ACT’s first production ends on a high note

 

 

By Taylor Busch

Staff Reporter

 

The last showing of West Side Story took place last weekend at the Olde Walkerville Theatre in Windsor.  It was the first of many performances for Arts Collective Theatre, a new non-profit organization looking to enhance Windsor-Essex County through theatre.

ACT was started a few years ago by a group of theatre artists, social activists and educators.  This group has worked together since then to create and follow through on various dramatic and social justice projects.  Artistic Director Chris Rabideau said one of the main objectives of ACT is to mentor students of all ages in different roles throughout a production.  This is why he chose a challenging play like West Side Story to begin with.

“This show was not easy to direct.  It’s one of the hardest shows in the world to direct,” said Rabideau.  “It has been a hard road, but a road worth taking and we’ve done a great job.”

Students from St. Clair College and the University of Windsor partnered with many high schools around the city played to contribute to the play both on and off the stage.  Maria was played by Grade 10 student Miya Moorris from Vincent Massey Secondary School in Windsor.  Moorris, who has never acted before, said she was honoured to be chosen by ACT and hopes to continue working with the group in the future.

“I’ve never taken a drama class, I’ve never taken acting but I auditioned anyways and now I’m so grateful to Chris Rabideau for this opportunity,” said Moorris.

Theatre owner Mary Lambros also said she is happy to be working with ACT.  According to her, Walkerville residents are starting to support the arts more because they no longer have to travel downtown to see a good show.

“We had great crowds, we had three sell-out nights and we think there are a lot of new people who came to see the theatre,” said Lambros.  “I think going forward, people are going to know you better buy your tickets in advance or you’re going to be standing outside for a long time.”

With more events in the works including a social justice play scheduled for the spring, Rabideau said ACT will need more volunteers to keep going.  Supporters looking to donate their time or money to ACT directly can do so by contacting Arts Collective Theatre or the Olde Walkerville Theatre at their respective websites.

 

 

INFO BOX

http://actwindsor.com/

http://www.oldewalkervilletheatre.com/