Abby Theatre Fest 2022 Program & Discussion Guide

If the pandemic taught us anything, it taught us to be flexible and creative and Abby Theatre Fest is a great example of that. We’re back to live theatre (hurray!) but we’ll also experience film – the medium that sustained this fest for the last two years. What unites these two forms of storytelling is a passion for telling thought-provoking and inspiring tales.

One of the best parts of Abby Theatre Fest – whether you’re seeing live theatre or film – is the brevity of each production. Just as a novel differs from a short story, so a short film differs from a full-length movie. There is less time to develop a story arc and flesh out the characters. It requires precision story-telling and you as a viewer engage differently. As always, our artists have risen to the challenge.

This year’s stories are as diverse as those who are telling them – from the very young to the… well, more mature, these plays and films cover a wide range of themes.

All those who are presenting these works today are grateful for the audiences who come to see them – you are the reason we create and, in many ways, the tale isn’t complete until someone has seen and heard it. In the same way, Gallery 7 Theatre is grateful for the support of this festival and of the theatre in general. Abby Theatre Fest is exciting, boundary-stretching, risk-taking art and we

Welcome to our 30(+2) Birthday Season, and to the return of the in-person version of Abby Theatre Fest. I thank you for taking a little risk today by joining us on what promises to be a rather eclectic artistic journey.

Like the plays and films you are about to experience, the mission of Abby Theatre Fest (ATF) is layered and nuanced. First and foremost, ATF is an opportunity for us to foster the development of new works by artists from around our region. In the case where an existing play has been performed before, ATF provides an opportunity for emerging and established artists to develop, expand and showcase their artistic talents by tackling their own production of an existing work. Finally, ATF provides us as a theatre the opportunity

A Message from our Discussion Guide Editor

are grateful for your support as audience Inmembers.thisProgram and Discussion Guide, you’ll find some background information on each production, along with some questions that help us think through what we’ve seen in a more in-depth way. Use these questions for your own reflection after each show or to spark some discussion as you chat with friends and family afterwards.

And, as always, we hope you enjoy the show.

to take artistic and thematic risks by sharing stories that wouldn’t necessarily be on our mainstage but are equally necessary and important to be heard and explored.

With ATF, we put aside the tried and true ‘formulas’ and the pressure to ‘make ends meet’, and embrace a spirit of healthy experimentation by playing with form and content so we might ‘see’ our human experience in a new light or from a different perspective. The success of each film or play in part depends on us the audience being willing to engage each work with an open and discerning mind, and to not take things at face value. The intent here is not to be self-indulgent or to be risqué for the sake of being risqué. Rather, we’re attempting to

explore life ‘as is’, in all its visceral rawness and edginess to encourage honest and real conversation about the themes and stories we’re telling. This kind of theatre and film is not easy – nor should it be. You may agree with and like what you see, or you may not. And that’s ok. That’s the point of going on an artistic journey in the first place, and the experience can be intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually very rewarding.

Thank you once again for taking this risk with Curtainus. Up! Ken Hildebrandt

EXECUTIVE/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Hello everyone.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I welcome you to this year‘s presentation of Abby Theatre Fest

For those of you who are first timers, Abby Theatre Fest gives our local writers and performers an opportunity to showcase new and sometimes edgier productions than we would normally do as part of our main stage

Weseries.would

like to thank you for your continued support of Gallery 7 Theatre.

Jim Harrison PRESIDENT

2022 Abby Theatre Fest General Questions

This year, you’ll experience a hybrid of live theatre and short film. What are the pros and cons of film versus live theatre experience? How do you engage with each medium?

Consider the difference between a short story and a novel: the former means the writer has a shorter period of time to introduce characters and create a story arc, the latter means the writer has greater opportunity to go in to detail, develop characters and relationships more slowly, and create more scenes. The same could be said for one act plays vs. full length dramas. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each format of Whatstorytelling?wasyour favourite production and why?

