Brittany's Letter

On December 1, 2020, the Mayor and Council of Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo debated and voted on several budget items, including the 2021 Community Impact Sustaining Grants. In support of the Keyano College funding request to cover operational costs for Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre, local actor and arts champion Brittany Sutherland wrote a letter to Council, telling her story and expressing her support for the theatre in Wood Buffalo.

It moved us to tears. Brittany’s letter beautifully expresses what theatre and the arts mean to many of us, and the incredible impact it can have on a person’s journey, and we wanted to share it with you as well (with her approval, of course).

Thank you, Brittany, for your support of theatre in our region!

Brittany’s Letter

My name is Brittany Sutherland and I have been a resident of Fort McMurray for almost 20 years. I am a proud Métis woman who is a dedicated performer in the arts. I am writing this letter because I want to express how important Keyano Theatre is to myself and the community.

When I was younger, full of insecurities, anxiety, and unknown mental health issues, I would volunteer at Keyano Theatre and watch the amazing shows in awe; it gave me a place of comfort and safety to escape to. In those earlier years, I performed several times on the main stage and recital stage for high school and community performances with multiple concert bands, jazz bands, and choirs.

Performing gave me purpose and helped calm the stresses of everyday life and even inspired me to go to University for music performance. In the last four years, from watching others' performances and from being majorly inspired by amazing people in this community, I have fought through many mental health and chronic pain battles and was finally able to make my dream come true and participate myself as an actress on the main Keyano Theatre stage; acting, dancing, and singing in the productions of Spoon River Anthology, Mamma Mia!, and Flashdance The Musical. I was even part of a local singing group called Phoenix Rising and we performed in the lobby for the opening of an out of town theatre production, practiced weekly in the rehearsal rooms, and even pulled off a spectacular Christmas concert last year with many other community members involved while also raising funds for our local SPCA.

The rush of amazing feelings I get when performing at Keyano Theatre is not measurable and cannot be solely defined in words. It is a place where I can work hard and be noticed for something other than the struggles I have been through. Being involved with the theatre has helped me push my own boundaries, grow as a person, develop many new connections, and has helped me become a more valuable community member.

Keyano Theatre helps many others in our community including much of our youth. There are theatre, dance, and music programs for students and the thrill of performing on that Keyano theatre stage in front of hundreds of people get the kids to work very hard through intense rehearsals which teaches them good discipline and structure. Kids performing for their parents and peers can be some of the most uplifting and encouraging experiences for them and one that they can cherish for the rest of their lives. It helps kids to reach beyond their anxiety and fears and push themselves out of their comfort zone which is needed in everyday life to thrive and succeed.

Keyano Theatre is a place where people of all ages can practice and perform while being in a safe place, learning others' perspectives, and performing in so many ways while truly being themselves without harsh judgment and yet in a professional environment.

Many of my friends and I participate in the theatre as audience members. Having the option to go to the theatre for shows of all sorts allows all of us to have something to do locally and to go on special outings together; for some of them, Keyano Theatre is their only source of date nights together and it would be tragic to take that away from them, and for some of them Keyano Theatre presents an opportunity to take their kids out and expose them to different cultures and sources of entertainment.

If Keyano Theatre closed, Fort McMurray would not be the same for so many people including myself; the sheer thought of it makes me ill and takes away so much joy. The brilliant arts community in this town thrives from the theater and creates so many opportunities for people to bond, make friends, volunteer, explore new hobbies or employment, and see amazing entertainment on all levels. Losing the theatre would mean people losing their jobs and livelihood, this is not just about the volunteers and unpaid performers. The arts must stay alive and thrive in this community as it is an important part of life for so many people.

Of course, many businesses are struggling because of the Covid pandemic but I strongly believe that as soon as we are all able to be involved with Keyano Theater again, many opportunities will present themselves. Teachers will be able to teach their students in the rehearsal rooms, dance students and community members will be able to rehearse in the rehearsal spaces, local musicians will be able to rent rooms to have somewhere to practice, schools will be able to have their students perform plays and Christmas concerts on the stages, local arts festivals and community members will be able to perform on the stages, community members will be able to act, dance, and sing on the stages in the large and small scale theatrical productions, not to mention all the employees of Keyano Theatre that will be able to return to work. These are just a few of the examples that go on at the Keyano Theatre and if it were to be closed down due to lack of funding, it would lower the overall morale of our community and break many hearts.

Please consider taking a look at your municipal budget to find room to keep the Keyano Theater alive through this difficult time, it keeps mine and many others' souls alive and we all together must strive to protect what is important to us.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read my letter.

Sincerely,

Brittany Sutherland

Through pandemic and flood, the show must go on(line)!

Submissions have opened for local theatre company Theatre; Just Because’s Quarantine Cabaret. The cabaret will virtually bring together artists from across the region for an evening of diverse performances. Musicians, dancers, comedians, actors, and any other artist who can showcase their work through an online medium are encouraged to apply.

