How It Began (cont'd)

of the Group’s success. Laurence and Ron were all-important in the early days, as their knowledge and experience were invaluable to the fledgling group.

In that same program Dewi Williams, the President, reiterated our mission statement: “The phrase “Community Theatre” has been used to describe the group. This expression sums up our aim, which is to provide entertainment and enjoyment for all members of the community. As well as stage productions, we have meetings for play-reading and other activities. If you crave to act, work behind the scenes, or if you just wish to dabble in the theatre, come and join us.”

Dewi did not elaborate on some of the “other activities”. The “Group” had become more than people just interested in putting on plays, but had become a close-knit circle of friends. Many had come from England, and from elsewhere in Canada. They were all close in age with young families and soon developed deep and lasting friendships that have lasted to the present day. Summer weekends were filled with beach parties at Constance Bay with children and adults, work parties at the old Schoolhouse off Richardson Road, picnics and barbecues. Impromptu gatherings (with dancing) were held in one another’s homes almost weekly. “Happy hours” after rehearsals and performances frequently lasted until sun-up and it seems that practice has been recently revived! It was not always a big, happy extended family. There were frequent squabbles and disagreements, but just as in a real family, the members came together in times of crisis to support one member or to celebrate in the joy of another.

 The “Group” had definitely taken “root” and with the building of the Earl of March Secondary School we had found a new home. The first presentation on its stage was The Crucible directed and staged by Ron Maslin in May 1971. This was a turning point in K.T.’s history, for with it came enhanced lighting, sound and sets as well as more comfortable and greater seating capacity. The Crucible had a cast of 27 out of a membership of 40 so everyone had to be involved in some capacity or other. The school board of the day welcomed us and gave us space in the basement to build and store our sets. However, we had only the weekend before the play to put them up and they had to be taken down the following Sunday. Often, Phil Lawless would still be painting behind the actors as they went through the dress rehearsal!