It's been two years since the Ottawa School of Theatre (OST) last performed a live production at the Shenkman Arts Centre. The theatre school normally has two sets of classes a year, culminating in class productions in the fall and spring.
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| Members of the Ottawa School of Theatre's Showcase class perform during 'Fall Fun and Stories' at the Shenkman Arts Centre on Nov. 26. FRED SHERWIN PHOTO |
The 2020 spring session was cut short with the arrival of the COVID-19 virus and the resulting pandemic. Virtual classes resumed last February with the expectation that they would eventually be able to hold group rehearsals in the spring. That never happened, of course, thanks to the third wave of the virus.
It wasn't until restrictions for indoor settings were lifted on Sept. 25 that the OST was able to start holding group rehearsals for students who were fully vaccinated. The new rules made it possible for last winter's Showcase class to get back together for the live production they weren't able to hold last spring.
The challenge was to come up with a brand new production in eight weeks and so Fall Fun and Stories was born under the direction of OSt artistic director Kathi Langston.
Fall Fun and Stories is a collection of four vignettes: "The Doctor Child's Story"; "Don't Judge, Just Don't"; a scene from "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Blacksmith Child's Story"; performed by a cast of mostly mature students.
The Richcraft Theatre was turned into a cabaret setting with tables of two and four people belonging in the same bubble. The stage set featured backdrop artwork produced by Tim Goernert who also played the dragon in "The Blacksmith Child's Story".
The performance itself was a breath of fresh air with a theme of resiliency in the face of life's challenges.
The acting was incredibly on point and you could tell the students were thrilled to be able to perform in front of a live audience again. But no one was more excited than Langston.
"We struggled through COVID, but we managed to get through it and now we are back in the Shenkman Arts Centre and we are so grateful and excited to be performing in front of a live audience it's amazing," said Langston.
Fall Fun and Stories will be back on the Richcraft Theatre Stage at 2:30 p.m. today, Dec. 27. Tickets are $5 at the door for vaccinated people only. COVID screening is also mandatory.
MILLENNIUM PARK BBQ hosted by Orléans South-Navan councillor Catherine Kitts and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe from 1-3 p.m. with live music and entertainment by children’s performers Monkey Rock Music, a free BBQ, and tons of family fun.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
ORLÉANS FARMERS’ MARKET from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Orléans Town Centre Plaza, 290 Centrum Blvd. Browse 130+ local vendors, grab a bite, and discover amazing handmade and local finds. Plenty of parking available.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION 
THE NAVAN FAIR returns to the Navan Fair Grounds after a three year hiatus. Plenty to see and do including a demolition derby, midway, livestock shows, the Ultimutts Dog and Cat Stunt Show, the Rock the Arts Puppet Show, tractor and truck pulls, musket demonstrations and live entertainment under the domes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night as well as Sunday afternoon. For a complete schedule visit 
CORN ROAST AND BBQ hosted by Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde and MPP Stephen Blais near the nature centre close to the northwest corner of Petrie Island. Hot dogs, corn and refreshments with live entertainment.
