Theatre group wins second place in Santa Claus Parade

by COURTNEY SYMONS

courtneysymons@metroland.com

There was a new float in town at the Constance Bay Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 3.

Rural Root Theatre Company entered the parade for the first time with a float inspired by Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol", and took home second place for best entry.

They were beat out only by MJR Mechanical Services' winning float which was transformed into a train, inspired by "The Polar Express".

Around 18 participants from the Constance Bay-based theatre company dressed in period costumes and travelled on a large hay wagon for the parade. The float was covered in ghosts from Christmas past, present and future, alongside Scrooge himself, played by Simon Wellman who directed the theatre's most recent production titled "A Little Piece of Heaven".

"It's interesting how resourceful people can be," Rural Root member Helen Weeden said. "All but one of the costumes were made from something we already had. It's been a real team effort."

The fl oat will also appear in Carp's Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 10, beginning at noon at the Diefenbunker on Carp Road.

But Christmas festivities aren't the only thing keeping the local theatre group busy.

On Dec. 27, the company hosted a "Play in a Day" event where groups of four were given a script – a one-act play titled "His Return" by Percival Wilde – and told to produce and perform it all in one day.

After four hours of casting, practicing and producing, the groups presented their final products to each other.

Weeden said it was a great way for people who normally work behind the scenes to gain some experience with a script.

Memorization wasn't required, but members shared tips on how best to remember their lines. Member Roy Ballantine orchestrated the event, who had attended a similar workshop with the Ottawa Little Theatre.

Ballantine will direct the company's next major production, titled "The Curious Savage" by John Patrick.

The comedic play is about a woman named Mrs. Savage who is deciding how to make best use of the money her late husband left her.

Auditions for the play will be held at the Constance & Buckham's Bay Community Centre on Jan. 8 and 11 at 7 p.m.

Listings of the cast and crew required for the production can be found on the group's website at www.ruralroot.org.

Rural Root hosted their annual general meeting on Dec. 4 where they announced their registration as a not-for-profi t corporation.

Submitted photo Rural Root won second place for their fl oat in the Constance Bay Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 3. Using the theme of Hollywood movies, the theatre company chose Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" for their fl oat.

Some roles are still up for grabs, and Rural Root is always looking for new people to get involved – both behind the scenes and on stage.  Contact Rural Root at 613-839-3595 or visit their website at www.ruralroot.org for more details.