There’s nothing like an early autumn evening parked around a campfire with family and friends, all while recalling the day's events or swapping tales. It’s time to gather around the campfire once again at Dancing Sky Theatre’s wonderful outdoor amphitheatre for another round of Fireside Stories. This third edition revolves around bees, nature's little miracle makers, in an event dubbed Tell the Bees.
Running from September 5 to 14, this third installment continues a tradition that began during the pandemic and has since evolved into a seasonal favourite.
“Fireside Stories started as a response to lockdown,” said Angus Ferguson, artistic director of Dancing Sky Theatre. “It was a way for us to gather again — safely and simply. We built the amphitheatre during that downtime, and even after we returned indoors for regular productions, people kept asking, ‘When’s the next one?’ It became clear there was something special about it.”
This year’s theme — bees — brings a deeper layer to the storytelling experience. Tell the Bees invites audiences to explore the natural world and our connection to it through original stories created and performed by four professional Saskatchewan artists.
“Bees are fascinating,” said Ferguson, who also keeps hives on his property. “They’re vital to our ecosystems — something like 70% of the fruit and vegetables we eat are pollinated by bees. But beyond their importance, they’re just incredibly cool creatures. Once you start learning about them, it’s hard not to become a bee geek.”
Ferguson explained that while the show doesn’t focus strictly on environmental messaging, it does aim to increase awareness and appreciation.
“The more people understand and admire bees, the more likely they are to protect them. And that matters.”
Set in the outdoor amphitheatre adjacent to the theatre in Meacham, Fireside Stories blends performance with nature.
“It’s really where theatre began — people sitting around a fire, sharing stories. There’s something ancient and powerful about that,” Ferguson said. “We try to time the evening shows so that the sun sets during the performance. And the final story? It’s got a bit of a ghostly twist, so it’s great when it gets dark and spooky.”
Each performance offers the chance for audiences to enjoy a picnic by pre-ordering a locally curated meal.
“We know people travel from quite far to get here,” said Ferguson. “So, we offer picnic boxes — optional, of course — that you can enjoy before the show. It’s dinner and storytelling under the sky.”
The show schedule includes evening performances on Thursdays and Fridays, as well as matinee and evening shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Should the prairie weather turn, the theatre is prepared.
“If it rains, we move inside. The show always goes on.”
Reflecting on the connection with local audiences, Ferguson added, “It really feels like we’re all part of a community — like we’re working together to make something meaningful. That’s the heart of what Fireside Stories is all about.”
For more information or to book tickets and picnic packages, visit dancingskytheatre.com or call the box office.
Enjoy the full conversation with Angus Ferguson of Dancing Sky Theatre.