About Us

Terrace Little Theatre Society is a non-profit Registered Charity, made up of a diverse group of volunteers with a long history of providing quality theatre to the community. In fact we are the longest continuous running Theatre Company in BC.

A Little History...

In 1953, Terrace Little Theatre staged its premier production of “Father of the Bride”. Over the next 20 years, TLT became a mainstay of the community, using rehearsal space at the Terrace Hotel and performing in the Civic Centre. When both those facilities burned down in the early 70’s, TLT rehearsals were moved to E.T. Kenney Elementary School and performances were held on the Skeena School gym stage. Then, in 1975, using a provincial government grant of $28,000, the TLT purchased the Zion Baptist Church at the foot of Skeenaview Hill for $42,000. We had a home! In the early 80’s under threat of losing that home, Merry Hallsor (nee McColl) mounted a fund raising campaign to make the building truly ours. In 1988 a unanimous decision renamed the Terrace Little Theatre building the McColl Playhouse to honour and recognise the McColl family, founding members of TLT.

Today...
Currently serving as the 2009/2010 Terrace Little Theatre Board of Directors are:

President: Christine Crawford
Vice-President: Debbie Haynes
Treasurer: Chris Stone
Secretary: Barb Botelho
Louis Bibaud, Director-at-Large
Garnett Doel, Director-at-Large
Amber Hansen, Director-at-Large
Mike Nagle, Director-at-Large
Amy Turner, Director-at-Large
Past-President: Patrick McIntyre

In addition to producing four or five major shows a year, we offer a variety of programs and events for all ages:

• Summer Drama Days, a drama day camp for 6 to 13 year olds, in existence since 1975.


• TLT Youth Troupe for Teens that meets weekly and produces 2 plays/year (currently on hiatus)


• An Annual Community Golf Tournament each June.


• Theatre Workshops with Professional Consultants made possible through our Club membership with Theatre BC


• Yuk Yuks On Tour and more!

For the past 10 years, TLT has fundraised toward a new theatre building. In March 2005, after a reassessment of our needs and resources, our General Membership gave the Board of Directors the mandate to instead proceed with a plan to expand and renovate the McColl Playhouse. The expansion will include a new stage area, heating system, costume room, dressing room and two floors of warehouse space. The phased construction may occur without disruption to the theatrical season, and will eliminate the need for TLT to rent an off-site warehouse. The plan also allows for an increased seating capacity, to better meet the needs of the Arts Community as a whole.

It is with much gratitude that we acknowledge the community of Terrace for it’s continued support through our many incarnations.

FAQ

Q: How do I become a member of Terrace Little Theatre Society?
A: Complete a Season Package / Membership Form. Forms are also available at our Ticket Outlet at Uniglobe (4718A Lazelle Ave) and at the McColl Playhouse. NOTE: A One Year Child Membership is included with each Summer Drama Days Registration Fee.

Q: How does TLT decide which plays to produce each season?
A: Please visit the TLT Library for our application form and other policy document.

Q: How can I find out the schedule of TLT plays and other events?
A: Click HERE for the TLT Calendar

Q: How do I register my child for Summer Drama Days?
A: Summer Drama Days was not held in the Summer of 2008. We hope to hold it again in the Summer 2009. Please watch this website for more details.

Q: Where and when are auditions held?
A: At McColl Playhouse, 3625 Kalum Street, anywhere from 3 to 5 months before a show opens.

Q: How do I find out about auditions dates?
A: The best way is to become a member so that you receive our Backstage News Bulletins. We also post audition dates on our web site, in our weekly Terrace Standard Ad, and release details to other local media.

Q: Do I need to prepare an audition piece?
A: No, not normally. Each Director will run auditions a bit differently, however, here is what you can expect:

• When you arrive, you'll be asked to fill out a form (name, phone number, experience if any, etc.)
  
• There will likely be short around-the-room introductions, and depending upon the Director, there may be group warm-ups (stretching, etc.).
  
• The Director will overview the play and the characters, and you may have a few minutes to study bits of the script with a partner before you are asked to `cold read' with others trying out. This is not as intimidating as it might sound.
  
• The Director may shortlist you and schedule you for a call-back (2nd audition). At that time, you may be asked to focus on a specific scene or character.
  

Our auditions are low-key. We want you as relaxed as possible so your potential will shine through.

Q: You usually announce two different audition times. Do I need to attend both?
A: No. We schedule two different times in order to accommodate everyone. Of course, it certainly doesn't hurt to let the Director see you as often as possible, so come both times if you can.

Q: I've never been in a play before. Will I have a chance?
A: Absolutely! Some of our busiest actors were only at auditions to support a friend and didn't even plan to try out. We cast beginners in almost every production. Remember, we are an amateur theatre group.

Q: Should I read the play before I come?
A: It isn't expected, but it certainly helps if you do. Don't hesitate to contact the play Director to borrow a script. His/her phone # is always posted with audition announcements.

Q: Does it cost anything to audition?
A: No, but everyone involved with a TLT production must become a member of Terrace Little Theatre Society - an affordable $5.00 yearly membership fee - which is included with each Season Package purchase.

Q: What if I don't want to act...are there other ways I can get involved?
A: Most definitely! Even if you think you can't make scheduled rehearsals, there are many ways you can help with a production. Our shows would never make it to opening night without the dedicated work of our backstage, technical, design and production volunteers. Most of our members have NO theatre experience when they join us - we are eager to train new recruits. Email now - mailto:info@mytlt.ca?subject=Membership- to let us know you wish to become involved.

Q: Is there anything else I should know?
A: If you are looking for a way to meet new people, learn and develop skills (sewing, decorating, designing, producing, lighting, sound, etc. - not just acting and directing), TLT is the community group to get involved with.

We are a FUN group of people AND we are highly committed to our audience and working together to produce quality productions. Join us!