Kids in the Meaford Hall Arts Society

KIDS IN THE MEAFORD HALL ARTS SOCIETY HOLDS AGM, PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES & IDENTIFIES ITS NEED FOR “NEW BLOOD”

Kids in the Meaford Hall Arts Society held its Annual General Meeting at McGinty’s to lay plans for the coming year and identify some challenges to be met. Kids in the Meaford Hall is a not-for-profit charity, one of 83,991 tax granting organizations registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. In fact, 3 years ago the CRA singled out “Kids” for an audit of their annual $13,000 revenue and expenses in 2019 and “Kids” came through with flying colours.

KITMH has, for the past 11 Years, presented in Meaford Hall, live performances of a fairy tale or Christmas story free for all 1,240 elementary school children in Meaford and Thornbury. Gunter Neuman, the founder, had a vision to get the local kids away from their “screens” and expose them to, and get them involved in, live theatrical performances at Meaford Hall. He wanted to have the kids see their fellow students up on stage performing. This program also encourages adults with a wide range of theatrical experience both on stage and/or back stage involved with all aspects of each performance.

Having been shut down for the past 3 years because of Covid, the Kids in the Meaford Hall team is looking for “new blood”, adults with a theatrical bent or interest to join the organization for the coming fall season. You could join and help in many ways, with things like set building, finding props, making costumes, or applying make-up back stage. Then there is finding student actors, arranging auditions in September, followed by rehearsals, coaching kids and directing up front.

The organization is funded by donations from both municipalities, Meaford and the Blue Mountains, plus the Meaford Hall Foundation. There is also great support from local charities, businesses and generous individuals who want to ensure that the local kids see and get involved with live theatre. “Getting donations for Kids in the Meaford Hall is a great story to tell.” says John Hethrington, in charge of fundraising. “Giving all of our local kids the opportunity to be involved in and to see live theatre in Meaford Hall is an easy sell.” This year we already have most of the funding to cover the $12,000 to $13,000 it costs to put on the 2-day show. We pay the full rate to rent Meaford Hall. We have our 10+ years of experience, but we need your help. We have booked Meaford Hall for Thursday, November 30th in the morning and afternoon for 2 performances free for the school kids and another free performance Friday morning December 1st. That night there will be a ticketed performance for adults to help defray our expenses. Everyone is welcome to come and see the kids perform.

This year’s show will again be a Christmas themed story, yet to be finalized. The decision will hinge on the amount of additional support we can get from interested volunteers. All we need are a few more people to join us with their theatrical experience, and/or their enthusiasm, to get the show on the road. If you are interested in participating with us in any way, please give a call to Rhonda Emerson 519-538-2194, or Carol Hethrington 519-5995846.