Here's a great opportunity for interested folks to be involved in a 'community theatre' type experience throughout the upcoming season at O'Keefe Ranch. This is from Diane, a Powerhouse member... read on...!
My name is Diane Llewelyn-Jones and I am the new “Guest Experience Coordinator” at the O'Keefe Ranch and as such I am responsible for what is experienced and remembered by visitors to the Ranch. I hold a Masters in Theatre Performance Studies, am an actor, playwright, director, and choreographer. I have worked in theatres in National parks in the U.S. and owned my own company in the Waterton National Park, Alberta.
I am new to the Vernon area, although I spent every summer of my childhood at my grandparent’s cabin near Fintry, so my bodily presence is new but not my heart! I have visited the Ranch as a child, and it has always stirred my imagination and solidified my love for period pieces and passion for period fidelity.
The vision that I pitched and was hired to bring to the O’Keefe Ranch is a change from a 'third person' guided museum approach to a 'first person', living history storytelling experience. (Think Barkerville or Fort Steele to get the spirit of it).
This was to be accomplished by hiring actor/Interpreters as a core group of role-players through monies obtained from Government grants. This last Friday 16th we were informed that none of these grants would be awarded. However, the importance of the Ranch to our community and the opportunity it affords families to visit an outside attraction during these COVID times is vital.
And so, I turn to you, our artistic and theatrical community, to solicit an offering of your talents to the Ranch this season, because what is also vital is the survival and vibrancy of Theatre Arts, which we've all been starved of for more than a year. I see this as a tremendous opportunity to showcase the power of storytelling and the privilege of being a part of it (not to mention a whole lot of fun!). COVID health safety protocols are in place and will be provided.
There are many roles to play, from postmaster to milk maids, schoolteachers to star crossed lovers, travelling snake oil salesmen to Nannies, and whatever else we can think of! Any actor under 15 may need to be accompanied by an adult. Under 12 will need a joint adult participation. If you are an adult and would like to involve your children, or have a babe in arms and would like to have them dressed in period, bring them along!!
The Ranch opens in about three weeks’ time – on Mother’s Day weekend – and will run from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays – Sundays. The days to be divided in two shifts, 10:00 – 1:00 and 1:00 – 4:00, but you are more than welcome to stay a full day – or all week – or all summer….! You are invited to provide a one-time three hour offering or ongoing performance slots according to your schedule.
Please contact roleplay
@okeeferanch.ca to receive an information packet, submit any questions or concerns, arrange for casting and availability and costume fitting times and period dramaturgical instructions. Welcome to a whole summer of fun, doing theatre, and blessing our community with our talents.
