Recent
Meetings & News
(not all e-mail addresses may be current)
2000
February 24, 2000 Play Selection Meeting
January 20, 2000 General Meeting
1999
1998
December 7, 1998 Annual General Meeting
September 21, 1998 General Meeting
June 9, 1998 meeting
February 22, 1998 General Meeting1997
December 12, 1997 Annual General Meeting
October 30, 1997 Play Selection
September 30, 1997 General Meeting
September 13, 1997 newsletter
September 8, 1997 cast and crew gathering
March 20, 1997 newsletter
January 10, 1997 meeting1996
Play Selection Meeting: February 24, 2000
Members Present
Shelly Work, Robin Work, Sam Green, Kevin Moutray, Janet Wiebe, Doug Goodwin, Karen Kerr, Wes Copp, Rod Nelson (acting as secretary for the first time) and Ileiren Byles.
New Productions
This meeting was held to decide on the fall musical and next spring's production.
After debate and discussion it was decided to produce the musical 'Company' by Stephen Sondheim, and tentatively book the small auditorium at NVSS for November 3-4 and 10-11.
The spring production was not agreed upon and a second meeting is planned for April 18 at 7 pm at Sam and Rob's, to address this situation.
Ideas for spring included "Glen Gary, Glen Ross" and a collection of three one act plays by Harold Pinter.
Retreat
Don't forget to schedule in the Retreat June 16 and 17.
General Meeting: January 20, 2000
Members Present
Margaret Smith (Chair), Sam Green (Treasurer), Lisa Striegler Iannone (Vice President), Shelley Work (Secretary), Alan Gilchrist, Rod Nelson, Doug Goodwin, Randy Wallace, Thea Doyle, Al Idiens, Janet Wiebe, Dan Carberry, Sue Carberry, Robin Work.
Old Business
Minutes from the General Meeting on June 18/99 were accepted as read. Motion - Sam Green, Second - Al Idiens, Carried.
Updates were given on the following subjects.
- The NVSS/VCTS Drama Scholarship was awarded to Tanya Giesbrecht and May Ann Doiron.
- Not Now, Darling was performed in Nov. 99 and was a great success.
Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer's Report was accepted as read. Motion - Robin Work, Second - Dan Carberry, Carried.
We took a 10 minute break to watch the Lunar Eclipse.
New Business
Elections for our Executive took place with the following results.
President - Margaret Smith 567-9101
Vice President - Lisa Striegler Iannone 567-9665
Treasurer - Al Idiens (was Sam Green) 567-3451
Secretary - Rod Nelson (was Shelley Work) 567-9422
Director At Large - Robin Work 567-3085Welcome to all new executive members!
Spring Retreat
Our annual Spring retreat will be held at the home of Marion Switzer & Al Idiens on Cluculz Lake, Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17, 2000. We will start the retreat on Friday night with a campfire sing-along. Saturday will feature breakfast, and improv workshop and performance facilitated by Sue Carberry, and lunch. We will end mid-afternoon. For more information or to volunteer to help call Lisa Striegler Iannone at 567-9665. Cost TBA.
Angry Housewives
Directed by Sam Green and Libby Hart, this production will be performed at "Buffalo Beach" on April 7-8, 14-15/2000. There may also be a matinee performance. Produced by Sylvia Byron & Margaret Smith, Musical Direction by Kevin Moutray.
Lighting Fundraising
It was decided that Doug Goodwin, Dan Carberry and Robin Work would complete the proposal for our lighting system. We wish to purchase a portable system for the sum of $16,500 and we currently have $4,000 in donations toward this goal. We discussed submitting our proposal for a Millennium Grant and for the Nechako Kitimat Development Fund.
Other Business
We discussed scheduling difficulties with NVSS and have set up a scheduling committee to talk to administration in hopes of deciding upon some sort of agreement for performance scheduling. This committee consists of Robin Work, Doug Goodwin and Margaret Smith.
