Welcome to the Studio Theatre

About Us

Perth Theatre Project Board of Directors 2011-2012

PresidentSecretaryVice President
Bruce Neil Anne Neil Jackie Boyer
TreasurerPromo ChairArtistic Director
Jill Nolan Penny Silberhorn David Parry
Box Office ManagerSponsorshipAt Large
Isabel Joyce Jim Deacove Grace Main

Other Duties: 

Bruce Neil - Facilities Manager 

Jackie Boyer - Website Coordinator 

Anne Neil - Window Design/Décor  

Penny Silberhorn - Community Liaison

The Officers of the Board and Department Heads

Booking ManagerTechnical Director
Reiner Silberhorn Tina Gateley
Ticket ManagerFacilities Assistant
Diane Gunning Chris Gateley
Volunteer Coordinator
Liz Theobald

Studio Theatre Productions

What is Studio Theatre Productions?

STP is the production arm of Perth Theatre Project (PTP), a corporation formed in 1992. The mandate of PTP was, and remains, to bring community theatre to Perth and its environs. Initially, this was done largely through the establishment of a Resident Company (Barn Door Productions), which produced several plays a year and paid rent to PTP for the space. When this arrangement came to an end in 2008, there was a brief period during which a similar role was played by New Theatre Perth, but eventually PTP decided that there was a sufficient critical mass of theatrical talent to begin producing its own plays. Thus was born Studio Theatre Productions in the summer of 2009, operating under the guidance of the Board of Perth Theatre Project

What is the ‘play’ selection process for each season?

The Play Selection committee, chaired by the Artistic Director of STP, meets between January and April in any given year to read a number of plays proposed by the various members of the committee. It is expected that between 12 and 15 plays will be read prior to each season. Each member ranks all of the plays according to a number of criteria (entertainment value, technical requirements and challenges, casting challenges and audience suitability). A composite score is determined for each play and this is followed by a discussion to ensure a balanced season.

Mentoring new directors

Roberta kathieIn order to ensure a steady supply of new directors, a Mentorship scheme was introduced for the 2010-11 season, whereby directors with little experience would be encouraged to direct a play (either one act or full-length) under the guidance of one of our more experienced directors.

This scheme worked extremely well in its inaugural year.

Two first-time directors, Roberta Peets (left) and Kathie Reid (below), mentored respectively by Jeremy Dutton and Patricia Parry, directed one act plays as part of the season-opening production, An Evening of One Acts Plays.

 

EODL Success

Both plays were subsequently entered into the Eastern Ontario Drama League One Act Play festival in Ottawa in October, 2010.

Both directors were nominated for an award.

“My Narrator” was awarded the Brighton Barn People’s Choice Award for Best production in the opinion of the audience members.

Kathie Reid is very pleased to be working again with the Studio Theatre Perth in the upcoming new season. She will be directing Steel Magnolias, a play by Robert Harling, which will be presented in March 2012.

Upgrades and Improvements

content image holderIn spite of rising costs we have been able to continue to make improvements to the theatre such as a larger and more efficient technical booth, new main curtains, improved sound proofing, and upgraded lower-level washrooms, to name a few. This was accomplished while still maintaining ticket prices at affordable levels. A hearing assist system for patrons with hearing difficulties and an elegant new upper-level washroom, more accessible to patrons who have difficulty with stairs, were recently installed with financial assistance from The Valley Heartland Futures Development. Several more new projects and upgrades are planned and will be implemented as funding becomes available. We want to make our Theatre accessible for all and our fundraising efforts for our new elevator are well underway and are paying off . We have received many donations and have raised monies from our 50/50 activities. This is a long term project but with your help, we will reach our goal.  

The Studio Gallery

studio galleryThe Studio Theatre maintains the Studio Gallery in its upper lobby. It is an intimate space adjacent to the refreshment counter, a great place for audience members to view the art displayed there and a great venue for local artists and artisans to display their work. Display space is free of charge; all we ask is, if any pieces are sold, that 10% of the purchase price be donated by the artist to the Studio Theatre, in return for a tax receipt. Displays are changed for each of the season’s plays, and generally stay in place during the run of the current play and for other events between plays. To apply for exhibition space, please contact the Studio Theatre at perthstudiotheatre@yahoo.ca.

The Snack Bar

The Studio Theatre has a small refreshment counter in its upper lobby, which offers a variety of  snacks and beverages at minimal costs, both prior to performances and during the intermissions.Patrons are permitted to take these refreshments into the theatre.