Get out the brooms. Squamish's Between Shifts Theatre came home just short of a clean sweep after attending a Lower Mainland drama festival last weekend.
Up against four plays, the company's production of The Cemetery Club won 10 out of 11 awards at the Theatre 小蓝视频 North Shore Zone Festival of Plays. Among the slew of trophies was best overall production and best actress, which went to Kathy Daniels.
"Gobsmacked. Absolutely gobsmacked," said Daniels - who also sat as one of the play's producers - of the award haul.
The company beat out some stiff competition to win a stage time at the eight-day Theatre 小蓝视频 Mainstage Festival in Kamloops from June 30 to July 7. Slated to be the first up, the Squamish troupe will compete against drama groups from across the province.
Daniels was onstage with Carla Fuhre, Liz Gruber, Skai Stevenson and Janice Hayde, while Judi Price wore the director hat. The play focuses on three widows in the '80s. The comedy, written by Ivan Menchell, delves into friendship and loss.
Although nervous (and excited) for the next level of competition, Daniels said the troupe is off to a good start. North Shore Zone adjudicator Scott Swan told the Squamish actors that he usually doesn't enjoy the type of comedy that The Cemetery Club falls into; however, the group's bond and believability of the characters brought him around. Swan also noted the incredible light and detail of the play's set, Daniels said.
In Kamloops, the festival will take place in the 750-seat Sagebrush Theatre, Daniels said.
"I haven't played to a house that big," she said.
Between Shifts Theatre is now fundraising to get the play's set to the festival and back.
"It is going to cost us a lot of money," Daniels said.
Not only does the setup have to be transported there, but it also has to be stored during the week and the group will need help constructing and deconstructing the set.
To donate or learn more about the theatre company and play, visit www.betweenshiftstheatre.com.
