Two members of Cochrane’s Take a Bow Community Theatre Society have earned a nomination for a Calgary-ACTS CAT Award.
Anita and Reid MacDonald were recognized for their lighting design in the society’s production of Go Back for Murder. Anita credits director Joanne McGilvray for the production’s vision, though McGilvray says she’s “just being modest.”
Lighting the murder-mystery play posed unique challenges. The theatre lacks moveable lights and standard rigging, requiring the team to adapt the existing setup.
“We had to work with what we had, adjust the set slightly and rely on communication between the booth and stage,” said Anita MacDonald. “It all came together beautifully.”
McGilvray said the nomination is a rewarding recognition of the community theatre’s work and its growing presence in Calgary’s broader arts scene, in addition to the strong support they receive from the Cochrane community.
“We’re excited to be acknowledged by our peers,” she said. “It’s really gratifying to see the hard work of the cast and crew celebrated.”
Directing the Agatha Christie play was especially meaningful for McGilvray. It was her first production in community theatre 35 years ago.
"I was assistant stage manager on it, and several of the actors and I are still friends. I was able to contact them, and we reminisced about the play and shared experiences. That really informed this production," she said.
The team believes it was a standout show.
"If people didn’t come and see it, they should make sure they attend one of our upcoming productions," said McGilvray.
Casting is already complete for their December pantomime, Goldilocks, and next spring’s children’s play, Oliver!.
Rita will direct the pantomime, a role she typically plays with Take a Bow.
"We have a great cast with lots of new faces, which is always exciting in amateur theatre. We have performers of all ages, from kids to adults, and it should be lots of fun," she said.
Jorja Polischuk is returning to direct the children’s play, following the success of this spring’s Forever Treasure Island.
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Take a Bow is entering its 25th season. After years of focusing largely on an annual pantomime, the group has produced three shows annually for the past three years.
"Because it’s our 25th anniversary, we have some other fun plans in the works, but we can’t talk about them just yet," said McGilvray.
The CAT awards ceremony takes place Aug. 30 in Calgary.