Spotlight: Spring 2024

A video message from Diane Llewelyn-Jones
Powerhouse President

Meet The Exquisite Hour Cast and Crew

The Exquisite Hour will be showcased at
Powerhouse Theatre from May 1-5 & 8-11

~ Don’t miss this enchanting show ~

Kristine Larsen and Paul Philps rehearse a scene from The Exquisite Hour

Director

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

CAST

DESIGN TEAM

TECHNICAL TEAM

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Powerhouse Family Performance Announcement

Powerhouse Members, please look for your invitation to arrive soon!

2024/2025 Powerhouse Season Announcement!

On behalf of the Powerhouse Board and Artistic Committee [Brandice Mohr, Chris Marioni, Kristine Larsen, Morgan Hillis & Sharilyn Poole], we are so pleased to announce the upcoming season of productions at Powerhouse Theatre.

FALL 2024

A CHRISTMAS STORY – adapted by Philip Grecian

Directed by Jackson Mace

Based on the classic 1983 movie, humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case before his mother, his teacher and even Santa Claus himself at Higbee’s Department Store. The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the family’s temperamental exploding furnace; Scut Farkas, the school bully; the boys’ experiment with a wet tongue on a cold lamppost; the Little Orphan Annie decoder pin; Ralphie’s father winning a lamp shaped like a woman’s leg in a net stocking; Ralphie’s fantasy scenarios and more!

WINTER 2025

OPHELIA CHOOSES – by Buddy White

Directed by Joan Sasges

In this delightful comedy/drama, a modern-day playwright and feminist mysteriously enters the world of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in an effort to right the wrongs suffered by the character Ophelia. Using a mix of Shakespeare’s lines, some new iambic pentameter, and modern vernacular, Ophelia (often hilariously) discovers her opportunities to grow as an independent woman. Ophelia becomes the architect of her own fate as she learns to stand up to those who would control her, including friends and foes of both the classic and modern varieties. She even ultimately confronts the Immortal Bard himself, revealing the short shrift given many heroines of literature and the complexities faced by modern women. A play for those who love Shakespeare (or not!), for those who know Shakespeare (or most definitely not!), and for everyone who wants to enjoy a fun romp at the theatre!

SPRING 2025 (Okanagan Zone Festival Entry)

RADIUM GIRLS – by D.W. Gregory

Directed by Adele Kuyek

In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie was an international celebrity, and luminous watch dials were the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer, a dial painter, as she fights for her day in court. Her chief adversary is her former employer, Arthur Roeder, an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. As the case goes on, Grace finds herself battling not just the U.S. Radium Corporation, but her own family and friends who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire. Written with warmth and humor, Radium Girls is a fast-moving, highly theatrical ensemble piece for 9-10 actors, who play more than 30 parts—friends, co-workers, lovers, relatives, attorneys, journalists, scientists, consumer advocates, and myriad interested bystanders.

Look forward to seeing these amazing productions next season!

Meet Our 2024/2025 Season Directors

BIO:

I’ve been involved with this magical little theatre for 28 years. Hey…it got me a lifetime membership! It all began as a bumbling cop in 1995’s Arsenic & Old Lace. Since then I’ve appeared in…well “starred” in, designed for or directed a grand total of 20 productions! Thank goodness for acting, designing and directing because I really don’t know how to do anything else! Whenever a kid’s show surfaces, I seem to get the nod. Should I have chosen teaching?? But I must say, juggling that teaching career, a passion for theatre, a love for music and, of course, my family has made mine “A Wonderful Life”!

DIRECTOR’S HOPE:

Having spent my early years in Thunder Bay, I vaguely remember being challenged to stick my tongue out and touch it to a metal pole. I’m not sure what guided my decision, but as fate would have it, I abstained. And although my wife has a rather extensive menagerie of lamps, I am delighted to report that none of them involve a woman’s leg in a fishnet stocking. In 1983, Jean Shepherd used these and other “life props” to co-script and narrate the much beloved movie A Christmas Story. His gift for sharing priceless anecdotes from another era has made that film a yearly tradition for so many of us. Powerhouse Theatre is very proud to present Philip Grecian’s wonderful adaptation of this timeless tale. This holiday season, it is our pleasure to welcome you aboard a time machine to a kinder gentler time. Please enjoy A Christmas Story.

