March, 2010
By DEREK DUNN derek.dunn@metroland.com

CARP - Deka Builders and Suppliers wanted more exposure. Rural Root Theatre wanted materials to complete a long-anticipated upgrade to their Len Purcell Community Centre stage. So it was that necessity and community spirit brought the two together for a unique sponsorship agreement.
“The whole thing a sense of community, helping each other out,” Deka owner James Roy said, at his Carp area location.
Rural Root’s Martin Weeden agreed, pointing to a bundle of recipients; goods the store donated to the theatre troupe.
“I’ve always been a regular customer here for years,” Weeden said. “We have other sponsorships. This one means a lot to us. We can get stuff done and this saves us a lot of money.”
Another connection comes by way of Roy’s wife, a recent graduate of the Ottawa Theatre School, who got her first break when Weeden hired her for a play a few years back. She’s been bitten by the bug ever since.
“He gave me my first acting break. I was the Grim Reeper,” Lucy Roy said. “After that I was hooked. I like the opportunity of being in someone else’s skin, experiencing their emotions, which are really your own, too.”
Major sponsors are mentioned before every performance, have signage in the foyer and on posters and brochures. More than 300 tickets are sold on a given run, with some 125 people coming out nightly.
This spring’s performance – a comedy-musical called The Last Resort, by Norm Foster – will include two firsts: a matinee performance and a champagne reception.
“You don’t have to dress formally, but you will get a glass of wine,” Weeden said. “It’s a good play. It’s hilarious.”
Auditions for the May 12 to 15 run are still underway. Anyone interested in participating with Rural Root Theatre Company can find out more at ruralroot.org.