SOAP Theatre wins awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOAP Theatre took their spring show, Since You Left Us to the 2017 Okanagan Zone (O-Zone) Festival in Salmon Arm this year.  And now Since You Left Us is officially an award-winning play!

According to the organizers in Salmon Arm, the Festival was successful beyond expectations – attendance at the seven performances averaged 81% of capacity, including three sold out shows. More than 200 people came to Salmon Arm from Princeton, Oliver, Kelowna, Vernon and Armstrong to participate in the Festival.
One of the highlights of the Festival from the participants perspective was the “Coffee Critiques” conducted the morning after each performance by Festival Adjudicator James Fagan Tait. The sessions, open to Festival audiences, were full of positive energy as Tait explored details of each production with the directors, actors, designers and stage managers who presented the plays.

The SOAP Theatre cast and crew had a terrific time!  Since You Left Us was very well received by audience and adjudicator, and  took home FOUR AWARDS at the awards banquet on Saturday May 27. They include:

Runner Up To Best Production: Only two productions win an award: first place, which goes on to compete at the provincial Mainstage Festival, and runner-up. For only a second showing at the O-Zone, and competing against many seasoned troupes from Vernon the Shuswap, and Kelowna, this is a tremendous achievement. SOAP Theatre edged out several serious contenders.

Best Newcomer: This award is presented to an actor in their first appearance onstage. Valerie Heathman, who played sexy grandma Dolly, won the award hands down for her terrific performance.

Best Sound Design: Trevor Leigh’s sound design skills were rewarded with this trophy. He also directed the production.

Backstage Cooperation Award: Members of SOAP Theatre know that there is no show if the teamwork between cast and crew is lacking. The troupe has a history of making the camaraderie between onstage and backstage their first priority, always. The most frequent acknowledgement from cast to crew? “We’re a well-oiled machine folks!”

Congratulations to Trevor Leigh and his creative team, the cast and crew and everyone whose hard work made this possible.  Next year’s Okanagan Zone Festival entry will be Outside Mullingar, directed by Tom Szalay. Polish up your Irish accents for this one! Visit SOAP Theatre’s website at http://soplayers.ca to keep up-to-date on auditions and productions.

Front row:  Diane Gludovatz, Valerie Heathman, Aimee Grice

Rear:  Nathan Linders, Tom Szalay, Jeff Smith, Trevor Leigh

Not present for the photo:  Louise Szalay, Christine Rothwell, Brian Hesje, and Jenn MacNeil.  Many others worked hard so this lucky eleven could attend in Salmon Arm and blow them all away.