Taking place Friday, May 16th from 7:00-8:00 PM, Quarantine Cabaret is a part of the company’s Quarantheatre Series. The performance will be broadcasted via the company’s Facebook page. The Quarantheatre online performances will be an opportunity for our audiences and artists to connect and support each other while enjoying more of the community's talent and postponed or cancelled work. With the added flooding of the Arts District, among many other areas of Fort McMurray, the Quarantine Cabaret seeks to bring people together.

“Fort McMurray is brimming with talent and many artists are looking for ways to connect with an audience and each other,” said the company’s Artistic Director, Hanna Fridhed. “If these difficult times have taught us anything, it's that arts have a powerful ability to bring us together, even in times when it’s necessary that we stay apart. We are hoping that the Quarantheatre Series can be a space for local artists to continue to develop their craft and have fun together."

The announcement of the Quarantheatre Series comes on the heels of the announcement of a new artistic team. Along with Hanna Fridhed taking on the position of Artistic Director, TJB has also appointed Samson Nand as Company Manager. Those interested in submitting for a time slot in the Quarantine Cabaret can do so via the signup genius. Follow Theatre; Just Because on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date on theatre in the community, and to tune in to the Quarantine Cabaret on Friday, May 16th.

Meet Macbeth: Brieanna McCutcheon

Playing First Witch in the upcoming Theatre; Just Because production of Macbeth is Brieanna McCutheon! Brieanna was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta and grew up loving soccer and track. She always enjoyed competitive sports but never did anything with it for a career or post-secondary. For college, she went to school at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology) and received her Diploma in TV Broadcasting. It was near the end of getting this diploma that she thought that she would like to pursue acting.

What's your experience with community theatre in Fort McMurray?

“Time flies, so while answering this it makes me both surprised and happy with how much I have done in two years! My first taste of theatre here in Fort McMurray was this ‘one-act’ type play that Justin Shaw wrote and Directed about grief and losing someone. It was very powerful and forced you to reach into those dark places one has hidden. We haven’t done anything more with that piece, but I would love to revisit it. As for Keyano Theatre, I was one of the Assistant Stage Manager’s for A Christmas Carol, and performed in The Drowsy Chaperone, Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, and most recently Mamma Mia!.”

Why did you audition for Macbeth?

“I am a firm believer in challenging myself and always seek to learn from my experiences. I knew nothing of Macbeth or Shakespeare going into this, and knew our Director Justin would be able to hold my hand through this process which is what I needed. So basically, I did this to challenge myself and to keep my acting muscle flexed. If you don’t use it, you lose it” she says with a laugh.

“I am really excited I have been cast… why wouldn’t I be! After leaving the audition, I felt charged up and knew something good happened. When I get that feeling, I am always 95% sure I got the part I went for. You must understand, sometimes you might want a certain part but it’s just not for you. With this play, I didn’t have that bad feeling, so I knew something great was on the horizon. This opportunity is another chance to hang out with like-minded people and to make something entertaining for the Fort McMurray community.”

You play the First Witch, what inspires you in this role?

“Prior to the auditions I was leaning towards wanting to play Lady Macbeth since she is this twisted, dark, and complex villain-like character. I liked the challenge of her. But after I read the play in more detail, First Witch really stood out to me. It was while I was reading the First Witch words, I found the voice for the character and had a big connection to them. My mom would always joke that she was a witch when I was younger. I knew she wasn’t, but I guess that inspired me, along with Meryl Streep (Into The Woods), Mitchelle Pfeiffer (Stardust), and Anjelica Huston (The Witches).

What are you looking forward to the most with this production?

“I am looking forward to personal growth and taking on a challenge. There’s something refreshing and freeing about being something that doesn’t care about appearances. If you have never read Macbeth maybe read the SparkNotes of it before coming to see it or read a quick Synopsis of the characters so you’re more invested in the story.”

We are thrilled to work with Brieanna on our upcoming production of Macbeth! Playing at the Keyano Recital Theatre May 23-25, 2019. For more information, click HERE.

Put your best face forward: The importance of a good headshot

"Nay, but make haste; the better foot before." - William Shakespeare, King John (1596)

No doubt you have heard the saying “put your best foot forward” in reference to presenting yourself as best you can, to make a good impression on others. Even Shakespeare alluded to it! In theatre especially, having a solid headshot that, in an instant, gives people a sense of who you are, is an important tool of the trade. Never underestimate the power of the human connection: to borrow another saying - “a face to a name”. A headshot that captures the essence of who you are is a powerful tool in promoting yourself, your project, and your story. Even those artists whose product is physically separate from them, such as visual artists, a good headshot further connects you to your audience, as the photograph gives them a sense of who the person is behind the art. A headshot facilitates a sense of familiarity, even if you’ve never met, and underlines the fact that art is not some abstract ethereal existence, it is about humans reaching out to each other. 

