An exciting new opportunity for youth wishing to delve into the magic of theatre is launching in Lacombe.
The Forbeez Theatre Group is now up and running and on the lookout for those in Grades 4 to 7.
An information night is set to run on Sept. 20 at the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
In the meantime, those looking to register for the upcoming season can go to www.forbeez.ca and complete the online form. They can also email forbeeztheatregroup@gmail.com or call 780-340-3047.
“I’ve been involved in drama myself for over 30 years,” explained Alison Forbes, who created the venture along with her husband Ross.
“I’ve loved being on the stage,” she added, recalling stints in such productions as The Crucible and Steel Magnolias.
Alison is also a teacher by trade, so the opportunity to mentor and guide youth in this way is really a dream come true, she said, adding that she would run after-school clubs in Scotland prior to her family’s move to Canada seven years ago.
“I always thought how great it would be to have my own theatre business. That would be awesome. But I didn’t actually think I would do it because to do so as a teacher - there was no time for anything else.”
But moving to Lacombe opened up the time to pursue it - thus the formation of the Forbeez Theatre Group.
“I thought, here’s an opportunity for me to start this business. So not long after we came, I started doing research and looking into it all. And here we are today - I just opened my registration this morning. I’m so excited!”
Rehearsals and productions will be held at the Lacombe Performing Arts Centre.
“I can’t believe I’ve actually done it - I’m a business owner and it’s a theatre group,” she said with a chuckle. “It’s a dream come true for me,” she said, also crediting her husband for helping bring the vision to fruition.
“We are a great team. He’s such a good engineer - whatever I need to build, he will do it. So it’s a great match for me!”
For Alison, there really couldn’t be a more fitting line of work.
“I love to entertain people and watch people laugh, shout and sing - it’s great to make people happy,” she said. “Drama is my thing. It’s me - I love it so much, it’s so much fun. And it’s the fun that I want to give them,” she said of the group. “I also just love to teach.
“But my aim is also to build their confidence and their self-esteem. I have worked with so many kids, and that’s my forte - that’s what I can do. It’s just inherent in me.
“I’ve had so many parents who were astonished - they would say things like, ‘I can’t believe that’s my son!’ I have testimonials from parents of so many kids that I have taught, too,” she said, adding some of her former students have gone on to professional theatre work as well.
“It gives them such a great foundation for the rest of their lives,” she explained. “I also love the teamwork of it all - it’s not just about the show. The weekly rehearsals are so much fun, and they also learn so much through making new friends. I just think it’s perfect!”
For all the latest updates, find them on Facebook as well.
Registrations for the upcoming season close Sept. 20, or when the organization reaches a maximum number.