Show Descriptions, Background & Discussion Questions

Stories Post-Covid

A short film by Moira, Jayne & Charlene

Featuring:

Story Teller #1 | Jayne Mason

Story Teller #2 | Moira Mason

Director/Creator/Editor: Charlene Mason Co-Director/Co-Editor: Steve Mason

Runtime: Approximately 10 minutes

Director’s Notes: It’s funny when you sit down to write these things and you want people to read them and think that you have deep thoughts, but really it was just another day of trying to get the family on the same page at the same time. When I first presented the idea to once again tell stories for Abby Theatre Fest, the Mason team was excited to participate, but that’s where it all went sideways. Between job changes, schedule changes, and participants that suddenly were “too tired” or just needed “down time”, it felt like pulling teeth (and that was just mom’s excuse). Eventually we were able to sit down and have some moments to laugh, stop jumping and kicking each other (not mom this time) and talk through some stories. I love taking this time to sit and have my children create on the spot. I get to see into their minds and what their latest interest is. I get to see where their heart is. I get to see what worries them. I get to see how they problem solve. Above all I get to have some silly time with them in a way that allows us to leave behind the dust of the day and travel to a place where we can control the characters, the outcomes, and dream of something better..... or bloody, depending on the kid. So, from this I hope you get a giggle, wonder at my sanity, my family’s sanity, and above all, I hope it helps you question your own reality. Maybe we all need a moment to be ridiculous.

Charlene Mason

Director – Stories Post-Covid September, 2022

Background: Stories is a follow-up to a film Charlene created with her daughters in the beginning of the pandemic. Life was turned upside–down and the entire family was trying to process the sudden shift in how they were to live and relate to their community.

Two years later, the family is a little older and has picked up some new skills, new coping mechanisms, and new ideas. Charlene asked Jayne and Moira if they’d like to tell stories again and this time, if they’d like to include some of their original songs as well. Like last time, Charlene says, these stories show how young minds are still learning about life and about the art of storytelling. She wanted to encourage her young children to always find story and share story. “It is how we as a society have found reprieve these past years,” she says. “I hope we don’t forget the importance of always sharing story.”

The stories are not refined or well edited but that’s how they emerge – and that’s the warning that comes with this film: these stories may feel disjointed and juvenile but in the editing, Charlene wanted to keep the essence of child-logic in place. “Forget elegance and remember when a blanket and a stick made you ruler of your domain!”

Who’s Who in the Cast & Crew:

The Mason Family The Masons were incorporated on November 3, 2007. Since then, the founders, Steve and Charlene, have pursued many artistic endeavors. Steve mainly in short films, and Charlene via theatre. Steve has directed, acted, and written for film. Charlene has primarily stage managed and produced behind the scenes for theatre, but sometimes will perform when the time is right. Eventually, the Masons grew to include two newer team members in the 2010’s. This will be Jayne and Moira’s second appearance on film telling stories they make up when their mother demands. They both attend an integrated arts school and enjoy music, dance, drawing, being the super villain in their own story, oh and learning reading, writing etc... We hope you enjoy this second installment of Stories Post-Covid.

Questions:

Do you remember your own childhood imagination play? What kinds of things populated your own storytelling?

How does the storytelling of children differ from the storytelling of adults? Do you think one is better than the other? Why or why not?

Evoke

A short film by Sue Backs and Emmett Hanly

Featuring:

Co-Director & Co-Screenwriter | Sue Backs Co-Director & Co-Screenwriter | Emmett Hanly

Runtime: Approximately 19 minutes

Background: For those who have been following the Abby Theatre Fest for the last two years, you’ll remember the series titled Motherhood and Being a Sandwich or The Best Laid Plans. Evoke is the final installment in this series.

The first two Motherhood films were an exploration of forgiveness and hope in both a serious and a humorous way, and complements of her young sons. The films were inspired by a book given to Sue when the boys were young, in which she was to write down all the funny and sweet things they said because she might forget them otherwise. In Evoke, Sue explores the things we remember – charming, ridiculous, and sometimes painful – and those memories we leave behind when we’re gone. One of the inspirations for the film was a collection of pictures of people now deceased that came into Sue’s possession after her own mother passed away. “I know!” she says.

Making short films was not something that Sue ever expected to be doing but when the pandemic forced Gallery 7 Theatre to look at a new way to present theatre, film making suddenly became a new tool. She’s grateful that this innovative approach allowed her and others to keep doing what they love. She hopes that audience members will come away from Evoke with the gift she offers in the film and also that they’ll remember that they have a choice as to what they themselves will leave behind. She also hopes this: “that audience members will know how important they are to us and how much we appreciate them coming to see our work. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Who’s Who in the Cast & Crew:

Sue Backs (Co-Director and Co-Screenwriter) Sue is an actor and director. She has a BA (Special) in Drama and Political Science and is a graduate of The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in NY, NY. She received their only scholarship to the RADA in London, UK. She has performed in theatre, television and film across Canada. She has also asst. directed and directed in western Canada. She wrote, co-directed, co-produced and starred in Motherhood and Being a Sandwich or the Best Laid Plans Otherside the sequel to Motherhood and Being a Sandwich or the Best Laid Plans which has won awards, been nominated and selected to a variety of festivals around the world. She

can’t believe it and is very grateful to Gallery 7 Theatre for starting her and her family on that journey. Sue Backs and Emmett Hanly are Mother and son.