A Play Reading Meeting has been set for February 24 at Dan & Sue Carberry's house. Anyone interested in attending please do so and bring your suggestions for Fall musicals. If you have suggestions but cannot attend please forward your ideas to one of our executive members.
Doug would like to perform Lil MacIntosh's play Badges & Batons this year. Suggested dates were the end of June or in association with Canada Day and the Museum celebrations or at the Fall Fair. Tabled.
We discussed once again, doing a Dinner Theatre. St. Joseph's has inquired several times in the past. We talked about doing a murder mystery or an interactive improv with the audience. Tabled.
Meeting Adjourned.
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General Meeting: June 18, 1999
Members Present
Sam Green, Robin Work, Margaret Smith (President), Carol Silberberger, Randy Wallace, Fred Smith, Lisa Striegler Iannone, Shelley Work (Secretary), Kevin Moutray, Doug Goodwin, Mike Fryatt.
Minutes
The notes from our Play Reading Meeting in February 1999 were discussed and accepted as read.
Treasurer's Report
Our "Wild Guys" production was a rousing success!
Income $2,640.25 Expenses $1,094.49 Closing Balance $1,545.76
Scholarship
Sue Carberry, Robin Work and Margaret Smith volunteered to choose the NVSS/VCTS Drama Scholarship recipient who will be announced in a future newsletter.
Vanderhoof Public Library Issue
The VCTS wrote a letter of support regarding the library moving to the Access Centre. Nothing has been decided to date that we are aware of.
Godspell
Our production of the musical "Godspell" has been postponed/cancelled until further notice. In relation to this we discussed ethical considerations regarding the choosing of plays, as there was some concern among members that some may or may not be suitable for our group to perform.
It was also suggested that there be more notice given before meetings so that more interested parties could arrange to attend play reading meetings and that we outline a protocol for picking plays in the future. It was decided that those interested in being on the play reading committee would choose when required but the choices would then be submitted to the membership for yays or nays for a limited time period.
Annual Spring Retreat
Our Annual Spring Retreat was cancelled this year due to lack of registrations. There were complaints to some members that the retreat was too long. When the membership present was asked what they would like in a retreat, all unanimously agreed that it should be a 1-day affair and the membership should be surveyed to select the topics. Thanks go to Bluette and Shelley for their hard work in organizing this years event.
Fall/Spring Productions
Several plays were discussed and those present decided upon "Not Now Darling" a comedy by Ray Cooney and John Chapman and the musical "Angry Housewives" as our fall and spring productions respectively. Members will be polled, according to our earlier discussion, for approval and pending this will be performed accordingly.
Not Now Darling - Directed by Randy Wallace, Produced by TBA. To be performed in November 1999.
Angry Housewives - Directed by Sam Green, Co-Produced by Sylvia Byron & Marion Switzer, Musical Direction by Kevin Moutray and Set Director is Mike Fryatt. To be performed in February 2000.
Other Business
Other topics mentioned and tabled include a membership drive during off-season and during productions. More advertising for auditions was a suggestion for recruiting new members.
Adjourned 9:50 PM
Greetings members! Well, spring has come at last and with it comes the many splendors of re-acquainting ourselves with each other and the outdoors after a winter of cocooning inside. To keep you abreast of our upcoming season we have listed a few items of interest.
Fall Production
VCTS is planning to perform the musical "Godspell" by John-Michael Tebelak in mid-November 1999. Auditions TBA for 10-15 men and women. For more information, you may contact Director Sue Carberry at 567-4463. We are always looking for able bodies to help too!
Dinner and Theatre
On April 17/99, interested VCTS members traveled together by bus to see a Theatre North West production of "The Foreigner" by Larry Shue. Everyone had a good time after a huge meal at Mama Panda's restaurant. Again we must thank Margaret Smith - our President - for taking the time to organize this always anticipated event.