On a more practical level, having a good headshot means you’re ready to provide it whenever promotional or recognition opportunities arise. If you have a social media page, or a website, a good headshot is a solid foundation to introduce the rest of your information. Involved in a production, a show, an exhibition, a book fair, an album launch? Your headshot is a valuable piece of the promotional puzzle and will almost always be used. Featured in an interview? Your headshot is a great visual component, along with any other photos you may have of your work. Recognition, such as awards, usually ask for a headshot as part of the overall nomination package as it rounds out the information you provide about yourself and your work - again, it gives the selection committee a person to connect with. Basically anytime you are part of something where written information about yourself is needed, a headshot is the complementing piece. Be ready!

The best part about being an artist is you can be a little creative with your headshot as well, let it truly reflect who you are! I recommend you work with a professional photographer, maybe even one who has headshot experience. This is an investment in yourself, work with someone who sees it that way. A great headshot photographer will also know how to bring YOU out in the photograph, to alleviate the worries of all of us who believe we don’t look good in pictures. They will also be upfront about limited editing of the photograph, so the final image looks like you on your best day, not a Photoshopped imitation. A good quality headshot should last you a number of years, as long as you don’t go through any drastic changes, so take the time to get it right. 

And remember - the best way artists can make a better environment for themselves is to support other artists. Pay for a photographer or make meaningful partnerships, and promote each other’s work. Happy headshots!

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

In 2019, Theatre; Just Because were sponsored by Crystal Mercredi of Life and Portraits, adding professional headshots to the actors portfolio. Thank you, Crystal!

Meet Macbeth: Jenny Price

Jenny Price - Macbeth

Theatre; Just Because is proud to introduce our Macbeth, a well-known face to Fort McMurray theatre goers, and an incredibly talented performer: Jenny Price! Born and raised in Fort McMurray, she chos to stay here to raise a family of her own. She has two children Alex, who is 16, and Kat, 12. Jenny even met her husband here at the much beloved InterPlay, and they have now been married for 17 years! Performing is a passion of Jenny’s, but she is also a dedicated mother and teacher: “working with youth at home and at school is so rewarding”, Jenny explains “because you can see the growth and change in them from day to day.”

The performing arts are a family affair in the Price' household. Brandon loves attending live theatre and expresses his creative side as Dungeon Master of his D&D group. Alex is an avid trumpet player and jumps at every chance he gets to perform with the Father Mercredi bands. Kat has followed in her mother’s footsteps and discovered a love for the stage: “We are both so happy to be involved in Macbeth together as Kat, at the tender age of 12, has been cast as Fleance (proud mama moment!)”, Jenny says. “I have been involved with community theatre in Fort McMurray in one capacity or another since I was in grade 5. My very first show was “Remoka Rink” with the Keyano Theatre Company in 1992. Since then I have been in 7 more KTC productions and numerous other one-acts, small ensemble shows, cabarets, and even an opera with other groups and programs!”

“The performing arts have always been central to my life. Even though I have experience, auditioning for Macbeth seemed a daunting task. I decided to audition because of a promise I made to myself to push my limits this year and do things that make me uncomfortable. I worked really hard to prepare for my audition but never did I imagine that I would be cast in the title role!”

“I am so excited to take on this challenge. Playing Macbeth is allowing me to open up and find a vulnerability that I don’t usually like to show. There is a lot of inspiration out there that I could draw from for this character. However, I am trying to come at it first through the text itself and I have been very careful to avoid watching other performances. I am hoping this will allow me to find my own genuine connection to the character, rather than just trying to copy someone else’s interpretation. Macbeth is a complex and fascinating character and I feel humbled and privileged to be granted this opportunity.”

“I have had a wonderful rehearsal experience so far. The cast and artistic team is an amazingly talented and generous group of people. One of the new skills I am looking forward to acquiring is stage combat. It sounds like Macbeth will have some pretty awesome fight scenes! Rehearsals have quickly become the highlight of my week. No matter what else has happened that day, I leave rehearsal feeling recharged and excited about what we accomplished.”

“I truly believe that experiences like this are presented when we need them most in our lives. The last few years have been personally challenging for many reasons and I have been feeling somewhat disconnected from myself and others lately. The process of preparing to perform as Macbeth is leading me on an inward journey to find the character, but also to rediscover myself. As I dive deeper into this work I look forward to discovering more and more about Shakespeare’s great story, the characters of the world he created, and, consequently, who I am at my very core.”

At Theatre; Just Because, we couldn’t be happier to be working with Jenny, and her daughter Kat! Come see their performances in the Shakespearean tragedy Macbeth directed by Justin Shaw, playing May 23-25, 2019 at the Keyano Recital Theatre. For more information, click HERE.