Westmount theatre group changes direction

There’s nothing new about the community’s love of theatre, however. Since 1985, the theatre group has been providing Westmounters with springtime entertainment from a diverse repertoire of plays, reflecting the group’s varied membership and theatrical interests.

Every year an eclectic group of residents gather in Victoria Hall’s rehearsal room to pursue their love of theatre. “We do it for fun, but we’re serious about what we do and how we do it,” said Elli Rubin, who co-organizes the group with long-term member Ann Elbourne.

Formerly run under the auspices of the City of Westmount’s Sports & Recreation Department, the group is now independent — though the strong Westmount connection remains. “We have faithful fans and support in the community,” said Rubin.

This year’s session brings with it new acting director Jacqueline van de Geer, whom organizers found through the Quebec Drama Federation. Currently teaching theatre in the Czech Republic, van de Geer’s extensive European-based experience in community theatre and the performing arts will bring a focused enthusiasm to the group’s acting and performance skills.

With the new session beginning on Sept. 12 at Victoria Hall, members can expect exercises in theatre arts training such as scene study and improvisation for the first 12-week component of a two-semester program.

The winter semester will focus on production aspects such as play selection, casting, rehearsals and the springtime performance.

The cost of participating in Westmount’s community theatre program is $120 per semester. An information evening will take place Sept. 6; please call 514-486-7423 or 514-484-2016 for more information.