Scholarship
The VCTS is excited to announce that we have agreed to put $500 per year into a scholarship fund to be matched by the NVSS Drama Department. This scholarship will be awarded to students pursuing a career in some aspect of theatre selected upon an outlined set of criteria.
VCTS Annual Spring Retreat
This year we have decided to tackle our Annual Spring Retreat at the home of Marion Switzer and Al Idiens on
the edge of Cluculz Lake! There will be plenty of theatrical workshops interspersed with campfires, relaxation and
the fun that naturally goes along with a weekend at the lake! We are having a draw for two tickets to see "A
Streetcar Named Desire" performed by Theatre North West on Oct.2/99, and a $20 gift certificate to a restaurant
(TBA) in Prince George. You must attend the whole weekend to be eligible. Meals are included in the cost but you will need to bring your own accommodation (i.e. tent or camper) for sleeping under the stars!
Annual General Meeting: December 7, 1998
Members Present
Robin Work, Shelley Work, Margaret Smith, Sam Green, Mia Moutray, Kevin Moutray, Shay Bulmer, Collin Healey, Adam Laitenen, Justin Frey, Al Idiens, Marion Switzer, James Work, Dan Carberry, Pat Allan, Doug Goodwin, Joe Fraser, Mike Fryatt, Lisa Striegler Iannone, Jacqui Ryks, Brent Work, Sarah Work, Chase Work
Welcome and introductions were given for the benefit of new members and there was a musical interlude by Chase Work.
Minutes
Minutes from the last AGM were distributed for those who did not receive them. Motion made to accept the minutes as written. - Kevin Moutray, Seconded - Marion Switzer, Carried
Treasurer's Report
Motion to accept the Treasurers Report for 1998 as written. - Brent Work, Seconded - Dan Carberry, Carried
The Adventures of Peter Cottontail
Our total income for this production amounted to $1,160.50 with expenses at $1,102.89 for a total closing balance of $57.61. This play was well attended and the audience had many nice comments. The cast and crew reported some problems with the venue, stating overbooking as a problem with time management. It was suggested that we utilise Evelyn Dickson School or the Friendship Centre next time. Everyone agreed that the child actors did a wonderful job.
Our target for this project is $16,000.00 and we now have $4,000 from various corporate donators as well as donations from volunteer productions. Marion suggested we raffle off an art print and she will approach Ken Ferris about donating one of his. We also discussed looking into Federal/Provincial Grants and Foundation Groups for more ways to raise funds. Doug will set up a fund-raising/financial meeting in January 1999.
Family Names
This one act play that was first performed by the VCTS for the Rotary Diamond Night has gained much support from our community. We performed Family Names for the Vanderhoof Department Store's Annual Christmas Fashion Show and we are planning to take it on the road to the BC Winter Games in Prince Rupert BC. This play was directed by Shelley Work and performed by Lisa Striegler Iannone and Jaqui Ryks. Motioned that the VCT shall pay travel and accommodation for the director and two actors attending the Winter Games. - Marion Switzer, Seconded -- Doug Goodwin, Carried
It was also suggested that we set up an Information Table regarding our trip to the BC Winter Games at the performance of The Wild Guys in an attempt to procure donations to put toward this.
Other Old Business
We participated in the annual Parade of Lights here in Vanderhoof. Marion Switzer organised several members and non-members to dress up in a variety of costumes to amuse the onlookers. It was suggested that we put out the effort to create a float next year with vocals etc. Is there anyone out there with ideas?
The Makeup Kit requires re-stocking which Marion and/or Pat will look into and a mini kit shall be created for the cast and director to take on the road with Family Names.
Unknown assailants rifled through our Costume Room, therefore, we have installed a lock on the door. Marion plans to do an inventory so we know what we have in there. If you have costumes at home please contact Shelley at 567-4818 in order to return them so that we may have them beforehand.