BIO:

I’ve been entangled with the Powerhouse Theatre since I left high school. That was a few decades ago (I won’t specify) though the Executive has acknowledged the time by gifting me with a Life Membership, so it’s been plenty. At Powerhouse, I have taken tickets and worked front of house, painted sets, designed a set in a pinch, worked props for shows, worked for set decor, been assistant stage manager, stage manager, and mentored others in both those positions. I have dabbled in light design and assisted in hanging lights for other designers. I have also designed costumes for shows from the analysis of period and character development within the script, to creating the garment from scratch, including improvising patterns as well as delegating to others to complete the garments. Somehow, I always seem to be in on the strike of every show I’ve contributed to, which is a great way to say a sweet good-bye to the latest effort, and can be a way of gaining furniture for your own home in a pinch. (Can anyone say book shelves?) In my spare time, I work on my writing, having submitted plays to competitions and local Artistic Committees for consideration. I am also busy working on the editing of a novel I’ve had on the back burner for too long. For a break, I head out to the garden for some fresh air and the challenge of working with plants that continually outgrow their allotted place in the border.

DIRECTOR’S HOPE:

Over the years I’ve seen many styles of directing, and I hope I’ve picked up some good pointers because this play will demand many skills. We have Shakespearian Iambic pentameters, shifting landscapes and mime, and it’s up to me to direct the best choices. All of this is laced with humor so we can laugh at ourselves even as we make serious decisions. That’s what Ophelia Chooses is about, making our choices and being ready to laugh. I hope our audiences agree.

BIO:

My first theatre experience was taking a tour of Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver back in the 60’s when I was a youngster. I got lost and found myself in a maze of hallways. I was thrilled to learn what was hidden behind the scenes. Years later, that fascination led me into community theatre where I took on every role I could – lighting, sound, set and costume design, and finally into directing and acting. I have directed and designed award-winning productions for over 35 years. My passion for theatre has only grown stronger and I am so proud to be directing next season’s Festival production!

DIRECTOR’S HOPE:

Radium Girls is a true story that took place from 1918 to 1928. This story transcends time. What happened to these girls is still happening today in other industrial settings. It is shocking, thought provoking, and powerful. It is rare to find a script so well written, with such fluidity and strong characters. As soon as I read it, I knew I had to direct it. Transition lighting and scene changes are a passion of mine and this story takes place in a multitude of areas, with a multitude of characters. As a Festival piece goes on to 3 different theatre spaces, the design process becomes even more interesting! Challenging for sure. Challenge accepted! It is my hope that, with the skill set of our tech crew – lighting, set, costumes and sound – we accomplish the fluidity needed with skill and innovation. This story needs to be shared and I hope that the power of this story impacts the audience as it impacted me.

Theatre BC Okanagan Zone Festival at Powerhouse Theatre

May 13 – 18, 2024 ~ Curtain 7:30 each night

Monday 13th

Powerhouse Theatre, Vernon
THE EXQUISITE HOUR

by Stewart Lemoine
By Permission of Playwrights Guild, Canada

Tuesday 14th

Asparagus Community Theatre, Armstrong
STAFF ROOM

by Joan Burrows
By Permission of Playwrights Guild, Canada

Wednesday 15th

Shuswap Theatre, Salmon Arm
OUTSIDE MULLINGAR

by John Patrick Shanley
Presented by special arrangement with Broadway licensing,
LLC servicing the Dramatist Play Service collection www.dramatists.com

Thursday 16th

South Okanagan Amateur Players, Oliver
THE DECEPTION OF KATHRYN VASK

by Mark Steensland
By Permission of Broadway Play Publishing

Friday 17th

South Okanagan Amateur Players, Oliver
HALFWAY THERE

By Norm Foster
By Permission of Playwrights Canada Press

5 plays $110 ~ 3 plays $75 ~ I play $30

www.ticketseller.ca or Phone 250-549-7469

Okanagan Zone Lunch Meeting and Elections

Saturday, May 18 at 12:30 – 2:00 pm

*Please pre-register by Wednesday May 15*

Okanagan Zone Awards Dinner

Saturday, May 18 at The Schubert Centre

Tickets are $55 and are available at Ticket Seller

Director Workshop Announcement

Interested To Learn More About Directing?

