ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Moving was a significant feat for the members from the hours and hours it took to sort, organize, and sell 24 years of stored props and costumes, to physically hauling some very heavy stuff down the stairs at the Fairgrounds and then transporting them to their new storage space. Five members volunteered their time to oversee the massive operation.

“We have been truly reminded of the meaning of community and we’re really dedicated to matching that energy for our members in kind moving forward!”

Of course, change can also bring some unexpected positivity. The PPT’s big rummage sale to offload some content was so well received, it very well could be the birth of a new annual event. The pay what you can by donation-based sale drew enthusiastic theatre crowds from far and wide, as well as some local entertainers from Paris District High School.

“We reuse and recycle as much as we can, but many shows require new items, either bought, made or found, and so we’re constantly growing our stock and we continue to give back and share with the community because that flow of sharing, creating and releasing is art at its core!” said Jones.

With homebase reestablished, and a newly elected executive, PPT is looking to grow its membership and get back to what they enjoy most – performing Jones said the next couple of years, possibly more, will be slow and steady sustainable growth. They have about 40 members now and that number is increasing. After a public Meet & Mingle at St. Paul’s United Church this month, PPT members were surprised to find out 85% of attendees who completed a survey were new guests, rather than returning ones Another PPT hosted fundraiser will be the upcoming trivia night at Paris Pub on Wednesday, April 10th with proceeds going to ongoing operations and productions, Jones confirmed. Tickets are $10; email hello@parispub.ca to book your table.

After months of hard work and fundraising the first quarter of the year, April is the start of all the fun PPT activities scheduled for 2024. The theatre group will now operate on a calendar year, fundraising and mixing and mingling from January to March and then jumping into auditions, performances, events and appearances from April to December.

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The group announced last week they are hosting auditions (click here for more info) on April 14 and 15th for A Mid Summer Night’s Dream, which they will present this fall. Exact dates for the performances will be released shortly and Jones promises it will be a whimsical and wonderful experience.

“We’re also interested in hearing from people who want to get involved in other ways – costumes, stage management, taking tickets,” said Jones.

PPT will also host the Brant Theatre Festival June 21-23 downtown Paris, showcasing all the amazing local theatre in this community. Submissions are open now for various categories - One Act Plays, Paris Playwrights, Brant Theatre Creative, and New or in-development Work. More information is available online here

The final show of the year in December will be a feel-good holiday performance titled, Enchanted Christmas

With amazing plans in the works, and a community behind them, PPT is looking forward to its bright future

“Paris Performers’ Theatre has been around for several decades but in some ways we’re starting over. So, to have landed in a bright, warm, tidy, flexible, accessible downtown location has been a real spark for us; we’re so grateful.”

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