November 10, 2007
Golden Lake -- Getting young people interested in local history isn’t always easy. Neither is successfully writing, producing and performing theatre in rural Ontario. But the Stone Fence Theatre in Golden Lake, Ontario, has done all this and more with its production of “Looking Back at Mac.”
The story of legendary singer-songwriter and Ottawa Valley native Mac Beattie was performed throughout Renfrew County in the spring and summer of 2005. Youth were an essential part of the production, partially sponsored by Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation. In fact, 40 local young people were involved in the marketing, performing, and support crew for the show.
Barry Goldie directed the spring tour that visited four local high schools and played before more than 1,500 audience members.
“It was great that we could provide an outlet for student talent,” says Goldie.
In addition to the six key young performers involved, students from each high school presented their own drama or musical production prior to the shows. And showcasing local talent was just one goal of the production.
Telling local stories by local people is the key for Stone Fence. It fosters awareness of local history by developing and producing theatre about the Ottawa Valley. “Looking Back at Mac” was no exception, providing a vehicle to showcase the rapid change in rural Ottawa Valley throughout the 20th century.
The music of Mac Beattie and his band the Ottawa Valley Melodiers was an instrumental part of the show. He was known for lyrics rooted in rural folklore blended with sounds of the big dance bands popular in the 1930's. He entertained for five decades, and played national television and radio shows in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Known as “Mr. Ottawa Valley,” Beattie’s roots were always clear and the renaissance provided by this production encourages his legacy to survive long past those who danced to his washboard strum.
By involving young people in its production, Stone Fence not only exposed a new generation to important local history but it also engages them in actively promoting and maintaining the cultural heritage of the region.
“Our young performers and crew were superb” says Ish Theilheimer, the show’s Producer and Musical Director. “We all learned a lot from one another.”
The project allowed participants of all ages to build local pride, self-esteem, and practical experience in theatre. Meanwhile, the surrounding rural communities were treated to high quality informative entertainment. Producing theatre in four different venues on four consecutive weekends in rural Ontario is a challenge in itself.
“The challenges presented by cold weather and distance were real,” says Theilheimer. “The professionalism and teamwork were awesome.”
And Stone Fence is no stranger to teamwork. Starting as a non-profit charity in 2002, it has grown to employ five people full- time, and involve numerous local residents as part-time and volunteer staff when needed. Its productions have become a cornerstone in the region’s economic development serving as a tourist destination for its summer shows.
The future of community theatre looks bright for Ottawa Valley residents as long as Stone Fence Theatre continues to involve the community in entertaining with local stories. Fostering economic and personal development, “Looking Back at Mac” proved that youth, theatre, and rural communities can all combine to produce a resounding success.