NEWSLETTER

GIBSONS LANDING HERITAGE
SOCIETY

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

• Showcase of the Performing Arts (SOPA)

• Why I Volunteer

• More Reasons to Volunteer

• The Landscape Challenge

• The Little Theatre That Could!

• Thank You Volunteers

• Membership Application

The 2nd Annual Showcase of the Performing Arts (SOPA) celebrates original Coastal talent from July 2 - 19, at Heritage Playhouse. Kicking off with "A Taste of Things to Come," the Gala Opening Night Benefit Performance on July 2, the treats flow through the first three weeks of July, celebrating virtually every aspect of the Coastal arts scene. The Heritage Playhouse's wonderful acoustics and great lighting effects enhance not only musical performances, but theatre as well - as audiences will appreciate when they attend the Watersyde Trilogy (July 3 & 4) of three short plays (including the deeply moving "Morning in Nazareth.")

This year, young people are particularly well-represented among the performers.

The Coast Fiddlers celebrate the end of another successful Celtic Music Camp with a Ceilidh evening of great traditional music July 5. Will the audience be able to stay in their seats? Will the building withstand all those feet tapping to the music's infectious rhythm? Get your tickets for this performance early - it always sells out quickly.

An evening of dance selections from jazz to classical ballet performed by the young students of Dominique's School of Dance on July 12 will also sell out quickly; call Dominique at 604.886.0020 to reserve yours!

A Young Poets' Party on July 15 features an original poetry "slam" for ages 13 - 19, and brings a fresh new appreciation and approach to this genre enhanced by music, refreshments, and a fun attitude. For more information or to participate, call 604.886.4988 or e-mail creators_inc@dccnet.com.

The Sunshine Coast Film Society hosts an evening devoted to Youth in Film. SCFS selections are always out of the ordinary, and "Film at 8" is no exception -- an electrifying evening of innovative, exciting and original

cinema from the creative minds of our own young people. Reserve tickets online at: www.box19.com/scfs.

Evenings devoted to performance of original music and original drama (the latter will be "dramatized readings") showcase new work by the Coast's best composers and authors.

And speaking of authors, internationally acclaimed writers will provide an evening of readings from their recently-published work.

Bring your teddy bear to Graham Walker's Sunday afternoon Teddy Bears'

Picnic Concert for Kids on July 6. The following week, Jean Pierre Makosso brings back "Uncontrollable Laughter" for a single Sunday matinee. These are two great afternoon concerts for the whole family.

Evenings of great music with Berni G and Frenz, Lowry Olafson and Jim Stanton, the Ten Bear Bluegrass Night, and jazz with a Latin beat ensure that the hills will be alive with the sound of music in July.

The Driftwood Players have the traditional "last word" with a comedy revue of sketches and satire, Coastal style. This year,

the mélange is entitled "Hither and Yon." Always fun, and a great way to spend a summer evening.

Performances start at 8 p.m. nightly (Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.) and all tickets are $10, except for the semi-formal Gala Opening Night Benefit Performance "A Taste of Things to Come." At $20 each (including wine and cheese reception) these tickets are almost sold out. Call the Playhouse at 604.886.8998 to reserve yours.

July, 2003 and the Showcase of the Performing Arts in beautiful uptown Gibsons -- why vacation anywhere else?

I volunteer at the Heritage Playhouse on a regular basis. Why would I , you ask: spend my limited spare time making coffee, selling goodies, taking tickets, seeing people to their seats, and even checking washrooms. I do this for several reasons.

1. I believe very strongly in the concept and the need for a theatre in Gibsons.

2. I really enjoy the contact with the many people I get to greet at the theatre.

3. I enjoy being involved with the many varieties of production that come to the theatre.

4. It is really fun to work with the great number of people who also come to volunteer at the theatre.

5. As an added bonus, whenever I work at the theatre, I get to see the production as an audience member.

The procedure for volunteering is simple. Paula Kelly the theatre Volunteer coordinator phones me and tells me which shows are coming to the theatre. I choose shows I want to see and the dates that meet my schedule. I can also choose whether I want to do the tickets at the door, the concession or usher.

The first time I volunteered I was able to work with an experienced person and the procedure and chores were cheerfully explained to me. I am always free to say that I am unavailable. I only volunteer for what I want to do and when I want to do it!! I always enjoy my experiences and recommend volunteering to anyone who wants to meet people, be involved in a great community project or see and hear many of the wonderful production. I hope to see you working at the Heritage Playhouse. I know you won't regret it. Submitted by Karen Careless.

Although the audience sees a variety of performances at the Heritage Playhouse, for the GLHS the Playhouse is a rental facility with many years to go before it will make money. Presently, the rent earned goes towards upkeep: heating, electricity, water insurance etc.; but mainly our outstanding loan. Until this is paid off--long down the road, all the work to Maintain and run the Playhouse must be done by volunteers. Its not unusual on a Wednesday morning to run into a director, wearing rubber gloves and wielding toilet brush and spray bottle or another with mop and bucket or vacuum cleaner. This is an ongoing occurrence at the Playhouse and this is how our Playhouse maintains its sparkle! The workers in the concession--volunteers! The baking sold there--usually volunteer baking!. The crew seen outside planting and weeding--more volunteers!

OUR TREE GIFT: (prunus pasardic nigra) is 4 double flowering cherry trees with bronze foliage in Autumn provided by Sunshine Coast Nursery at a kindly low cost and with expert advice. The trees were bought and donated generously by : Gail Brachat, Judith Donnelly, Renata Johnson, Sue Milne, Arlene Stuart and planted vigorously by: Oz Austin, Doug Elson, Gail Brachat, and Judith Donnelly.

THE VOLUNTEERS: Who dig, pull weed, plant and water must be applauded. They are: John Diplock, Gail Brachat, Judith Donnelly, Colleen Elson, Pat Elliott, Kay jack, Renate Johnson, Eileen Kinne, Maura McFadden, Sue Milne, Arlene Stuart, Carol Tiessen, Dayna White, Ed White, and Beryl Ann Wright. Plant donors have been the hopes and reality of our work. Thank you so much for your generosity and enthusiasm. Submitted by Judith Donnelly

By becoming a member of the Society you will be helping to support the Heritage Playhouse as well as other heritage projects we will be undertaking. An additional donation to the Society, or directly for the Playhouse project, will help enormously in continuing the successful life of this great little theatre.

Name: ____________________________________ Phone: ____________________

Mailing Address: _________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Membership ($10): ________ Donation to GLHS: $_________  Donation to Playhouse: ___________

Volunteer_________________

Please make cheques payable to:
Gibsons Landing Heritage Society and mail to: RR#9 662 North Rd, Gibsons, B.C. V0N 1V9