Tapping in on the growing population and an expanding network of Fraser Valley theatre artists, a 91原创 resident is launching her own theatre company.
Nicola Shannon hopes to add a unique voice to the local art scene through her new venture, Little Dipper Theatre Company.
Shannon graduated from 91原创鈥檚 Trinity Western University 10 years ago. And since then, she has seen actors wanting fulfilling theatre careers relocating to Vancouver or other larger cities for opportunities.
Perturbed by her own experiences looking for bookings outside 91原创, she embarked on a journey to launch her own theatre company.
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Alongside her partner, James Shannon, producer Danielle Snider, and co-producer Cassie Unger, Shannon decided to return to 91原创 with a desire to create more opportunities for thespians residing in the Fraser Valley.
鈥淲e are grateful for the theatre companies that already exist in the area and we want to add our voices and skills to the local theatre ecology,鈥 said Nicola, Little Dipper鈥檚 artistic director and founder.
Snider, too, wished to utilize her skills closer to home, and when she heard of Nicola鈥檚 initiative, she was quick to join as a producer.
I love my life in the Valley, and it鈥檚 not practical for me to audition and perform out in Vancouver, especially as a mother of young children,鈥 she said.
Hopeful of the future, Snider added that the venture would create opportunities for artists wanting to participate in 鈥渕eaningful and quality theatre鈥 locally.
The team of four believes that artists in the region have 鈥渞emarkable鈥 things to contribute to the community, like a unique voice.
Pointing at the growing population of 91原创, Nicola said that 91原创 needs more theatre.
鈥淢ore people in the area means more artists and more art-lovers. We want the 91原创 theatre community to be as large and varied as 91原创鈥檚 growing population.鈥
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As a newly launched theatre company, Little Dipper seeks to add its voice to the diverse community by prioritizing Canadian plays, new works, stories of women, and exploring classic texts in a new light.
Unger feels connected with the new venture and believes that her passion and the priorities of the theatre company match perfectly.
鈥淎ll of the company鈥檚 priorities are things that I am passionate about and that, I feel, will bring new life to the local theatre scene,鈥 she said.
An inaugural performance by the theatre company will presented in June. The show, called Nowheresville, BC, is a new play by local playwright Chantal Gallant.
The comedy-genre show follows the story of Mia Old茅 as she returns to her small Vancouver Island hometown with the ashes of her recently deceased brother.
Nicola shared that auditions for the show were held recently, with a great turnout from actors all across the Fraser Valley.
鈥淭he response so far has been very positive,鈥 she added. 鈥淧eople are excited about the company and eager to volunteer and audition.鈥
Tickets for the show are on sale, and Little Dipper is also committing to planting one tree for every ticket sold.
Nowheresville, BC, will be presented at Bez Arts Hub from June 8 to 18.
For tickets and more information about Little Dipper Theatre Co., people can visit their website,
.
Is there more to the story? Email: news@langleyadvancetimes.com
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