Local theatre company holds talent contest as arts centre fundraiser

A local theatre company is holding a talent show in order to raise funds for a much needed performing arts centre in Steinbach.

Looking Glass Theatre founders Mark Moir and Laura Kathleen Turner need about $1 million to make their dream of a community theatre a reality.

“We’re always looking. Commercial real estate in Steinbach is such a premium. Stuff goes so quickly at such an inflated price,” said Moir.

“There’s so much performance happening and not a dedicated stage space for it,” said Turner. “What we would do, when we have a building, is we would open it up for affordable rentals for people in the community to use…It’s just a big community project that we are so excited to start.”

To raise funds, the artistic directors are holding an event to showcase the talents of performers of all ages and all backgrounds whether it be singers, dancers, actors, magicians, acrobats, gymnasts, comedians, ventriloquists – any skill really.

“We are super, super excited about it. We can’t wait to feature all the talent that is in the community because there is lots and lots of it,” said Turner. “We have a really fun night of not just acts from the community but we’ve also managed to bring in some very special guest stars to come and perform at the show as well.”

There will be four professional performers showcasing their talents. Manitoba’s own Catherine Wreford is a former ballerina with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and has performed on Broadway and at the Tony Awards and she recently won the Amazing Race Canada.

World renowned opera singer Tracy Dahl will also be performing. Dahl has sung major roles with the Metropolitan Opera in New York, at Carnagie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and La Scala in Milan.

Harry Nelken is another performer. This Canadian thespian is one of Canada’s most respected stage actors. He has performed at the Stratford Festival, National Arts Centre, Citadel, Theatre Calgary, Persephone, Magnus Theatre, Theatre Sudbury, Chemainus, and at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. His film credits include The Ice Road (2021), The Lookout (2007), Capote (2005). He will next be seen in the upcoming Bob Odenkirk feature, Normal.

And Jon Ted Wynne who is with the Bristol Old Vic in England is another prolific Canadian stage and screen actor who has amassed almost 50 film credits to date. Acting highlights include a production of ARTURO UI, roles as Prospero, Oedipus, and several Shakespeare compendia. In 2018, he was invited to co-star at RMTC in their production of It’s a Wonderful Life.

“Four absolutely lovely people who we know and love and who have agreed to come and not only attend but perform at the event. So, we not only get to see the variety of talent that the Southeast has but Manitoba as a whole. So, those that buy a ticket they get to support their friends and family, but they get to see some world class performances in Steinbach,” said Moir.

Tickets for the event are $50 and judging will be done by audience vote. Winners will receive a small walk-on role in the December Looking Glass Theatre production of A Christmas Carol. The talent show will be held on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Pat Porter Active Living Centre but Moir and Turner are looking for acts now. To register as an act visit lookingglasstheatre.ca/talent-show.

Moir and Turner have also started a GoFundMe page to raise $10,000 for the construction of a theatre. Visit gofundme.com/f/steinbach-theatre to make a donation.

To buy tickets visit simpli.events/e/talent-show.

“It’ll be one of the biggest nights that Steinbach has ever seen,” said Moir.