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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1998-07-29, Page 18cadets. Wedding anniaeukatig Glenn and Elizabeth McKercher and their family invite friends, neighbours, and relatives to an Open House on the occasion of Glenn and Elizabeth's Golden Wedding Anniversary at their home in Jamestown on Saturday, August 22, 1998 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Best Wishes only, please Lots of Love, Michelle, Darcey & Cookie Go figure! If just 1% more Canadians were physically - active, annual savings in health-care costs could be as much as $12,000,000. oor Sharing a Healthier Future v.opaanaPacnon Love, Kara, Shawn, Cheryl, Beau & Robert PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 1998. Festival offers hot discounts Round the table discussing Jerry Franken, Blyth Festival veteran actor, who is directing Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, talks over a scene with actors, Kathryn Ashby and Ross Manson, right, during rehearsals last week. 1 he production, penned by the Blyth-area's Keith Roulston, is set to open Aug. 6. Franken guides talented cast down to getting one job out of my head which I can generally do, as long as I get a half hour rest or so in between." Though it has been several years since Jerry has done double duty in Blyth; the last time was in 1988 when, in addition to being with the acting company, he directed Fires in the Night; it is an opportunity he enjoys. Asked by Artistic Director Anne Chislett if he was willing to direct Jobs this season, his response was an enthusiastic "Yes, indeed." The "interesting script" has helped to make the task enjoyable, as has the cast. "They are great. We have very good actors. As this is a new play it can be difficult because the intent doesn't always leap off the page. Had we had lesser people working on it, I don't know if they could make it happen so well." Singing praises of the people who work at Blyth comes easily for Jerry, whose association with the summer festival has been deep. While the theatre's mandate of pro- ducing new plays has been a major portion of Jerry's career, he is also proud of it for another reason. "One thing you find here is a group of people working together. There are no egos, no stars. There is a great deal of heart and humani- ty in the work here. The young people who come to the theatre to hone their craft, also learn about co-operation, he says. "Everyone here is here to do a job and we become a family through the summer. In my 11 seasons there was only one year that that didn't happen." Relating the story of how every- one pulled together to fill the void when a production assistant was injured, Jerry says, "In an odd way it parallels the family farm, where everyone works together to make good things happen." Spoken like a proud father. Fiddling at Falls The musical hosts of the event are the Gypsy Ramblers. The music begins at 1 p.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon in the day-use area of the park. The Gypsy Ramblers are inviting local musicians to come and join in the fun. Musicians interested in participating in the Jamboree can register at the picnic pavilion in the day-use area of the park. Admission to the Falls Reserve Conservation Area is $7 per vehicle. Falls Reserve Conservation Area is located at Benmiller, 10 minutes from Goderich on County Rd. 31. The 192-hectare park features over 150 campsites, a group camping area, hiking trails, and children's conservation activities all in a.. beautiful natural setting. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff If the atmosphere at Blyth Festi- val is familial, one might say that Jerry Franken is the father figure. It's not just that this is his 11th season here. Nor is it that in the production of the acclaimed hit Yesteryear he portrays an aging retired banker. But as director of Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, opening Aug. 6, Franken is truly patriarch of his talented cast. Quietly discussing a scene with two actors, he questions them on how comfortable they are with his sug- gestions and with the changes. When they are having difficulty he patiently guides them through the scene over and over until it is, if not perfect, then close. Like any good parent, he offers input to help them establish who they are, then encourages them to be the best they can be. A self-described actor's director, Jerry says his role is to "basically serve the actor as much as I can while serving the play." - "Conceptual I'm not. Everything I get comes from the text. I'm not trying to lay something on top of the text like many directors today." "Also I try to be patient, which I think is the biggest job." Being an actor helps him, he believes. "I find a lot of directors, even good ones, really don't under- stand the acting process. I know what actors are going through because I know how a play can grow, can move. I have faith that an actor will eventually find the place we're looking for." As he works with the actors his experience and gentle manner seem a soothing presence. The atmo- sphere in rehearsal is relaxed, unhurried. There is a sense of trust. "I like to create an atmosphere where everyone is part of the job. At least that's my attempt. You would have to speak to the actors to see if I accomplish it," he says. Acknowledging that a director can be partially responsible for a bad performance, Jerry says he tries to do what he can to make sure his people will look good on stage. Ultimately, however, it comes down to the actors. "They have to put themselves, out there on a wire and maintain balance." Jerry lias a bit of a balancing act himself to pull off. After leading the troupe through afternoon rehearsals he often has to march onto stage that night. "It comes El Nino may be responsible for the unusually hot summer, but it's the Blyth Festival that is beating the heat. The air-conditioned comfort of the theatre is the perfect place to cool down and enjoy an outstanding Canadian play after a hot day at work. So convinced is Festival administration that Blyth Memorial Hall is the cool place to be when the mercury soars, the Blyth Festival will offer a $1 discount on tickets for every degree the noonday temperature is above average for that day. This will be obtained through the official CKNX Radio weather given at noon. If the temperature is five degrees above the average, tickets for that evening's performance will be discounted by $5. All anyone has to do to receive the discount is phone the Box Office and say, "I'd like the cool price." Cool discounts will be offered on tickets for that day's performance of any of mainstage productions. To take advantage of Blyth's Beat the Heat Discounts, listen to CKNX Radio weather and ask for the cool ticket price by calling the Festival Box office at 519-523- 9300. Beat the Heat Discounts will be available until Aug. 15. Summer's hot and so are the shows ... cool off today with a great Canadian play! fiappy 25th gnnirersary Mom 4. Dad (Pete & Joe) July 28 afP August 7, 8 & 9 from noon until 11:30 p.m. each day for the best in Celtic Music, Dance & Craft Art There are 5 workshop areas, a children's area, craft art demonstrations and a day long stage. Main stage runs non-stop. F i Re For more information please call 524-8221 Come to Harbour Park, eara? West St., Goderich ccLeic ROOCS, FCSCIVAL