As the Much More Munsch show wrapped up in February, the Youth Theatre performed in front of 670 people over two weekends.
Not only was the show an overwhelming success for the first Youth Theatre Program put on by the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre, the youth were able to use the success to give back.
The 2019/2020 Youth Theatre was compromised of 13 youth, aged 8-17. As part of the course, AnnaMarie Lea, playwright and director of Much More Munsch, wanted the kids to feel a connection with their audience and inspire them to make an impact in their community. The kids voted to donate 10 per cent of the ticket proceeds to a fellow actor’s mother, Nicole Neidig, who is battling breast cancer.
Neidig wrote to LPAC and Lea during the rehearsal stage of the program
“(He) comes home from each rehearsal invigorated and energized. It is so nice to see him so happy. I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer…the rehearsals have been a great outlet for him and good distraction for him and our family,” she wrote.
Rosanna Kerekes, Executive Director of LPAC, and AnnaMarie Lea hope this donation would give Neidig an opportunity to take some time for herself and her family during this trying time.
“We hope these proceeds can provide a little bit of solace and comfort for the family. We are proud of the kids who took an opportunity to support the community and wanted to make an impact in this family’s lives,” she said.
LPAC is anticipating continuing to work with Lea on future programming, bringing additional opportunities to the community.
“It was an amazing opportunity to create theatre programming with AnnaMarie and give the youth of Lacombe and area a chance to experience the way professional theatre works. We are looking forward to discussing future programs with AnnaMarie,” said Kerekes.
-Submitted by the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre