Gabriola Sounder 2 August 2023
Gabriola Players would like to thank everyone who came out to the One-Act Play Festival in June and for all the positive feedback received. It was the end of the group’s successful 2022/23 season, which many have said was one of their best ever.
Now, going forward, the island theatre group needs your help. It was with considerable regret that the board reached the decision that it would not be possible to mount a panto this coming winter, as they simply do not have the capacity.
Board member Miranda Holmes explains: “If you’ve ever examined one of our panto programs, you’ve probably noticed that considerably more than double the number of people are involved off stage than on. People you seldom see during a performance, but who play absolutely crucial roles in every production – be they the stage managers, the set painters, the make-up artists, the people in charge of sound and lighting, the people who change the sets. These are the unsung heroes without whom there would be no show.
“We have been blessed over the years with an extraordinary group of people who do these jobs with great commitment. Some have moved off the island and others are just feeling their age. If you love live theatre and want to see it continue on Gabriola, we need your help. Actors may be the ones standing in the spotlight, but they would be the first to admit the biggest round of applause should go to the stage managers and everyone else behind the scenes who pitches in to make them look good.”
The group is particularly keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in learning the ropes as stage manager or assistant stage manager, but would also love to hear from everyone who has a skill or interest that they would like to apply to productions.
They will offer training and support you during your learning curve. All they need from you is a love of theatre.
“Please consider joining us,” says Holmes. “If you’ve never been involved in a show, you have no idea how much fun – and satisfaction – there is in watching a play come together from the auditions until opening night.”
To find out more, send an email to gabriolaplayers@gmail.com.