Janet Beaton, Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre Audience

How many years have you been attending Festival Antigonish?  

I have been attending Festival Antigonish for 25+ years  

Do you remember what first drew you to a Festival Antigonish production?  

It was a much needed girls night out back in 1994 when we decided to attend a Norm Foster play called “The Long Weekend”.  Having three small children at home I was so excited to be out with friends.  Truth be told I was amazed by the talent and how the actors made the play came to life. The play was so funny and we laugh so hard that I had tears in my eyes and sore cheeks from laughing so much.  That experience won my heart and I have been a regular Festival Patron ever since.     

  
Do you have a favorite production or moment from a show that you've seen there?  

Favorite productions, Oh my I have enjoyed so many productions over the years. Festival Antigonish in the last 25 years has had three exceptional artistic directors who have made our little town of Antigonish a destination for live theater. Addy and Lionel Doucette, Ed Thomason and Shelley Thompson, and more recently Andrea Boyd. Each Artistic Director has added their own distinct adaptations in communicating a story to their audiences.  To pick one play and/or one experience would somehow limit my personal collection of experiences in attending Festival Antigonish. The creative vision of all the amazing talented individuals involved in a production keeps my interest in live theater alive.  

 
How would you finish the thought "I miss live theatre because..."?  

I miss live theater because there are so many fascinating stories to be told on a live stage that I have yet to see.      
  

How would you finish the thought "Festival Antigonish is important because..."?  

Festival Antigonish is important because it allows an individual to feel emotions, gain insights into social controversies, experience aspects of history and so much more all from the comforts of a theater seat, Brillant!    

Robert Cook, Astor Theatre Sponsor

How long have you been supporting the Astor Theatre and the Liverpool International Theatre Festival?  

 About 10 years, I have always been a fan of live theatre and arts, but it is just the last 10 years or so that my firm has been in a position to donate to such causes 

Do you remember what first drew you to support the organization?  

 I think it was the passion of the people involved in the amateur theatre world. Giving of their time with little to no reward other than applause at the end 

 
Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there?  

The Astor Theatre hosts the Winds of Change theatre company, I have to say two favorite productions and both musicals Rocky Horror and at the top of the list Les Mis.  Les Mis in particular hit a note for me because of the broad age group of the cast and secondly because it drew on the talents of our small community. Our community has always been art involved, for example in the last 5 years we have two locals win the National Music Festival category for Musical Theatre 

 
How would you finish the thought "I support live theatre because..."?  

 I enjoy live theatre and feel fortunate that we, in a small rural town in NS have a community that takes the stage. If I lived in a more urban area I would still enjoy live theatre but would likely not be such a supporter financially. 

 
How would you finish the thought(s)  "The Astor Theatre is important because..."    

Astor Theatre is important to me because it provides the venue.  The Liverpool International Theatre Festival (LITF) is important to me because it brings the acts to the venue. Further LITF is so far reaching. It is not just the world coming to our small town; it is what the world brings to Liverpool. An exchange of culture, an opportunity for our young school aged youth to see first hand about life outside of Liverpool, Nova Scotia and Canada. 

Brian McKenzie, Two Planks and a Passion Theatre Volunteer

How long have you been volunteering with Two Planks and a Passion? 
 

I can’t completely remember; however I believe it’s 15 years.  It’s been a while.  It’s been longer than I had ever thought I’d be volunteering.  What has kept me going year after year, both being involved and wanting to see productions, is the magic of it all.  I love that idea.  The magic, the creativity, the wonderfulness, the sense of wonder.  At the theatre, ‘when the curtain opens’ and you can almost hear the hush. 

 
Do you remember what first drew you give your time to the organization? 

I love theatre, I love movies, I love the creative process.  It’s what they do up there, the telling of stories.  I had heard, in a very nebulous fashion, that there was a theatre up on the hill where you would be outside and I thought “wow, that sounds different – how intriguing” 

How Ken and Chris pull things out of nothing.  Their land is so natural and the actors seem to merge so beautiful with this setting. 

My volunteering started because of Radovan Marinkovic.  I had been an usher for him at the Atlantic Festival Theatre, at Acadia.  Radovan asked for bodies to help serve food, clean tables, tend bar for a fundraiser.  I thought “sure, that sounds fun” but by the end of the evening, I was hooked. 

I wish I could provide the arts in the Valley with a couple of million dollars, but I don’t have money, so I give time.   

 
Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there? 

