TheatreOne 2025 Digital Program

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TheatreOne TheatreOne

The Golden Age of Theatre The Golden Age of Theatre

April 24-26, 2025 April 24-26, 2025

Kerry Vickar Centre

Kerry Vickar Centre

Melfort Melfort

Schedule

Thursday, April 24

5:00 pm Roundtable Discussion on Stage Management, Affinity Credit Union Room

7:30 pm Performances

Melfort Amateur Dramatics | Box

Cochin Community Players | A Man Walks into a Bar

Friday, April 25

Production Workshops, Affinity Credit Union Room

9:00 am Melfort Amateur Dramatics

10:30 am Cochin Community Players

5:00 pm Roundtable Discussion on Acting, Affinity Credit Union Room

7:30 pm Performances

Last Mountain Theatre Company | I Dream Before I Take the Stand

Castwell & Company | I, Chorus

Regina Little Theatre | Scent of Honeysuckle

Saturday, April 26

Production Workshops, Affinity Credit Union Room

9:00 am Last Mountain Theatre Company

10:30 am Castwell & Company

1:00 pm Regina Little Theatre

3:00 pm From Awkward to Electric, Affinity Credit Union Room

7:30 pm Performances

Battleford Community Players | The Red Feather Ladies Get Their Man

SmokeScreen Productions | Dead Men Don’t Eat Quiche

Sunday, April 27

Production Workshops, Affinity Credit Union Room

9:00 am Battleford Community Players

10:30 am SmokeScreen Productions

Please join us in the Affinity Credit Union Room for a Green Room Party immediately following each night’s performance

Entry included with that evening’s ticket | $5 for those without a ticket

Workshops

Two free roundtable discussion workshops will take place in the Affinity Credit Union Room

Stage Management: Thursday, April 24 at 5:00 pm

Acting for the Stage: Friday, April 25 at 5:00 pm

We are also pleased to present :

From Awkward to Electric: Saturday, April 26 at 3:00 pm

A great stage kiss, or any stage intimacy for that matter, should feel electric never awkward, unsafe, or improvised. This workshop, led by intimacy director Kenn McLeod, is designed to give performers, directors, educators, and theatre-makers the tools to stage intimacy with confidence, clarity, and artistic integrity

Participants will explore the core principles of intimacy direction, including consent-based practices, boundary setting, and choreography techniques for depicting intimacy authentically while ensuring actor safety. Through guided exercises, discussion, and handson practice, attendees will learn how to " map " a kiss breaking down physical storytelling into clear, repeatable beats that serve the narrative while maintaining a respectful and supportive environment.

Whether you ' re new to intimacy direction or looking to refine your approach, this workshop offers essential tools to enhance both artistry and safety in your work. TSI members: $10 in advance, $20 at the door General Public: $25 in advance, $40 at the door.

House Rules

Due to the competitive nature of the festival, every effort is made to ensure that each group has equal opportunity. Therefore, latecomers will be seated during a suitable intermission.

We ask patrons to please note the following:

Use of cameras or recording devices is not allowed in the theatre

Please turn off all cell phones and electronic devices

Intermissions between plays will be 20 minutes

Festival awards will be presented following the Saturday performances

Please remain seated after the performances while Production Facilitator

Kenn McLeod presents his remarks

A Message from the Premier

overnment of Saskatchewan, it is my immense pleasure to welcome you 5.

This esteemed event brings together a rich tapestry of theatrical talent from across our province for an unforgettable three-day celebration of artistry and creativity. This festival is not just about performances but also about learning and growth, with hands-on mentorship opportunities that allow you to deepen your craft and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

As we celebrate the transformative power of the performing arts, we are delighted to host this festival in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Melfort Amateur Dramatics. The dedication, perseverance, and love for the art form have not only enriched our cultural landscape but also inspired countless individuals to explore the world of drama.

To all participants, organizers, volunteers and supporters, we express our deepest gratitude for your tireless efforts in making this event a resounding success Your dedication and passion ensure that this festival will be a memorable experience for all.

As the stage lights dim and the applause echoes, may the memories of the performances linger long after the curtain falls.