Emmett Hanly (Co-Director and Co-Screenwriter) Emmett is a Metis actor, playwright, musician, comedian, co-director and editor. He recently graduated university with a BFA (with distinction) in acting. Emmett had a number of his plays produced while at university. He co-directed both Motherhoods and this third show in the trilogy, Evoke. He was also the camera man, composed the music, coproduced and edited the films. He is currently apprenticing at Pacific Theatre and leading tours in The Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour. So grateful to Gallery 7 Theatre for this opportunity.

Questions:

Tough!

A short film by George F. Walker

Featuring:

Bobby | Nelson Au Tina | Adrienne Reitsma

Jill | Aly Welch

Director: Mikayla Scramstad Producer: Ryan Scramstad

Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes

Director’s Notes: Tough, the name kind of says it all. It’s a tough show. But it’s in the face of the struggle that we get to see these characters’ humanity laid bare. Bobby being ambushed by Jill and Tina struggles to come to terms with the realities of his choices. Tina struggles with her desire for a future based on another’s actions and Jill is caught between defending and supporting a friend, who’s future hangs in the balance. It’s a play about becoming an adult in a very sudden and abrupt way before they even have a chance to know who they are. They are trapped by circumstances, and fight to move forward, but end up taking three steps back for every one forward. The exploration is about the characters, who they are, the baggage they carry, and the hopes they have for the future.

Mikayla Scramstad Director –September,Tough!2022

Background: This is a difficult, challenging play but it’s one that Mikayla hopes will stretch and inspire its audiences. As a director, Mikayla chose to take a very straightforward, minimalist approach to the script. It’s a character-driven play so the set is minimal, the costumes basic, and the tight lighting is meant to create the feeling of being trapped. For the actors, this was a ‘deep dive into dark subject matter’ but the goal was to create a safe space to explore tough material and a chance for actors to expand their acting in this way.

Mikayla’s hope for you as an audience is that you’ll see the need for hope and the beauty in the broken. “Without darkness, we cannot see the light,” she says. “It’s in the muck that we see hope and the beauty of humanity and redemption.” Also, she reminds us that there are funny moments, so you’re allowed to laugh.

Who’s Who in the Cast & Crew:

Nelson Au (Bobby) Nelson is an early artist in the acting industry. Tough will be his return into the industry since high school theatre. He has experience(s) ranging

from high school electives, Grease (MSS Musical Theatre), and The Dream Fairies, (Jester’s Theatre). He would like to personally give gratitude to Gallery 7 Theatre, and all its respective crew and audience, for making this performance & event work.

Adrienne Reitsma (Tina) Adrienne is ecstatic to be working on a production so unlike her typical musical theatre opportunities. She has been learning theatre with the Chilliwack School of Performing Arts and Ignite Theatre for over 10 years now. She has also recently begun her journey into directing and teaching vocals and music. Adrienne would like to thank her family for their support in this departure, and the Gallery 7 Theatre team for this event!

Mikayla Scramstad (Director) Mikayla is excited to be working on this production of Tough. She has her BFA in Acting from Trinity Western University. Some other productions she has been a part of include directing Mary Poppins (Ignite Theatre), Newsies (Ignite Theatre), We Are the Body (Stone’s Throw Productions), Here We Are (Stone’s Throw Productions), Hugo’s Haunting (New Generations) and assistant directing Les Belles-Soure (Ruby Slippers Theatre). She would like to thank Gallery 7 Theatre for this wonderful experience, praise the cast and crew for their hard work, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Ryan Scramstad (Producer) Ryan is the artistic director of Jesters Theatre in Mission, part of Greater Vancouver Youth Unlimited. This is Ryan’s fourth time at Abby Theatre Fest, previously directing Forward to the Left, acting in Letters to Myself, producing Miss Porter and now also Tough. Ryan has also sound designed shows for Gallery 7 Theatre like Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Halo, Schoolhouse, The Giver, and Beau Jest. He holds a Bachelors of Performing Arts from Capilano University.

Aly Welch (Jill) Aly has been involved in the theatre industry since she was five years old. She was recently involved with CSOPA in performing Matilda: The Musical and her high school production of Murder on the Menu. She is now very excited to perform in Tough. She would like to thank Gallery 7 Theatre for opening up this amazing opportunity to perform in their festival and she wants to thank her fellow castmates and director for making this a possibility

Questions:

Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve felt trapped? How did you deal with it?

