Bare Oaks Players did it again and successfully presented 5
live theatre performances and with full participation of the Bare Oaks Family
Naturist Park members and visitors. BRAVO!
Our first production
“Tiffany and The Genie” written by Jeffrey Fiske, inspired by “The Fisherman
and The Genie”, was presented 4 times this summer, fully sponsored by SBITS
Productions.
We had the pleasure of hosting the author Jeffrey Fiske and
hope to produce future shows together in the future.
It would not have been a success without the leadership of
Judy Mitchell, Director and Assistant producer and the dedication of the two
young performers Melissa and Ally.
A picture from one of our rehearsal says it all.
Congratulations cast and crew.
Playbill One:
“As night to the Day” by Dan Ebbs, Directed by: Marc
Bernardi
A wonderful little one act play that uses warmth and humour
as it explores the many emotions
experienced by those inflicted with Alzheimer’s and by those who are
close to them. We share a morning in the life of Winnifred Ashcroft, her son
Michael who is watching after her, Winnie’s neighbour Tara, and a former
student who has a lesson to teach everyone.
We played to three sold out houses and were fortunate enough
to have the playwright, Dan Ebbs, come to closing night.
“The Death of Me” by
Norm Foster, Directed by: Royce Nettleton
This is a one act play by Norm Foster, one of Canada’s most
successful playwrights. John dies unexpectedly and convinces the Angel of Death
he should be able to return to earth so that he can die in a more orderly
fashion. He is granted his wish but with a novel condition attached, he must
tell off his ex-fiancé. The audiences loved this play and there were cheers
throughout as the surprise ending unfolded.
Two short one act plays that lead the audience through
various emotions. The cast and crew worked for 8 weeks to prepare polished work
before presenting to sold out audiences at each of the three performance
nights.
This one act night was focused on Canadian playwrights with
Dan Ebbs from London, Ontario attending closing night of his play.
Playbill Two:
“10,000 Cigarettes” written by Alex Broun, Directed by:
Royce Nettleton
Did you ever want to know how a connoisseur of cigarettes
feels? Why people start to smoke and why they keep on smoking? Did you ever
want to know the single best way to quit smoking? Then you would have loved
this tightly choreographed little gem. A
surprisingly intricate work, the cast of this production were superb, keeping
the audience highly entertained and amused. Thanks to Alex Broun for writing
such a fun piece.
“Upton Manor” written
by Dave A., Directed by: Marc Bernardi
Arguably the hit of the season, this play was written by one
of our own members. It is a parody based on Downton Abbey, with touches of the
Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park deftly woven in to create a hilarious one act
play that kept the audience in stitches from start to end. Thanks to the cast
for their hard work, and to Stéphane for stepping in and playing a
caricature of himself to the delight of the writer and the audience.
“I really
enjoyed participating in one of the plays put on by the Bare Oaks Players. It
was my first time as an actor and I found it very different from my other
experiences. While I’m quite used to public speaking, this was markedly
different because I had to memorize lines and play the part of someone else.
(albeit someone very similar to me) I was surprised by how nervous I was before
each show. But ultimately it was wonderful to be part of the evolving Bare Oaks
Players. With each season, the sophistication of the plays, sets, and equipment
is increasing. It’s all wonderful to see because the development of this and
other cultural initiatives means that we are developing a more complete
naturist society.” Stéphane
Deschênes
Thanks to the cast and crew for all of these plays. Your
enthusiasm and dedication made this the best season ever. The one theme that
came through from these people, regardless of which play(s) they were engaged
in, was the fun they had putting together an evening of entertainment for their
family and friends. Half of them had never been in theatre before, but they are
sold on it now, and we look forward to welcoming them back next year.
This final playbill really stole the
summer. With a cast of 7 characters, complex production requirements (including
period costumes), limited stage space AND a never done play before, I think
that everyone involved should be proud of the final results.
See for yourself. Two pictures, 7 cast.
A bit about our next thoughts
During the colder months of the year, SBITS Productions will
be conducting various theatre workshops. The objective is to propagate the
knowledge across the Bare Oaks Players members and augment our production
capacity and capability.
We started in 2012 with a very small nucleus of thespians
(5) and we need to continue to attract members that have the same passion that
we have.
We want to specifically gain subject matter experts in
lighting, sound, stage management and production management. Did you know that a simple cue missed during
the show, can dramatically diminish the message and intent of the author. A good production must have focused
technicians. They are integral to the success of a production. Don’t kid yourself, cast members.
Potential workshops:
·
DMX
Operation: Basic Terminology
·
Sound: Basic Operation
·
Lights: Basic handling and Operation
·
Fog Machine: Operation and Care of
·
Stage Projection
·
Set design
·
Directing
Bare Oaks Players will also be calling for a reading of plays in early 2016.
Standby for confirmation of dates.
We hope to see you at Bare Oaks for this event.
If you want to direct and/or submit a play for
consideration, please send to bop@bareoaks.ca as soon as possible.
