Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 12
Thank you to all our
supporters!
We couldn’t do it without you!
REGINA LITTLE THEATRE SOCIETY, INC.
1077 Angus Street, Regina, SK S4T 1Y4
Box Office
306-779-2277
RLT Office
306-352-5535
Green Room &
Carpentry Shop
306-565-8552
Email
Fax
January ~
March 2017
&
Vol. 75 No. 3
[email protected]
306-352-5540
2016-2017 Board Members
PRESIDENT
Bar, Box Office,
Memberships, Publicity,
Voucher Giveaways
Faye Daborn
VICE-PRESIDENT
Raffles, Front of House
Volunteers, Policies &
Procedures
TREASURER
TSI Represntative
CRYSTAL
SECRETARY
FINANCIAL
CONSULTANTS
Nora Berg
Cathy Moberly
Arlene Janzen
Shirley Brooks
Archives,
Green Rooms,
One Acts’ Caterer,
Play Selection Committee
Amy Bouvier
Main Stage
Co-Producer
Marketing Committee
Peter Bruce
Carri Lelliott
Natascia Lypny
Jewel Robbins
Costumes & Props
Scholarships & Awards
Main Stage
Co-Producer
Electronic & Social
Media
Time to escape the cold Saskatchewan winter with a getaway to somewhere warm
& sunny… or warm & funny! Make sure you make time in February to join us on a
hilarious and farcical trip over the moon to Buffalo and laugh the cold away! Director
Ken Spencer is our pilot and tells us a little about what it’s taken to get there.
A love-letter to the theatre!
The team of Ken & Ken is back! You have been
involved in a few Ken Ludwig plays now, both as an
actor and a director. What makes a Ludwig play such a
crowd-pleaser?
Ken Ludwig's plays have well-written comic characters, and he
has an excellent way with situations and dialogue that make up
a great farce. RLT originally produced Moon Over Buffalo back
in April of 2003 (I got to play the leading man) and since then
RLT has produced other Ken Ludwig plays, including: The
Three Musketeers (October 2011), Leading Ladies (December
Facebook.com/reginalittletheatre
Twitter: @ReginaTheatre
Workshops
Grant Applications
Bryce Schlamp
One Acts’ Producer
David Warford
Posters, Publications
Masks and Faces is the official publication of Regina Little Theatre Society, Inc. and is published 4 times per
year. Help RLT to be both environmentally friendly AND fiscally responsible. Let us know if we can send your
newsletter electronically! Leave your email address at the box office or contact us at 306-352-5535 or
[email protected].
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 11
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 2
2012, in which I acted), The Game's Afoot - Or Holmes for the Holidays (October 2013),
and perhaps his best play Lend Me a Tenor (February 2015, which I had the pleasure of
directing).
From the President…
What have been some of the most challenging aspects of this play?
Jean Taylor and her cast of almost forty actors (!) brought The Life and
Adventures of Santa Claus to life, almost too much as many of younger audience
members were frightened by the Awgwas! We apologize to those youngsters as this
was not our intent. The costume and make up volunteers really did an outstanding
job. Thank you all for your dedication.
As with all farces it's about clear actions at seemingly break-neck speed in-and-out of
several doors (we only have 5 doors this time). It takes place in 1953, so we have to be
conscious of everything from styles of clothing, to figures of speech, and so on. Our leading
lady, Bonnie Senger, and our leading man, Kevin Rispler, have to sword fight, which
requires some practice and Kevin is also responsible for some moments of very physical
humour.
One reviewer described this play as a ‘love letter to the theatre.’ How would
you describe it?
