By Melanie Minty, arts columnist
SURREY — It’s not how many moments you live, but how you live those moments. Life does get hectic, and sometimes – actually most of the time – we forget to live those moments. And don’t tell me about Facebook or other social media, I mean just living in this moment and making the most of it.
At the Community Theatre Coalition’s gala awards night last Saturday (Sept. 9), two people were recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards. It was a moment to remember all the great moments Carol Seitz and Mike Busswood have contributed to the art of community theatre. Years and years of choreography from Carol, and Mike’s magic touch, both as an actor and director, have resonated through our arts community, and a moment of recognition was well deserved.
Chatting with Carol, I remarked how we were getting older. Her response (she collects quotes) was, “and there are those who are not granted the privilege.”
Well, there was another moment. We are still here. Besides patiently teaching me how to tap dance (I sort of get it), Carol had a great influence on many people, including my daughter, Keri Minty, now a dance instructor, performer and choreographer. Of course, it’s personal. We are talking moments here.
In her speech about Carol, Keri said, “I would not be who I am today, personally or professionally, without this woman.” She reminded us of the many times Carol kept believing in her, when she doubted herself. Moments. Take enough of these moments, and we can see the impact and importance of how we choose to live the next moments.
Busswood has so many successes in his career in community theatre, you wouldn’t think he needed any more acclaim. Mike has not only made on-stage contributions to community theatre, but has served on the executive for Langley Players Club, White Rock Players and Surrey Little Theatre. Even with health challenges, Mike makes his moments count. It would take a big book to tell his story. All I can say is, thanks Mike, for all those moments. I have learned life lessons from you.
CLICK HERE to view the list of 2017 Community Theatre Coalition award winners.
Community theatre is a lovely place for people to “play.” It always amazes me how many people devote so many of their life’s moments to theatre when they don’t actually get paid for the privilege. It is a huge time commitment to stage any play or musical theatre production. For many people who would like to be involved with theatre, but just don’t have the time, Surrey’s Naked Stage Productions Society has an answer for you.
Naked Stage is a reader’s theatre, meaning no sets or costumes, and minimal rehearsal. The actors sit on stage and read from the script. Sounds kind of boring – like, people sitting around reading – but it is actually quite captivating. I recommend it. This new season of Naked Stage starts with Poor Richard, written by Jean Kerr (who also wrote Please Don’t Eat the Daisies). This dramatic comedy features Naked Stage regulars Deanna Gray, Croy Jenkins and George Stone, alongside newcomers Diane Jamieson and Neil Lawton. Performances at Newton Cultural Centre are on Sept. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door and at brownpapertickets.com, or visit nakedstage.net for details.
Yes, you want to see the show, and then maybe get involved with the production end of things. “We need help on show days, input to the board of directors, and assistance with ongoing and new projects,” says Jim Trimble, a co-founder of Naked Stage. Interested, sort of, maybe? Could be some great moments there. Contact Jim at entertainment@nakedstage.net.
I totally understand that some of you would rather sing than act. Your moments are in music. But you think you really aren’t a singer. Let me introduce you to Rhayne (rhayne.com). She knows everyone can sing, and wants the whole world singing.
Rhayne is once again offering her Level 1 “Love to Sing” classes at Surrey Arts Centre starting Sept. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m. This is for adults, and in just 12 weeks Rhayne will teach you how to sing your best, and how not to injure your voice while doing it. You are never too old to learn how to sing, or enhance your skills from childhood. Level 2 instruction is also available. Register at the arts centre, 604-501-5566. Ask for Level 1 (4548351) or Level 2 (4548352) of “Love to Sing.”
Rhayne does know all about rain. Her new CD, Rhayne Rocks, contains her own tunes. Take a listen at cdbaby.com/rhayne4, and if you purchase her CD, CD Baby will donate the proceeds to the Red Cross Hurricane Harvey fund. Take a moment, take a listen. We can make a difference with how we choose to live our allotted moments.