A Message from Her Honour the Honourable Bernadette McIntyre, SOM

As our Monarch’s representative in Saskatchewan, I am delighted to extend greetings on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada, to everyone taking part in TheatreOne 2025

I am grateful to the City of Melfort for welcoming the out-of-town performing groups, and I thank the people of Melfort for supporting the festival.

Special thanks to Melfort Amateur Dramatics for cohosting the festival and congratulations on 50 years of theatre productions and community involvement. Hosting the festival is a wonderful way to celebrate your Golden Anniversary.

Well done to Theatre Saskatchewan for providing the strong leadership and considerable time and effort required to produce TheatreOne 2025.

To the visiting companies from the Battlefords, Biggar, Cochin, Prince Albert, Regina and Strasbourg – thank you for your painstaking preparation and for sharing your talents with the festival audiences.

Please accept my best wishes for a very entertaining and rewarding festival. Have a good show!

A Message from Yvonne Hotzak Board Chair of SaskCulture

SaskCulture acknowledges Theatre Saskatchewan for their work in bringing the theatre community in this province together since 1932! The TheatreOne Festival offers the best in competitive short play for community theatre companies in Saskatchewan, as well as industry expertise, networking, and opportunities for creative and cultural inspiration and growth.

It is also important to acknowledge the contribution of the Sask Lotteries. Sask Lotteries is the main fundraiser for sport, culture and recreation in the province and is instrumental to ensuring that cultural activity - ranging from galleries and museums to cultural forums, languages, multicultural festivals and more - fosters the growth of inclusive and engaged communities, individual well-being, and overall quality of life throughout the province. SaskCulture is in a very privileged position as the manager for the Culture Section of the Sask Lotteries Trust Fund. By purchasing lottery tickets, your money goes back to support many different cultural activities taking place in Saskatchewan communities each year.

SaskCulture welcomes all festival participants to Melfort and congratulates Melfort Amateur Dramatics on celebrating 50 years of avocational theatre and service to the Melfort community!

This is sure to be an exciting opportunity for the community to perform and connect.

Sincerely,

rom Nena Hawkes rector of Theatre Saskatchewan

er here in Melfort at the Kerry Vickar Centre for our re pleased to present TheatreOne, our short-form ommunity theatre across Saskatchewan!

ds, I want to acknowledge the diverse Indigenous e footsteps mark this territory, including the Cree, as well as the homeland of the Métis. Theatre orking in partnership with Indigenous communities

I wish to extend my thanks to co-hosts, Melfort Amateur Dramatics, who are celebrating an incredible milestone of 50 years bringing theatre to their community! This year ' s theme, "The Golden Age of Theatre," honours their golden anniversary.

I'm pleased to welcome our exceptional facilitation team: Production Facilitator Kenn McLeod and Backstage Facilitator Gillian Barker, whose expertise will guide our participating groups throughout the week. Our new Creative Collaborations mentorship program brings eight passionate participants together for a unique, hands-on educational opportunity with mentors Debbie Burgher, Derek Klaassen, and Karen Jarowicz.

The seven groups participating in this year ' s festival have poured their hearts into preparing for this week Thank you for joining us to celebrate their dedication as we continue our mission of building community through theatre. We hope you'll also join us on Saturday night for our awards ceremony following the final performance.

None of this would be possible without the generous support of SaskCulture and Sask Lotteries, whose contributions enrich the cultural landscape of our beautiful province. I am a firm believer in the power of storytelling and the unique magic that happens when ther to create art. I hope you enjoy the performances and take the maraderie that makes TheatreOne such a special event!

About Theatre Saskatchewan

Theatre Saskatchewan Inc. was born in 1932 when the Earl of Bessborough, Governor General of Canada, urged theatre groups to organize provincially. Originally formed as the Saskatchewan Drama League, the organization emerged from passionate discussions among theatre enthusiasts from Regina, Moose Jaw, and Saskatoon who shared a vision of developing "the art of theatre in the province and promoting a right relationship between drama and the life of the community." Through various incarnations from the Saskatchewan Region of the Dominion Drama Festival to Saskatchewan Community Theatre this grassroots movement has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of community theatre across the province. While TheatreFest has been the organization's signature event since 1936, TheatreOne was established in 2004 as a companion festival focused on one-act plays, providing another vital platform for Saskatchewan's community theatre groups to showcase their work, receive professional adjudication, and build connections across our vast prairie landscape. Now in its 92nd year, Theatre Saskatchewan continues its founding mission of building community through theatre, supporting over 40 member groups from communities of all sizes across the province.