Consider the title of the play: Tough. Why do you think the playwright chose this title?

Gender Is

A She’s Doing Things Production in association with Veda Maharaj

Featuring:

Gabriel | Will Kan

Jessie | Samuelle Payn

Felix | Nico Johnson

Teen One | Nicole Floroaie

Teen Two | Sophia Chapdelaine

Bella | Jaqueline Ainsworth

Anna | June Ainsworth

Logan | Owen Mitchell Olivia | Soleil Kovacs

Cooper | Rachel Gadd

Ben | Dovreshin Macrae

Gary | Benjamin Wong

Steven | Ethan Hagelsieb

Director: Ashton Bergeron

Producer: Veda Maharaj

Camera Op: Kieran Antoniuk-Davies

1st AD: Kenzi Brodie

2nd AD: Jayden Montana

Sub 1st AD: Samuelle Payn

Hair & Makeup: Grace Brew

Costumes/Assistant Hair & Makeup: Nix Dobson

Set Decorator: Damon Bradley Jang

Extras: Carys Coulson, Elizabeth Anderson, Giulia Estival, Sarah Swift, Owen Mitchell, Shay Joseph, Isabelle Perret, Keagan Emerson, Kolton Emerson, Reagan Reeve, Aubrey Litfin, Faisal Virji, Hailey Aitchison, Nicole Floroaie, Lola August, Oliver Blair, Sam Walton, Jay Walton

Runtime: Approximately 16 minutes

Director’s Notes: Our film, Gender Is, is heavily based on personal experience, and it should be remembered that while these characters are fictitious, each interaction was taken from a real person’s story. I hope that at the end of the night, the audience can come away with a new appreciation for the trials many people fight through because of their gender.

Ashton DirectorBergeron–Gender Is September, 2022

Background: This film began as an essay for an English course, when Veda’s

teacher suggested writing an essay on what it means to be non-binary. The subject matter was so big that they decided the story needed to take a different form. Veda reached out to trans-gender, non-binary, and cis-gender people, asking them what gender meant to them. These interviews and their own journey evolved into the film you will see today.

While the characters in the film are fictitious, they are based on the very real, personal experiences of actual people. These are stories of struggle and Veda hopes that audiences will empathize with this aspect, keeping an open mind, truly listening to the perspectives that are shared. “Our piece is designed to inspire change, and to strive for a better, safer future for everyone,” they say. “Every individual can make an impact on our society, creating a kinder environment for people undergoing these struggles.”

Who’s Who in the Cast & Crew:

Ashton Bergeron (Director) Ashton is an aspiring filmmaker/director. Their pronouns are They/them and he/him, and they have an intense love for everything space! They want to tell stories with truth and humanity, stories you can relate to and feel as if they are your own. They’ve made it their goal to work every day towards a safer and more loving environment for LGBTQ+ people to share their stories, and relate to those around them. They want to tell the sort of stories that make you feel less alone.

Questions:

If you are looking at this question before you watch the film, ask yourself to complete this sentence: “Gender is…” When you’ve finished watching the film, come back to your answer – how/has it changed?

What does a kind, accepting society look like to you? How do we create this?

Original Works: Stories of Life & Love

Created and performed by students from Abbotsford Christian School

Featuring:

Actor | Naveah Letourneau

Actor | Matthew Robyn

Actor | Anora Worsley-Brown

Actor | Keziah Rippingale

Actor | Mira Green

Actor | Ruth Green

Actor | Jenna Lutz

Actor | Josiah Lutz

Director: Sarah Green

Playwright: Amy Trent Playwright: Lisa Loewen Playwright: Rachel Long Playwright: Madeline Cooper Playwright: Jorja Erickson Playwright: Dasha Oldenborger Playwright: Alayna Weeratunge

Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes

Director’s Notes: It has been such a joy directing this learning opportunity for my students. Nothing beats the feeling of witnessing an idea come to life from classroom to student to stage. For the student writers, watching their works brought to life and their stories told has been enlightening and encouraging as they worked through the process of writing, editing, submitting and auditioning actors for each of their pieces. For the actors, they have stretched themselves to adapt, grow, and switch from character to character, scene to scene and one story to the next with fast transitions. Their progression has been beautiful. We took 10 original student scripts from 8 different writers and worked hard to breathe life and structure into each one so we could present these pieces to you now. We hope you enjoy each and every one of them.

Sarah DirectorGreen–Original

Works: Stories of Life & Love September, 2022

Background: This locally written student collection takes viewers on a journey through 10 short stories about love, life, friendship, humour, hardship, and difficult choices. You will be transported through windows in time that celebrate unique moments while making you laugh, cry, and think twice about what comes next.

