The EODL according to Val: An interview with Val Bogan

By Val Bogan and Albert Lightstone

During the last week of the remarkable run of Halfway There, the show will be adjudicated Thursday night for a chance to be recognized at the EODL ( Eastern Ontario Drama League). Everyone is invited to purchase tickets to watch the show and even participate in the process.

What does this all mean? Well, we couldn’t think of a better person to ask than our own Val Bogan, current President of the EODL and one of the stage managers of Halfway There.

On a personal note, when I first became an active volunteer with the OLT back in 2018, Val was my director in Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lilley. I could not have had a better teacher to show me the ropes and she must have done a good job because years later, I am still here.

You have been involved with the OLT since 1988. What attracted you to the OLT and what was your first production role?
Pretty simple really. I was 25 and coming off a bad breakup (as we do when we’re 25) and I was looking for something to do. I had always been intrigued by theatre but knew almost nothing about it. I walked into the OLT one Saturday morning and there was Leoni Gardner signing people up for acting classes. I couldn’t believe my luck. I went through all her classes and went to an audition just to watch. I put my name in to volunteer and was approached by two lovely ladies heading props for The Day They Kidnapped the Pope and I basically never left.

You have been involved remarkably in 115 productions. What, in a nutshell, were some of your positions? What was your favourite? What was the most challenging?
At OLT I have indeed been involved, in some way or another, in 115 productions and growing. I’ve also done productions for other theatres and festivals. It’s all great fun.

I’ve done prompting to directing at this point. I have not designed costumes, lighting, set or sound but I have operated both sound and lights, been a dresser a few times and have not been averse to taking the drill to a few screws.

My favourite is of course stage management. It’s my passion and it makes me very happy to have close interaction with the actors and I take pride in keeping them safe and happy. I also love that it is an area in which I am constantly learning.

The most challenging thing I’ve ever done in theatre is direct. I love working with the actors and crew for sure but it has its days and moments.

What have you not yet done and what would you like to do?
I can’t think of a single thing that I want to do that I haven’t done.

Ever act ? Any desire to do so?
I have acted but it was a long time ago. I might like to get back on stage one day but if I never do, I will always be proud and totally satisfied with my theatrical career.

You were honoured s a cornerstone inductee in 2017. What were your thoughts back then?
Of course, I was very proud. I think the Cornerstone is a lovely way to recognize all those who have contributed so much for so many years. I hope the program gets up and going again this year. We have so many more who deserve that recognition.

How has the theatre changed over the years since 1988?
The theatre has changed in so many ways since way back then. It was a different time with huge parties every night and large cast shows. Since then, we’ve seen a few less parties and far less staying into the wee hours of the morning.

This said, the changes that have been made to the organization have been incredibly positive. The building has undergone some upgrades and repairs. Our current President is amazing and we are grateful that he managed to keep the place going during COVID. People are glad to be there and the atmosphere of happiness and cooperation is infectious.

What is the EODL?
The Eastern Ontario Drama League (EODL) fosters development and interest in the performing arts. It serves as a resource centre for theatre activities in Eastern Ontario, and provides community theatre groups with a communications medium throughout the province. EODL promotes artistic and technical standards and encourages education in theatre arts. Our two annual drama festivals are the principal means by which we advance these aims. EODL is a proud advocate for theatre in Ontario.

The territory for which the EODL has responsibility is divided into three sections: Western, Eastern and Northern. Western section comprises the counties of Northumberland, Peterborough, Haliburton, Hastings, Lennox and Addington, Prince Edward and the City of Kawartha Lakes, and associated municipalities. Eastern section comprises the Counties of Prescott / Russell / Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, Leeds and Grenville, Lanark, and Frontenac, and associated municipalities. Northern section comprises the City of Ottawa, and the County of Renfrew, and associated municipalities.

What is your role in the EODL?
I am the current President of the EODL.

What is the process of nomination and adjudication?
We have two festivals a year. The One-Act Festival which takes place in November and is hosted by a participating community and the Full-Length Festival which is a travelling festival which means the adjudicator travels to a participating community.

The EODL hires professional adjudicators to come to the festival or community to adjudicate their plays. Once all plays are adjudicated, the adjudicator will make decision on who will win certain awards.

The process of adjudication is a great way for the folks who are involved with a play to learn and take away great suggestions for future productions.

Is there any role for the audience?
Sure, the audience participates by watching the play and is welcome to ask questions during the public adjudication.

What are the next steps if we “make it”?
There will be a brunch on June 11 where awards will be handed out for various aspects of a production including best actor awards, best play, best director and many others.

How has the OLT fared in the past?
OLT has done very well over the years. Remember that EODL has existed since 1933 and OLT has always been a big part of the festivals. We usually walk away with some hardware. Just this year, Ian Gillies won a Best Director Award and Stavros Sakiadis a Best Actor Award for Guy Newsham’s play, Last Rights. We’re very proud of our participation in the Festivals and all those involved in the productions.

What are OLT’s chances this year?
Let me be diplomatic! We have as much chance as any other of the wonderful productions that are entered into the festival.

You recently retired from the Federal Government. What did you do for work?
I was a Senior Advisor in Parliamentary Relations at Public Safety Canada. My work consisted of monitoring and reporting on Parliamentary Committees and coordinating appearances by senior officials of the department including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers and Directors Generals.

What are your plans for retirement?
Theatre and travel. I leave for Europe in June and have planned a couple of days in London to see as many shows as I can 😊.

Any other things you want to add?
I’m very happy to see theatre returning to Ottawa after such a long absence during COVID. It’s great to see people gathering and smiling again when they arrive and especially after they leave. Thank you, Ottawa, for supporting the OLT and the EODL. It’s an important part of our communities.

For more information on the EODL please go to eodl.ca