Meet The Company
By Ruth Francoeur
Chloe Stothers - Assistant Stage Manager
SS: How are you involved in Mom’s Gift?
I am an Assistant Stage Manager.
SS: Are you from Sarnia?
I was born and raised in Sarnia. My mom, Stacy Stothers, was heavily involved in Theatre Sarnia when I was very young and I was also part of a few Hidden Talent shows when I was younger. My mother getting re-involved in Theatre Sarnia the past couple years has naturally brought me into the picture as well
SS: What are you enjoying most about the rehearsal process?
I'm enjoying getting involved with the Theatre Sarnia community, getting to know everybody and most importantly I'm enjoying getting to spend time with my mom!
SS: Are you involved in other capacities/committees within Theatre Sarnia? Do you have any hobbies outside theatre?
Outside of Theatre Sarnia, I enjoy spending time with my girlfriend and our two cats They are my world!
Nora Bourqe - Brittany
SS: How are you involved in Mom’s Gift?
I am playing the role of Brittney, the ditzy younger sister of Kat.
SS: What are you enjoying most about the rehearsal process?
Everyone in the cast is there to work and the directors and managers are involved in every step of the process Everyone is giving 110%!
SS: Are you involved in other capacities/committees within Theatre Sarnia? Do you have any hobbies outside theatre?
Sadly, I’m not involved with Theatre Sarnia any more than this I have plenty of other hobbies outside of acting, such as: painting, guitar, violin, kickboxing, and more. I love the arts and being active :)
Dina McPhee - Mom
SS: How are you involved in Mom’s Gift?
I am absolutely over-the-moon to have the role of "Mom" in Mom's Gift
SS: Are you from Sarnia? If not, where did you come from and what brought you here? How did you hear about Theatre Sarnia?
I am a local gal and live in Corunna.
SS: What are you enjoying most about the rehearsal process?
“It's A Wonderful Life" is my all-time favourite movie and this play has a strong connection to it. Rehearsals are fun. Our entire cast and crew have become a family and there have been a couple of circumstances where we have really needed each other I am grateful for all their support
Are you involved in other capacities/committees within Theatre Sarnia? Do you have any hobbies outside theatre?
I am also a volunteer bartender at the Imperial Theatre, a gig I enjoy very much with my theatre bartender family. Outside of theatre life, I am a volunteer at The Inn of the Good Shepherd, a musician, a mom and a grandma, a dog mom and married to the nicest man I know. Come see Mom's Gift. It's like nothing you ' ve ever witnessed before and you will love it!
Dianne Visser - Director
When I was handed the script for “Mom’s Gift” I immediately loved this play.
After seeing it on stage in Hanover I knew that we needed to bring this play to life here at the Imperial Theatre This “Dramedy” that talks about death, angels and relationships is a wonderful testimony to family dynamics, love, friendship, self-awareness and giving
My Biggest Fan (My Husband John) passed away during this production, and I found support from the theatre family and comfort in the words and laughter of this script.
There are so many people who need to be thanked, Henri for seeing a director in me. Jan and Ron for mentoring. The most amazing stage manager Maddisyn, and our wonderful ASM’s Stacy and Chloe Producers Nick and Charmain All the team leads and their crews
I hope you enjoy watching the show and laugh till your sides hurt Laughter heals the soul, the mind and the body
Kelsey Edwards - Kat
SS: How are you involved in Mom’s Gift?
I am taking on the role of Kat - the daughter with anger issues (but a softie underneath).
SS: Are you from Sarnia?
I was born and raised in Chatham, went to Guelph for university and then moved to Toronto for a fancy job, which I hated I started my own dog walking business. In 2020 life pivoted a bit and I moved to Sarnia (Point Edward) after a series of events that made this seem like the right choice Being part of community theatre has always been a dream, and after seeing a few productions wanted to try my hand at it all I chickened out of her first two auditions, but am so glad I finally walked up those stairs and made my theatre dreams come true. “Theatre Sarnia has changed my life!”
SS: What are you enjoying most about the rehearsal process?
Building connections with the humans involved in the process - my fellow actors, creative team, and behind the scenes I try to make it a point to have at least one inside joke with everyone. It's been so fulfilling!
SS: Are you involved in other capacities/committees within Theatre Sarnia? Do you have any hobbies outside theatre?
So far I have only been involved in the performing aspects of Theatre Sarnia! My hobbies are expansive and include gardening, foraging, rock collecting/tumbling, cozy video gaming, and journalling I have a passion for dog training, and am always happy to help a fellow human learn more about their 4 legged friends!
John Reid - Dad
SS: How are you involved in Mom’s Gift
I am playing the role of Dad
SS: Are you from Sarnia?
I live in the town of Forest I joined Theatre Sarnia in 2004 with my first show being Forever Plaid.
SS: What are you enjoying most about the rehearsal process?
Mom's Gift has been a wonderful experience with an excellent cast with some new faces I'm really looking forward to it This will be my 6th show over the past 2 years; Beauty and the Beast, Little Mermaid, Tarzan, Last Romance, Broadway For Lovers, and now Mom's Gift I'm tired, I think I'll take a break what, another audition posting.... I must resist the urge (probably won't happen....).