Elevate Your Directorial Skills with Powerhouse Theatrical Society’s
Exclusive Workshop!

Dive into the art of stage direction with our upcoming Director’s Workshop, designed exclusively for members of the Powerhouse Theatrical Society. This hands-on workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn from award-winning director Matt Brown, to refine your craft through practical exercises, and to collaborate with fellow theatre enthusiasts. Whether you’re a novice looking to direct your first play or an experienced director aiming to enhance your skills, this workshop is your stage to shine. Don’t miss out on this chance to transform your directorial vision into captivating stage realities. Join us and direct your way to theatrical excellence!

Dates: September 7-8 and 14-15; 6 hours of instruction & practical experience each day
Topics covered will move from pre-production through to opening night.
Pre-registration will be required and spaces will be limited.

Put the dates in your calendar and watch for more information
about this workshop coming soon!

Powerhouse Facility Update
Cara Nunn – VP Facilities

HVAC

After many years of limping along and babysitting the HVAC system for the clubroom and upper level of the auditorium, we have a new system! Thanks to a grant from Kalamalka Rotary, we are now good for the next 20 years!

The install went very smoothly. Arrived at 7am to meet with the installer and the crane arrived with the new unit at 8am. By 10am, it had been put in place and the old one removed. It then took the rest of the day to connect all the vents, wires and controls. By that evening, we were back in business. Thank you to Care Systems for a superb job. And thank you again to Kalamalka Rotary for supporting the Arts!

DOORBELL

We finally have a new doorbell! I know it seems like a minor thing, but for work crews, techs, and folks working alone in the depths of the theatre, this system is critical. Our doorbell had been out of service for some time as we tried to troubleshoot the issues. Turns out, it was also an outdated system that was not able to keep going. Installing a new one required rewiring from the front door to the green room, club room and stage! A major job for our electrician, Harrison Coe. Thank you!!

UPCOMING NEEDS

As we continue to cross off the items on the fire smart aspects of our building, we are looking for steel garage doors for the loading bay, steel or concrete loading dock and stairs, and metal doors for the fire escapes in three spots around the building. If you know of someone who works with these items, please let Cara know

A CLEAN SHOP!

The guys in the shop have spent many days cleaning and sorting the inventory and the scene shop. It looks fabulous and please let’s all try to keep it that way!

Cultural Safety Training Event

~Your Sylix Sisters~

On March 16, 2024, an Indigenous Cultural Safety workshop was powerfully presented by Your Syilx Sisters to Powerhouse members. Held in the Green Room at the Theatre, a traditionally-inspired lunch was also served.

It was a really wonderful day and here are some of the rave reviews we received:

• “I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!”

• “The Sisters were excellent and I felt like I learned a lot of information that can help me when making meaningful and respectful connections with indigenous communities, especially the OKIB.”

• “It was wonderful to have a lovely lunch by BannockSlap as well! Delicious!”

Many thanks go out to Shawna Patenaude and Tanya Laing Gahr for creating this relationship and bringing this experience into our space.

This workshop was the first of many initiatives we hope to have going forward as we create and utilize our Diversity/Inclusion Advisory and Action Committee.

We will keep you posted on our next workshop!

Involvement and Volunteer Opportunities

Preview Night Coordination Committee:

This committee would be working with our President, Diane Llewelyn-Jones and under the guidance of our long standing Preview Coordinator, Val Heuman. If you love reaching out to people, engaging our committee, and making people’s day, this committee is for you! This committee decides which groups of people could be invited to our Preview performances to grow our audiences and thank those who help our theatre.

