
The Hats Off Series was very successful, earning OSLT $4560 after expenses with
additional bar + 50/50 revenue.
The Jane Siberry/Marc Jordan show on October 18th was excellent - they were
wonderful entertainers. But, the fees and marketing expenses were substantial and
there were a dozen similar events going on which affected the outcome. The $1900
loss is manageable through CAPF funding. There was additional revenue from bar
and 50/50.
The 100th Anniversary Show was excellent. It was a lovely celebration and honouring of the building. The loss was very similar to the Siberry/Jordan show, but we have
$1000 from The Community Foundation that can be put towards this celebration as
well as CAPF funding and additional revenue from bar and 50/50.
Our two recent school shows were well attended. Buzz Cuivres averaged 304 per
show and we made a small profit, just under $400. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
shows were sold out, but more expensive to produce, earning us a small $100 profit.
CAPF funding for these shows was untouched.
Blue Christmas III earned OSLT $3500-4,000 in profit after all expenses, before
additional bar and 50/50 revenue.
Our Frantics show was not successful for us. Again, there were many other competing events that happened on the same night or the next night, including Montreal
Massacre memorials and the Messiah. In retrospect, booking comedy on that was a
poor choice and I apologize. Our approximate 2K loss will be covered by CAPF funding.
The Front
of House Team
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Still Standing
9
From the Editor’s
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We matched the entire $4500 in ArtsVest funding, plus another $5000+. We are
guaranteed $4500 in matching funds, but if other funded organizations don’t find
sponsors to match their allocated funds, we may be eligible for even more.
Owen Sound
Poet Laureate
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We received $1000 from SOCAN Foundation. We will apply for 5K from the
Leflar Foundation, and may seek funding from The Arts Council if projects are
applicable. Our CAPF deadline is April 30th and we will apply for another 20K.
Mark Your Calendar
12
Photo Gallery
12
General Meetings
12
Grant Updates and Application Plans
2
Notes from Admin Land by Aly Boltman (continued)
New ideas, New Partnerships, New Initiatives and Forthcoming Presenting Updates
Our back wall is now complete. Thanks to those who donated to aid The Art
Gallery who largely funded the project.
Audrey Cheadle has donated $5000 for a new lighting board that may go into
the theatre in early to mid-2014.
We now have a new mobile website for The Roxy that was created with Augmented Marketing.
Ticketing contracts for shows at OSCVI are up immensely for the year which
is very lucrative for the theatre.
Our back hall was beautifully painted by The Home Depot volunteer team and
they are making a cupboard to enclose our alarm and sign in board to make the
back entrance more formal.
This fall, I held a meeting with local presenters to try again to get everyone to
work together to make a joint presenters calendar. We now have 45 presenters
working together.
We have sold about 85 Still Standing Books. They make great gift ideas and
MANY of you are mentioned or featured in this book, in words or photos.
Please buy your books directly from the box office.
Some of the acts we are working on for next year so far include Spirit of the
West and Mary Walsh, First Nations artist Don Amero (confirmed), as well
as Remembering the Dumbells September 5th (confirmed) to honour the 100th
anniversary of WWI, a partnership with the Billy Bishop Museum. Other
shows are still in the mix.
A request is in with Fleming College to secure a student for their 4 month unpaid internship program to catalogoue our costume department next summer.
We may also be working with Georgian College in the coming year to have
their students in their Police Foundations program increase our security
A special goodbye to my OSLT
family, a few months in advance:
For those of you who may not have heard, I
will be starting a new position on April 1st
as Executive Director for the Community
Foundation Grey Bruce. I was extremely
torn about this decision, as I have really
loved working for OSLT these past three
and a half years. I would give the shirt off
my own back to so many of you, and no one
can hold a candle to OSLT for having the
most creative and hard working volunteers
I’ve ever worked for.
This decision was one that will allow me to
spend more time with my young children
and be more of a presence in their lives,
more of a support to our
family.
It is my hope that once I get my sea legs in
my new position, I may be able to come
back and get to be a supportive member of
OSLT in a whole new way. And in the
meantime, I’m just half a block away and a
supportive resource for the incoming Theatre Manager and the Board.
