Current Production: 'Beauty and the Beast' opening May 23rd

Beauty and the Beast
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton

Directed by Joanna Sweete
Musical Direction by Chuck Baxter
Produced by Laurie Markham

May 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31 at 8:00 pm
and May 25 at 2:00 pm.

From May 23 – 31 you can enjoy the magic of Beauty and the Beast performed by our CAST Senior Company under the direction of Joanna Sweete. Twenty-three young people aged 14 to 18 from the surrounding high schools have had weekly rehearsals since last fall. Many of them attend WCI where they have the added opportunity to participate in the musical theatre program. This is an extremely talented group of performers. They begin rehearsals with a physical warm-up lead by choreographer Juliana Sherk and continue with a vocal warm-up under the direction of Chuck Baxter. They then break into groups to rehearse music or dance or do scene work. This particular production has posed many challenges as it has very elaborate costumes and properties. There has been an outstanding team working on all aspects of the production under the leadership of Laurie Markham. Excitement is mounting as performance dates approach.

Get your tickets early and don't miss this tale - a tale as old as time!

Call the Box Office now -- phone 519-537-2582.

On Wednesday, May 28th, two great packages are available to make your evening out special; Dinner and Drama (at Six Thirty Nine); and, Pub and Play (at The Charles Dickens). Tickets and information are available from the Market Centre Box Office, phone 519-537-2582.

A Note from the President

This is my favorite season. Spring, the sound of birds chirping, warmer breezes and the sound of children playing. At Theatre Woodstock the children playing are on the stage rehearsing for our upcoming senior show, Beauty and the Beast. Sets are ready, props are in place and CAST is in full bloom. The 12 piece live orchestra being led by none other than Chuck Baxter! The Director Joanna Sweete, has told me personally that there are to be a few surprises in this show that are unexpected. I bet they involve black lights.

The Theatre Woodstock season now draws to a close. But as the curtain falls on our 2007/2008 season work is already started on our first production of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum. Directed by our own Deb Prentice, this show is locked and loaded. Casting is taking place this summer for this wonderful show.

It is finally time for me to leave the position of President and it is bitter sweet. Having worked with such an amazing group of individuals for so many years has been the journey of a life time. I will continue on as Past President for one more year, considering you will have me, just to assist the incoming President. The nominating committee is busy filling the openings that are currently appearing on the board. We will be holding our Annual General Meeting on June 26, 2008 at 7:30 at the Theatre. We hope to see you there.

Good bye for now. Break A Leg!

Jeff Sweete
President, Theatre Woodstock

Annual General Meeting, June 26th at 7:30 pm

What: Annual General Meeting for Theatre Woodstock
Where: Market Centre
When: June 26, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Who: All Welcome
Why: We Have Come To The End Of Another Year And We Want To See You

Calling for Nominations for the 2008-2009 TW Board

Dear Friend of the Theatre,
As you are aware, Theatre Woodstock is a non-profit charitable organization managed by a volunteer board. We encourage you to take an active role in the organization. You may have just the talents we are looking for, and you'll get a chance to participate in helping Theatre Woodstock grow over the coming season.

We are seeking an individual to participate on the Board in the role of Secretary. A nomination form is available for download from www.theatrewoodstock.com. Please complete and forward this form to Theatre Woodstock by Wednesday, May 21st, 2008.

Or perhaps you know of someone we should contact to fill this vacancy on the Board. If so please call Peter Johnston (519-537-7775) or Bonnie Hartley (519-537-5836).

Thank you for your support.

Theatre Woodstock Auditions for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"

A musical comedy that Time magazine called "good clean, dirty fun".

Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Directed by Debbie Prentice
Musical Direction by Chuck Baxter
Produced by Sally Johnston
Choreographed by Jessica Johnson
Stage Managed by Kath Oliver

Monday, June 16, 6:30-9:00 pm
Tuesday, June 17, 6:30-9:00 pm
At the Market Centre Theatre, 22 Reeve St.

Casting:

• 10 males ages 17-85
• 1 female age 16-25, singing required
• 1 female age 40-60, singing required
• 6 females ages 18-35 dancing required, singing an asset

Please bring a prepared piece to sing. An accompanist will be provided.

Production runs October 16-25, 2008

For an audition appointment and/or information please call: (519) 537-7775.

2008-2009 Season Brochure Coming Soon

Keep your eyes peeled for our 2008-2009 season brochure. Buying a subscription guarantees you a good seat, saves you money and ensures that you won't miss out on our great line-up. Subscriptions are also flexible if you need to change nights. Even if you miss a show - you can double up on another. Your four show subscription is only $65.

• October - A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (musical comedy)
  
• December - This Year, Next Year (WW II family story)
  
• February - Rescuing Elephants (drama)
  
• April - Outlaw (Norm Foster comedy)
  
• May - Pippin (Senior CAST musical production, *may be added to subscription)

Woodstock Little Theatre Constitution

Whereas at a General Meeting of interested persons held in Woodstock, Ontario on September 15, 1946, it was proposed, moved and seconded that an organization for training in theatre work and for the production of theatrical presentations, be formed in Woodstock, and that the name of the group be entitled the "WOODSTOCK LITTLE THEATRE"

AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient that a Constitution for the said Woodstock Little Theatre be enacted;

Therefore the said Woodstock Little Theatre by and with the approval of those present enact as follows:

1. NAME

• a. The organization shall be known as the Woodstock Little Theatre.
• b. The organization is structured in two components: Theatre Woodstock and CAST Theatre Company for youth.

2. AREA

The area in which the Woodstock Little Theatre will operate will be in the City of Woodstock and the surrounding community.

3. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Woodstock Little Theatre shall be as follows:

• a. To instruct and educate members and others in all phases of the theatre.
• b. To present plays and other forms of theatrical entertainment striving to achieve the highest possible standards.
• c. To engender friendship among all who may be interested in the work of the Woodstock Little Theatre.
• d. To reach out and encourage involvement from the community at large.
• e. To foster relationships with other arts organizations.
• f. To operate as a Non-Profit organization.

4. MEMBERSHIP

• a. A member is a current year volunteer, patron, donor, contributor, participant, sponsor and or CAST family member. New Members are welcome at any time.
• b. An honorary life member of Woodstock Little Theatre shall be appointed by the executive of W.L.T. in recognition of extraordinary service to W.L.T. Following such appointment, the Honorary Life Member shall be exempted from membership fees for life and shall be a member until they choose to resign. Their responsibilities and privileges shall be otherwise exactly those of a member. Nominations from the membership will be welcomed.
• c. Privileges of Membership: A member may attend all W.L.T. meetings and other activities and may participate in the government of W.L.T. through elected office or by exercising voting rights at properly convened Annual or Special meetings. Members under the age of sixteen shall have no voting privileges. Members can receive our electronic newsletter by registering on our website.

5. FISCAL YEAR

The fiscal year shall commence July 1 and terminate the following June 30.

6. MEETINGS

Order of Business-Roberts Rules of Order shall be used.

• a. Annual Meeting: The executive shall call an Annual meeting for the purpose of electing officers, appointing auditors, receiving written annual reports and any additional business of which due notice has been given. Additional items of business received from the floor will be discussed upon receiving a simple majority vote in favor of their discussion.
  • i. Notification of such Annual Meeting shall be forwarded to the general membership in writing, not less than twenty days before the date of such meeting. The agenda and nomination committee report shall be forwarded with the notification.
  • ii. The annual general meeting shall normally be held no later than September 10th following the end of that fiscal year.
  • iii. Voting privileges at the annual meeting are held by members as stated in 4. Proxies are not permitted.
  • iv. The financial books shall be audited once a year.
• b. Special General Meeting
  • i. Special general meetings may be called at any time by resolution of the executive or as requested in writing by not less than 10 members.
  • ii. Notification of such Special General Meeting shall be forwarded to the membership in writing not less than twenty (20) days before the date of such meeting.
• c. Executive Meetings: Executive committee meeting shall be convened not less than once every 6 weeks and normally once a month. They shall be called by the President or in the President's absence, the Vice President. The membership is welcome to attend such meetings if they so wish.

7. QUORUM

• a. A minimum of fifteen voting members shall constitute a quorum at annual or special general meetings.
• b. A simple majority of executive members shall constitute a quorum at executive meetings.

8. OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVES

The officers shall be Past President, President, Vice President, CAST Artistic Director, Secretary and Treasurer. These officers together with seven executive members shall form the Executive and they shall be elected annually at the annual general meeting from amongst the members for a term of one (1) year. The Executive shall be given power to add not more than two other executive positions if required.

The Executive may appoint from the membership, chairpersons of the standing committees, as it deems necessary. The function of these committees shall be determined by the Executive.

Any member of the Executive may be removed by a resolution supported by seven (7) members of the Executive who must be present and voting at the meeting at which the resolution is proposed. Any vacancy in the Executive shall be filled by appointment of the Executive.

9. POWER OF THE EXECUTIVE

The Executive shall foster and encourage the work of the Woodstock Little Theatre, collect fees, subscriptions and solicit donations in the name of the Woodstock Little Theatre and dispense these funds, prepare an annual report of its proceedings during the year and submit this report to the annual meeting.

10. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

• a. The President shall appoint a nominating committee chair (usually the Past President) by April 1 each year. Two additional executive members plus two members from the general membership shall comprise the rest of the committee. This committee shall solicit, by newsletter, nominations from the general membership. This committee will prepare a proposed slate of officers including all nominees who have accepted their nominations to be presented at the June executive meeting.
• b. At the Annual General Meeting when elections are necessary they would commence with the President and continue through the remaining positions. There will be no new nominations received from the floor. Only previously nominated unsuccessful candidates may be re-nominated for other positions.

11. DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS

The duties of the officers shall be those customary to such positions in similar organizations and/or as determined by the executive.

12. EMPLOYEES

The officers and executive may employ individuals from time to time as needed to carry out duties as required. These employees will report to the officers and executive. The officers and executive will determine compensation, job descriptions and regular evaluations.

13. AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the voting members present at any special or general meeting of members provided that notice of motion has been given in writing to the Executive at least one month in advance of the meeting. Amendments will be included in the notification of the meeting to all members.

14. BANKING

• a. All funds of the Woodstock Little Theatre shall be deposited in a financial institution which is covered by Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation and approved by the Executive.
• b. The duly authorized signing authority shall be any two of the following: President, Vice President, Treasurer, General Manager or the CAST Artistic Director.
• c. Earnings greater than necessary for the regular financial operation of the Woodstock Little Theatre shall be invested in Guaranteed Investment Securities.

15. DISSOLUTION OF ASSETS

In the event of the dissolution of this organization, the Executive shall adopt a plan of distribution which will provide for the distribution of the assets remaining after payment of all debts, to or among one or more organizations not for profit, the purpose and functions of which are similar in character to those of this organization. Such plan is subject to approval by the membership at a Special General Meeting held for this purpose.

AMENDMENTS

• June 5, 1964
• June 18, 1969
• June 17, 1981
• January 14, 1991
• November 9, 2004
• (June 26, 2008)

Contact our Editor

Backstage is edited by Claire Lewis. You can reach Claire by telephone at 519-421-4425. Please make submissions for the newsletter to clairebear@bmts.com. "Laughing at our own mistakes can lengthen our life, laughing at someone else's can shorten it."