SET AUTOMATION
IN A ROUNDABOUT WAY
Theatre Sarnia has always been a testament to the power of community, creativity, and collaboration, and the latest innovation for the show Misery was no exception.
Misery director Ian Alexander’s challenge to the set construction team was to build a 24-foot diameter circular set divided into 4 rooms with 12-foot-high curved walls Two of the walls had to move to change the size of the rooms. Oh… and the whole thing had to rotate on command. We had built smaller rotating sets, the house/dog park set for Last Romance for example, but they were rotated by stagehands between scenes. The Misery set weighed nearly 1000 lbs when completed,
Dave Wilson, our construction team metal-wo crafted a central hub for the rotating set using hub. This hub was screwed to center stage, p secure axis of rotation for the large set.
Our construction engineering team of Charlie Cogswell and Doug Hakala researched variou sources of hardware Eventually an in-house d established Two drive units would be built fo and mounted under the set near opposite edg
Using the excellent shop facilities at Dave’s p Doug set about building the two drives.
Each drive unit consisted of two small pneum connected to a 24VDC wheelchair motor via chain.
A quick-release pin allowed the set crew to quickly remove the loading on the wheels in the event of a drive failure. Initial testing of the drives went very well, and the actors used the drive system many times during their rehearsals at Campbell Street.
The drives were supplied by a 24-Volt DC battery power unit that was hidden on-stage in a box on the porch.
Theatre technician Rachelle Lacroix set about integrating the power unit into the lighting control board. Rachell and Doug adapted existing DMX controls to signal the power unit to drive the set remotely
Brian Austin Jr., Executive Director of the Imperial Theatre and Theatre Sarnia, has spent over 25 years with the organization, fostering an environment where artistic and technical excellence thrive Reflecting on past projects that pushed technical boundaries, such as flying actors in Mary Poppins, Tarzan, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Brian is quick to credit the incredible build crew at Campbell Street for their continued ingenuity “The skill, dedication, and teamwork from our crew make Theatre Sarnia what it is. I’m in awe of their creativity and proud to be part of this community,” he shared.
Brian concludes: “As we approached opening night, it was clear that this project represented a milestone for Theatre Sarnia. The innovative rotating set for Misery showcases the incredible talent and resourcefulness of our volunteers and crew, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.”
THEATRE SARNIA SECURES CREATIVE COUNTY GRANT FOR INDIGENOUS CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
BY BRIAN AUSTIN JR
We are thrilled to announce that Theatre Sarnia has been awarded a $4,000 grant through the County of Lambton’s Creative County Grant Program in support of our Indigenous Cultural Programming initiative This funding will enable us to partner with local Indigenous leaders and organizations to create meaningful and authentic programming that celebrates and shares Indigenous culture with our community.
It is hoped that this project will be developed in collaboration with Chief and Council at Aamjiwnaang First Nation. Their guidance and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring this initiative is rooted in respect, education, and cultural authenticity.
We are deeply grateful for the support from the Creative County Grant Program, which is committed to enriching the cultural fabric of Lambton County By collaborating on this project, we aim to foster greater cultural understanding and appreciation while creating a space for Indigenous voices to lead and inspire
Stay tuned for updates as we bring this exciting project to life!
ILLUMINATING OUR STAGE:
BY BRIAN AUSTIN JR
Thanks to an extraordinary partnership with Guy Bennett at Avolution Multimedia, the Imperial Theatre is embarking on a incredible technological upgrade that will enhance how we tell our stories on stage. Avolution has generously donated three Christie D13wu-HS projectors, each boasting an impressive 13,500 lumens These top-of-the-line projectors will allow us to elevate our productions with stunning visual effects across the whole front of the stage and facilitate new creative possibilities
The installation will enhance our venue’s versatility in remarkable ways From cascading rain and falling snow to immersive backdrops and dynamic imagery mapping, these projectors will bring new dimensions to our performances. Additionally, they will enable us to screen films, opening doors to a broader range of programming.
