Full Productions

The Director’s Note

You can learn a lot from a fairy tale. There’s always a moral to the story. For example, a brick house is much sturdier than one built of straw, or, if your Grandmother has overly hairy arms and very big teeth, she’s likely not your Grandmother. The tale of Robin Hood teaches us to give people a chance, shows us the benefit of working together, the importance of honour, trust and fairness.  This production of Robin Hood has taught us similar lessons. UFV Theatre students joined our cast and brought experience and knowledge to the stage. Our younger actors, many of whom are new to the stage, brought their energy and desire to learn. After many weeks of rehearsals the joint effort by cast & crew has produced this show. None of this was done for money or in hopes of great riches (our rag-tag crew are all volunteers, myself, Debra, Jamea, Becca, the ushers and set crew…) but rather, like Robin Hood and his followers, we do it to see the happiness it brings others. The applause and laughter from the audience is worth more than all the gold in England. Enjoy the show.

Robin Hood ran May 29-31 and June 5-7, 2009 at UFV Main Theatre. Cast included Dallas Hanson as Robin Hood, Brady Moore as Friar Tuck, Kim Natchigal as Maid Marion alongside Adrian Cross, Trevor Thornley, Gina Kim, Ashley Audit, Brittany Arkell, Alana Cross, Sarah Ferencz, Sophie Poirier, Krista Skwarok, Raegan Seale, Jasmine Carmicheal, Stephanie Howitson, Emma Hamil, Kailie Wiechmann, Kristain Loewen, with UFV students Joshua Wilson, Bryan Cutler and Tanya Schwaerzle. It was directed by Larry Hamm with Rebecca Sutherland as Stage Manager, Jamea Lister and lighting and sound designer, and Bryan Cutler as fight choreographer.

The Director’s Note Story

Directing children’s theatre is like being in a fairy tale. The hero (aka the Director) is out strolling along a path on a warm afternoon when he comes across a woman... the Producer (who, luckily for him, is more of a fairy godmother than a nasty witch). She tempts him with candy and says,
“come on it will be lots of fun, it’s a play... what could go wrong!”
He innocently accepts the task.
Suddenly, with a wave of her wand, the Producer makes a cast of 19 pre-teens and teenagers appear! (who, contrary to public opinion, are much more like happy, helpful dwarves than nasty flying monkeys from Oz).
Unbeknownst to him, there are still many challenges on the road ahead... getting everyone to rehearsals, getting them to memorize lines and blocking, coordinating with set, costumes, lighting and makeup people. However, he moves ahead, always steadfast and optimistic astride his giant white steed with shiny suit of armour (well ok, maybe not that last part.)
Word spreads and good villagers come out to share their talents! The cast learns their lines! “Gods” of Lighting and Makeup make incredible things appear! The curtain rises, and audiences applaud. A happy ending.
In all seriousness, it has been a pleasure directing these young people and watching them take suggestions and comments to heart and put it into their characters and performance. They have become friends, a team... a cast.
I must again acknowledge Tanya, Jamea and Sherry, who alongside Debra and myself, have all volunteered to give these kids the opportunity they deserve to show off to the benefit of their community what they are capable of when given just the right outlet for their energy...

LARRY HAMM, Director

In May 2008 The Creative Outlet raised the curtain on the second adventure of its fairy tale theatre series.. Hansel & Gretel. The play was directed by Larry Hamm, stage managed by Tanya Schwaerzle and featured lighting design by Jamea Lister and amazing face and body art of Sherry Fraser. Our production was written by Vera Morris and presented through special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service.
The cast included Brittany Arkell, Tara Corfield, Adrian Cross, Alana Cross, Shane Hanson, Stephanie Howitson, Gina Kay, William LaFrance, Megan MacDonald, Brady Moore, Jasmine Proctor, Caleb Ruttiman, Raegan Seale, Reed Seale, Krista Skwarok, Nelson Stewart, Brandan Tsmanantanis, Kalie Wiechmann and Courtney Zenert.

Treasure Island

Ahoy mateys! Lend yer ear to the tale of our first major theatre production... truth be told, it was an adverture not for the faint of heart...

Treasure Island was our first major production. Our cast of 14 varying in age from 7 to slightly over 30 years old. We rehearsed twice a week beginning in September, and by opening night, Friday November 24, 2007 cast and crew were ready to take the audience on a grand adventure in search of pirate's gold. The show ran one weekend. Unfortunately the freak snow storm that blanketed our good city in almost two feet of snow also happended to coincide with our run. Nevertheless, those who braved the weather were treated to a show they'll not soon forget!

Cast included Josh Wilson, Brady Moore, Luke Stevens, Kyra Bailey, Genevieve Ryan, Adrian Cross, William LaFrance, Gina Kay, Emily Bailey, Reed Seale, Avery Doerfling, Robert Wilson, Sammie Stephen and Brendan Jones.

Heading our crew were Debra Cross as Production Manager, Larry Hamm as Director, Fiona Bayrock as Stage Manager, Graham Archer as Set Designer, Jamea Lister as Lighting Designer and Technical Director.

Sponsors of our maiden voyage were The Chilliwack Mall, Willy Driesen and Harmony Team Builders, The Rendevous Restaurant, Johns Electronics, Rona and TLCharles Photography.

And so... in the immortal words of Captain Hamm... Keep your sails full of wind, the sun in your face, gold coins in yer pocket, a good sword in your sheath and friends by yer side (perferably ones who keep rum in their bottles!).