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Tale Spinner aims to increase public interest

Aug 22, 2017 | 8:00 AM

North Battleford’s theatre scene has been expanding over the past year, and the Tale Spinner Theatre company wants you to remember their name.

Dannyll Challis is the artistic director of the group, currently in its second season of performances.

Challis has 30 years of theatrical experience working with organizations such as the Globe Theatre and Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, and is looking to add more students to his roster. 

“There seems to be a need in the community for theatre education that I think this community is ready for,” Challis said. “One of the things that we’re really hoping to bring to the community is a place for people to exercise their creative muscles, [because] from what I hear, the arts are not necessarily a priority within the school system anymore due to funding.”

According to Challis, Tale Spinner focuses on a mandate provoking thought amongst the audience, which is unlike other theatre organizations in the community.

He stressed other organizations do put on quality productions, but focus more on entertainment.

While Tale Spinner’s Facebook page has a fairly large following, the first season only saw three students enrolled in the program, finishing with two.

As a result, Tale Spinner is hoping to draw even more interest this year by hosting an open house next week.

“My biggest belief is that the more [outlets] you have access to, the better the community is…whether it’s theatre, sports or anything else,” Challis said. “Any culture you can bring to a society will make [it] better.”

Those in attendance will be provided with information about the classes, what type of shows are in the works and information about possible sponsorship opportunities including funding for youth to take classes.

The open house will be hosted at the Don Ross Centre at 7 p.m. on Aug. 28 and 29.

 

Jared.gottselig@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jgottsel