Bringing a community theatre production to life is a labour of love and passion.
From the actors to the costume designers, the set builders to the sound technicians everyone pitches in to bring a shared creative vision to life. It’s up to directors like Donalda Spears of the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society to nurture and shape that creative vision.
“It feeds my creative soul. Live theatre allows you, the audience, to experience the magic of a story - to get lost in it. Feel it,” Spears explained. “Have it touch you like you are a part of it. I enjoy being a part of bringing that experience to people.”
Spears first got involved in drama in high school where she developed a taste for working behind the scenes as part of the stage or tech crew. After graduation, she largely stuck to raising her four children and working as a licensed home daycare owner.
That changed in 2011 when her daughters were cast as orphans in the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society production of Annie. Spears became involved in helping out backstage and eventually joined the society primarily doing work out of the spotlight such as lighting, sound or as a producer
In 2015 Spears was encouraged by another performing arts society director to make her directing debut. Even though she was apprehensive about sharing her creative vision for a Christmas Pantomime, with their encouragement she decided to take a chance.
“I have told my kids to be brave, that they can do hard things their whole lives so I thought I should probably live by those words myself,” she remarked.
Since that first production Spears has directed two plays, 2022’s the Emperor’s New Clothes and this year’s Murders in the Heir, which wrapped up its run last Saturday. Working with the people involved in the play, especially the actors, is Spears’ favourite part of directing.
Whenever she holds an audition, Spears looks for the characters she’s envisioned in the actors. Recognizing that character within them and then finding a way to make them comfortable enough to become them on stage is one of the most critical parts of Spears’ job.
“When you get to witness someone’s personal victory, knowing how hard it was, and how much it took to get there. Then hearing an audience loving who they are on stage and what they are doing,” Spears said. “Knowing you had a small part in that is the best feeling ever.”
Spears is a firm supporter of the performing arts society, noting it provides value to both the theatre community and 100 Mile House as a whole. For actors, it brings people from different social circles and ages together and builds self-esteem. For the community meanwhile, it provides another source of activity and entertainment.
Volunteering her time to direct these productions is a sacrifice Spears is willing to make. Even though it can take hundreds of hours outside work between auditions, rehearsals and meetings, she said it’s all worth it.
“I have always believed volunteering is important- if you want a community/school/sport/activity to be great, you need to participate,” Spears explained. “When my kids were young, most of my volunteer time was at their school and with the 100 Mile House Soccer Association.”
With her most recent production now wrapped up, Spears said she feels a mix of emotions. On the one hand she’s sad the play is over, on another she’s happy the community enjoyed it so much but she also admits having a little more down time will be welcomed.
In fact with that downtime Spears is already starting to think about what her next play would be. She’s hoping to do some form of a Christmas musical but for that will need a musical director and choreographer. In fact, Spears said she’d welcome seeing more directors become involved with the society.
“Well, (plays) are not going to direct themselves now, are they? What’s holding you back? Find a show that speaks to you, a show that you love, that you understand and then come find us.”
Anyone with an idea for a production or who is looking to get involved with the society can reach out to them at 100MilePerformingArts@gmail.com.