The Souris Valley Theatre experienced an increase in attendance for its two main-stage shows this year, and also had good turnouts for its other attractions.
Lyn Vilcu, speaking with the Mercury last week, said the numbers were up about 40 per cent for the two shows. Homecoming ran from July 11-21 and Pirate Heart ran from Aug. 8-18.
Homecoming had 908 people for 10 shows, or about 90 spectators per night, while Pirate Heart had 875 people for its nine performances, or about 97 per night. One performance of Pirate Heart in August had to be cancelled due to the outdoor heat.
Two other Pirate Heart performances had to be delayed due to the heat outdoors. The shows can鈥檛 be performed when it is at least 33 C outside.
鈥淥ur matinees were really well attended, which is something that鈥檚 unusual,鈥� said Vilcu. 鈥淲e had over 100 for both matinees, so it鈥檚 nice to see that people were coming out for an afternoon show.鈥�
Vilcu cited strong media coverage and excellent publicity efforts as reasons for the better attendance this year.
鈥淲e also have a board that鈥檚 a little more active this year,鈥� she said.
Also beneficial was having plays written by southeast writers. Maureen Ulrich, who penned Pirate Heart, is from Lampman, while Leeann Minogue, who wrote Homecoming, is from Griffin.
Vilcu was also impressed with the calibre of the shows. Pirate Heart was being performed for the first time.
鈥淭hey were both awesome,鈥� said Vilcu. 鈥淚 was very, very happy with both of them. Happy with the turnout. They were both very well-written.
鈥淟eeann Minogue 鈥� actually came to opening night (of Homecoming), met with the cast and told them it was one of the best performances she has seen of it. So that鈥檚 good when the playwright鈥檚 happy with what you do.鈥�
The theatre had several first-time members in its cast and crew this year. It can be a challenge with new people, because they鈥檙e living and working together during the summer, but they came together well and worked well together.
The theatre also held a pair of concerts this year. The first, with Weyburn鈥檚 Tenille Arts and her band, was held on July 7 and was the first event to take place at the theatre this summer. It brought in a total of 156 people to the theatre.
Then the Petersens from Branson, Mo., joined local favourites The Daae Family on July 26 for a country gospel concert that attracted a sold-out crowd.
The numbers were also up for the children鈥檚 theatre camps in July and August, Vilcu said. The first camp, which is for children ages six to eight, enjoyed the largest turnout that it has had for some time.
While Frehlick Hall will be used when the local Koncerts for Kids series brings the Missoula Children鈥檚 Theatre to Estevan in September, Vilcu said the theatre has held the last event it will organize this year.
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