I wish to thank those of you who have
called or emailed with your wonderfully
supportive and kind messages – they’ve
meant the world to me. After I leave here in
approximately mid-March, when the renewal project comes to a close, I can be
reached at my personal email at
[email protected]
Sincerely,
Aly Boltman
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Financial Report
As 2013 ended, Owen Sound Little Theatre anticipated another financially
successful season. With Les Misérables, the first of this season’s productions,
in the archives we seem headed for a dried up red pen. Our second production,
Calendar Girls, appears headed toward sold out shows with tickets sales at
60% as January began.
One of our revenue streams, that of rentals, is perhaps down a bit from some
previous years but there is still time for additional rental activity to occur.
Revenue from the box office in the form of selling tickets for other organizations and events continues to improve. Presentations and co-productions,
which round out the primary sources of revenue, also have shown growth.
At the September General Meeting, Yvonne Korince, Karen and Rick Twining
volunteered to become members of the Finance Team. This team has met once
and will continue to meet in the New Year. Our discussions will focus on a
number of financial concerns we share and then recommendations for action
will be presented to the board. We also will examine the current budget in order to offer input as planning for next year’s budget begins in a few months.
If you, as a member of the organization, have questions or concerns about finances or ideas for generating a revenue stream please contact one of the team
members.
Cathie Locke, Treasurer
Membership Coordinator’s Report
Editor’s Note: This is an abridged version of the Membership Coordinator’s
Report made at the General Meeting, December 10, 2013. After her presentation, President Mark Vigneux regretfully announced that Hazel Lyder had tendered her resignation as OSLT’s Membership Coordinator, effective year-end,
2013. We sincerely thank Hazel for all the work that she undertook during her
brief time with OSLT and wish her happiness and success in her new endeavours.
Team Building
A number of the teams, in particular, Social Team; Membership Team; Policy
& Bylaw Team and Producers’ Team, have begun meeting. Initially the discussion has been broad based and conceptual, or perhaps ‘visioning’ is the more
apt term. For example, the Social Team has begun by considering what and
how to enrich the social experience of the theatre members. Similarly, the
Membership Team has begun with a consideration of how do we go about enhancing / adding value to the OSLT membership. The Producers Team is
looking at how to develop pathways to involvement for new and less involved
members as well as how to equip the various production teams (e.g. Sound &
lights, Props, Wardrobe, Hair, Make Up, Set Construction, etc.) to develop and
expand. Backing it all up is the very important, but perhaps a little unglamorous, work of the Policy and Bylaw Team who are painstakingly combing all the Board Minutes for policy motions with a view to consolidating and
developing comprehensive policies and procedures. Expect lots of developments in the coming year, beginning with a Membership Handbook – now in
draft and consultation phase.
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Weekly e-mail updates
It seems I never come in contact with a member but what they don’t comment on how
much they enjoy and appreciate the weekly
communications (aka ‘e-blasts’)
…. I hope the sentiment extends to all those I
hadn’t had the pleasure of speaking with!
And thank you for the feedback; it is much
appreciated.
Production Evaluation
A new initiative with Les Mis was to circulate a short evaluation to the cast and crew at
the end of the production. Clearly the show
was a roaring success! Congratulations to
Pat O’Connor, Karen Twining, Mark
Vigneux and all the members who were involved in pulling off a class act! We continue to entertain the possibility that there is
always room for improvement and hope the
process of evaluating productions henceforth
will offer us insights and direction in our
continual search for excellence.
Training Inventory
We’ve met a major milestone with a comprehensive inventory of training/certification
levels of our Front of House and Bartending
volunteer staff, as well as Board and OSLT/
Roxy staff. As you are aware we have legal
obligations for volunteers and staff to have
Accessibility and Smart Serve training and
while we have made steady progress we still
fall well short of what is required by law.
In addition, to meet important Health and
Safety standards we need to ensure a certain
cohort of Front of House, Bar, staff, and production volunteers have First Aid certification, Hazardous Material Handling training,
and Fall Arrest training. A number of training options have been investigated and efforts to make further advances will continue
in the new year. In addition, many active
Front of House members participated in our
new “Front of House Orientation” sessions,
which were also formally (and very positively) evaluated. A special thank you to
Cathie Locke for all her hard work and support on this endeavour.
Membership Coordinator’s Report (continued)
Who can receive this award?
