Society wants to establish theatre group
Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Fort Simpson (Nov 24/00) - When the curtain goes up on the Open Sky Creative Society's theatre group, it's hoped many residents will be volunteers.
The group is in the process of recruiting members who could serve in any of a number of positions including actors, singers, director, script writers, musicians, creating artistic backdrops, props and lighting.
"We just want to have something new and exciting in town," said member Marlene Puetz.
"It would be something to do in town for adults and teens."
The group is hoping to encompass anything within the fine arts in its projects, according to Puetz.
They are currently planning to start off with some short skits.
They could work up to a bigger production by the time Beavertail Jamboree rolls around in March, she said.
There is no cost for people to join the group.
They expect to raise funds through events like a coffee house, she noted.
Tonya Makletzoff said she hopes the group would have a production it could perform during the summer as part of a Fort Simpson festival that would also incorporate art and music. It would be a tourist draw, she said.
"This would benefit everybody," she said.
"The more tourists that come here is good for local business. So if local business wants to support it, they're welcome to come out."
The theatre group meets each Wednesday evening at the Deh Cho Friendship Centre.
The Open Sky Creative Society was formed close to a year ago to "nurture the creative spirit," says Makletzoff.
"It's a group of people who are trying to promote and develop all art forms for the Deh Cho," she said, adding that the long-term goal is to establish a gallery in which to display their works.
Up to this point, several artists have been gathering to encourage each other and exchange ideas on promoting their work.
The theatre group would be an extension of that, she said. "It will be the performing arts as well as visual because you need set design and costumes."