Kenn McLeod | Production Facilitator

( ) award-winning director, performer, educator, and Clown. Kenn received his BFA in Acting at the University of Regina and his MFA in Directing from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Kenn has directed over 40 productions across North America and beyond. As a performer, he has worked most recently with Saskatoon’s Persephone Theatre in Miracle on 34th Street and as one of the performers featured at the fourth annual Tic Toc TEN short performance festival in April Kenn has taught Clown and Acting at the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, University of New Mexico, University of Nevada, Las Vegas as well as at the National Hispanic Cultural Centre in New Mexico. He has trained with Dell'arte International School of Physical Theatre (California), Old Trout Puppet Workshop (Alberta), and The Manitoulin Center for Creation and Performance (Ontario). Kenn is also a dramaturg, a clown consultant, and an Intimacy Director with training from Intimacy Directors and Coordinators. He is currently a sessional lecturer at the U of S Drama Department, the Executive Director of Saskatoon Summer Players, and is a member of the Executive Leadership of On the D&D enthusiast, a proud father, and thrilled to be a Saskatchewan Artist

Gillian Barker | Backstage Facilitator

Gillian (she/her) is a stage manager and lighting designer from Treaty 4 Territory in Regina. She holds a BFA in Stage Management and Technical Theatre from the University of Regina and has spent most of h with young performers and helping to develop site-specific production include work with Globe Theatre, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, a Theatre. Among other projects, Gillian was lucky enough to spend t working with culturally and socially representative youth who face multiple barriers as part of the MISCELLANEOUS Productions team. She was also the Production Stage Manager for Do It With Class Young People’s Theatre from 2013 to 2022. Recently, she has transitioned to working in the film/television industry as the local representative for the Saskatchewan branch of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists’ (ACTRA). A firm believer in the importance of creating opportunities for young and avocational performers at the local level, Gillian is excited to be returning to TheatreOne as a facilitator many moons after participating as a young artist!

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Melfort Amateur Dramatics present

Box

a dramatic comedy by Morgan Grau, Cameron Freitas, Hannah Jackson, and Trevor Buttery

Produced by special arrangement with the playwrights

Three men fighting over a cardboard box typifying humanity’s struggle for control while maintaining conformity. With a touch of Theatre of the Absurd, three characters are left trying to find a purpose to life, and are feeling bewildered and anxious.

Approximate length: 35 minutes.

Content Warning: actors in a state of undress; sound of a gunshot

Director: Michele Waldbillig

Stage Manager: Peter Waldbillig Production Team:

Imogene Schick

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Cochin Community Players present

A Man Walks into a Bar a drama by Rachel Blair

Produced by special arrangement by Marquis Entertainment Inc

A woman begins telling us a joke "A man walks into a bar and meets a waitress . . . "

Almost immediately, she is interrupted by a man, who decides to "help" her tell the story. As the two perform the joke for the audience they inch their way towards the dark punchline.

Approximate length: 55 minutes

Content Warning: adult language and an actor in a state of undress

Cast:

Woman/Jenny ..................................................................................... Danielle Barrett

Man/Steve ............................................................................................... Clint Barrett

Director and Stage Manager: Cheryl Olson

Production Team:

Producer ................................................................................................. Carol Carlson

Lights and Sound ..................................................................................... Darren Olson

Props, Makeup, Set Construction ........................................................ Cast and Crew

I

Friday, April 25, 2025

Last Mountain Theatre Co present

Dream Before I Take the Stand a

drama by Arlene Hutton

Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.

A defense lawyer cross examines a woman during her testimony in a sexual assault case, and in doing so horribly distorts her perfectly innocent walk in the park.