New Member Connections
The Volunteer Service awards are given
to people who volunteer their time to a
single organization for several years.
Touching base with new members by phone and email as well as new member tours (2 of) – which were modestly attended by new, re-newing, and established members – is on-going. The tours have provided an ideal opportunity of connecting new and willing helpers with relevant members in identified areas of work. We have at least four new member-volunteers as a result!
Thank you and welcome to Jonathan, Heather, Leslie and Marilyn.
Key Informant Interviews
In an attempt to understand the theatre, its processes, its past, and members’
aspirations (and worries) for the future, I conducted a number of key informant interviews in my first couple of months on the job. Thank you to all of
those who so generously gave of their time – it was an ideal way to get
‘oriented’ and your input very much informed my initial attempts to serve and
support.
Wishing everyone a beautiful holiday!
Hazel Lyder, Membership Coordinator
Requirements:
Must have volunteered with one group
for at least 5 consecutive years
Must not have received payment for
their volunteer work
Must be active beyond simple membership in an organization
Must not have performed the services as
part of their regular business or professional duties.
How are the awards presented?
Recipients receive an invitation to an
award presentation in Owen Sound,
probably in June 2014. There they are
awarded pins and personal certificates at
special ceremonies across Ontario. Different pins and certificates honour a variety of years of service. Each recipient is
invited with a guest. Every organization
that nominates a recipient is also invited
to send two representatives to the award
ceremony.
How do you nominate someone?
Ontario Volunteer Service Awards
Once again the Owen Sound Little Theatre is inviting nominations for Ontario’s volunteer recognition program. The Ontario government recognizes
volunteers with Volunteer Service Awards, in appreciation for continuous
years of service with a community organization. OSLT nominates people for
20, 25, 30+, 40+, 50+ and 60+ years of service.
What are the Ontario Volunteer Service Awards?
The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards honour the thousands of people who
generously contribute their time as volunteers across Ontario. These awards
are an important way to recognize volunteers who have provided service
over many years. The awards are sponsored by the Honours and Awards
Secretariat, part of the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.
Please find more information about the Volunteer Service Awards at this
website: http://www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/citizenship/honours/
vsa.shtml
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To nominate yourself or another OSLT
member, please submit the following
information:
The member name,
A list of ways they have contributed to
OSLT (e.g., actor, producer, maintenance, marquee maintenance, board of
directors, set builder)
The number of years of continuous service (e.g., 20, 25, 30+, 40+, 50+ and 60+
years).
Nominations close January 25, 2014,
so please send your nominations to
OSLT President Mark Vigneux by email ([email protected]) AS
SOON AS POSSIBLE so OSLT’s
entries can be compiled and submitted before the deadline.
Recent and Upcoming Productions
Les Misérables – final report
It is usual for the Producer to heap praises, which I am only too happy to do. I
am always loath, however, to mention anyone by name for fear of hurting the
feelings of anyone I may have missed. So let me just repeat what I have said
elsewhere - the most impressive thing about the OSLT is that we routinely take
on huge challenges and just as routinely turn them into great successes. So it
was with Les Mis.
I have lost track of the revenues from some of our other large musicals, but I
think, at $113,175.60, our gross tickets sales may have eclipsed our previous
highest total. I am certain that at $47,611.35 our expenses far exceeded anything we have ever paid before. There are still one or two small charges and
other amendments required, but it will definitely be in the range of $48,000.
There were some lessons learned. Our cast and crew were definitely much happier not doing a matinee. We also realized that in a run that includes four
shows per week for three weeks, there is simply no energy to add shows, even
if we are completely sold out. As a producer that is a disappointing realization.
As one who aspires to returning to the stage, I am completely sympathetic.
Perhaps there is a discussion that could be engaged in around this issue – I will
leave that to others to initiate. Suffice to reiterate that Les Mis was a wonderful
audience experience and that, in the end, is the only real way to measure the
success of any of our shows.
Congratulations to all!
Mark Vigneux, Producer
Calendar Girls - Opening Soon
What is mutual trust and friendship among people
who spend a lot of time together?
Camaraderie, and at its finest, is the best word to describe the relationship of the ensemble who are the cast
and crew of OSLT’s upcoming production of Calendar Girls (January 30, 31, February 1 and February 5,
6, 7, & 8.)
