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Sooke Harbour Players celebrate 30 years

Bobbie-Jo Peterson talks about the players
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Bobbie-Jo Peterson talks about the Sooke Harbour Players' last 30 years.

Our local theatre group, Sooke Harbour Players is coming up to its 30th anniversary, and to celebrate,they are holding an Annual General Meeting Gala at the Prestige Oceanfront Resort and Convention centre in Sooke. Tickets are $20 and are available at Shoppers Drug Mart.

To find out more about the Sooke Harbour Players Society and this gala, I spoke with Sooke Harbour Players’ president, Bobbie-Jo Peterson, and asked her a few questions.

1) What is the main reason you enjoy being a part of Sooke Harbour Players?

“I love the experience of being both on and off the stage. I can honestly say I really have come to appreciate the amount of work it takes to put on a stage production. Having an activity or group that my son and I can be a part of side-by-side is extremely important to me,  not only have we both shared the  stage but something a little more special to me is that together we have made some wonderful long lasting friendships.  Volunteering for Sooke Harbour Players Society really makes me feel like I am contributing to our community and making a difference in peoples lives...(even if it is a very small difference).”

2) What do you hope to see for the future of SHP?

“My hope for the future is that Sooke Harbour Players continues to grow in membership, education, audience, volunteers and public support in our community. I also believe it would be a true asset to Sooke Harbour Players to see more youth involved, but not just on the stage. We have had several youth over the past few years show us that they can handle the commitment, stresses and rewards of being involved in both large musicals and spring/summer dinner theatres. I am currently working on putting a youth program together. Stay tuned for more info.”

3) Why do you think people would enjoy being a part of the society?

“Being a part of Sooke Harbour Players really is a lot of fun. It will be an enjoyable commitment for you whether it is to make new friends, build sets, sew costumes, learn new and amazing things, sing and dance or just help out where you can.”

4) Why did you decide to hold a gala AGM this year?

“This year we are celebrating our 30 year anniversary! Instead of having the same old ‘snooze fest’ at our AGM, we decided to do something a little different. This year we are having a gala to celebrate 30 years of history, talent and sustainability... We are going to take you back in time with a few video clips of previous shows and and will be displaying some `oldies but goodies’ photos, posters, programs and we may even have a few short speeches from the original founders. We are very excited to hold our gala at the brand new Prestige Hotel in Sooke. The tickets are only $20 and include an incredible number of things: A year long membership, an appetizer meal at the new Prestige hotel, an informational evening about the society, access to a bar as well as a silent auction, and participation in the election of new board members.  Overall it is a fun night to socialize, become involved with the society, and support theatre in your community!”

5) How reliant is the society on community support?

“First I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community of Sooke and to all our loyal patrons and members for your support. We are extremely reliant on community support. Without all of you purchasing tickets we would not be in business. Yes, we do receive grants from various agencies including the District of Sooke, but tickets sales and community sponsors keep us going.

Another thank you I want to send out is to Christine MacNeil...she has been an active part of Sooke Harbour Players since we put on Jesus Christ Superstar. I truly believe she should receive the SUPERSTAR award from Sooke Harbour Players. From being an actor, board member, director, producer and mentor, to a really wonderful friend, you are an asset. Thanks for all your hard work, talent, dedication, organization and commitment. You and the family will be missed very much.

Sooke Harbour Players is working extremely hard to bring even bigger and better performances. Something else we are offering is the opportunity for members of the community to bring their original scripts (we have received a few already), or other show ideas and proposals to the board. We want your ideas... to do that you need to put together a proposal for a show you want to put on... if you need more info on what to do or how to do it please send an email shpinfo@shaw.ca or call 250-891-6105 for more info.”

Well, there you have it.  Sooke Harbour Players needs your support.

Whether you wish to become involved in the society, on or off stage, or you are simply looking for an enjoyable evening at our wonderful new hotel in Sooke, be sure to pick up your tickets for the gala on Friday, June 24 from 7-9 p.m.