10/21/2016
Important Message from Stage West Theatre Festival
We started Stage West Theatre Festival in the summer of 2008. During that season, we performed three shows over three weekends in July, and started to carve out a niche in the Corner Brook arts scene. That little festival started by a small group of friends who wanted to bring quality theatre to the City of Corner Brook over the summer months grew to a festival that produced seven shows over two months this past summer.
For eight years, we have had the incredible privilege of working with some of the most talented people in Corner Brook. From actors, to technicians, to musicians, to visual artists and designers, the level of dedication and commitment that everyone brought to our little festival has been both overwhelming and humbling. Because of them, we were able to bring to life productions such as The 39 Steps, West Moon, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Nunsense...and so many more. We will never be able to thank them enough.
Likewise, the amount of support that we have received from businesses and individuals has been heartwarming. Despite tough economic times they believed in us and supported us. Without them, we never would have been able to bring the shows to the stage. We are indebted to them. A big thank you as well to all three levels of government - the various MPs, MHAs, and City Council members that have worked with Stage West over the last eight seasons.
Over the course of eight years things change. Life takes you in different directions and makes demands on your time. Organizing a theatre festival is demanding and time consuming. We have decided that now is the time to bring Stage West Theatre Festival to an end and to see what else lies ahead. We are very proud of what we've accomplished. These past eight years have brought memories that will last a lifetime.
We have always felt proud to live in such a rich artistic community like Corner Brook. Corner Brook has consistently punched above its weight in terms of the provincial arts scene—theatre, music, dance, visual art… this little town does it all and does it well. Please continue to support the arts. They are too important to take for granted.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Mike Payne
Stephen Perchard
Jordan Stringer