It has been exciting to watch the cast of ten women,
already bonded uniquely through the shared photo shoot, become the “real”
women involved in the original calendar project. As the men of the cast joined
the rehearsals they were made to feel the same welcoming warmth as they
were embraced as members of this team.
The cast includes Sheilah Spurr, Kathleen Cassidy, Dale Albrecht, Sue Seguin, Eileen O’Connor, Donna Henry, Shirley Holmes, Ruth Gorbet, Jennifer
MacKinnon, Goldie Walma, Bill Murphy, Matt Evans, Neale Kemp and Christopher McGruer.
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The production is directed by Corry
Lapointe, stage managed by Lisa Miller and
ably assisted by Leslie Garnett. Musical direction is capably in the hands of Don Buchanan Other talented team members include
Joan Spence, wardrobe, and Judy Beth Armstrong, properties. The set design by Chuck
Rossel is his first for OSLT. Set construction
is headed up by Peter Leonard. Details of the
many other production team players will of
course be listed in the program. After all,
what is every OSLT production if not the
combined efforts of its tremendous volunteers?
Cathie Locke, Producer
Hobson's Choice has been cast!
April 3 - 5, 9 - 12
Director: Val Underwood
The Cast, in alphabetical order:
Ron Carney - The Doctor
Drew Colohon - Tubby
Samantha Colwell-Castles - Maggie
Ian Dickey- Freddie
Paul Flood- Hobson
Jazzmine Hale - Ada
Cathy Irving - Vickey
Lacey Mooney - Alice
John Prettie - Will
Patrick Sorensen - Albert
Cathie Tilley - Mrs. Hepworth
Rob Warrilow – Jim
Cathie Locke, Producer
Audition Notice
18 Wheels
Directed by Goldie Walma
Performance Dates: May 28 - 31 and June 4 - 7
Audition Dates for actors and musicians: March 3 & 4, with callbacks on
March 5
18 Wheels by John Gray (Billy Bishop Goes to War) is a fun, hard driving 2 act
country music musical about being a Canadian and earning a living driving an
18 wheeler truck.
The show calls for 4 actors, 2 men and 2 women, whose voices can sustain
singing a whole show but do not need to have classical training. There are also
3 musicians – guitar, keyboards and stand up or electric bass, who will be on
stage during the performance.
Scripts/scores will be available at the Roxy Box Office in February.
Production Crew to date:
Director: Goldie Walma
Music Director: Robin Rich
Stage Manager: Michelle Scobie
Producer: Fiona McConachie-Anderson
Set Builders: John Melsom, Eric Endersby
Stage/Lighting Design: Jantien Sneyd
Rehearsals begin the last Sunday of March Break. More info to be posted soon
about rehearsals. If you would like to be part of the production team of this
final show of our wonderful 2013-2014 season, please contact Fiona
McConachie-Anderson at 519- 376-6564; gordmcc@bmts.
Fiona McConachie-Anderson, Producer
A Calendar with a Difference!
The production team of our wonderful 2014 Calendar with a Difference is
pleased to report that sales have been strong up to the end of December. The
Calendar, which sells for $20.00, continues to be available for purchase at the
following community-minded outlets: the Hospice offices in Seasons and Carney's Lane, and the Owen Sound Visitor Information Centre, the Bean Cellar,
eEmbroidery and of course at The Roxy Box Office. We anticipate that revenue from this project will continue to flow during the upcoming run of the
OSLT production of Calendar Girls, which opens on January 30, 2014. Proceeds from sales of OSLT’s Calendar with a Difference go to the Residential
Hospice of Grey Bruce Inc.
As a group of women we are proud of this calendar, not just for what we did
on that cool September Saturday but for what we are doing for our community.
This is another example of how OSLT enhances the quality of life for Owen
Sound and area residents through its productions, presentations and commitment to a quality lifestyle through all its phases.
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As a team we wish to acknowledge and
thank Judy Beth Armstrong and Peter Leonard, Willy Waterton and especially our
photographer, Danielle Valiquette. We are
pleased that the Residential Hospice Board
was supportive of this concept and excited
to be a part of the endeavour.
