Small town rumors coming

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

The Strathmore Theatre Players Guild (STPG) is proud to present their Spring 2023 performance of Rumors by Neil Simon. 

Director Robert Cole, who also acts as the technical liaison for STPG, has been with the group for the last 15 years and brings with him a lengthy theatre background.  “For me this is strictly relaxation and having fun,” he said. 

The cast consists of 10 performers and an equal number of production crewmembers. 

“The cast is really excited,” said Cole. “(The cast) is really kicking in and having fun.” 

The actors start off with rehearsals pretty light, twice a week. 

Coles says they read through the script and basically just figure things out. Halfway through they throw Saturday practices in to do a full run through. 

“Now that we’re into March here, two and a half weeks until opening, actors are reading off script,” he said. 

As their performance gets closer, they are up to three day a week, three to four hours at a time. It is quite the commitment for the actors and production crew. The last week before a show they increase the schedule 10-fold with daily rehearsals to ensure they have the show perfected. 

“The actors are trying to bring together their characters and bring together the show,” he said.

On March 5 they completed the build on the set that will be used for the performance. 

“From a rehearsal hall to a live set, so it’s totally different,” he said.  

When there is a set in place the actors have to figure out their stage presence with the props that weren’t there before.

Along with the main actors, the production wouldn’t be successful without the support of the production crew. From building sets, adding lights, sound, designing props and costumes, front of house volunteers, ticket table organizers – every volunteer plays an important role.

Cole emphasizes that the volunteers behind the scenes are equally as important as the actors on stage. 

Rumors is the first production of the 2023 season, the STPG will be presenting a second show later this fall. 

If you would like to get involved with the STPG you can attend any show of theirs and someone will be more than happy to point you in the right direction. 

Alternately you can reach out on Facebook at Strathmore Theatre Players’ Guild, email them at strathmoreplayers@gmail.com or their website strathmoreplayers.ca.

The show will run March 16-18, March 23-25, and March 30-31 and April 1 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on March 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. at the Hope Church. Tickets can be per purchased at The Vault online at Eventbrite or at the door. Prices start at $20 for seniors and $25 for adults. It is worth noting that Rumors deals with adult content and may not be suitable for younger audiences.