Approximate length: 25 minutes

Content warning: adult content, references to female anatomy and sexual assault

Director: Christine Wagner Stage Manager: Janice Ritter

Friday, April 25,

2025

Castwell & Company present I, Chorus a dramatic comedy by Ian McWethy

Produced by special arrangement with Your Stage Partners

College dropout Elle is lost and trying to find her place in the world until she meets a Greek Chorus completely devoted to each other, to speaking in unison, and to doing other things in unison like getting a job at Walmart, or going on a date. To join them, Elle has to give up everything and everyone she knows, but maybe this is exactly what she has been looking for.

Approximate length: 55 minutes

Content Warning: adult language

Cast:

Greek Chorus ..........................................................

Annette Fecht, Jonathan Hadden, Malia Hadden, Stephen Hadden, Daniel Hammond, Emily Hatzel, Seamus Walker

Elle .......................................................................................................... Katelyn Fecht

Oren ....................................................................................................... Greg Leonard

Polly ......................................................................................................... Amelia Smith

Gerald ....................................................................................................... Bryan Smith

Denise ........................................................................................................ Dani Vavra

Mary ....................................................................................................... Tiffani McBee

Jeff ....................................................................................................... Seamus Walker

Supporting Characters ................................................................ Josh Smith and Cast

Director: Erin Hadden

Assistant Director and Stage Manager: Allison Thomas

Production Team:

Costumes ....................................................................... Annette Fecht, Willow Hoppe

Mask Creation .................................................................................... Michaela Hoppe

Stagehand ................................................................................................... Josh Smith

Production Support .............................................................................. Annika Hadden

Lighting ......................... Jacob deBussac, Erin Hadden, Stephen Hadden, Kristy Smith

Producer ..................................................................... Michaela Hoppe, Tiffani McBee

Friday, April 25, 2025

Regina Little Theatre present

Scent of Honeysuckle a drama by Jean Lennox Toddie

Produced by special arrangement by Concord

Theatricals

The tale of three women and the tie that binds them: the irritating tie that rubs; the fragile tie that's knotted broken and knotted again; the lasting tie that triumphs over age and death - the tie between mothers and daughters.

Approximate length: 25 minutes

Cast:

Kate ..................................................................................................... Alex Hindmarch

Jessie ........................................................................................................... Pat Wyand

Susan ................................................................................................ Tionna Ackerman

Director: Hope Van Vliet Stage Manager: Piers Hill

Production Team:

Producer .................................................................................................. Kelle Crosbie

Makeup Consultant .......................................................... Stacey Brianne, Cedar Park

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Battlefords Community Players present

The

Revenge of the Red Feather Ladies a comedy by Maxine Holgren

Produced by special arrangement by Samuel French, Inc

Six women, all members of the Red Feather Investment Club discover they all are engaged at the same time.

Approximate length: 35 minutes

Cast:

Betty ...................................................................................................... Jeanna Walker

Alice....................................................................................................... Jennifer Kegler

Louise ........................................................................................................... Barb Kirby

Jane ............................................................................................................... Liz Smith

Barbara ................................................................................................ Tanya Montoya

Roseann ...................................................................................................... Kat Carroll

Charlene ............................................................................................. Danielle Barrett

Director and Stage Manager: Tanya Montoya

Production Team:

Lights and Sound ...................................................................................... Clint Barrett

Set and Props ..................................................... Tanya Montoya, Donna Challis, Cast

Construction ............................................. Donna Challis, John Butler, Tanya Montoya

Light and Sound Design ........................................................................ Geordie Smith

Saturday, April 26, 2025

SmokeScreen Productions present

Dead Men Don’t Eat Quiche

a film noir parody by David Pemberton

Produced by special arrangement by Lazybee Scripts

Two characters from a 1940s film noir find their script writer dead! He leaves them a cryptic message suggesting that only one of them will survive.

