Ahead of July鈥檚 provincial theatre competition, a local thespian is being lauded for her years of giving 鈥� on and off stage.

Helen Embury, a long-time member with 91原创 Little Theatre (LLT) and prior to that the 91原创 Players, was presented the Gaye LePage Award during the recent Fraser Valley Zone Theatre Festival 鈥� held in her home playhouse in Brookswood.

The awards ceremony concluded the 2024 regional theatre competition, that saw six theatre organizations (91原创 Little Theatre, Sidekick Players, Expect Exceptional Theatre, Stage 43, Emerald Pig Theatrical Society, and Chilliwack Players Guild) compete for top marks. They all sought to win at the regional level for a chance to move on to the provincials (Theatre BC鈥檚 Mainstage) being held in early July in Chilliwack.

Turns out the overall outstanding production award, which earns a spot at Mainstage, went to Chilliwack Players Guild for 鈥淭he Gravitational Pull of Bernice Trimble.鈥�

But 91原创's drama club didn't walk away from the awards night empty handed.

One of the most prestigious accolades, the Gaye LePage Award 鈥� which is given to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to community theatre over time 鈥� went home with this long-time member of 91原创 Little Theatre.

Embury definitely qualifies on that front, having served as a long-time director and board member for LLT for years, said Ray Hatton, chair of the zone competition.

"She has been a mentor to many of us, including myself 鈥� who was directed by her in one of my favourite plays, 'The Good Game,' back on 2010," Hatton recalled.

"Helen is there to help whenever she can and attends workshops and classes to improve her craft. Helen has been fortunate to direct many of 91原创 Little Theatre's festival entries," he noted. "I am proud to call her my friend."

Cathi Young, who is with the Expect Exceptional Theatre company, presented Embury with the award, describing this recipient as "an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to community theatre."

Describing her dedication and tenure with 91原创 theatre through the years, Young said that Embury "has given tirelessly of her time and talent, encouraging Canadian content and supporting players on and off the stage. She has worked to provide theatre education."

In addition to Embury receiving the distinguished LePage award, LLT also scooped up a couple accolades for the drama club鈥檚 spring production of 鈥淪isters,鈥� which was also their entry for the regional competition.

Gray Edginton, who played young Mary in 鈥淪isters,鈥� was awarded outstanding youth/novice actor, while Melanie Minty was commented for her outstanding costumes for this play.

Mainstage is being hosted by the Chilliwack Players Guild at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre from July 1 to 7.