Motioned that the Girl Guides will do the concession for The Wild Guys as a means of raising funds for their group and that we write up general expectations for them so they know what their duties are. - Brent Work, Seconded - Pat Allan, Carried
Doug has taken the liberty of writing Job Descriptions for each aspect of a production team. These will be distributed by a production's producer(s) to each manager so that we can be assured that every job gets done and that each knows what their duties are.
1999 Planning/Schedule of Events
The Wild Guys: Performance dates are Jan. 29, 30 & Feb. 5, 6. Rehearsals are well underway and the production crew has commandeered a terrific bunch of volunteers to work behind the scenes. If you wish to help out in any capacity please call Co-producers Brent at 567-4818 or Dan at 567-4463. Directed by Doug Goodwin.
We would like to hold another Spring Retreat - this time at the home of Marion Switzer and Al Idiens located on Cluculz Lake. Bluette Haegi and Shelley Work have agreed to organise this annual event.
1999 has been marked The Year of The Older Person. We have discussed performing Badges and Batons written by Lil McIntosh for the July 1st celebration and it was suggested that we talk to Audrey L'Heureux regarding fund-raising for this in conjunction with The Year of The Older Person. Margaret will check out the feasibility of doing this such as venues etc. and Doug will work on completing the script revisions.
The Economic Development Committee has applied for "BC Forest Capital of 1999" and they would like our support either by a letter of support or by participating via a production during National Forestry Week in May. This offers us a chance to do another production during 1999 and will be discussed further at our next meeting -- date TBA.
Fall Musical: We have gathered a posse of volunteers to get together early in January for the sole purpose of picking our fall musical. Sam Green, Pat Allen, Margaret Smith, Shelley Work, Doug Goodwin, Bluette Haegi, Robin Work, Justin Frey, Kevin Moutray and Gilda Erasmus have volunteered. This meeting will be a potluck dinner so that we may spend a considerable amount of time going over plays. Location TBA.
Election of Officers
Doug, as past chair, conducted this election after a lively nomination process. The new Executive is as follows:
Secretary -- Shelley Work
Treasurer -- Sam Green
President -- Margaret Smith
Vice President -- Lisa Striegler Iannone
Thank you to those who have served their term and since stepped down -- namely our Past President Robin Work, and congratulations to our new - all female - Executive. (In light of this Robin volunteered to remain an Officer)
New Business
We would like to plan Trip to Prince George to attend a theatre production in April/May. Margaret has agreed to spearhead this.
2001 marks Vanderhoof's 75th Annivesary so we should start planning something for this ASAP.
The Historical Society has planned a workshop in March on reciting oral history facilitated by a professor from UNBC. For those who are interested in attending please call Marion at 250/ 441-3451 for more info.
Meeting adjourned at 9:37 PM. Time for munchies!
General Meeting: September 21, 1998
Members Present
Robin Work, Shelley Work, Sam Green, Pat Allan, Adam Laitinen, Colin Healey, Candice Nelson, Jacqui Ryks, Kevin Moutray, Sue Carberry, Lisa Striegler Iannone, Doug Goodwin, Margaret Smith
Introductions
Welcome to new members Adam Laitinen, Colin Healey and Candice Nelson. We each introduced ourselves and told a bit about our history with the VCTS.
Treasurers report
Our account balance is $6,968.58
The Adventures of Peter Cottontail
Rehearsals are well underway for our upcoming production directed by Margaret Smith and co-produced by Lisa Striegler Iannone and Marion Switzer. At this time the producers are still looking for volunteers for stage crew including Stage Manager, Props, Front of House and Set Design/Construction. If you are interested in helping out please call Lisa at 567-9665.
Spring Production(s)
We discussed the postponement of our Fall production of "The Wild Guys" and have decided to try again early in the 1999. Auditions will be advertised and held sometime in November. Production dates TBA (late January/early February). Once again it will be directed by Doug Goodwin.
In the Spring of '98 we performed for a Valentines Dinner Theatre organized by Kathy Derksen. There may be a possibility of doing this again and Sam has volunteered to follow up on this with Kathy.
