Five years of talent FIREHALL
including 2014s "Next To Normal" and "Spamalot."
Those who participate range from amateurs to professionals. Some sport a mixture of experience and post- secondary training.
Hatterland Children's Theatre provides a venue for youth to kick-start their theatrical passions. It is the oldest non-profit children's theatre in Alberta making its start in 1965 with "A Box of Smiles" when tickets sold for 25 cents. Nearly 50 years later Hatterland has put on more than 85 shows with performers ages six to 16. Many of the children who participate in children's theatre continue to perform in high school and beyond.
Branden Martin is one of them. Growing up in Medicine Hat he began with Hatterland and, as he grew, participated in Rotary Music Festival competitions. He was scouted for college around 17 and set off to pursue theatre more professionally. Since then he has returned to Medicine Hat and delved back into local theatre, directing 2012’s "True West," MHMT's first drama in 51 years. Martin says he never got too stressed because he knows this group always gets the job done.
"I'm proud of the raw talent we have in this city. There are so many people around here with Broadway quality voices," says Martin. He teaches privately, acts, directs, designs sets and has even choreographed. He says he is not unlike many in the community, those who love theatre participate wherever and whenever they can.
"They dream big, but they can also make those dreams a reality. You could have never acted in your life and come out. You don't have to be a dancer or
a singer, but once you're in it, it seems you're in it for life."
The city responds well to the number of performances, often selling out shows. They've come to expect exciting and interesting titles from the group, whose membership doesn't seem to be slowing down.
The theatre community provides one of the most welcoming environments in the city, says student Andrea Pearton. She started getting an interest last year as a Grade 9 student at Medicine Hat High School. Her friends were rehearsing for a show and Pearton decided to tag along to watch. Ever since then, she's been hooked.
"I always felt accepted. There's no certain standard, everyone can do it. The vulnerability that everyone feels on stage is universal, so everyone supports each other," Pearton says, "it teaches you something and you get to bring something to someone else."
Instead of sports teams who compete with each other, the various groups in the city swap players and often come out to support one another. Making the theatre community seem more like a family than a just group of volunteers.
Pam Chisholm, board member for Thesbos theatre, also recently directed Firehall's 2013 success, "Shrek the Musical." However, Thesbos has provided more than entertainment to audiences since the 1990s.
"Our mandate is to give back to the community," says Chisholm. She studied theatre in university and has since found great use for it in Medicine Hat.
"There's a lot of talented people around here. It's a very strong theatre
community with lots of opportunities." Thesbos performs shows that relate to larger issues in the city. 2014s "Steel Magnolias" focuses on diabetes.
"10 dollars from every ticket sold is going to the Canadian Diabetes Society," Chisholm says. This is their way of using their talents to help others.
The work that goes into a show is stupendous. Lighting, costumes, sets, producers, actors, public relations and so on dedicate their time to make sure these shows keep up to Medicine Hat's standards.
It seems as though everyone who enters into the theatre doesn't leave. Myrna Ironside, spokesperson for Firehall, says it's a very social atmosphere.
"A lot of us were teachers and we used to all sit behind stage and do our marking together," Ironside laughs.
Firehall Theatre had it's beginnings in 1976 when Medicine Hat College instructor Sara Stanley decided to start a Lunch Box Theatre. Essentially shows that would run during noon hour where audiences could bring their lunch and enjoy a show. Since then it has grown more and more successful, with memorable shows like 2012s "Sweeney Todd."
"It's so much work, but it's so much fun. Once you get your first applause you're hooked," says Ironside.
The community has developed a theatrical pulse keeping the culture of Medicine Hat thriving. Whether it's painting, acting or organizing hundreds of volunteers across the city are keeping the tradition. Much of Alberta's focus may be on industry and economy, but the arts community in Medicine Hat shows no signs of slowing down. ■
❚ 2013 Shrek ❚ 2012 Sweeney Todd ❚ 2012 Arsenic and Old Lace ❚ 2011 Dracula ❚ 2010 Peter Pan ❚ 2009 Noir Suspicions ❚ 2008 Beauty and the Beast
MEDICINE HAT HIGH SCHOOL ❚ 2014 Evelyn Strange ❚ 2014 MHHS Pilot Lights Theatre Festival ❚ 2013 Anne and Gilbert: The Island Love Story ❚ 2013 Village of Idiots ❚ 2012 The Neverending Story
CRESCENT HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL ❚ 2014 Young Frankenstein ❚ 2013 Guys and Dolls ❚ 2012 Sherlock Holmes Great Grandson Goes to Hollywood ❚ 2012 How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying ❚ 2011 Happy Days ❚ 2011 The Somewhat True Tales of Robin Hood ❚ 2010 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ❚ 2009 Back to the '80's
HATTERLAND CHILDREN'S THEATRE ❚ 2014 Little Red Riding Hood ❚ 2013 A Little Elfin Magic ❚ 2012 Saturday Matinee ❚ 2012 Bedbugs ❚ 2011 The Snow Queen ❚ 2010 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ❚ 2009 Wonderland
MEDICINE HAT MUSICAL THEATRE ❚ 2014 Spamalot ❚ 2013 Snow White and the Magnificent Seven ❚ 2013 Oliver ❚ 2013 The Rocky Horror Show ❚ 2013 Avenue Q ❚ 2013 True West ❚ 2012 Wizard of Oz, The Pantomime ❚ 2012 Grease ❚ 2012 Clue: The Musical ❚ 2011 Grinch, The Pantomime ❚ 2011 The Sound of Music ❚ 2011 Evil Dead: The Musical ❚ 2010 Cinderella, The Pantomime ❚ 2010 Jesus Christ Superstar ❚ 2010 Hedwig and the Angry Inch ❚ 2009 The Gifts of the Magi ❚ 2009 The Producers ❚ 2009 The Full Monty
THESBOS ❚ 2014 Steel Magnolias ❚ 2013 Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog ❚ 2012 A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline ❚ 2011 The Odd Couple ❚ 2010 Forever Plaid ❚ 2010 And the Winner Is
HOMETOWN ACTING STUDIO ❚ 2013 Les Miserables ❚ 2012 Spring Awakening ❚ 2012 Legally Blonde ❚ 2011 Rent ❚ 2011 The Outsiders ❚ 2009 The Dreamer Examines His Pillow
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