During this festive season we are very fortunate to be able to gather together and celebrate with friends and family. The Ottawa Little Theatre is regarded as family by many of us who work together for months on productions and daily towards the general good and advancement of our beloved theatre.
For some, the OLT is a home away from home and they have grown up here. Let’s call these folks the Children of OLT. One such person is Amy Kennedy who has organized this year’s annual Christmas party . Amy has been involved with the theatre for the past 27 years. Why is she so sure ? It’s because that is how long her father Mike Kennedy and step mom Sarah Hearn (both OLT fixtures) have been together. She recalls just hanging out as a kid, taking naps in the green room prior to becoming active both on stage and behind the scenes. Today she is a successful dental assistant and has acted in 7 OLT shows and part of the production team of many more.
Amy Kennedy
Not only has Amy put together Sunday’s get together, she has spent over 10 hours decorating the building in the Christmas spirit. As that our holiday show is Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley, Amy wanted the decorations to reflect the era of the play. She didn’t want to use tinsel but trees and reeds to mirror the introduction of the Christmas tree in the play.
Around 50 members attended the event. Although, it was freezing and snowing outside (weather outside was frightening), it was warm and inviting inside especially with a great food spread provided once again by the incomparable Jeanne Gauthier and her team.
The afternoon was also showcased by the induction ceremony into the OLT cornerstone. Once again this year, the formality was hosted by our President Geoff Gruson.
Cornerstone Inductees
As part of its 100th Season Celebrations in 2012-13, the Ottawa Little Theatre (OLT) commissioned a piece of art, ShapeShifter by Lynda Cronin which you can find outside the King Edward entrance to the theatre. The names of the inductees – volunteers who have made an extraordinary contribution to making the OLT the thriving community organization it is today are attached to the sculpture. They are also listed in the lower foyer as you enter the theatre, and details of their contributions can be found in the Cornerstone section of the website. They are the human cornerstones of the theatre.
The first ten volunteers were inducted onto the Cornerstone sculpture on August 25, 2013, as part of the final event of OLT’s 100th Season. Each year since, up to five outstanding volunteers are added, chosen from nominations submitted by current and past volunteers, members and subscribers (the process is explained on the website).
While listening to this year’s speeches, one comes to realize how unique the theatre is. One winner acted in seven OLT decades! Another became one of the most famous comedians in North America. The acceptance speeches by recipients or family members on their behalf were touching and nostalgic. The photos of the productions were snapshots of times gone by. There is a great sense of pride for everyone both past and present.
This year’s inductees are:
Dave Magladry ( Nominated & presented by Nancy & Jim Hogan)
Rich Little (Nominated and presented by Janet Banigan)
Ian Fellows ( Nominated by Michele & Joe O’Brien, Presented by Jane Morris)
Eddie Dunn (Nominated by Mitzi Hauser, presented by Cheryl Jackson, and accepted by Barbara Dunn)
At the tail end of the ceremony some members were singled out for their exemplary recent service including Amy Kennedy for organizing the Christmas event, Jeanne Gauthier for feeding the masses, Val Bogan & Fran Johnson for their tireless cleanup of the props room, and Albert Lightstone for his Blog contributions. Each was awarded a beautiful piece of glassware with a laser etching of the OLT logo.
Congratulations to everyone.
The inductees’ photos and bios are available on our website ottawalittletheatre.com.
Welcome back Jim Hogan who read the nomination speech for Dave Magladry.
Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
-albert