Townsite Actors Guild is a new theatre company that promises to bring new and innovative theatre to Powell River.
The guild was created in 2018 and according to its founders, Stephen and Stephanie Miller, "the theatre company will be a point of entry into the theatre world for people who used to do theatre or always wanted to experiment in theatre. Our vision is to create a theatre experience that is entertaining, diverse and affordable."
In 2018, Townsite Actors Guild presented Cock Talk to sellout crowds and enthusiastic audiences. This year the theatre company is presenting a short play by Don Nigro called Crossing the Bar, as well as a full-length Steve Martin comedy called Meteor Shower, both in conjunction with the Expose Yourself Festival.
When Stephen and Stephanie decided to retire full time in Powell River they wanted to be part of a theatre scene that was community focused and driven.
“Creating the Townsite Actors Guild allows us to invite actors from all walks of life in Powell River to participate in new experiences on the stage,” said Stephanie. “We hope to challenge the norms of viewership and expectations."
According to Stephen, Townsite Actors Guild will produce plays that will be both traditional in the form of classics as well as subjects that test the boundaries.
“We want to push the edge of the envelope and be on the fringe” he said. “Our goal is to create an experience that will entertain, educate and challenge the minds of our audiences."
Stephen and Stephanie have extensive backgrounds in both theatre and film. Stephanie was formally trained as a professional actress at the Dawson College Theatre Program and with teachers such as Janet Alhanti in Los Angeles. She has acted in feature films, television and theatre in Montreal, Toronto, California and Florida.
Stephen has a background in film and television owning movie theatres as well as producing and writing feature films and television. Throughout his career in entertainment and not-for-profit organizations, Stephen said he has always strived to meld his business background with his entertainment experience by being involved in positive, feel-good experiences that enhance and add to the livability of the community his family lives in.
Powell River has a wonderful history of theatre through companies such as Theatre Now and Far Off Broadway, said Stephen.
"There is so much talent in this town from actors and writers to behind-the-scenes directors, set decorators, lighting and sound people,” he added. “Everyone is so positive and so giving of their time to help. Because of all the volunteers wanting to be involved and such receptive audiences, this is a great place to try new ideas and present cutting-edge theatre."
Meteor Shower is a new Steve Martin comedy being presented by the Townsite Actors Guild on April 11, 12 and 13 at McKinney's Pub. Door and bar opens at 6:30 pm; show starts at 8 pm.
It is “theatre of the absurd” and promises to be a thought-provoking night of laughter, said Stephanie.
Tickets are $20 and available at Base Camp, Townsite Brewery and at the door.
