Gearing up for an evening of reconnecting with old friends, Tree House Youth Theatre staff are organizing an alumni open house at the Scott Block on Oct. 25.
The event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Folks are encouraged to bring along their memories and Tree House memorabilia while ‘connecting with old friends and making new ones.’
It’s an ideal time to hold this event with the troupe’s 25th anniversary coming up in 2013, said Matt Gould, artistic director.
“With 25 years of history in the community, there are lots of people around who have been involved with Tree House Youth Theatre,” said Gould. “It’s got a far-reaching and deep connection to the community.
“I’d love it if they would bring memorabilia with them connected to what shows they were in,” he added. “We also may have an open microphone for people to talk about what shows they were in, and some of their memories of Tree House.
“These people are part of our past, and part of our legacy. We’d also like to invite them to be part of our present and part of our future.”
Tree House Youth Theatre is a non-profit organization that has been providing performing arts training for youth and live productions in Red Deer since 1988. Youth ages six to 17 are invited to participate.
Productions over the years have included award-winning performances in the Kiwanis Performing Arts Festival and one-act plays as well as You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Alice in Wonderland, Santa and the Wicked Wazoo, The Magic Toy Shop, Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Fiddler on the Roof, Jr.
Gould has always been extremely dedicated to bringing out the very best in his casts; he challenges them to put their all into each performance. Many young people have returned year after year to learn and grow through the programs and productions offered through Tree House Youth Theatre.
“We get all these returning kids, so that means they are getting super great chops as performers, and they’re all really dedicated to the program, to us and to each other.”
And Red Deerians are treated to consistent, quality theatrical experiences each time the troupe hits the stage.
Looking down the road, Gould said the troupe is planning to expand training opportunities by launching another nine to 11-year-old program in the coming months. “Part of it is about increasing our reach, and starting to give younger performers who are interested some quality theatre arts training,” he said.
“We are looking at finding ways for not only kids to have rewarding, authentic experiences, but also to move it along in a more professional vein in the sense of how do you break down a script? How do you develop character?”
Meanwhile, the organization is gearing up for their Christmas show, and this year they are taking bookings for the ‘Winter Wonderland Christmas Party’ which includes all kinds of holiday treats plus a theatrical variety show. Dates are Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and Dec. 7-8. To book a space or a table, contact Janet Cole at treehousetheatre@gmail.com or call 403-986-0631.
For more information about programming and events, check out www.treehouseyouththeatre.ca.
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