 
The Iliad.   It was magic!  I love ancient things - history, mythology - I felt so immersed in this production.  It seemed like Two Planks could even control the weather.  I was transported back 2000 years.   

And Dustbowl Joan around the fire.  I was wondering how they would do it and was blown away by their approach.  It was so unique and I was captivated. 

I love the simplicity of it all.  I know it involves HUGE amounts of work and work that it isn’t simple.  I mean what people experience.  The drive along the gravel road.  The view.  The houses off in the distance.  Being in the middle of nowhere.  Creating magical productions out in an empty field.  From the audience, it seems simple.  Amazing that I believe that each time when I know differently.  It’s imagination and emotion.   It matches their company name “Two Planks and a Passion”.  Imagination, emotion.   

It’s unexpected – not the same sense of anticipation of arriving at a theatre, walking into the lobby, sitting in your seat, the house lights going down, waiting for the curtain to open.  I enjoy that type of ‘theatre experience”, I really do.   But at Ross Creek, in the outdoors, I feel rested and I feel a release.  And I just absorb the production.  I don’t know that Ken and Chris create with this concept, but it’s what I get from it.   

 
How would you finish the thought "I volunteer for live theatre because..."? 

I love the idea of doing things.  I love the idea of being involved.  I enjoy involvement – to be in the centre of things.  I see the swapping of ideas, the creative process.  Theatre starts with a nugget and then you try to build a gold mine out of that.  I love the behind the scenes (I find it more magical but don’t tell the actors!) Because they do their jobs so beautifully, I find it fascinating and satisfying to be able to support that. 

 
How would you finish the thought "Two Planks is important because..."? 

Think of a place up in the clouds, where you are outside, where you sit around a campfire.  It seems to basic and yet it and you become transformed.  Farmland, forest, trees, bushes – and then have created magic.  And then add children and youth programs – it’s brilliant.  Especially tying it all to the outdoors.  I think it also allows adults to become kids again, even if for a brief moment of time.  Under the stars, hearing Two Planks’s stories – such a beautiful way to spend a summer evening. 

 
We need places like this.  We need the arts.  At schools, sciences have given more importance.  And naturally they are important, but we are humans and we need the arts – it feeds us.  Two Planks makes wonderful creations.  I leave feeling full, blessed.  It brings something so amazing to our community, to the mountain.  They do so much for students and it gives many students a connection to the arts AND the outdoors in a gentle way.  That is missing in such a high pressure, stressful world.  We should all be lucky enough to spend time at Ross Creek and Two Planks and immerse ourselves in the magic. 

Lisa Law, Two Planks and a Passion Theatre Sponsor

How many seasons or years have you been supporting or partnering with Two Planks and a Passion Theatre?  
We started our partnership in 2017  

 
What first drew you to begin a relationship with Two Planks/Ross Creek? 

I had heard of Two Planks/Ross Creek but had never actually been.  After touring the facilities with Chris O'Neil in early 2017 I was so impressed with the programs and the use of the grounds we were thrilled to be able to work together to promote this amazing Arts/Theatre centre.   

Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there? Could you tell me why that touched you or has stuck with you? 

John and  I attended our first outdoor theatre production in the summer of 207 and we were thrilled with the experience(cannot remember the name).  I felt as if you were a part of the performance and it was so well done. 

 
 How would you finish the thought "I support live theatre because..."? 

I want to see this sector of the arts  thrive which will enable all of the talented cast members/performing to continue with their passion. 

How would you finish the thought "Two Planks is important because..."? 

It offers a very unique experience to not only locals but the many visitors we get in the Annapolis Valley.  It makes for a wonderful evening out on a summer's evening. 

Vicky and Keith Austin, Two Planks and a Passion Theatre Audience

How long have you been attending Two Planks and a Passion Theatre? 

We have been attending performances of Two Planks and a Passion Theatre since moving to the Valley from BC ten years ago.  Except for possibly two summers when we were out of province, we have attended at least one production each summer since 2010.  Most years, we attended both plays, as we are particularly fond of the “By Fire” elements.   

Do you remember what first drew you to the organization? 

No doubt, initial curiosity for outdoor theatre drew us the first year.  We wanted to explore what the Valley had to offer.  We regularly attended live theatre while living in BC but had no outdoor theatre experience.  

 
Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there? 

Favourite production?  The very first production Two Planks that we saw was Beowulf, which completely stunned us.  Absolutely brilliant!  And outside!  Without lights or microphones or curtains!  The acting, costumes and setting were exhilarating. 
 

