Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, May 1, 2025
Vice-President Olaf chaired the meeting.
Before lunch, guest Neil Robbins was welcomed
Olaf reminded Rotarians of the invitation to attend the Sea Cadet Corps Annual Ceremonial Review on Monday, May 5 at 6pm at the Gallipoli Armoury.
Guest Speaker
Program Chair Linda introduced and welcomed speaker Stephen Perchard who oversaw the 2023 Provincial Drama Festival which took place in Corner Brook at the Arts and Culture Centre from April 20 – 26. The festival was hosted by the Off-Broadway Players.
Stephen began by asking the question “What is the Drama Festival and what is the importance of Community Theatre” and how both include two important factors Education and the Arts.
Stephen began by speaking of how he became involved with drama and community theatre and the impact on his life. His first involvement in the Drama Festival was in 2004. Provincial Drama Festivals began 75 years ago and this year in Corner Brook the 73rd Festival was held. There had been a couple of years without a festival due to the pandemic. He commented that each year the festival gets better. The festival holds full length plays from community theatre groups from across Newfoundland and Labrador. The festival is held in the Arts and Culture Centres across the province. He spoke of how in 2004 there was a public Sector strike, so the festival plays were held in a movie theatre which is not the usual venue for live actors, but the festival went ahead successfully.
Stephen continued by looking at why this festival is so important. Strong lifelong friendships are one result which are reconnected each year. The festival has created a family of artists provincially that support each other even though the festival itself is competitive. Live theatre offers a very rich unique emotional experience in a very personal manner. It is really storytelling in its original form.
He continued by looking at the importance of community theatre to the province and how the Drama Festival nurtures this. It helps to build the next generation of artists, and many professional actors started with their involvement in drama festivals. He mentioned that at the provincial drama festival awards and scholarships are given to help young people further their training.
Stephen went on to speak of the adjudications and how they are held after each show. He commented that it is like going to theatre school for a week. He talked about the long days for the cast and crew before and after each show.
He finished his talk by looking at the value of community theatre and encouraged Rotarians to attend the Off-Broadway Players community musical in the fall.
Stephen answered several questions before being thanked by Verbon for his excellent and interesting talk.
The meeting was adjourned at 1.30pm