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P
U B L I S H E D
theNOWnewspaper
British Columbia, Canada - February 5, 2005
Theatre company gives Surrey kids a chance in the spotlight
by Rita Alterio, Professional Writers Association of Canada
The Young People's Theatre Company of Surrey began as a small bean of an idea in Susan Pendleton's thoughts. But unlike Jack
in
the Beanstock, who found that his bean seeds sprouted sky-high overnight,
Pendeton's idea required hard work in order to sprout and grow. After eight
years the children's theatre company has premiered numerous productions,
performed at the Surrey Arts Centre and helped to nurture a passion for
theatre in more than 300 kids.Theatre is also a passion for Pendleton, who has masters degrees in theatre and music. She has been an actress, directed theatre in Saskatoon and in the U.S., and taught kids from kindergarten through to university. Her own children wanted to perform in professional level theatre, but before she started Young People's Theatre they had to travel to Vancouver for any opportunity.
"I was car-pooling to downtown Vancouver, when I thought, I have two masters degrees for heaven's sake. But I'm not a business person."
She didn't want to start an enterprise or foster competition, so she talked to other theatre organizations about what she wanted to do. Michael Hernandez, who runs the Vancouver company her kids attended, was very supportive.
"He's phenomenal," said Pendleton. "To this day we guide each other."
Over the years Pendleton has developed a network. Parents built sets and sewed costumes for the first three years, but now the sets and costumes are professionally designed by Gregg Burhoe and Rosemarie Heselton. Heselton is former head of costumes at the UBC Theatre department and she has done work for CBC and movies.
"Rosemarie is a little dynamite ball of fire," said Pendleton. "She's in her 70s and she knows her stuff."
Young People's Theatre was designed to be a professional children's company from the start. Some kids go on to further education in the field, while others join for their own enjoyment.
"I tell them I want them to have fun because of what they're doing and growing through and sharing, not by visiting," said Pendleton.
No prompting is given during performances, and kids are expected to come to rehearsals prepared and ready to work. As a result, Pendleton has seen the kids blossom. They learn focus and discipline and develop self-confidence.
Children range in age from eight to 18, and everyone must audition in order to become part of the company. This year's production is Seussical, The Musical. As in all the company's productions, there are many parts and no one person is the star.
Seussical is a Boradway show written by award-winners Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, who created the story with well-loved Dr. Seuss characters such as Cat in the Hat. It teaches friendship, love and commitment. And, of course, you can't escape fun with Dr. Seuss. The production plays at the Wheelhouse Theatre, 15751 16th Ave. The dates are Saturday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 20, 3:30 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 25 and Saturday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 27 at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. Call 604-767-8707 for reservations.
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