Speaking personally, my calendar is hanging proudly on my refrigerator. I look forward to smiling every day for an entire
year as I remember the day when...we
drank mimosas and whipped off our bras!
Cathie Locke, Producer of
A Calendar with a Difference
News from the Playreading Committee
Members of the Playreading Committee
The committee would like to thank Katherine Bell for her solid participation
on the Playreading Committee over the last few years and accept with regret
her decision to resign. We’re pleased to announce that Tom Albrecht has
agreed to join the committee. Tom is a most welcome addition, bringing not
only his considerable theatrical experience but also a youthful male perspective. Current members of the Playreading Committee are: Tom Albrecht, Audrey Cheadle, Peter Leonard, Fiona McConachie-Anderson, Jane Phillips, and
Chairperson Eileen O’Connor. Contact Eileen at [email protected] or
519-371-1156.
2014-2015 Playbill
The following playbill for the 2014-2015 season was approved by the OSLT
Board of Directors on December 2, 2013:
Fall musical, 2014: Brigadoon, directed by Val Underwood. A romantic fantasy set in the Scottish highlands.
February 2015: The 39 Steps, directed by Kathleen Cassidy. Fast-paced hilarious melodramatic comedy based on Buchan's novel and Hitchcock's movie
March 2015: WODL Festival hosted by OSLT
April 2015: The Portrait, directed by Bill Murphy. An original play by international artist and writer, Allen Smutylo, centred on his art co-operative days
in Tobermory in the 1970's and legendary fisherman and knife-maker, Orrie
Vail.
May/June 2015: The Mousetrap, directed by John Flynn, assisted by Audrey
Cheadle. The classic Agatha Christie mystery.
We feel that this playbill represents a good mix of old and new and we thank
all who submitted titles. One regret expressed by the committee, however, is
that this is a line-up with more male than female roles. The Portrait is an allmale cast. The 39 Steps, if cast as written, has one female and 3 males doing
dozens of parts, which is definitely part of the humour. There are female roles
in the musical and Mousetrap is about half-and-half.
So, if you're thinking of directing, please keep in mind the proportion of male/
female roles - along with, as usual, challenges of set, props, tech and of
course, audience appeal. Not too much to ask, is it, in an ideal world?
Eileen O'Connor, Chair of Playreading Committee
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Call for Volunteers
Interested in getting involved in 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]
Maintenance ~ Gene Cassidy
376-7415; [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]
Profiles
This is the first of a new series of brief bios of OSLT members, researched and
written by Eric Endersby. For his first column, Eric interviewed veteran OSLT
member, Bill Murphy, and newcomer Michelle Scobie.
Bill Murphy
OSLT has seen many changes during its 52 years of
growth. Bill Murphy does not claim he was involved in
all. He was however, certainly involved in many. A
member of the Board of Directors first in the early seventies and then again later, Bill just recently 'retired' as
president after a very active and productive four- year
term. Those present at the retirement ceremony during
the September 2013 Annual General Meeting can attest
to some heartfelt speeches from the membership.
The Front of House Team
OSLT has a core of volunteers who are the
regular faces of the organization at all
events taking place in The Roxy where a
wide variety of entertainment is available
to our members and the community at
large. As one of our ushers, our members
get to enjoy that entertainment many times
throughout the year...when they wish and
what they wish. We are always looking for
new members for this team. If you think
you would like to join us, contact Cathie
Locke [email protected] to arrange
to learn more about ushering at The Roxy.
Cathie Locke,
Front of House Coordinator
Photo by John Prettie
Bill Murphy studied Drama and English at the University of Guelph. He then moved to the other side of the desk and taught Drama
and English for 32 years at OSCVI. We imagine some of his students have
made their way to the Roxy stage. Note: Bill says anyone involved in a production mounted on the Roxy stage can honestly boast of working "Off Broadway".
Bill and his wife Jean reside in Annan. Jean is a member of the Playreading
Committee. She also volunteers with prompting and costumes as the need
arises. Bill is surely one of the most well known of all OSLT's performing
members having been involved in "dozens" of productions. As an actor, who
can forget his portrayal of Felix in The Odd Couple (2012). More recently he
appeared as Mulligan in The Donnellys (2013).
Directing credits include The Crucible (1984), which earned Bill a Best Director award from Theatre Ontario, Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (1990),
Wait until Dark (2009) and A Perfect Wedding (2010).