Approximate length: 45 minutes

Content warning: sound of a gun shot

Cast:

Palmer ...................................................................................................... Ryan Hughes

Lily....................................................................................................... Maureen Pepper

George ................................................................................................... Preston Morin

Toni .......................................................................................................... Lee Raymond

Director: Dave Mulgrew

Stage Manager: Melody Kennedy

Assistant Stage Manager: Shona Tretiak

Production Team:

Sound ........................................................................... Dave Mulgrew, Steve Thiessen

Lighting ......................................................................... Dave Mulgrew, David Gareau

Set and Pepper

Producti Pepper

Creative Collaborations Mentorship Program

Adapted from our traditional apprentice program and inspired by our TheatreWorks intensives, Creative Collaborations offers participants one-on-one mentorship in acting, directing, or stage management. Our two mentorship groups will present a showcase between the final performance and awards ceremony on Saturday evening, featuring selections from the following plays by local playwrights. Special thanks to the Saskatchewan Playwrights Centre for their support in script selection

Ten Feet by Abbey-Taylor Weber

The Child You Deserve by Julia Peterson

Theatre Saskatchewan Member Groups 2025

Abernethy Community Players

Battlefords Community Players

Big Muddy Players (Coronach)

Theatre Saskatchewan

Executive and Board of Directors 2025

Castwell & Company Performing Arts (Biggar)

Churchbridge Players

Cochin Community Players Inc

Cornerstone Theatre Inc (Carlyle)

Corning Community Players

Goodsoil Theatre Group

Humboldt Theatre Club

Indian Head Stage Left Players

Last Mountain Theatre Company (Strasbourg)

Lolabrickida Theatre (Saskatoon)

Melfort Amateur Dramatics Inc

Milestone Prairie Players

Moose Jaw Community Players

Neudorf Community Theatre

New Creation Community Players (Biggar)

Odyssey Productions Inc (Prince Albert)

Paper Bag Players (Yorkton)

Prairieland Players (Kerrobert)

Raymore Community Theatre

Regina Little Theatre Society Inc

Regina Lyric Musical Theatre

Regina Summer Stage

Saskatoon Summer Players

SmokeScreen Productions (Prince Albert)

Stoughton Community Players

Swift Current Little Theatre

That Kritical Stage (Kyle)

The Barn Playhouse (Saskatoon

Tumbleweed Theatre (Balgonie)

Wonderland Theatre Co (Saskatoon)

Executive Director Nena Hawkes

President Debbie Burgher

Vice President Tyler Toppings

Member-at-Large ........... Miguel Fenrich

Member-at-Large ........... Crystal Milburn

Member-at-Large ........... Laura Negraeff

Member-at-Large ........ Pamela Uhrmann

Member-at-Large ............... Lynn Wagner

Member-at-Large .............. Pam Willerton

Theatre Saskatchewan Inc. would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Melfort Amateur Dramatics for their extraordinary support and dedication in presenting TheatreOne 2025.

Our deepest appreciation goes to the incredible volunteers who have given countless hours behind the scenes. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of this festival.

To the community of Melfort, thank you for opening your doors and hearts to theatre makers from across Saskatchewan. The generosity of local businesses, venue hosts, and community partners has been instrumental in creating a memorable experience for all participants.

Additionally, we want to thank you—our participants and audience members— for ensuring the success of this event and for championing community theatre. Your presence and enthusiasm breathe life into these productions and validate the countless hours of preparation.

Theatre has the unique power to build bridges between diverse communities and strengthen our connections to one another. Thank you for being part of this cherished tradition and for helping us build community through theatre.

Awards: Saturday, April 26

Winning Entry - The Jacqui and Morris Shumiatcher Trophy

Sponsored by the Yorkton Paper Bag Players

Runner-up to Winning Entry - The George Barnet Trophy

Sponsored by the Milestone Prairie Players

Best Director - Florence Eberle Memorial Trophy

Sponsored by Many Odd Faces on Stage

Best Performance in a Supporting Role - Last Mountain Theatre Company Award

Sponsored by Last Mountain Theatre Company

Acting Award - Nancy and Sam Goodfellow Trophy

Acting Award - Janet Lowndes Trophy

Technical/Backstage - Kathleen E. Nouch CDA Trophy

We will announce the location of TheatreFest 2026 at the conclusion of tonight’s event.

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