With classes underway, it’s safe to say 2024/25 is shaping up to be our best year yet – and it’s literally our biggest! This year marks our most registrations ever, and we have expanded our class offerings. We have an exciting year ahead of us.
September kicked off the start of kids classes, and our longstanding partnership event where members of OST participate in Beechwood’s Annual Living Library. The Living Library is always rewarding for our actors, who perform short scenes at the gravesites of the honourees to share their stories. In addition to the privilege of sharing these individuals’ legacies, a number of our students were interviewed by CBC and CTV Ottawa. While being in the press isn’t the reason we create theatre, it is always special when we can share it with others who may not otherwise know it.
The Fall All Ages Play, The Island of Lost Memories: A Christmas Mystery Heist, is an original play written by our very own Board member, volunteer, and actor Bruce Deachman, and his writing partner Joanna Henry. The play follows a detective duo as they assist a client find her lost memories, which she insists have been stolen. Will they find the memories by Christmas? You’ll have to come see the show, directed by our Artistic Director Megan Piercey Monafu, at the Richcraft Theatre from November 28 to December 1.
As our community continues to grow, we also look back and celebrate how far we have come. Spring 2025 will mark the 20th anniversary of our multigenerational community project, the All Ages Plays! We couldn’t think of a better way to honour this beloved tradition than by welcoming back our former Artistic Director, the legend herself, Kathi Langston, to direct this special production. Not only that, but we will be doing her rendition of Anne of Green Gables. Her one request: no one be turned away from being a part of this production. If you’ve ever wanted to get involved in our All Ages Plays, this is an excellent opportunity!
In the lead up to the Anne of Green Gables production, which will run June 6-8, 2025, we will be hosting a fundraising extravaganza in April. More information will be available closer to the date, but we can guarantee it is going to be a day full of fun!
Beyond that, we are excited to offer the Kathi Langston Post-Secondary Scholarship to students moving on to performing arts study in post-secondary, and the Kids in the Spotlight Grant, which allows five students to attend a summer camp of their choice. You can be a part of someone’s theatre journey by donating to either of these wonderful programs at any time.
Thanks for being on this theatre journey with us!