Janet Shrumm - Mrs. Norquist
SS: How are you involved in Mom’s Gift?
In Mom’s Gift I play the next-door neighbour, Mrs. Norquist.
SS: Are you from Sarnia?
I’ve lived in Sarnia since I was 8 years old, and before that Petrolia My father was an electrician and he was tired of the commute so we moved to Sarnia
SS: What are you enjoying most about the rehearsal process?
Our Director, Dianne Visser, and Stage Manager Maddison Fisher give useful suggestions at rehearsal and provide much-needed encouragement. Since this is my first time on stage, I’m actually feeling rather nervous. The other cast members are very talented, and I’m watching them closely.
SS: Are you involved in other capacities/committees within Theatre Sarnia? Do you have any hobbies outside theatre?
I’ve always enjoyed live theatre and decided to volunteer when I was close to retiring from my teaching career I’ve sewn costumes for several productions, served on the Board of Directors and am a member of the Production and Community Engagement committees, as well as Wardrobe. Occasionally I help with bartending and editing articles for Stagestruck. Outside of theatre I play tennis, pickle ball, enjoy cycling and ice skating. I love reading, playing the piano, and I still teach elementary school students once in a while.
LIFEINTHEPITS
BY ROB LAROSE
Welcome to a new feature to Stage Struck, "Life in the Pits". In this ongoing series we will introduce our readers to the musicians who provide so much wonderful live music to our musical productions. If you have seen "Tarzan", "Cinderella" or "Little Shop of Horrors" then you have heard these amazingly talented people but not realized they were there, just a bit off stage in a separate theatre space. Well known musician and musical director Frank Brennan is our first musician of note (pun intended) We caught up to Frank (which if you know him, is NOT easy) to ask him 7 intriguing questions!
1) How long have you been involved with Imperial Theatre Sarnia?
I played in the pit for some Imperial Presents shows before officially working on Theatre Sarnia shows. The first Theatre Sarnia show I was Musical Director (MD) for was Forbidden Broadway. I also served on the production committee for over 10 years.
2) What was the first musical you played in and where?
Guys and Dolls at Mount Allison University. My first as MD was The Music Man in Sarnia
3) Do you have a favourite musical that you have played before or conducted?
Guys and Dolls as well. I have both played and conducted it
4) Are there any funny stories from the pit you can share?
In "Mary Poppins" there was some on stage pyrotechnics and some sparks flew off the stage and hit me. Another was conducting maybe South Pacific and the trumpet and trombone (who will remain nameless) were not there to start Act Two and came down the aisle at SCITS during the Entracte Also at SCITS, the production of Brigadoon was using dry ice to create fog behind the curtain. When the curtain opened the fog came into the pit and we couldn’t see our music.
5) What advice would you give to young musicians wishing to play in the theater?
If you want to be a director, get your piano and sight reading skills up. Many newer shows call for the show to be conducted from the piano. Woodwind players should learn all the main woodwinds clarinet, saxophone and flute, so start doubling early. In general, listen to lots of recordings to get comfortable with the style. PRACTICE!
6) Rapid Fire Favourites What is your favourite: Food - Pasta Sports Teams - Boston Bruins, Blue Jays , TFC Vacation Spot - nothing in particular, maybe Florida because my daughter is here or Newfoundland because that is where I am from.
Hobby - reading, coaching soccer, biking Way to relax - Read, Listen to music (I don’t relax a lot )
7) Lastly, tell us something about yourself people may not know.
I have run 2 marathons. Also as a lad I was on National TV in Reach for the Top.
C O C K T A I L
N A M I N G
C O N T E S T
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
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 SnacksprovidedAllTheatreSarniamembers welcome!
April2-6:TheatreSarniaPresents:Mom’sGift Getyourticketsattheboxoffice.
April24:TheatreSarniaYouthGroupPresents: SpacePrincessWars.Getyourticketsatthe boxoffice
May4:Member’sEvent-TriviaEventonStage attheTheatre Members-WatchyourEmailforaninvite. Makesureyourmembershipisuptodate!
May9/102025:AuditionsforTheatreSarnia OpeningShowof2025/2026Season
May16: DeadlineforDrinkContest
GetyourdrinkideasinfortheRentOpening NightGala.Enterhere: RentDrinkIdeas
May23: OpeningNightGalaforRent Joinusaftertheshowtocelebrate!LightSnacks provided.AllTheatreSarniamemberswelcome!
May23-31: TheatreSarniaPresents:Rent Getyourticketsattheboxoffice
June13/14:AuditionsforTheatreSarnia ChristmasShowof2025/2026Season
Jul4,2025:GalaforHOPE DucCruise-Markyourcalendars!
SummerYouthprograms-registrationopen. July7-23Summershowtimeprogram
July28-Aug1SeniorMusicalTheatreProgram
Aug5-8JuniorActingProgram,JuniorMusical TheatreProgram
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
