The last 18 months have been extremely challenging for the performing arts across this country as we all struggled to deal with COVID-19. Many theatre operations have been completely closed for long periods of time because of what faced this country.
Battlefords Community Players did manage to present live theatre to the Battlefords community during these very difficult times, but in a very restricted fashion. Safety of our patrons and our volunteers was most important as well as abiding by all the restrictions of the health departments. We are thankful that we were able to find a way to work within those restrictions and keep everyone healthy.
As we move into 2021-2022 season, we are still faced with the pandemic and have to carefully move forward with the same kind of concern for the safety of our patrons and volunteers. We will continue to maintain smaller audiences, controlled food services and bar service to the tables. We are asking all our patrons to continue to bring masks with them to the theatre and be prepared to abide by any restrictions we may put in place for their safety.
Battlefords Community Players is moving into our 70th year of providing live theatre in the Battlefords with a great season of four productions.
Beginning in October we will present two one act plays written by local playwrights - The Foyer by Barb O’Neal and Cowboys and Actors by the late Eric Anderson with both being directed by Roy J. Challis and performance dates of Oct. 26 to Nov. 5. Presenting locally written plays is not new to the club but in this our 70th year we felt it was really important and something we hope to continue.
The second production of the season is a play written by the very popular Norm Foster, a comedy, Here on the Flight Path, running from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 and directed by Jim Walls.
Leading us into 2022 we offer The Sunshine Boys by Neil Simon, a very funny play that will also be our entry at the provincial TheatreFest 2022. The show will be directed by Darren Olson and performances are from March 22 to April 2, 2022.
The season ends with an award winning British comedy written 40 years ago and being celebrated in England with a country wide tour. The play is Educating Rita by Willy Russell and runs from May 24 to June 4, directed by Donna Challis.
Each of our productions offer two show-only evenings and six evenings of dinner theatre. Season tickets are on sale now and seating is limited.
Battlefords Community Players has been built by many volunteers over the past 70 years and we look forward to many new volunteers to keep it running. No experience is necessary, just an interest in seeing live theatre happen in the Battlefords. Directors and actors are just a small part of what is needed to keep things moving, costumes, sets, makeup, props, lighting, sound, painting, selling tickets, hosting at the shows, reading plays, marketing and just generally helping to keep our club and our building operating. We need you and having fun is the most important part of making theatre happen.
Looking for tickets, want to volunteer, want to find out more about how you can help, just call 446-3133 or 441-3630.