Diversity/Inclusion Advisory and Action Committee:

This Committee is being formed to promote, underscore, and develop initiatives and programming that would create and expand the knowledge and awareness of the diversity within our artistic and urban community. These initiatives have already started with our relaxed performances and the Indigenous cultural safety workshop. We see how beneficial a committee overseeing these projects and preparations could be. We would also like to grow these beginnings and make available to our membership relaxed performance workshops, the workings of hearing and visual aid assists programming and initiatives, cultural and sexual orientation safety protocols and workshops, mobility and memory workshops/ initiatives, and a continuation of awareness and inclusivity which brings our communities together.

Season Celebration Committee:

A committee is being formed to create the 2023/2024 Season Celebration to be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024. It will consist of preparing a celebration for our membership and the casts and crews from each of this season’s shows. We will be gathering photos from all three shows, creating some awards, having refreshments and fun games – whatever we think of! Diane Llewelyn-Jones and Eileen Podanowski are chairing this committee.

Workshop Coordinator:

Organize attendees, work with the presenter and their needs, prepare the physical space for the workshop, clean up and report. This job would be activated in April in assisting the Artistic Committee and the Diversity/Inclusion Committee with their workshop initiatives.

If you are interested in helping out, please indicate your interest through email to:
info@powerhousetheatre.net

New Powerhouse Theatre Members

We extend a warm welcome to the following new members. We are delighted that you have joined the Powerhouse community!

• Audrey Sutton
• Carlayne
• Chris Iversen
• CJ Claeys
• Colin Baxter
• Deborah Anne Kloegman
• Debra Sather
• Gerald Dawe
• Hannah Ramis
• Kristine Kraus
• Paul Kloegman

The Importance of Being Earnest – RECAP

From Director Emily MacArthur

In our recent production of the Importance of Being Earnest, we embarked on an exhilarating journey filled with camaraderie and talent. From the outset, it was evident that we had assembled a stellar group to work with, each member bringing their unique skills and passion to the table. Our team was comprised of dedicated individuals who faced formidable challenges head-on, particularly with the construction and movement of a large set. However, the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of our crew ensured that every obstacle was overcome seamlessly.

Another memorable hurdle came in the form of food onstage, including some infamously dry muffins. But thanks to the resourcefulness and professionalism of our props master, Morgan Hillis, who devoted countless hours to perfecting every detail, the show went on (almost) without a hitch.

Despite the challenges, the bond forged among the actors remained strong, blossoming into lasting friendships that extended beyond the stage. The fruits of our labor were reflected in the numerous sold-out shows, each performance brimming with energy and enthusiasm. Overall, the production was a testament to the power of teamwork, perseverance, and passion for the craft. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

The Powerhouse Family/Member Show Social for

The Importance of Being Earnest

This event was a huge success! High Tea with all the trimmings, lots of visiting and memories shared, compliments expressed, and loads of laughs! What a great way to lend our support and get to know one another and our cast and crew’s families.

Thanks to our committee and helpers – Arlene and Bob Spearman, Mike and Maureen Ruscheinsky, Diana Horsley, Helene Clark, Sarah McLean, Joan Sasges,and Diane Llewelyn-Jones.

Blast From The Past – Two-Handers

The upcoming play at Powerhouse, The Exquisite Hour, features just two actors. Over the years, Powerhouse Theatre has had the opportunity to showcase many other plays that were written to be performed by two actors. Enjoy this trip down memory lane in remembering some of them.

THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT – 1968

SLEUTH – 1977

NIGHT MOTHER – 1989

SAME TIME NEXT YEAR – 1990

OLEANNA – 2000

THE COLOR OF HEAT – 1990

WRONG FOR EACH OTHER – 2002

TALLY’S FOLLY – 2005

TRYING – 2007

SAME TIME ANOTHER YEAR – 2008

THE MONUMENT – 2010

WOMAN IN BLACK – 2011 (although, don’t forget “The Woman”…)

SALTWATER MOON – 2015

HIM AND HER – 2017

CHANGE OF HEART – 2021