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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2017-06-08, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017. PAGE 19. Entertainment & Leisure Hall comes with learning curve, major opportunities Now comes the hard part Spirits were in the sky on May 19 when Blyth Memorial Community Hall held its grand re -opening to the public and hundreds came out to see it. Now, Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt, seen above at the re -opening, and General Manager Rachael King are left to consider the opportunities the technology of the hall offers the Festival going forward. (Denny Scott photo) By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The newly -renovated Blyth Memorial Community Hall went through its first major test on the weekend when it played host to the Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story. With spirits high and compliments abounding after the hall's grand re- opening on May 19, it's now up to those at the Blyth Festival, the hall's primary tenant, to work with the hall on a day-to-day basis. Artistic Director Gil Garratt and General Manager Rachael King say that the improvements to the hall have opened up Jacatqu £anting!a i etixing, Please join us for a Camel Net&ement ,J.ea In recognition of her 30 years in insurance Thursday, June 22nd, 2-4 pm 405 Queen Street, Blyth Vii Insurance & Investment You've Got Options 3 Milestones were hit in May and June many creative doors for the Festival. Over $4 million has been injected into the hall, improving nearly every aspect of the building while still preserving its heritage feel of a building nearly 100 years old. The lower hall and kitchen have been completely redesigned, as has the main upper hall. As far as improvements that have Garratt and King excited, however, they go beyond what can be seen with the naked eye. "The really thrilling part for me is actually stuff that the public will never see," Garratt said, adding that changes to lighting and sound systems and ease-of-use improvements will completely redefine how Festival crews and actors ply their trade on the Memorial Hall stage. The quality of the lighting and sound and productions the Festival is able to produce going forward, Garratt said, has truly changed what the Festival is capable of. King agrees, saying that beyond what she saw with her own eyes at the hall's grand re -opening, it was the sound system that truly served as a metre stick for how much has changed in the building. "The first time I heard the sound system, it made me want to cry," King said. King, who has been a stage manager over the years, says that side of her is very excited about what's possible at Memorial Hall now. As a general manager, however, she's just happy thinking of all of the technological advances now possible at the building. Garratt said that artists like playwrights and directors used to have to bring in talented sound and lighting professionals and ask them to try and achieve their vision, whereas now the sky is the limit. "We used to talk about 'how' we could do something and now we walk into the hall and ask, 'what do you want to do?"' Garratt pointed to the advanced projections being used this season in Mr. New Year's Eve: A Night with Guy Lombardo, thanks to Beth Kates, a leader in the field. Kates also worked on Seeds and The Last Donnelly Standing and Garratt says that with the advancements made at the hall, professionals like Kates will find the possibilities endless now, rather than having to make do with outdated technology. Garratt again used the sound system as an example, saying that .A PARK THEATRE 30 The Square 47 fag_- �a�r GODERICH 519 524 7811 FOR MOVIE INFORMATION... low www.movielinks.ca long distance?1-800-265-3438 Graduation After 5 long years, Kevin and Alicia Deitner of Brussels are flipping ecstatic to announce the graduation of their daughter, Morgan Deitner, from Nipissing University. Morgan completed a Bachelor of Arts Honours Specialization in History and a Bachelor or Education degree in the Concurrent Education Program. We are extremely proud and know that Morgan will have a positive impact on many children in whatever career path she takes. 13ac11 cC 1�ae for .7tan na.Pi 210 and Jaca. ,lV.p.nlPie', JUNE 10 Seaforth Arena 122 Duke St., Seaforth 8 pm - 1 am Tickets: $10 - available in advance and at the door Bus transportation available For more information call Ruth 519-525-9892 not only does it present pristine, crystal clear sound, but that it opens the door to using the sound as an active element in the storytelling. For example, Garratt said, the new sound system can create the effect of a car driving past on the main street, with the speakers making it sound as if the car is running from one side of the theatre to the other. With capabilities like that, he said, upgraded technology like sound and lighting has the chance to become a major player in a production, rather than a basic necessity of theatre. Going forward, Garratt and King say that there is a big learning curve involved with the new technology at the hall that has involved multiple all -day training sessions with members of this season's crew. The Festival season officially opens on Friday, June 30 with the world premiere of Mr. New Year's Eve: A Night with Guy Lombardo. 141. el 416 0,3hop Make Your Own Beer, Wine, Coolers and Fruit Wine Grew here rsr ai homer) 84 Kingston St., GODERICH 524-2323 lc 1 -Cease 7itn (4s! Tei(Mcgre or &) Meagan Taggins' CKJ Stag & Doe Come Support the Lovely Couple Music, Games, Prizes and Fun Late Lunch Provided Age of Majority Event June 17th 9pm-1 am Belgrave Arena -12 Queen St, Belgrave Tickets $10 Available from family of the Bride & Groom /111 TTII For Tickets Call 519.523.9300 Toll Free 1.877.862.5984 or visit blythfestival.com BLYTIi FESTIVAL THE BERLIN BIDES Written by Drew Hayden Taylor Directed by Brad Fraser Two German developers arrive unannounced on the sleepy, fictional, Otter Laker reserve. They have with them international investors and blueprints for a "Native Theme Park." What ensues is a hilarious, laugh -a -minute riot, as some members of the community try to shut down the development, while others leap in with both feet. Full of absurd gags and indelible, larger -than - life characters, The Berlin Blues is a slap down, drag `em out cultural appropriation comedy of the highest (and lowest) order. 2015.2017 Season Sponsors ,i Parkland *sparlings FUEL CORPORATION Season Media Sponsor Media Sponsor Opp Rural Voice Blyth Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of fnmelideeemvia..