The 100 Mile Performing Arts Society is taking a new approach this year, producing a fall season comedy instead of a spring musical, which it has become so well known for.
Office Hours by Canadian Norm Foster is the two-act play, which will run at Martin Exeter Hall on Oct. 25-26.
Marie Hooper, who is back as director after a one year absence, says its becoming increasingly difficult to find people who can make a seven-month commitment, which is the usual requirement for the larger productions.
Hooper directed many plays before hanging up her hat last year in favour of travelling south in the winter months when rehearsals are normally held.
“The society thought it should change schedules and try to do small, instead of big. It’s such a big commitment, we can’t find a director and are having problems getting pianists and such.”
Casting is completed and actors are memorizing lines, Hooper says, adding the new direction opened the door for talented people who don’t have an interest in singing and dancing. She held acting workshops prior to auditions and is more than pleased with the talent and material she has to work with.
“It’s still going to be just as much fun and as good a production as people are accustomed to. It’s really funny.”
If all goes well, Hooper says the society may do another small production in the spring.
“We’re really trying to nurture and get more people involved in the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society, to try to keep it going. I hope people will come out and give it a try and see something different.”
Office Hours is six vignettes of offices which share the same office tower.
The main producer is Kathy Wolczuk, with Jan Richmond as co-producer.