I think that reviewer was quite correct. In 1953 in a little-regarded theatre in out-of-theway Buffalo, New York, an aging husband and wife team of (famous?) stage actors, George
and Charlotte Hay, and their stalwart but small company of actors are "on the road"
touring in repertory, performing Noel Coward's classic comedy Private Lives and also the
swashbuckling romantic drama Cyrano de Bergerac. Times are tough; "the road" is not
what it used to be; money is tight because crowds have been poor, what with the advent of
a television in every home. George and Charlotte never got their big break into Hollywood,
and are resigned to practice their dramatic arts NOT in front of a camera. After George
has an ill-fated dalliance with the ingénue actress in the company, Charlotte walks out on
him. As fate would have it, however, there was a major accident in Hollywood on the set of
the movie The Twilight of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the movie's director, the famous
Frank Capra, is flying to Buffalo to watch George and Charlotte's matinée performance to
audition them to play the leading roles in what's sure to be his latest Hollywood blockbuster. But George, distraught because Charlotte walked out on him, is no where to be
found. Will Charlotte appear or run off with their lawyer, Richard? Can they find George,
sober him up, and patch up the family before Capra arrives? Will Capra see Cyrano, or
Private Lives, or a disturbing mixture of the two?
What do you like most about the play?
The characters are all larger-than-life in so many ways, but their human failings and how
they deal with them and each other is what
generates the humour. I love the characters!
MOON OVER BUFFALO
George and Charlotte are theatrical hams of the
February 8 - 11
first order, who've done Shakespeare and
Chekhov, but are still playing the vibrant young
VIMY
leading roles well into their 50's. Their daughter,
Roz, is a headstrong spitfire who is determined to
April 5 - 8
leave the theatre and have a "normal" life, leaving
Paul, the company manager and her former fiancé
All shows at 7:30 p.m.
behind, and even going as far as getting engaged to
a local TV weatherman, Howard (who has some
TICKETS: 306-779-2277
nervous fan-boy issues where Roz's parents are
Moon Over Buffalo rehearsals are in full swing. This farce, which runs February
to 11th is sure to lift our spirits in the middle of a Saskatchewan winter! I know Ken
Spencer and Peter Bruce will ensure a very entertaining production. I have always
enjoyed this play and look forward to an evening (in this case, four evenings) of lighthearted entertainment.
8th
In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, RLT is mounting the Canadian play
Vimy. This play will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge.
Mark Claxton and his cast and crew will soon be working diligently on this powerful,
provocative play whose message is very timely as our veterans return from conflicts
elsewhere in the world. PTSD is a very serious condition that is robbing our veterans
of a healthy life after service. This play features the Vimy encounter through
flashbacks of four soldiers and a nurse.
We break with the intensity of Vimy for the Spring One Acts which will be held
May 5th and 6th. Bryce Schlamp and directors will hold auditions March 6th and 7th.
Watch our website (reginalittletheatre.com) for details.
Our final production of the season will be the comedy The Dixie Swim Club which
is ably directed by Nora Berg. This comedy is the perfect bookend to our 91st season.
Our season began with four buddies (Beer for Breakfast) wanting to get away for a
few days free of work and family. We end the season with five Southern women,
whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, setting aside a
long weekend every August to recharge those relationships, free from husbands, kids
and jobs. Audition for The Dixie Swim Club will be held April 10th and 11th.
A special thanks to all our dedicated volunteers
that make RLT such a success!
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 10
DO YOU HAVE ANY OLD PROGRAMS & NEWSLETTERS?
We would like to include them in our Archives!
Contact RLT at 306-352-5535 or at [email protected]
Jim’s Bread & Buns
“Homemade”
Proud Supporter of Regina Little Theatre
Over 80 kinds of Bread + Over 80 kinds of Buns
Cheese Buns ~ Cinnamon Buns ~ Cakes
(306) 436-2261
Milestone, Saskatchewan
“BAKE TO ORDER”
Order from the website or call Jim!
Delivery every Tuesday & Friday to Regina
Website: jimsbuns.ca
Facebook: Jim’s Bread & Buns
E-mail:[email protected]
Twitter: The Bun Man (@jimsbuns)
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 3
concerned). Eileen, the ingénue actress, is in way over her head with her boss, George.
Charlotte is dealing with the ineffectual advances of their lawyer, Richard, and
Charlotte's mother, Ethel, who is deaf as a post and has a major dislike for her son-inlaw, is in the middle of things getting everyone mixed up.
I imagine with a play like this, rehearsals have been lots of fun! Tell us a little
about the overall rehearsal process. Is there anything unique in preparing
for a farce?
