Sudbury, you have proved us right. You have welcomed Encore Theatre Company, the city’s newest professional live theatre company, into your community with open arms. And we thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

As we bring our debut 2012 Season to a close, there is an instinct to reflect on the obstacles we have faced, the challenges we have overcome, the lessons we have learned, and the pride that we all feel as artists, as a company, and as members of this community.

But the truth is, that is all irrelevant.

What’s important is that we believed this city was craving more arts and culture, that it longed for more diversity, and that it would be open and welcoming to a brand of theatre that consistently challenges its audience and its artists alike in both style and content.

And if the past year is any indication, you have lived up to our expectations.
Sure, there were challenges. Sure, it wasn’t easy. But nothing worth doing ever is.

We developed Encore around an idea that there is a place in this community for a sustainable theatre organization that develops emerging local artists, produces edgy material and creates a working environment for theatre to flourish on the foundation of its own cultural resources.

When we first launched Encore, we didn’t know that we’d make it through the year and come out the other end still standing. Thanks to this vibrant community, we did and we head into the next season emboldened, confident, and fearless.

Thank you for making room for us. And above all, thank you for supporting local arts and culture. It is the lifeblood of a community and, hopefully, our little company is contributing to its pulse.

Today, I’m very excited to announce the event that will launch our sophomore 2013 Theatrical Season. It’s called Encore Lights Up 2013 and it takes place at our home, the Ernie Checkeris Theatre at Thorneloe University, on Sept. 7 beginning at 7 p.m.

The event will feature a rich, cabaret-style array of local artists performing a diverse selection of work. The Encore Bar will be open and we’ll be unveiling our 2013 Season in true Encore style.

Tickets are just $15 and are available on our website (www.encoretheatre.ca) and at the door. Only 75 are available, so get them while you can. I promise you an entertaining, engaging, and memorable night.

In closing, I would like to express a huge gratitude to the founding members of Encore: Nicolas Barbeau, Richard Barlow, Jenny Hazelton, Jocelyn Dotta, and Matthew Heiti.

It’s my name that most often finds its way into the news cycle, but this company is a collective enterprise of equally dedicated and talented artists and they deserve the lion’s share of the recognition.

Together, we are a company dedicated to producing edgy, exciting, and gritty theatre, the kind of theatre that we love to make and we hope that you want to experience.

And finally, thank you to all of our patrons, supporters, and sponsors for helping us to bring our debut season to life. You are making our dreams come true: being able to work and live and do what we love here in this community, where we belong.

Callam Rodya
founding artistic director, Encore Theatre Company