The Elora Community Theatre (ECT) held its annual general meeting on Sept. 11, highlighted by the inaugural presentation of the new Lis Pieper award to recognize excellence in volunteering in community theatre within Centre Wellington.
The first recipient, posthumously, is Pieper herself. The award was accepted in her memory by her granddaughter Chelsea Pieper, who is following in Lis’ footsteps, on stage with ECT.
Lis Pieper passed away in January and had been a pillar of support for Elora Community Theatre for 30 years. In addition to being an award-winning stage manager of several shows in Centre Wellington, she served for many years on the board of directors, including the roles of secretary and treasurer. She also worked in almost every technical area, including props, costumes, production, set painting and décor.
In coming years, the award will be given to volunteers in the Centre Wellington theatre community who exemplify her dedication.
Artistically, it was a successful year with three productions. Last season began with Anne of Avonlea, under the guidance of Deb Stanson. The winter spot was filled by Brighton Beach Memoirs, the ECT’s festival entry and directed by Bronwyn Allen-Hill. Following its formal and professional adjudication, it received five out-of-festival awards, some for acting and others for technical achievement. The spring saw the production of Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, directed by Richard Walsh-Bowers.
At the meeting, further information was provided on the new season for ECT: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, running Nov. 25 to 27 and Dec. 1 to 3; Self Help running Feb. 17 to 19 and 23 to 25; and Cheaper by the Dozen, running May 4 to 6 and 10 to 12.
