Long-time volunteer reflects on nearly 60 years of community theatre

The format helped attract audiences by combining dinner and entertainment.

“It was a long time ago and it was really scary when we tried to start it. But it was new and exciting, and it did well and it still is today.”

“I would say that in our case, this is what kept us going,” said Challis.

Dinner theatre was not the only major change the group embraced over the years.

“We’ve done things that other groups look at us and go, ‘you did what?’. We have taken on some things that are – different.”

Challis said taking on more challenging scripts helped the group grow beyond what she imagined. Audiences have also embraced the unique productions.

“We’ll do plays that you normally wouldn’t do for dinner theater for sure. But we found that our audience will accept it.”

What began with four people has grown into a group of about 120 volunteers who perform, direct and work backstage.

“I really want to see us do more with young people; that’s our future. We’ve got a few younger people that we’ve managed to excite over the last couple of years. The gap that we do not have is that gap that leaves to go to school and may never come back.”

Challis said she plans to remain involved in Battleford theatre for as long as possible.

“One of our most senior members that just passed away actually this year, she was involved right up to the end. She said, ‘this is my love and I’m gonna keep doing it’. I am the same, I have lots of years yet,” she said.

What started in 1967 has grown into a community effort built on volunteers, risk-taking and a shared love of performance.

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com

by Alyssa Rudolph

Long-time volunteer reflects on nearly 60 years of community theatre

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