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Participants prepare for the Festival of Performing Arts

For 67 years Powell River has held an event to showcase the talents of its residents

Speech arts form the newest discipline for Powell River Festival of Performing Arts that has taken place since the early 1940s.

From elementary students to seniors, participants have been on stage for the past three days, displaying their speaking abilities. From choral speaking, poetry, impromptu and prepared speeches, there has been a wide range of selections presented.

“After the participants, the highest involvement is our volunteers,” said festival co-chair John Hall, a member of the Rotary Club of Powell River which helps organize the event. A committee of Rotarians and non-Rotarians works for months behind the scenes to ensure the festival’s success. “Everyone is eager to help.”

Vocal and choral sessions take place February 24 to 26 at Evergreen Theatre, with the exception of vocal jazz which is scheduled for February 24 at Max Cameron Theatre, Brooks Secondary School.

“A popular session is Broadway Show Tunes and Music from the Movies,” explained Hall. “It happens on Saturday night at 7 pm in Evergreen Theatre. Many of the participants wear costumes and use props that make it an audience favourite.”

Band and instrumental sessions are held at Max Cameron from February 28 through March 2. Pianists take to the stage at Evergreen from March 2 to 4. Strings sessions are March 6 and 7, again at Evergreen. Details, including times and performers, can be found at www.clubrunner.ca/powellriver.

“All during the festival, organizers are looking for performances to be repeated at the Grand Concert on March 9,” John said, adding, “It’s the only part of the festival where there are tickets required. For all the other sessions, admission is by donation.”

Tickets are on sale at Powell River Academy of Music, Breakwater Books and Coffee or at the door.

Adjudicators can recommend participants to move on to Performing Arts BC, the provincial festival where they attend workshops to learn even more about their disciplines. Donations received help those participants with their travel costs.