ARTIST PROFILE
Sault Theatre Workshop
An
article in the Sault Star on February 19, 1949, talked about a production
of Noel Coward's "Hands Across the Sea" presented by "the
first organized Little Theatre group in the city." This play,
performed at the Clayton Auditorium, was the beginning of over 52
years of live theatre presented by The Sault Theatre Workshop. The
purpose stated back then was "...to study, read and produce
plays of all kinds and to assist in the promotion of drama in the
city...", a mandate that has been well adhered to over the
years.
As well as being a long time member of the Arts Council of Sault Ste. Marie and District, The Sault Theatre Workshop (STW) is also an active member of The Quonta Drama Region and Theatre Ontario. Their reputation is wide-spread, with presentations around the province in Theatre Ontario Festivals and, back in the days of The Dominion Drama Festivals, presentations around the country. The Workshop, its actors, directors, and artists have garnered many awards in competition. Over the years, many professional theatre artists and directors have been brought into our city to teach and give workshops through the auspices of STW. There are many professionals now working in theatre across the country as actors and artists who had their beginnings with the Workshop.
STW produce at least three plays per season, currently at St. Mary's Theatre. A recent development has been the purchase of a hall on Pittsburg Avenue in the west end of the city. Extensive and on-going renovations have made it into a delightful Studio Theatre with full lighting and sound system. This year, they launched studio productions in the new building with great success. The Studio is used as the main rehearsal hall, office, library and party place. Sault Youth Theatre Academy uses the STW facilities for classes and presentations.
The Quonta Drama Festival 2001 was hosted by Sault Theatre Workshop and held in Sault Ste. Marie. Five plays from Quonta members around the north were presented at St. Mary's Theatre in competition during the spring break.
Sault Theatre Workshop welcomes new members and, as often as possible, offers workshops to help develop theatre craft. If you are interested in becoming involved, please don't hesitate to contact the president of STW, Mary-Ann Isles, at 705-254-7766, or drop a note to PO Box 94, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, P6A 5L2. Or leave a message on their answering machine at the Studio, 705-254-3366.
If you would like more of STW's history, read "First Act" by Robin Waples, a book which was specially commissioned by Janet & Perry Short.
Visit Sault Theatre Workshop on line at http://www.saulttheatre.com
