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by Jim Holmes
When Jandra Drodge received the Kanata Theatre prize for her
contribution to the Earl of March Drama Program throughout her high
school years she was just the latest of many generations of
secondary school students in Ottawa’s west end who have benefited
from one of Kanata Theatre’s long-standing programs.
Jandra intends to study theatre at the University of Guelph.
Jandra’s brother, Adam, who received the Kanata Theatre award a
couple of years ago, has also done post secondary study in theatre.
Kanata Theatre President Mary Holmes presented the award at the
recent Earl of March commencement. |
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For most its 37 year history
Kanata Theatre has recognized outstanding local students who have
shown a talent for the stage.
Initially the prize was a book given to the graduating student at
the Earl of March. As A.Y. Jackson, Holy Trinity and then other
secondary schools with drama programs opened in the former City of
Kanata, the community theatre group did not hesitate to include them
in its program.
Even before amalgamation of the western municipalities, Kanata
Theatre had extended its prize, now a cash prize of $100 per
recipient, to West Carleton in Dunrobin, and Sacred Heart in
Stittsville. The latest school to be added is All Saints Secondary
School. In the year of the double cohort Kanata Theatre presented
its awards to students in both graduating classes.
The awards are in keeping with one of Kanata Theatre’s favourite
objects, that of encouraging the art and craft of theatre in young
people. Programming, training and activities that include young
people are other ways the group pursues this objective. Young people
are an important component of the life of the Ron Maslin Playhouse.
They can be seen at every performance working front-of-house, and
they are active backstage in a variety of roles. Since the beginning
a student member has been on Kanata Theatre’s board of directors.
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