Farce is often about pace and timing, a great deal of which is at a high speed. That means
plenty of repetition of spoken lines and stage actions, to ensure they can be done clearly
and precisely and safely but also at full speed. It's necessary to mine the script for comic
details and possibilities, so that the full force of the farce will hit the audience. I think
we've done both of those things.
Is there anything particular you would like to say to our audience as they
look forward to Moon Over Buffalo?
In February, when it's often cold outside, come inside to RLT and enjoy the warmth of
some laughter and giggles. To the characters on stage it all seems very serious, but the
audience gets to revel in and enjoy the ridiculousness of the characters' behaviours and
reactions, and to the mess they get themselves into. It's all about fun and frivolity, so
please come and enjoy some with us!
Join the Fun and Make History!
Regina Little Theatre is the oldest all-volunteer
community theatre group in Canada!
We are excited to present outstanding plays every season but the key to our success
lies in the many helping hands that work together on stage and off. And that’s where
you come in! Every play needs not only actors but also backstage crew, stage
managers, costumers,
You are the key!
prompters, prop
wranglers, painters,
Contact us at 306~352~5535
movers and more!
or [email protected]!
May 5 & 6
June 7 - 10
Auditions:
Auditions:
March 6 & 7
April 10 & 11
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 4
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 9
Give a Gift ~ Leave a Legacy
April 5 - 8
A drama by Vern Thiessen ~ Directed by Mark Claxton
Produced by special arrangement with Playwrights Guild of Canada
On April 9, 1917, tens of thousands of Canadian soldiers took part in the Battle of Vimy
Ridge. Over 3500 were killed and more than 7000 were wounded. In recognition of the
100th anniversary of that fateful day, RLT is proud to present Vern Thiessen’s poetic
and poignant look at the Battle and its legacy through the eyes of four of those
wounded soldiers as they are tended by a young nurse from Nova Scotia in a field
hospital in France. Travel into battle and into the home towns of these young men
from all across the country as well as from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Some have said that Canada became a nation that day. But do we realize the cost?
A powerful reflection and tribute.
Regina Little Theatre owes its decades of success to the extraordinary
generosity of countless individuals who perhaps never graced our stage, yet
who made a tremendous difference to us and to theatre in Regina as a whole
by leaving legacy gifts in their wills and estate plans.
These individuals have demonstrated that kindness is evident in people from
all walks of life – with different income levels, professions and passions.
Because of their love of life and concern for others, their memories will never
be extinguished and their gifts will remind us all that we, too, can make a
difference in lives that follow.
Please consider Regina Little Theatre as part of your estate planning.
Thank you!
What do you give the person who has everything?
No matter what the occasion,
the gift of live theatre is always the perfect gift!
Contact Regina Little Theatre to purchase tickets or a gift certificate!
306-779-2277 or [email protected]
FEATURING
Aaron McKenzie
Would You Like To Reach A Bigger Audience?
Nolan Straightnose
ADVERTISE WITH US!
Abbey Thiessen
Regina Little Theatre welcomes companies, groups and
individuals who would like to place an ad in our play
programs and/or newsletter. It can appear once or
repeatedly. Just provide us with the information and/or
image you would like to use and leave the rest to us!
Tyler Toppings
Adam Tulloch
Michael Vance
Reece Wagner
All shows at 7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: 306-779-2277
For more information or to put your ad in reach of a bigger
audience than ever, contact RLT: 306-352-5535 or
[email protected]
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 8
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 5
ANNOUNCING...
TheatreFest
2017
Theatre Saskatchewan’s Full-Length Play Festival!
Regina Little Theatre is saddened by the passing of one of its
members, Sharon Giesinger, on December 6 at the age of 69.
Sharon always dreamed of being involved in theatre but illness kept
her from doing so until she discovered prompting. Sharon lit up
many RLT rehearsals with her joyful personality, gentle nature,
delightful encouragement and, of course, very helpful prompting.
Her dedication to a singular yet vital task in the theatrical process
is a perfect example of what makes RLT members so special. RLT
extends condolences to Sharon's family and friends.
April 24 - 30
The Dekker Centre
North Battleford
What kind of play would YOU like to see?
