For our “Tribute to Mike Dempsey” this past September, we wanted to not only thank Mike for his annual contribution to The Soo Theatre Project, but to somehow express the impact of his support. How could we show Mike just how much his annual Mike Dempsey and Friends concert impacted our local students and performers from year to year?
So we asked a few of our students to do just that. To write about their experience and to present their story to Mike at his final “Tribute to Judy Garland.” Three beloved students rose to the task and presented their stories during the concert that night. We wanted to share their stories with you.
For our first installment of “In The Spotlight,” we would like feature seasoned Soo Theatre performer, Gabrielle Pepin. Gabbie is currently a senior at Sault Area High School, the same school that Mike Dempsey attended. Gabbie started our her time at STP as Molly in the 2007 production of “Annie” where she stole the show with her impassioned impression of the evil Miss Hannigan. From that point on, Gabbie studied voice, dance,and theatre and has performed in countless performances over the past ten years. Gabbie aspires to continue with her studies in the arts while also studying English.
In her own words, student Gabbie Pepin sums up her experience at the Soo Theatre.
“Hello. My name is Gabbie Pepin, and I have spent the majority of my life growing up here in the Soo Theatre. For about eight or nine years, it has been a second home to me and has played an integral role in shaping me into the person I am. Through voice lessons and dance classes I was introduced to the arts and allowed to explore another world that would help me develop my passions and express them in ways that could be shared with others.
Many of the teachers, employees, and other students and volunteers have become my extended family over the years. Many of them have watched me grow up and have inspired me in countless ways. I have learned so much about myself and others through my time here, and the guidance I have been graced with has never led me astray. I am very lucky to have known these people for so long.
I have participated in many performances throughout my life: musicals and operas, dance shows and voice recitals. I was first in the musicals “Annie,” “South Pacific,” and “Oliver,” and since then have been in “Carousel,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Annie Jr., “ and “Camelot.” Through every show, every rehearsal, and every performance, I have been introduced to and gotten to know the most amazing people. I have met people from across the country and the border, and my life has been enriched due to knowing them. The experiences and lessons they have provided are those that I could not have received anywhere else. The incredible community that has grown within this theatre is unique and special.
So, thank you. Thank you for your help with providing these extraordinary opportunities that have encouraged me to follow my dreams and share the beauty of the arts with this community. I love this theatre with all my heart, and I know I am not the only one who has benefited from the commitment of everyone who feels the same.”
