Community Theatre Thriving in
Province Despite Pandemic
November 23, 2020 (Gander, NL) – Despite live performances being halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, community theatre continues to thrive across Newfoundland and Labrador.
At the recent annual Fall Meeting of the Newfoundland and Labrador Drama Society (NLDS), held virtually on October 24, 2020, the NLDS welcomed two new member groups, The 'Boot' Troupe from Marystown and The Madrock Theatre Troupe from Bay Roberts. The NLDS now boasts 10 groups and approximately 300 volunteer actors, directors, and backstage personnel.
"It’s great to welcome these two new groups to our community theatre family," says NLDS Chair Brian Dove. "It’s great to see that community theatre is now being offered in almost all regions of our province." The two new groups join a membership that includes groups in St. John’s (2), Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Corner Brook, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Labrador West (2).
Due to performance restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NLDS has postponed the 2021 Provincial Drama Festival. However, plans are already in motion for the 2022 festival with The Northcliffe Drama Club in Grand Falls-Windsor set to host the festival in April 2022, at the Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts.
"Northcliffe is one of the Society’s oldest member groups and we’re confident that come April 2022, they’ll be ready to safely welcome the rest of our participating theatre companies to Central Newfoundland and show us the hospitality that they’re known for," says Dove. "We also anticipate being joined in 2022 by members of Madrock Theatre and The 'Boot' Troupe and we look forward to seeing everyone at the Festival again in 2022."
Covid-19 has caused an extended intermission for the annual Festival, but some groups are planning local productions. Corner Brook’s Off Broadway Players produced "Hindsight is 2020" last week and the Avion Players of Gander will offer "Black Comedy", a one-act play by Peter Shaffer in January. Check your local theatres for more information.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Newfoundland and Labrador Drama Society
Brian Dove (Chair) | 709-424-6315 | briandove95@gmail.com
The Boot Troupe – Marystown
Levi Curtis | 709-832-4342 | levicurtis59@gmail.com
Madrock Theatre Troupe – Bay Roberts
Lynne Strong | 709-589-7156 | lynne@strongdrivers.ca.com