The comprehensive curriculum at the University of Guelph included studies in
the art of Theatrical Lighting. Bill applied himself back then and is now involved in lighting design for countless of our productions. His new Board
status as 'Past President' has not slowed him down. Bill is currently helping to
stage the lights for, and acting in, the production of Calendar Girls, which will
open on January 30.
He is also involved in the final polishing and workshopping of a new play by local artist and writer Allen Smutylo. New, and
local material for a future OSLT production. Exciting stuff!
Eric Endersby
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.
From the Editor’s Desk:
With this edition of Stage Directions, we
gratefully welcome and thank a new OSLT
volunteer, Janet Hutchison, who is taking
on the task of formatting the newsletter
into its handsome “Publisher” template.
We extend warmest thanks to Mark and
Mariella Vigneux who edited and formatted the newsletter for many years, and who
graciously continued to format it when I
took over as Editor.
Judy Beth Armstrong, Editor
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Profiles (continued)
Entrances, Exits and
Opening Nights
Michelle Scobie
A
Photo by John Prettie
small house between the trees south east of
Williamsford is where you'll find Michelle Scobie when she's at home. When at work you can locate
her at Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services
in Owen Sound where she is a clinical supervisor in
charge of fifteen social workers. Her Masters of Social
Work from Wilfrid Laurier University affords her the
opportunity to pursue this challenging career.
Prior to Laurier, Michelle attended the University of Ottawa and achieved a
BA in Theatre, graduating in 1986. Studies offered a wide range of theatrical
disciplines, and while she did do some acting in workshops, her main interest
was backstage.
We were surprised to discover that Michelle became an OSLT Member only
a year ago. Anxious to get involved she quickly volunteered her help during
the auditions for Les Mis. This led to her landing a position as Assistant Stage
Manager (ASM) for that production.
Her no nonsense style and ability to cope without stress during the
many mishaps, so common backstage, were admired by all. Michelle credits
her ability to deal with change and crisis to "the various opportunities my family has kindly provided me, to practice my skills in those areas, over the years".
We understand now, that she has accepted the position of stage manager (SM)
on the up and coming production of 18 Wheels. We will take this opportunity
to warn the cast and crew that Michelle is studying Tai Chi.
As if that isn't enough, at our last General Meeting she was nominated and
voted in as a new Director At Large. Can no one stop this woman?
It is easy to believe that directing will be a logical progression. When asked if
she were to direct which play she would like to do, the answer was Cats!
Educated, unflappable, not averse to change, all attributes of our newest
'backstage' talent. To quote Michelle Scobie, "I have hazel eyes, I drive a
small pickup, and the rest is subject to change without notice."
Eric Endersby
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John and Valerie Prettie had a very busy
fall 2013! Their daughter Susan and husband Craig had a baby girl in September,
Emmerson Elizabeth, a wee sister for Isla,
and their other daughter Katherine and her
husband Mark had a baby boy, Nolan Andrew, born Thanksgiving weekend. All are
doing well.
We send condolences to former OSLT
manager, Judith Glover whose husband
John Glover passed away on December 1,
2013. A card of sympathy for Judith and
her family was sent on behalf of OSLT
Executive and Members after the December 10 General Meeting. Arrangements
were handled by the Ferguson Funeral
Home, Meaford.
Karla Cassidy, daughter of Gene and
Kathleen Cassidy, married Steve Hall on
October 12th on a beautiful day in Lasalle
Park in Burlington. Karla and Steve met in
university in the same Mechanical Engineering class and they live, work and play
in Burlington. Karla and Steve climbed
Mount Kilimanjaro and did a safari in the
Serengeti for their honeymoon!
Meet Owen Sound Poet Laureate, Terry Burns
Terry Burns, local poet and novelist, was appointed as
Owen Sound Poet Laureate by the Owen Sound Little
Theatre Board at its October 1st 2013 meeting. Chosen
from a field of ten strong applicants, Ms Burns has
“always written poetry.” In addition to pursuing a writing practice which has, in addition to poetry, included
novels, short stories, promotional pieces, and articles,
Terry was coordinator of the Words Aloud Spoken
Word and Storytelling Festival in Durham, Ontario,
from 2011 to 2013. She is currently the manager of the
SweetWater Music Festival, and is also a visual artist. Originally from Sault
Ste. Marie, Terry lived in the Toronto area for twenty years before moving to
Grey County in 2003. She lives just outside Chatsworth, about twenty minutes
south of Owen Sound.
