November 10, 2007
Located in Renfrew County, more commonly known as the Ottawa Valley, Stone Fence Theatre is putting on shows for people of all ages. The name relates to the many miles of stone fence which line the County’s countryside, representing many years of backbreaking work done by their forefathers.
“Our most important product is the sense of pride that it gives people about the sense of their community and their own self worth,” says Ish Theillheimer, Producer of Stone Fence Theatre.
The organization which has been in business for three years has had more than 14,400 people take in one of its many productions. With plans now underway to build a new $500,000 theatre in Killaloe, the organization has come along ways since it started in 2003.
“Stone Fence Theatre is a large step towards preserving the heritage and culture of Renfrew County,” says Diane McKinnon, Executive Director of Renfrew County CFDC. The Stone Fence Theatre organization works to showcase old stories depicting different traditions and ways of life throughout the county which ultimately bring people closer together.
“We in tourism acknowledge this sort of business as a benefit to promoting the Ottawa Valley as a travel destination,” says Marie White, Director Ottawa Valley Tourism Association. Tourism is the third largest industry in Renfrew County; 1200 people estimated to have visited the County in 2003 for the shows, while 2005 projections suggest that the County had more than 3000 visitors.
The popularity of Stone Fence Theatre has grown so much that local restaurants want in on the action. In conjunction with approximately 80 restaurants, patrons can now go out for supper and than take in a Stone Fence production for a combined reduced rate.
Aside from building a name for itself, the Stone Fence Theatre Company is building a name for local talent. Local talent, which is showcased in these shows, grants many residents of the County a chance to enter into the world of theatre, a chance that many would otherwise not have.
In 2004, the Theatre group started “Stone Fence Workshops”. The workshops which are open to the entire community are primarily targeted towards young artists who have strong interests in the performing arts. With 30 people being involved in the 2004 edition and close to 100 in the 2005 edition, the workshops look to be a popular event.
In the summer of 2004, the Stone Fence Theatre took matters into their own hands and took one of their larger shows, “Looking Back at Mac” out on the road to local schools. This allowed more than 1600 people the opportunity to take in the show not far from their front doorstep.
“I think it got a lot of the students excited about the performing arts,” adds Theillheimer. Three of the four schools in the tour showcased their drama acting skills while one put on a musical performance.