By Lizabeth Jenkins-Dale
It’s always a delight to see two- and three-year-olds dancing with adorable tutus ringing their bellies as well as school-aged students masterfully performing their violins in addition to teen students singing with angelic voices. From the hundreds of kids walking in and out of the STP door each year, it can appear that The Soo Theatre Project is just about the younger crowd, but did you know that STP also serves all ages including the “mature” crowd?
Yes, opportunities for all ages abound at The Soo Theatre Project including the grown-up sector of our communities. One such opportunity is the New Horizons Strings Players. This group is appropriately titled because it is just that – a new horizon for those who want to learn something fresh: a stringed instrument. The New Horizons Strings Players is composed of “senior” instrumentalists, many of whom never played the violin, cello, or viola.
There are other opportunities at The Soo Theatre Project, too, such as voice lessons, art instruction, and piano classes, which all provide friendship, companionship, and fellowship. But, don’t just take my word for it! Here are comments from those who are already taking advantage of the STP offerings.
Marian MacLeod of Brimley
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“I have been involved in one way or another with the Soo Theatre Project from its beginnings over 10 years ago. This marvelous community resource has helped me to grow in many ways. Many area seniors have found a kind of fulfillment in the activities that go on here. At the age of 63 I took up the cello because STARS (Soo Theatre Arts Resource Studios) was offering music lessons of all kinds, by gifted instructors, and the cello had always been something I’d wanted to learn. Then came the Not-Quite-Ready-for-Prime-Time Players, directed at first by Nancy Powers, which is now affiliated with the New Horizons International Music Association. We are a group of people who either played an instrument as a kid, left it for a few (or many) years, and have taken it up again in later life; or those who started playing an instrument for the first time in later life. We have 11 players at the present time, with probably more coming up from an adult beginners’ group begun by our director/teacher Dottie Case. And there are spinoffs from that group, including a cello quartet and a violin trio. We all love playing for others, and do several gigs a year around town. My life has been immeasurably enriched by the Soo Theatre Project. I have sung, produced shows, and played my cello in the pit orchestra here for operas and plays. What a treasure this place is. There is truly something for everyone here. “
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Elaine Sprague of Rudyard
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“I attend almost every concert and play presented by the Soo Theatre Project. Last summer I attended string camp and enjoyed it immensely. For 15 months I have been taking cello lessons at STARS, and I have recently begun playing with the New Horizons Strings. All these experiences have enriched my life immensely. Even as a senior citizen, I find that I can learn many new skills through the Soo Theatre.”
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Truly, The Soo Theatre Project is a place for all ages. Call (906-632-1930) or walk in the STP office located just north of the large marquee at 534 Ashmun Street and find out how you can enrich your own life…at any age!
Upcoming STP events: There will be a pastie sale on Thursday, January 23. Place orders for the pasties by calling the office, completing an order form in the office, or having an order form emailed to you (sootheatre@gmail.com).
Also, there will be a 50-50 drawing at the pastie sale. Buy tickets or sell tickets at your place of employment and/or next club meeting. The winning 50-50 ticket will be drawn at the pastie sale on the 23rd. This fundraiser is co-sponsored by STP and members of the Sault Tribe, friends of The Soo Theatre Project.
A version of this article was originally published in the Soo Evening News on Sunday, January 12, 2014.