We also discussed doing some One Act Plays in June/July '99 but this was tabled until our next meeting.
December Annual General Meeting
We will be having our AGM on Monday, Dec. 7, 1998 at 1339 Aspen Rd. This meeting will include our Annual Executive Elections. Positions open include the President's Chair. Also open for nominees are Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. If you would like to nominate someone or take part on the nominating committee please contact Doug at 567-5383.
As well as our elections we will discuss long term planning for 1999. If you have any scripts or suggestions for plays that you think the VCTS should perform, please bring them and a synopsis of the play so that they may be considered for future performances.
Summer '98 Season
Savour the Flavour - Shelley Work organized a passel of members to dress in costume at Savour the Flavour where they meandered among the fair goers and handed out information pamphlets on the VCTS. Thanks go to Sam Green for making the pamphlets. Our participation prompted a donation of $250.00 from the Vanderhoof Chamber of Commerce.
Rockfest - At the last minute the VCTS was asked to drive "Star Shuttle" for the Rockfest entertainers. Several volunteers stepped forth and were privileged to transport such acts as Chilliwack, April Wine and Beatlemania which brought in a donation of $468.00 from Stetson Productions.
We have been working toward a goal of purchasing a new, portable, lighting control panel and power system valued at $16,000. So far we have raised $4,000 from the community as well as the donations from Savour the Flavour, Rockfest and the Rotary Diamond Dinner Night. We discussed various method of future fund-raising and have decided to procure letters of support from other local groups and finish a proposal with which to apply for funding through the arts council.
Correspondence
Theatre BC sent us their meeting minutes which were passed around for anyone interested to read.
Shelley Work received a letter via email from Edna Pelonaro, the playwright of Family Names which was performed for Diamond Night. She was pleased to have discovered her play online and hoped that we had as much fun performing it as she had writing it!
Shelley mentioned that the Guides/Pathfinders would like to work the concession during any upcoming performances to raise funds for their outings. Lisa will contact Donna Klassen regarding this for The Adventures of Peter Cottontail.
We have been informed that our beloved member Mel Stewart will not be returning to us here in Vanderhoof, as he has decided to remain in Victoria; therefore we bid a fond adieu to one of the VCTS's most active and influential persons.
New Business
Sue Carberry mentioned a Career Preparation/Performance Tour that she is planning in the spring (May/June) for her senior drama students. They plan to produce an adapted version of Under Milkwood by Dylan Thomas and take it on tour. Sue will require approximately 5-6 chaperones familiar with Theatre to travel with them. Anyone wishing to volunteer may call Sue for more information at 567-2291 or 567-4463
Long Range Planning
We discussed a handful of musicals and other plays that would possibly make upcoming productions and decided to make our script collection available to the membership for review. For those of you wishing to read through some scripts they can be accessed from Lisa Striegler Iannone's office (Vanderhoof Alcohol and Drug - above the post office) and will need to be returned there afterwards. We would ask that anyone doing so, please write a synopsis of the play for future reference.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 pm
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Members Present
Robin Work (chair), Shelley Work (secretary), Brent Work, Sam Green, Marion Switzer, Doug Goodwin, Dan East, Edie East, Bluette Haegi, Kevin Moutray, Mia Turesson, Al Idiens, Dan Carberry, Sue Carberry, Margaret Smith, Lisa Striegler-Iannone
Prior to the commencement of the meeting we acknowledged the absence of Mel Stewart with a moment of silence. We already miss you Mel - hurry back!
Treasurer's Report
Sam Green reported on the financial status of our last two productions - Valentine Dinner Theatre and Diamond Night. In addition to this she gave a re-audit of Little Red Riding Hood, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Rainbow Jones as well as yearly statements for the years 95/96 and 96/97.