We are grateful to Avolution Multimedia for this transformative gift, which underscores the power of collaboration and community. These projectors are more than a technical upgrade they're a creative toolset that will inspire our artistic teams and captivate our audiences for years to come. Stay tuned for the big reveal as we prepare to launch this exciting chapter for our theatre
Theatre Sarnia's opening night gala for Stephen King's "Misery" was a resounding success, a perfect blend of suspenseful drama and celebratory camaraderie. From the captivating performances on stage to the thoughtfully curated details of the event itself, the evening was a testament to the talent and dedication of our theatre community.
Upon arrival at the Capitol Bar, guests were presented with complimentary finger foods and our winning signature themed cocktail, the "Number One Fan",(a delightful concoction of champagne and cranberry juice submitted by Theatre Sarnia member Amanda Wright) ' The refreshing drink proved the perfect companion to the evening's festivities, raising a toast to such a remarkable production
While the stars of the show shone brightly, another star emerged from the evening's décor: the breathtaking table centerpieces. The creative team of Amanda Jenkins, Shawn Chapman, and John Maitland, crafted these unique pieces which featured hand cut and painted wooden books (each with 3Dprinted typewriters and tiny pieces of printed paper in them) were a true masterpiece The intricate detail and clever design of these miniature center pieces were a massive hit, sparking conversations and admiration throughout the gala. So much so, in fact, that the producers of "Misery" were inspired to commission more of these remarkable creations as gifts for the entire cast and crew! ''
The immersive experience didn't end with the performance or the centerpieces On their way out, guests were treated to a stunning front-of-house display, meticulously recreating a famous scene from "Misery." The display provided a fantastic photo opportunity, allowing attendees to capture a piece of the evening's thrill and share it with others.
The "Misery" gala was more than just an opening night; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and the power of theatre. Theatre Sarnia has once again proven its commitment to providing not only exceptional performances but also a truly enriching and engaging experience for its audience.
Please join us for our next opening night gala for Theatre Sarnia's “Mom's Gift” on April 2nd 2025, following the show and please feel free to submit your cocktail creation for that evening's featured signature drink
Eve Vritsios Community Engagement Committee
Honorary Life Members
Honourary Life Membership:
First awarded in 1928 to one of our founding members, Herman Voaden, Honourary Life Memberships are appointed by the Theatre Sarina board of directors. Nominees must be active Theatre Sarnia members for at least 15 years, but more than being just a years-ofservice award, Life Membership recognizes those members who have made significant impacts in many areas, often behind the scenes and outside of individual shows. These areas can include being a board member, committee member, heading a department, fundraising, volunteering, helping host a festival, shining a positive light on Theatre Sarnia in the community, and generally being a “go to” person when anything needs doing!
Nominations are collected throughout the year and reviewed by the Honorary Life Member Subcommittee of the Community Engagement Committee. When the Subcommittee identifies a member or members to receive the award at the Annual General Meeting in September, the selection is forwarded to the Board for final review and approval. There have been 71 honorary life memberships awarded from 1928 to 2024, 45 of whom have taken their final bow. As an Honourary Life Member, recipients are exempt from the yearly Theatre Sarnia membership fee, and they remain on the membership list for the rest of their life and are allowed a vote at the Annual General Meeting.
If you know someone you feel could be considered for Honorary Life Membership, please submit their name and list of contributions via the submission form found here:
Honorary Life Member Form
If you see one of our 26 current Life Members around the theatre, be sure to thank them for their contributions!
