SMASH THEATRE SCHOOL
2018
Although not a “High School Theatre group”, this children’s theatre group produces Musical Theatre productions each year. I was delighted to be able to work with this group in two Musical Theatre productions for 2018. The two productions were “ Little Mermaid Jr.” and “Seussical TYA.” for which I did the Lighting Design and helped with other technical aspects of the productions. It gave me a chance to be involved with two of my granddaughters’ theatrical activities - one granddaughter in each of the two shows. "Seussical" also marked the debut of our daughter Christine as Stage Manager - thus making the show a three generation one for the family. The two productions were held at the Genesis Theatre (Ladner B.C.)
2019
This year there were three SMASH productions: two productions of "Peter Pan Jr." each with a different age group ( performed at the Genesis Theatre in Ladner) and a production of "Legally Blonde Jr." performed at the Surrey Arts Centre Main Stage.
2020
Beauty& The Beast Jr
Aladdin Jr
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
These three productions were all postponed due to the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions on public performances - it was hoped to present these three shows at a later date. Lighting (and other technical aspects of the productions) had been designed but, unfortunately were never used. The production of "Beauty & The Beast Jr." was filmed in rehearsal - see photos of the filming days (October 2020) in the SMASH studios. "Aladdin Jr." was was later presented as a "readers theatre presentation" in March 2021. Unfortunately, the production of "Joseph" was cancelled.
2021
The Covid 19 pandemic continued to make life difficult for children theatre but the fall of 2020 saw SMASH start on three productions scheduled for performance in 2021. "Covid 19 restrictions" made the preparation of the three productions difficult to say the least. I prepared three Lighting designs one for each of "Annie Jr", "Frozen Jr.", and "Newsies". "Annie Jr" was filmed in June, in a dance studio setting (my Lighting design was not utilized because of a lack of available Lighting equipment). However, in late June, "Frozen Jr." and "Newsies" were both filmed in a Vancouver theatre with strict "covid 19 restrictions" in effect.
2022
Grease (High School Version)
Beauty and the Beast Jr.
At last, after considerable delay due to "pandemic" restrictions, SMASH was able to resume a more "normal" course of mounting Musical Theatre productions. Both "Grease" and "Beauty & the Beast Jr." moved through preparations and were presented at the Genesis Theatre in Ladner. The effort proved successful as both sets of performances drew large enthusiastic audiences that more than adequately rewarded the performers with standing ovations. Once again my participation was as "Lighting Director".
