Every year since 1961, the International Theatre Institute (ITI) has toasted World Theatre Day — an event intended to promote international exchange, consolidate peace and solidarity in theatre arts.
First-time actor Jeremy White looking surprisingly comfortable in his role as young Harry in Mending Fences
Hard to disagree with such lofty goals, but here at Pine Tree Players, we never lose sight of something even more fundamental, something you might just see at the Miners’ Union Hall — the pure magic of theatre.
Pine Tree Players President and creative ringleader, Jen Tweddell remembers being spellbound over one such moment — seeing the musical Cats, at Montreal’s Théâtre St-Denis, as a 15-year-old. “It blew my mind,” she recalls. “My sister and I had the album and we knew all the songs by heart. That experience and the pantomimes I saw as a little girl, when we visited my grandparents in Yorkshire at Christmas, sparked a love of theatre for me.”
It would take, however, many more decades before Tweddell and partner Jeremy White discovered the unifying power of community theatre.
L-R: Grant Hilts, Marty Avery and Jeremy White after the Mending Fences in Nov. 2015
The duo had just moved to Canmore in 2015 when a neighbour mentioned that Pine Tree Players had just lost an actor and desperately needed someone to fill in at the very last minute.
“With a couple of weeks to go, Jeremy learned his part and performed in his first Pine Tree Players production — Mending Fences,” recalls Tweddell. “I was in awe by the level of talent in that production. Now, almost 10 years later, I’m still amazed by the talent and creativity that goes into each production, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”
Whether you’ve ever performed, were part of a crew or an audience member, we hope you saw a spark of magic just as Tweddell did . . . in the writing, a character, a set, or working at the front-of-house. It takes a committed team, in fact a community, to produce a play. In return, Tweddell hopes that everyone, at some point, feels a bit of the pixie dust just as she did, all those years ago.
Whether you’ve ever performed, were part of a crew or an audience member, we hope you saw a spark of magic just as Tweddell did . . . in the writing, a character, a set, or working at the front-of-house. It takes a committed team, in fact a community, to produce a play. In return, Tweddell hopes that everyone, at some point, feels a bit of the pixie dust just as she did, all those years ago.
I was in awe by the level of talent in that production. Now, almost 10 years later, I’m still amazed by the talent and creativity that goes into each production, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
I was in awe by the level of talent in that production. Now, almost 10 years later, I’m still amazed by the talent and creativity that goes into each production, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.
The ITI suggests:
- Attend a Theatre Performance: We would love to see you at Pine Tree Players’ next production — Drinking Habits. But nearby are other terrific venues and companies producing all sorts of theatrical works: Carter-Ryan Productions, artsPlace, Banff Centre, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, One Yellow Rabbit, Lunchbox Theatre, Vertigo, etc.
- Participate in Theatre Workshops: Join a workshop or masterclass to learn more about acting, directing, playwriting, or stage design. The next Pine Tree Players hosted workshop will be on Theatre Design with Narda McCarroll on April 26. As space is limited, please register here.
- Audition for a Play: The auditions have closed for Pine Tree Players’ summer lineup but there will be another casting call at the end of July. Check back on the Audition page of our website in early June.
- Explore Theatre History: Take some time to learn about the history of theatre, from ancient Greek drama to modern experimental performances. Books, documentaries, and online resources can provide fascinating insights into the evolution of theatrical art. explore our archives to learn more about past Pine Tree Players’ prodcutions.
- Nurture a Future Star: Discover more about the scholarship program that PTP has developed.
- Volunteer: Visit our website to learn more about current and future volunteer opportunities.
- Become a donor: Yep, it’s sort of our version of a Hollywood star. Enjoy a performance from the comfort of your very own chair. Invest in our latest creative Chair(ity) campaign.
- Stay in the know: Join our mailing list and be the first to know about upcoming shows, exciting audition calls, early-bird discounts, volunteer opportunities, contests and so forth.
And now — now is the time when the curtain rises on YOU, fellow theatre-goers. We would love to hear your memory of an unforgettable theatrical moment. Was it a play you saw? A camp skit you starred in? A disaster? What was the vibe? Why did it stick? Click here to send us your memory by March 31, 2025 and we will share a roundup of your unforgettable theatrical moments in our April newsletter. Three lucky winners will receive a pair of tickets to the opening night of our spring production Drinking Habits.
Deb Cummings
About the Author: Now retired, Deb spent her career writing - most recently producing newsletters and an alumni magazine at the University of Calgary. Previously, she was editor-in-chief of up!, WestJet’s inflight magazine. She’s been a web editor, newspaper journalist, CBC travel columnist, and freelancer.
Theatre Smarts — World Theatre Day
Each year, on March 27, a world-renowned figure is invited to craft a message on the theme of theatre and a culture of peace. This year’s message comes from celebrated director, educator, author and chairman of the International Committee of Theatre Olympics, Theodoros Terzopoulos. Read his message
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