Production Total Income Total Expenses Closing Balance Little Red Riding Hood (re-audit) $1,804.00 $940.99 $863.01 A Midummer Night's Dream (re-audit) $3,193.25 $3,126.57 $66.68 Rainbow Jones (re-audit) $2,876.86 $2,555.60 $321.26 Valentine's Dinner Theatre $1,440.00 $913.52 $526.48 Diamond Night $1,200.00 $565.42 $634.58
Year Opening Balance Total Income Total Expenses Closing Balance 12/1/95 - 12/31/96 $3,972.50 $7,427.14 $6,399.53 $5,000.11 1/1/96 - 12/31/97 $5,000.11 $3,079.74 $5,771.88 $2,307.97
Retreat
The VCTS Retreat was a success for those who attended Mel Stewart's interactive Directors Workshop. Thanks go out to Mel for his Workshop and to Karen Kerr, Sam Green and Shelley Work for arranging the meals and activities. We discussed other venues for holding the next retreat and Margaret Smith offered her place as a possibility. Marion Switzer mentioned Cluculz Lake as an inexpensive alternative as well.
Upcoming Productions
Children's Production - "The Adventures of Peter Cottontail" will be performed in November (pending approval of dates) Lisa Striegler-Iannone is considering the Director position while Margaret Smith & Marion Switzer will co-produce. We will approach W.L.McLeod Elementary with regards to holding this performance in their auditiorium.
Fall Production: "The Wild Guys" was chosen as our fall production scheduled for October '98 (dates pending approval). Doug Goodwin will direct and Brent Work will co-produce with Dan Carberry or Robin Work. Auditions will be held ASAP for 4 male roles. Keep a look out for audition dates if you are interested.
Future Productions: We discussed the possibility of doing the following plays during our '99 season - Grease, Anne of Green Gables, Angry Housewives and briefly touched upon performing another Valentine's dinner theatre. We also discussed the possibility of doing a major production in May of 99 and thereafter in addition to our usual large fall production. No conclusions were reached.
Personnel
We discussed the role of Musical Director for our upcoming productions. If you are interested and have the skills and knowledge necessary for this position please inform Robin Work at 567-3085. Kevin Moutray volunteered his services. Other referrals included Dan East, Pam Gregg and Gilda Erasmus who is currently credited with this position. Anyone else interested?
Robin announced that he will be stepping down from the President's chair at our Annual General Meeting in December '98. Those of you interested in running for President start thinking about it now!
Correspondence
Robin received the Theatre BC newsletter discussing the Mainstage competition, July 4-12. This competition involves zone performances, the winners of which would go on to the "Mainstage" event. Knowledge of this came too late for the VCTS to compete this year but we will keep this in mind next year especialy if we do a spring play or plays for dinner theatre which might be suitable to enter into competition. Theatre BC requested that as members would we please use their logo on our advertising. All present agreed it is a good idea to show we are members. Theatre BC also holds workshops and allows for individual memberships to take advantage of discounted theatre tickets etc. If you are interested please contact Shelley Work at 567-4818 for details.
Also received was a letter regarding the Northern Winter Games to be held in February 1999 in Prince Rupert and the possibility of being involved in theatre productions organized by the local theatre group.
Other Business
Donna Klassen had contacted Brent Work regarding her Guides & Pathfinders doing the concession for one or more of our productions in order to raise funds for a trip. We discussed it and decided this would be a great idea. We will encourage them to advertise via word of mouth for whatever play they work at or perhaps encourage them to sell tickets as well.
Sue approached the subject of members of the VCTS working at the concession for Rockfest as a way to raise funding for our lighting system.
PR & Promotions
We discussed some wonderful ideas for promoting VCTS in our community such as putting up an information booth in the Co-Op Mall during Theatre Week - Marion Switzer agreed to spearhead this. Also the Home Based Business Society is planning a Fall Fair for September '98 and we may do something there, too, if appropriate. For the holiday season it was suggested that we enter the Parade of Lights dressed in appropriate costume.
Meeting was officially adjourned at 8:58 pm - but then we had munchies and read excerpts from a few plays.