Favourite moment?  At the end of St. Joan, the actress playing her was exiting the fire circle.  On her way, she stopped and took my husband’s hand and performed her final lines seemingly just to him.  Both he and I were moved to tears.  For us, it was an extraordinarily intimate moment and one we have certainly not forgotten. 

How would you finish the thought "I miss live theatre because..."? 

We miss live theatre because it is absolutely essential to our cultural growth.  Theatre creates opportunities to experience every range of emotion — laughter, joy, sorrow, intimacy and anger — outside of how we might actually be feeling at the time.  It so often challenges us to think differently and to appreciate why some productions can make us feel uncomfortable.  It is certainly a completely different experience watching a performance on a small screen in an audience of two. 
 

How would you finish the thought "Two Planks and a Passion is important because..."? 

Two Planks is important because it allows us to experience professional theatre productions and performances close to home.   We love the fact that familiar actors frequently return to Two Planks and we feel comfortable speaking with them on the street or in restaurants - or at the Wolfville Market.  We both feel the production values — writing, direction, staging, performing, singing, music, seating and beautiful outdoor setting make for unique and memorable theatre experiences.  What Ken, Chris and the Two Planks company of players have envisioned and created and hopefully can continue to share is truly remarkable and highly valued.  Thank you. 

Sandra Loughton, Theatre Baddeck Volunteer

How long have you been volunteering with the Theatre Baddeck? 

I have been volunteering with Theatre Baddeck for all five seasons, and this would have been my sixth season. : (  

Do you remember what first drew you give your time to the organization? 

I have had a life-long love of live theatre and I was looking for a way to stay involved in the arts while I spent much of my summer and part of the fall in Nova Scotia staying and visiting with family.  

 
Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there? 

It is hard to come up with just one production or one moment that touched me as there have been so many along the way. However, what has been amazing about the first five seasons is that, from the box office/front of house perspective, I have seen the audiences grow year after year and I have started to see the same faces coming back again and again for more productions. It has been so fulfilling to see the rising success of this company!  

 
How would you finish the thought "I volunteer for live theatre because..."? 

I volunteer for live theatre because I realize the importance of this medium for us as humans in an often difficult, confusing, but wonderful world. The theatre helps us to see how to live and we can see ourselves reflected on stage.  

 
How would you finish the thought "Theatre Baddeck is important because..."? 

Theatre Baddeck is important because it has brought live theatre to a wonderful, special town and is drawing people there from far and wide. Some theatregoers are seeing live theatre for the first time in their lives and, for others, it is bringing live theatre closer to home.  

Hugh and Jeanne Muller, Theatre Baddeck Audience

How many shows have you seen by Theatre Baddeck? Or how many years have you been attending? 

 
Not sure.  Think it has been all of them 
  

What first drew you to at show at Theatre Baddeck? 

 
We enjoy live theatre and we’re happy to have it come to Baddeck 
  

Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there? Could you tell me why that touched you or has stuck with you? 

 
Think it would be Pocket Rocket.  Seeing the characters age and still care about each other was important  
  

How would you finish the thought "I miss live theatre because..."? 

 
It adds so much to our lives. 
 

How would you finish the thought "Theatre Baddeck is important because..."? 

 
It brings live theatre to our village not only for those of us fortunate enough to live here, but brings people from all over here.  This helps the local businesses and the whole community.

Briana Lynch, Festival Antigonish and Theatre Antigonish Volunteer

How long have you been volunteering with Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre (FAST) and Theatre Antigonish? 
 

Since I was old enough. I think I started ushering when I was maybe 13 or 14. 

 
Do you remember what first drew you give your time to these organizations? 

I remember going to my first show at the Bauer when I was pretty young (think I was under 10). My Mom was in a Festival Antigonish production of Agatha Christie's Black Coffee. It was one of the first plays I had ever seen & I loved it! Every year after that we would go as a family to see the Agatha Christie show (at that time they would typically have one of Agatha Christie's mysteries during the summer season). And I also started going to Festival Antigonish Young Company's kids shows and taking part in the Drama Labs they offered. 

I was enthralled. I loved going to & being at the Bauer Theatre. Once I was old enough I found out/ realized that I could volunteer as an usher. So I started ushering & was able to see so many shows with so many different audiences. I liked going not only to see the shows, but also to see how different audiences react to the shows.  

Ushering for Festival Antigonish led to ushering for Theatre Antigonish, which eventually led to me being onstage and working backstage for Theatre Antigonish productions as well. 

 
Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there?  

 
There are so many for both of Festival Antigonish and Theatre Antigonish. 

