Spring is here and after two years of limited outdoor events, one of my favourite pastimes is finally coming back — live, outdoor theatre.
Experiencing live theatre without the frills of a sound system or lighting encourages the audience to connect to the story in a warm and unique setting.
Since 2016, Theatre Georgian Bay (TGB) has been producing a variety of live theatre and their annual Bard on the Bay production returns this summer after a very long wait.
Before they take to the stage, they are holding a fundraising event that promises another beloved pastime to the attendees… trivia and locally brewed beer.
The TGB Collective, made up of working artists hailing from Barrie, Collingwood and Guelph, will present Bucks for Bard.
I had the opportunity to talk to TGB Collective member and Barrie local Heather Dennis about the upcoming event and what to expect.
RV: What is Theatre Georgian Bay and how did you get involved?
HD: Theatre Georgian Bay, or TGB for short, is a collective of working professional artists who are committed to bringing a combination of fresh Canadian content and adapted classical works to Simcoe County and Grey-Bruce. The company’s first production was an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night outside at the Shipyard Amphitheatre in Collingwood.
Since then, the company has produced several cabarets, a musical, toured and continues to perform one of Shakespeare’s works every summer at the amphitheatre.
I got involved with the company after graduation from the University of Toronto Mississauga and Sheridan. I moved back to my hometown of Barrie and was working for a few different theatre companies when I was asked to audition for their upcoming musical No Chance In Hell. A year after that, I became a member of the TGB Collective.
RV: Tell us about the upcoming fundraiser event. What is it for and what can people expect?
HD: Bucks for Bard is our first trivia event fundraiser and we’ve partnered with the Collingwood Brewery to make it happen. In the past, we would produce a cabaret-style event, but this year we wanted to try something new.
Along with our ever popular silent auction, which will also be online, people will get the chance to compete in a battle of wits with a team of their choosing for a cash prize.
People can expect fast-paced, fun questions and a variety of locally brewed beverages from Collingwood Brewery. We hope the fundraiser will reflect how people experience our Bard on the Bay productions — fun, fast and will leave you wanting more.
RV: Do people have to be well-versed in Shakespeare to enjoy themselves?
HD: No. The questions we created reference or pull from facts about Shakespeare and his work, but we want to make sure this event is accessible to anyone who wants to have a good time. Some hints might mean more if you know more about Shakespeare, but it’s definitely not a prerequisite.
RV: Why do you think people enjoy your Bard on the Bay productions every summer?
HD: Shakespeare and summer go hand-in-hand. Since the company’s first year, Bard on the Bay has grown a loyal following of people who either love the work or are interested in experiencing it for the first time. With the picturesque Georgian Bay as our backdrop, we bring an accessible and condensed version of Shakespeare’s work to people on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Theatre is for everyone and we invite anyone to come and enjoy 90 minutes with us.
Some people bring their pets, picnic baskets, friends, family — it’s a unique feeling of community.
RV: What has been your favourite role or production with the company?
HD: Every production is memorable and I have favourite moments from all of them. I love working with new people and collectively bringing the plays we love to the audience.
If I had to choose one production, it would have to be our 2017 productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Not only was I given the opportunity to play Helena, but I also got to play my favourite play-within-the-play character, Moonshine.
We were joined by local youth actors as the fairies, the audience was laughing along with us, and one day we even had a dog join us on stage. Things like that keep us actors on our toes and I’ll always remember those moments.
Bucks for Bard will be held at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on May 7 at the Collingwood Brewery.
The registration fee is $5 per person with an unlimited team size.
For more information on how to register, email [email protected] or visit their Facebook page by clicking here.
