There is something magical about the theatre. When the house lights go down and the hush falls over the crowd, the anticipation of what is about to occur is palpable.
Suddenly, the stage erupts into light and the audience is transported into another place and time, captivated by the story unfolding in front of them.
This is the experience that most people who attend the theatre can relate to - the story, the look, and the feelings they are left with when the show comes to an end. However, few consider what exactly transpires behind the scenes in order for that experience to happen.
Innisfail Town Theater has spent 35 years perfecting the nuances of putting on a show. While the actors are generally the ones who get recognized, living life in the spotlight, there are many other talented people working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the lights even go on, that there is a realistic and functioning set on which to perform, and that the clothing the actors wear enhance the character they are creating.
The talent behind the scenes at ITT is vast. There are light and sound technicians, set construction experts, set decorators, props people, stage managers, directors, producers, backstage people, vocal directors, choreographers, pianists and costume designers. Many of these people have spent years working with ITT and have never set foot upon the stage themselves. The majority of these dedicated volunteers wear many hats in the world of stagecraft.
Some, like Ron Kooy, who has been with the company for years and was instrumental in helping ITT acquiring the Ol' Moose Hall, Morley Mielke and Gene Hanson, who are spending much of their retirement hours working tirelessly at the hall Landon Carey, a relative newcomer, and Greg Bennett, who has been with the company since his youth, are responsible for the lights, sound and set building aspect of each show.
Bennett started with the group in 1987, and has actually done almost every job there is to do. Almost. "I've never been a producer," he said, "but that's about it." Bennett is one of the go-to guys for all things technical in ITT. He has logged too many hours to count, working on shows like the upcoming spring production of Blood Brothers. "It's one of those things where you would probably hate to do if it were your paid job, but you love it when you can choose to do it."
Bennett, along with Kooy, has worked especially hard at upgrading the theatre's lighting and sound equipment over the past couple of years. Now that the company owns a permanent venue, the Ol' Moose Hall, the group has been able to trade out some antiquated items for more modern and high tech devices. "We have been able to invest in some of the things we want, and can now build on what we have," said Bennett. "It's been great for the group."
Morley Mielke, however, is more likely to be found behind a slab of plywood than at a lighting board. He has actually found himself in front of the spotlight from time to time as well. While he has enjoyed his acting roles, "I much prefer to be building sets," he laughs. Mielke joined ITT because his wife Sheila, who is currently producing Blood Brothers, was a member, and he thought it would be a good way to spend some time together. "Over the years, the entire family has been involved with ITT in one way or other," he said. Landon Carey, light and sound technician, is actually his son-in-law.
Mielke enjoys the challenges of building realistic sets and notes that they seem to get more complicated and technical every year. "We've had a set that folds out into another complete set in Of Mice and Men, and a hidden, spinning bar in The Game's Afoot," he said. The current set, for Blood Brothers has a few surprises as well. "This set was a real group effort. A lot of minds came together to bring the director's vision to life."
There is, however, more to backstage life than just light, sound and construction. Bringing the actors' vision to life is the job of Anna Lenters, the costume designer for ITT for the past two seasons. Lenters has an impressive background in costuming, having graduated from the Fashion Technique and Design Program (Millinery Elective) at Sheridan College in Ontario. Lenters has designed and produced period costumes for Parks Canada and Heritage Park in Calgary. She joined ITT shortly after arriving in Innisfail, thinking it may be a good way to meet new people. "I had no real expectations coming into small-town community theatre, and was pleasantly surprised at the calibre of talent we have here," she said. Her favourite part of costume design is helping the actors find their character. "It's really neat when you can take a young performer, position them in front of a mirror and put them in their hat and cloak, or a business suit - something they haven't ever worn before." A tilt of the hat, a flip of the collar and they begin to realize how much a costume lends to their character. "You see them transform before your eyes," said Lenters. "It's very rewarding."
These and all of the many other back-stage players are certainly the unsung heroes of Innisfail Town Theatre. Each and every one of them put in exhausting hours, tackling the difficult challenges that go along with making it all look natural for the audiences. They do not do what they do because they seek the spotlight, but rather to be a part of a special group of people who have become very much like a family, and to bring entertainment and enjoyment to the community. "I love it when people come out and have a great time," said Bennett. "The fact that I get to do all this other stuff with my friends is just an added bonus."