For Festival Antigonish, thinking about it now a favorite show would have to Agatha Christie's Black Coffee. Because it was my first theatre show I can remember attending and where I first fell in love with the world of Theatre.  

But then there are the Young Company's kids shows where I can remember watching and hoping that maybe one day I would be able to work on that stage (at the Bauer Theatre). 

Another favorite, if I may, was Festival Antigonish's production of Glorious! where I had the opportunity to be an Apprentice Stage Manager. It was such a fun show to be a part of. And I had the opportunity to work with amazing people and learn from some of the best Stage Mangers and Production Managers in the business. It's an opportunity I will never forget and always be grateful for. 

 
For Theatre Antigonish one of my favorite and memorable productions to be a part of was Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses. It was an incredible production with a spectacular cast & crew that I could never forget. But also we had a magnificent set that had a pool with real water in the middle of it. To have the opportunity to perform a show in water, with all the challenges but also new opportunities was just amazing,  and actually quite transformative.  

But there really are so many more productions that I was so proud to be a part of and that became a part of me. I have met so many amazing people during my time with Theatre Antigonish, many of whom I am still friends with today. There are just too many wonderful memories to be able to go through them all. 

How would you finish the thought "I volunteer for live theatre because..."? 

Theatre has become a part of me. I have found solace in theatre and the Bauer Theatre has become my sanctuary. It's where I go to relax and recharge my soul. When I go to the Bauer, I feel as if I am home.  

How would you finish the thought "Festival Antigonish is important because..."? 

Without it we, as a community, would not have access to professional theatre without having to drive a fair distance. To have a professional theatre company that provides the kinds of shows and the opportunities that Festival Antigonish does is important for our community because it opens up people to different possibilities. There are many people that may not have realized that having a life and making a living in theatre was even possible if we did not have professional theatre here in Antigonish.  

How would you finish the thought "Theatre Antigonish is important because..."? 

It brings theatre to the community. It gives people the opportunity that they might not otherwise have to take part and help create the magic that is theatre. Theatre Antigonish offers the opportunity to learn so much about theatre, each other and the world around us. 

Steve Smith, Festival Antigonish Sponsor

How many seasons or year have you been supporting Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre (FAST)? 

We, my wife Kathy and I have been supporting Festival Antigonish in one way or another from the start. Financially for me and Kathy was on the Board and co-chaired the Festival’s fundraiser at Morrison Hall. I am also on the foundation board. I don’t believe we missed any years of support in one way or another.  

Do you remember what first drew you support a FAST production/season? 

 
We were excited to see live theatre come to the Antigonish community. We knew many of the original proponents and of course Addy Doucet. 

Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there? Could you tell me why that touched you or has stuck with you? 

 
No, we have liked many shows. We particularly enjoyed the Norm Foster’s and shows featuring Jeremy Webb. Our daughter Meghan was also involved in summer drama camps and the children’s production which of course we enjoyed. We are blessed and fortunate to have this great theatre in our community.  

 
How would you finish the thought "I support live theatre because..."? 

We support live theatre because it makes our community more vibrant and inclusive. Local people benefit not only from the entertainment and the economic impact but also from the opportunity to learn and perform.  

 
How would you finish the thought "Festival Antigonish is important because..."? 

Festival Antigonish is important because, “where would our community be without the Arts?” “Each  different piece contributes to a more robust arts community and the unique and pleasant culture we live in”. 

Richard Gilbert, Astor Theatre Volunteer

How long have you been volunteering with the Astor Theatre?  

I have been involved with the Astor Theatre as a volunteer for the past 20 years. We came to Liverpool in 1996. I was Vice-President and Regional Manager for the Bowater-Mersey Pulp and Paper Co. here in Liverpool. Until my retirement in 2000 my wife and I enjoyed the music and live theatre performances at the Astor. We first became involved in the LITF (Liverpool International Theatre Festival) and enjoyed these bi-annual events. When I retired in 2000 my wife pulled me into a set painting session for the Winds of Change production of "Grease". From that start, I created a few set pieces for that musical and was hooked! Since then I spent 13 years designing and building sets for most of the Winds of Change and Astor plays and musicals of that era. (About 35 productions I think!) My last major effort was the set for our 2013 production of Les Miserables-a 4 month expenditure of time. 
 

Do you remember what first drew you give your time to the organization? 

During those 13 years I was also President of the Winds of Change for 3 years and served as Chairman of the Maintenance committee of the Astor. In 2014 I joined the Astor Board as a Director (my wife had just stepped away from the Board-she was Secretary of the Board for 10 years.) 

Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there?  

My most memorable moment at the Astor was some years ago. This was during LITF (which my wife and I also volunteered at for many years). The theatrical group "Boui-Boui", from the Universite' Sainte-Anne performed their version of "Tristan and Isolde" using just their troupe of black-robed actors and actresses and long wooden staffs. It was so movingly done that when they finished - the entire full house audience leapt to their feet in unison cheering and clapping! Every soul in the theatre was galvanized by that moment! That pure feeling can only be experienced in live theatre! That's why I work for the Astor! 

How would you finish the thought "I volunteer for live theatre because..."? 

I am presently Vice-Chair of the Astor Theatre Board. From my experience I have spent many, many hours in the beautiful confines of that grand old lady which is the Astor Theatre and I know the place intimately and love it! To be involved as one of the folks creating the magic which is live theatre, especially musicals, is a great privilege and tremendously fulfilling. To be sitting in the audience with a full house of 348 people who are immensely enjoying an Astor presentation is a feeling like no other! 

How would you finish the thought "The Astor Theatre is important because..."? 

To me the Astor's importance is its role as a beautiful, historical setting for performance art - a jewel in the middle of Nova Scotia's wonderful South Shore. 

Rooks Field-Green, Eastern Front Theatre Volunteer

How long have you been volunteering for Eastern Front Theatre?  

I am the secretary for the board of directors at EFT and I began in this position in May 2020. This is my first Theatre Board experience as I am a wee sprout of an emerging artist. 
 
Do you remember what first drew you to give your time to Eastern Front? 

In 2019 there was a push to recentre and refocus what Eastern Front would be for Atlantic Canadian communities. I was very excited about the individuals who were putting their energy into the company at that time such as Karen Gross and Lee Anne Poole. I have also been a long standing fan of EFT's Stages festival. I am so happy to be able to commit to a company that is supporting emerging artists especially during the covid-19 pandemic that has made it very exceedingly difficult to be an emerging artist.  
 
Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there?  

The New Pants Project of From: Florine is a clear standout for me. From: Florine involved mailing poems by Florine Stettheimer to interested audience members and asking for a creative response. The use of the 2020 EFT Stages Festival to both produce meaningful and beautiful work despite the digital medium is a feet on its own. BUT to use the digital medium to allow for distinctly theatrical forms of audience engagement and creation is worthy of celebration! Julia Schultz, Edie Reaney Chunn, Anna Shepard and Kirsten Bruce deserve so much praise for inspiring artists and audience members to create through these trying times. As an artist who has attempted to continue creating during these past few months I was so healed seeing such beautiful ways of involving community within creation. Bravo! Encore! 
 
How would you finish the thought "I volunteer for live theatre because..."? 

I volunteer for live theatre because live theatre has volunteered for me! Who is there for me when I need to hear stories, when I need to process through traumatic events, when I need to express myself? Theatre! 
 
How would you finish the thought "Eastern Front is important because..."? 

Eastern Front Theatre is important because it supports emerging artists, because it supports artists living on the east coast and because it produces art that must exist. Asking this question is like asking why is art important? or Why is theatre important. One point to illustrate this for me is to look at what people do in quarantine and isolation. They turn to art, they turn to theatre and stories to help connect them to their communities and to their moral centres. 

Paula English, Eastern Front Theatre Audience

How long have you been attending shows at Eastern Front Theatre?  

My first EFT show was Stan Rogers A Matter of Heart.  I’m a big fan of Stan Rogers’, and it was lovely to see his music come alive in that way.  Alderney Landing was quite new, and a great venue for such a show. 

 
 
Do you remember what first drew you to Eastern Front? 

 
I saw a number of shows over the years, and was then drawn in retirement to volunteer for them. 

 
 
Do you have a favourite production or moment from a show that you've seen there?  

It's great to come together and hear stories told in new ways.  Favorites include chasing Champions and Tompkinsville. Both NS stories that I was not aware of. 

 
 
How would you finish the thought "I miss live theatre because..."? 

Live theatre for me is about storytelling and community. Sometimes it's an escape, sometimes just fun, always important. 

How would you finish the thought "Eastern Front is important because..."? 

The community needs it.   I will return to live theatre as soon as possible! 

Harold McGee, Astor Theatre Audience

How long have you been attending the Astor Theatre?  

Since 1984 when I started dating the woman who would become my second wife. She had a cottage at Southwest Port Mouton and we would attend events at the Astor Theatre periodically.