Gord Bristo, Ian Alexander, Ruth Francoeur, Norm Francoeur, Jean Simon, Jay Peckham, Holly Wenning, Colleen Vasey-Smith, Brian Austin Jr., Godfrey Stevens, Ron Pask, Henri Canino, Carol Kennedy, Jane Janes, Robert Kennedy, Andrea Hughes, Georgina Ford, Mary Ann Kennedy, Drew Caldwell, Donna Poore, Kenn Poore, Richard Poore, Paul Richardson, Mary Anne Coderre-Richardson, Fran Lewis, Megan Hadley
C O C K T A I L
N A M I N G
C O N T E S T
Description:
Ground freeze-dried raspberries add color and flavor to this cream cheese sugar cookie dough You can leave the cookies plain, but we love them garnished with melted chocolate (I bought freeze dried raspberry powder online)
Ingredients:
2 cups (56g) freeze-dried raspberries
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract
Optional Chocolate
Topping
4-ounce bar (113g) semi-sweet and/or white chocolate, coarsely chopped extra freeze-dried raspberry powder, for garnish
Directions:
Using a blender or food processor, process the freeze-dried raspberries into a powder. You’ll have around 1/2 cup. Feel free to grind extra and use as garnish in step 9
Whisk the raspberry powder, flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl Set aside
In a large bowl using a hand-held or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and cream cheese together on mediumhigh speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes Add the granulated sugar and beat until mixture is fluffy and combined, about 1 minute Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl and beat again as needed to combine
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until combined Dough will be very soft and creamy
Generously flour your hands and rolling pin Divide the dough into 2 equal pieces. Roll each portion out on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper or silicone baking mat to about 1/4-inch thickness The rolled-out dough can be any shape, as long as it is evenly 1/4 inch thick
Lightly dust one of the rolled-out dough portions with flour Place a piece of parchment on top. (This prevents sticking.) Place the second rolled-out dough on top Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.
Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats Carefully remove the top dough piece from the refrigerator. If it’s sticking to the parchment, run your hand under it to help remove it Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into shapes. (I like these heart cookie cutters.) Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used Repeat with second piece of dough Note: It doesn’t seem like a lot of dough, but you get a lot of cookies from the dough scraps you re-roll.
Arrange cookies on baking sheets 3 inches apart Bake for 12–13 minutes until very lightly browned around the edges. If your oven has hot spots, rotate the baking sheet(s) halfway through bake time Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.
For optional chocolate decorating: Melt the chopped chocolate in a double boiler, or use the microwave. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each until completely melted Dip cooled cookies in the melted chocolate and/or drizzle with melted chocolate, then place back onto the lined baking sheets. I dipped the pictured cookies in melted semi-sweet chocolate and then drizzled melted white chocolate on top. If desired, sprinkle with extra freeze-dried raspberry powder (or sprinkles) Allow chocolate to set in the refrigerator (about 20–30 minutes) or at room temperature Cookies stay fresh tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Please email support@theatresarniaorg for more information Dates subject to change.
.March26:DeadlineforDrinkContest GetyourdrinkideasinfortheMom’sGift OpeningNightGala.Enterhere:Mom’sGift DrinkIdeas
March27,28:TheatreSarniaSeniorYouth MusicalTheatrePresents:HighSchoolMusical Getyourticketsattheboxoffice.
April2:OpeningNightGalaforMom’sGift Joinusaftertheshowtocelebrate!Light Snacksprovided.AllTheatreSarniamembers welcome!
April2-6:TheatreSarniaPresents:Mom’sGift Getyourticketsattheboxoffice.
April24: TheatreSarniaYouthGroupPresents: SpacePrincessWars Getyourticketsatthebox office.
May16: DeadlineforDrinkContest GetyourdrinkideasinfortheRentOpening NightGalaEnterhere: RentDrinkIdeas
May23: OpeningNightGalaforRent Joinusaftertheshowtocelebrate!LightSnacks provided.AllTheatreSarniamemberswelcome!
May23-31: TheatreSarniaPresents:Rent Getyourticketsattheboxoffice
Summer2025: TheatreSarnia:GalaforHOPECruiseontheDuc-Detailstocome!
If you know of any Theatre Sarnia members who have had a major life event, please share with us at mailto:member-liaison@theatresarnia.org
***URGENT***
To All Theatre Sarnia Members,
As the Theatre Sarnia 100th Anniversary Research Group continue their job digitizing & cataloguing the historical materials they have come to realize that the library is missing a very important book
We are looking for a 3 inch wide black binder - “Programs Vol 1 - 1960-1989”
It contains our archive of show programs from this period and looks like the photo below
If you have come across this binder or may have an idea where it is, please contact: amatthews@theatresarnia.org
Thanks for your help