Terry Burns will serve as Owen Sound’s fourth Poet Laureate for the period
October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2015. The Owen Sound Little Theatre and
its Poet Laureate Advisory Committee (Liz Zetlin, Jane Mingay, and Judy Beth
Armstrong) will coordinate her activities and liaise with the OSLT Board.
The Poet Laureate program was started under the auspices of the Owen Sound
& North Grey Union Public Library and ran from 2007 to 2012, honouring
poets Liz Zetlin, Kristan Anderson and Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm during that
time. It is now hosted by the Owen Sound Little Theatre. “We’re very excited
to host the Owen Sound Poet Laureate and to encourage the partnership of performing arts and poetry here at The Roxy” said OSLT President Mark Vigneux. Owen Sound’s first Poet Laureate, Liz Zetlin, added “The OSLT may
well be the only community theatre in the country, perhaps even in the world,
hosting a Poet Laureate program.”
The OSLT’s Poet Laureate program is generously supported by Frank Dabbs,
the author from Annan, sponsored by David Madill, CFP of BMO Nesbitt
Burns, as well as two donors who wish to remain anonymous.
When asked, “What the heck does a Poet Laureate do?” Terry responds,
“That’s a great question! Poet Laureates . . . love poetry, write poetry, read,
recite or perform poetry, raise the profile of poetry in their communities, craft a
few poems geared to specific community occasions, act as a resource for people trying to learn more about poetry, help provide opportunities for other poets to get their work heard, help provide opportunities for other poets to workshop their work in safe, supportive environments, and talk about poetry to anyone who will sit still long enough to listen.”
So if you have a program, class, or event that you think would benefit from a
poetry element, the Owen Sound Poet Laureate would be happy to drop by, as
time permits. Her first official engagement was at The Roxy Theatre’s 100 th
Anniversary Party, October 19th 2013 - and there will be many more! Watch
for details about the Poetry Salon, Thursday, April 24th, 7 to 9 p.m. at The
Roxy, coordinated by the Owen Sound Poet Laureate in partnership with The
Tin Roof Press
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How to find the
Owen Sound Poet Laureate:
Phone number: 519-794-2083
Email:
[email protected]
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Owen-Sound-PoetLaureate/153656047979268
Website: http://roxytheatre.ca/poetlaureate-program
Terry Burns and
OSLT’s Poet Laureate Advisory
“The OSLT may well be the only
community theatre in the country,
perhaps even in the world, hosting
a Poet Laureate program.”
Liz Zetlin,
Owen Sounds first
Poet Laureate
Mark these OSLT/Roxy events on your calendar!
January 16: Tennessee Voodoo Coupe & The Millwinders –
the final show in the Rockabilly series.
January 30, 31, February 1, Feb. 5-8: Calendar Girls
February 14 & 15: Lupercalia
March 21: Brass Transit, the ultimate music of Chicago experience,
presented with 92.3 The Dock.
April 3-5; 9-12: Hobson’s Choice
April 24: Poetry Salon at The Roxy,
coordinated by Owen Sound Poet Laureate in partnership with
The Tin Roof Press. More details TBA.
OSLT Board of Directors
2013-2014
President: Mark Vigneux
Vice President: Shirley Jarvis
Secretary: John Flynn
Treasurer: Cathie Locke
Past President: Bill Murphy
Directors: Dale Albrecht
Kelley Dewey (Sep - Dec 2013)
Corry Lapointe
Cory Laycock
Michelle Scobie (Dec 2013 - )
Goldie Walma
May 16: *RARE
General Meetings
May 28-31, June 4-7: 18 Wheels
Mark these OSLT General Meetings
on your calendar:
Save the date! March Break 2015 … WODL Festival comes to The Roxy!
Did you know that OSLT members now get $2 off any Roxy Series shows and
selected special events this year?
March 11, 2014;
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 will be published at the first of
the month immediately following a general
meeting.
Eric Endersby
Photo Gallery
Photo by John Prettie
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