Community Theatre groups from across the province (including RLT) will
present plays and be adjudicated. In honour of Canada’s 150th birthday,
all the plays performed will be Canadian! There’s comedy and drama, fun
and learning for all Saskatchewan theatre lovers!
Regina Little Theatre will be represented by our April play, Vimy.
For more information & to buy tickets,
visit theatresaskatchewan.com
Comedy? Drama? Thriller? Period Piece? Avant-Garde? All of these?
RLT’s Play Selection Committee is always looking for suggestions
for plays to consider for our upcoming seasons.
If you have a favourite show (or type of show) then please let us
know!
Email your suggestions to [email protected] or
call us at 306-352-5535!
Check our website: www.reginalittletheatre.com
Friend us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter: @ReginaTheatre
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 6
Masks & Faces ~ January - March ~ Vol. 75 No. 3 ~ Page 7
Scholarship Opportunity
Board member Jewel Robbins organized a workshop for
directors and those who aspire to be. Held on January 21st
at the Performing Arts Centre and facilitated by RLT’s own
Nora Berg, over 20 participants enjoyed an afternoon of fun
and insight into the art of play direction.
Nora has been involved with RLT since the very early ‘80’s
Nora Berg
when she came on board to assistant stage manage You
Can’t Take it With You, directed by Marion Lee. Prior to that, she worked
on make-up for various productions under the tutorship of Marilyn Wiebe
and Jo Dunn and was heard to utter the immortal words “I’m glad all I do
is make-up.” That was indeed a passing phase as since then Nora has done
pretty much everything that is remotely connected to theatre, from
working backstage and acting to directing and loyally serving on the
executive for more years than she cares to count!
Drawing on her multi-faceted experience, Nora shared lessons she has
learned (sometimes the hard way!) as well as tips and tools from her
director’s “tickle trunk” covering virtually every aspect of the production of
a play. She particularly emphasized the need to be surrounded by a strong
team and to practice “firm diplomacy” in leading the cast & crew.
Participants also had a chance to be directed by Nora in some unique
scenes gleaned from plays she has been a part of.
Nora’s directorial skills will be on display later this season as she helms our
production of The Dixie Swim Club this coming June!
Did you know that RLT offers scholarships
to its members in good standing?
If there is a course related to the performing arts (not just theatre!) that you
would like to take, we may be able to help financially.
There is no age limit nor do you have to be an enrolled student.
Anyone can apply!
The next available award is the
Honourary Life Member Nora Berg Scholarship
Application Deadline: March 15
Would you like to apply or just know more?
Go online at reginalittletheatre.com/scholarships
Call us at 306-352-5535 or Email us: [email protected]
Contact us on Facebook or via Twitter (@ReginaTheatre)
Please help us to make the
theatre experience
enjoyable for everyone.
OU!
THANK Y
Thank you to Nora for sharing and to Jewel for organizing the workshop!
Keep an eye on our website as well as our social media channels (Facebook
& Twitter) for announcements of future workshops!
Facebook.com/reginalittletheatre
Twitter: @ReginaTheatre
All performances are
SCENT-FREE!
Wednesday Special
REGINA LITTLE THEATRE
2 for 1
One coupon per customer per day.
Coupon must be surrendered to
Box Office at the time of purchase.
May not be used for prior and/or
completed purchases of tickets, nor
with discounted tickets (including
block bookings) nor with any other
voucher or coupon. May not be
used to purchase season tickets or
gift certificates. Valid only for
Regina Little Theatre main stage
play Wednesday evening
performances. Seating is as
available at the time of coupon
redemption and is not guaranteed.
Reproductions are not accepted.
Purchase 1 Single Admission
full-price ticket for a
Wednesday main-stage play.
Bring this coupon to the Box
Office & receive 1 complimentary
Single Admission ticket to the
Adults (19-54): $21
Seniors / Students / Youth: $19
There is a transaction fee of
$2.50 for which the bearer of the
coupon is responsible.
Valid until Wednesday, June 7, 2017
For more information please
contact the Box Office:
Regina Performing Arts Centre ~1077 Angus St. (at 4th Ave.)
306-779-2277 www.reginalittletheatre.com