Who’s Who in the Cast & Crew:

Madeline Cooper (Playwright) Madeline is a Grade 10 student. She wrote It All Happened While the Teachers were Not Watching and sprinkled her piece with a dose of thriller chill. She is excited to see her piece come to life on stage and hopes it inspires viewers to watch more shows from the 70’s and 80’s.

Jorja Erickson (Playwright) Jorja is a Grade 10 student and a secret writer. She hopes her piece The Art of Love brings people back to their earliest memories of fluttering hearts, racing minds, and the inner turmoil of a budding romance. She wrote her piece in a way that lets the audience see the inner workings of the mind of each actor, while actively watching the story unfold.

Mira Green (Officer/Hazel/Ivan/Man/Anaiah) Mira is a Grade 11 student. She has a variety of experience on stage and on camera. She believes there are things to be shared and learned through each piece being presented, and she hopes the audience enjoys each and every story.

Ruth Green (Molly/Canada/Jennifer) Ruth is a Grade 8 student and this is her third mainstage production. She wants to be an actress in the future and was utterly delighted to challenge herself in her roles through this theatre production.

Sarah Green (Director) Sarah has been on stage, backstage, and directing for the better part of 20 years now. She recently taught High School Drama and now teaches High School French and Audio Theatre. Sarah directed Doll Cargo this past spring/summer through the UFV Directors showcase and the Harrison Festival. She’s a woman who wears many hats, loves her kids, loves her students, and loves making a difference in the lives of those around her. Look for her again this fall in Gallery 7 Theatre’s production of The Magician’s Nephew

Naveah Letourneau (Nancy/Myla/Cody/Chris) Naveah is a Grade 11 student and also one of our actors on stage tonight. She hopes her piece Life or Death will encourage people to talk about the hard topic of suicide, reach out if they are struggling, and ultimately choose LIFE. Naveah was a new student to acting last year but was involved in a mainstage production and has really enjoyed engaging throughout this unique festival theatre process.

Lisa Loewen (Playwright) Lisa is a Grade 11 student who has TWO submissions in this collection. She explained that music and song lyrics had a strong influence on the stories she chose to tell. She hopes her piece Without You will touch the hearts of audiences while Hometown Skeptics should be taken on a much lighter note.

Rachel Long (Playwright) Rachel is a Grade 10 student and her piece Unexpected Talent was written as an encouragement to new and budding artists. The characters and storyline mirror much of her beliefs about how to be a supportive friend, and were modelled after people in her own friend circle.

Jenna & Josiah Lutz (Artist 1 and Artist 2) This fine newlywed couple were fandangled into playing the romantic pair for our opening piece. Although this is the first time Jenna has stepped on stage, her husband, Josiah, has led the way with a variety of stage experiences. Together they make a special pair and we are overjoyed to have them on our team.

Dasha Oldenborger (Playwright) Dasha is a Grade 11 student and her piece The Lake After Dark holds a strong dose of mystery. She hopes her piece teases the audience into determining who did it before the story comes to a quick end.

Keziah Rippingale (Jamie/Elijah/Daisy/USA/Tammy) Keziah is a Grade 10 student. She thought this production would be a great learning opportunity from day one. This is her first community theatre project but not her first time stepping out onto the stage.

Matthew Robyn (Jake/Dave/Sebastian/Jeffery/Death) Matthew is a Grade 10 student and our brave male lead. He has been excited to challenge himself on this project, step into new roles, and stretch his legs while gaining this valuable stage experience. Matthew has performed in multiple other mainstage and smaller productions.

Amy Trent (Playwright) Amy is a Grade 10 student who has TWO submissions in this collection. About her play, Rivaling Nations, she shared that she wanted to write a comedic script on a serious topic. Writing a lighthearted conversation about stereotypes seemed to be the easiest way to accomplish that. Her second piece, Neverlasting Love, is also a comedy. She hopes both her scripts will humor viewers and that the audience will see that culture and stereotypes don’t always have to be taken seriously.

Alayna Weeratunge (Playwright) Alayna is a Grade 11 student. She was inspired by her love of the medieval time period while writing The Other Side of Ashendale She hopes her audience will understand what real friendship and love is.

Anora Worsley-Brown (Mia/Nova/Sadie/Mirabel/Tory) Anora is a Grade 10 student and avid lover of theatre arts. She dove right into each of her roles and has loved exploring the motivation and characterization of each persona she portrays. This is her first community theatre project but she has performed in several other productions.

Questions:

What is your own story of “life & love”?

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