As TRU turns 40, their renowned Actors Workshop Theatre celebrates its 27th season. With the post-secondary institution’s maturing the theatre on the hill has firmly found its foothold in the community’s art scene.

The degree program has long boasted a dramatic array of course offerings, from acting to technical classes. Its state-of-the-art Actors Workshop venue thrives with four productions scheduled each season.

Fresh off the recent Mainstage Festival in July, Program Coordinator, Wesley Eccleston, is eager to begin the new term with students and community. “This year we are honouring the theatrical past and present. Our 2010-11 season includes classics and contemporary productions that will showcase the depth of our acting base, and appeal to the general public.”

Starting with Shakespeare, theatre historian James Hoffman directs “The Tempest” for late October. Senior acting professor Robin Nichol follows in January with the newish “Tales of the Lost Formicans” by Constance Cogden. Thirdly, voice specialist Heidi Verwey takes to Jean Anouilh’s adaptation of Sophocles’ “Antigone”. The season closes with the 12th Annual Directors Festival in April, which sees select productions toured afterward to the Lower Mainland. They continue to offer their affordable season subscription through their box office at 250-377-6100.

The Actors Workshop Theatre also plans to experiment with their casting methods, based in part on the need for some of the productions’ larger cast numbers. Players will not only be drawn from their base of acting students, but also the TRU community past and present. Eccleston explains “we want our students to benefit from working with accomplished local players that have been through our program, as well as faculty and non-major students that haven’t had these opportunities in the past.” Interested alumni, students and staff are encouraged to contact Eccleston for more information on casting call dates and times at 250-828-5020.

One would think they have their hands full, but AWT is still providing and encore or two. The program is formally partnering with Western Canada Theatre, on and offstage. Their February production of “Wit” will also feature university actors. Canadian acting celeb, Lorne Cardinal, performs in “Thunderstick” at WCT, and will be guest lecturing at TRU about the acting scene.
As a final aside, Eccleston reminds the community of the practical use of the courses offered this fall. “We still have some openings in our voice classes. Our program specialist, Heidi Verwey, works wonders with not only our actors, but also international, business and journalism students.” Interested parties are encouraged to register soon to avoid registration disappointment.