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<DIV align=center><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><STRONG>Canal Fulton
Players and Echoing Ridge Forge New Relationship</STRONG></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><STRONG></STRONG></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3><STRONG>
On August 8, 2008, Rick White, the coordinator of Community Connections of
Echoing Ridge Residential Center, and David Van Gaasbeek, Artistic Director and
Producer of the Canal Fulton Players, signed an agreement that forged a new
relationship between the two entities. The Players are going to present
acting and theatre classes to any interested residents of Echoing Ridge
Residential Center during the 2008-2009 theatre season. The residents of
Echoing Ridge are people with special needs who live in either assisted or
independent living arrangements. <BR> “This
is a great opportunity for both the theatre and the center since we are bringing
something to the residents that will brighten their days. Theatre,
especially light comedy, is something that the residents can use not only in
full length productions but also in short skits,” said Mr. Van Gaasbeek.
“I am looking forward to helping in any way the residents to form a theatre
troupe of their own. This is a win-win situation for both
groups.”<BR> Starting in September, classes will
be presented at least once per month on Saturday mornings at the Community
Connections Center on 2393 Locust Street, Canal Fulton, Ohio. The classes
will involve script analysis, characterization, improvisation, voice projection,
blocking, movement, set design and construction, lighting, sound, production
arts including marketing, box office, concessions, seating, playbills, and
ushering, stage management, musical theatre, direction, and prop management and
procurement.<BR> The residents will also in the 2008-2009
theatre season be involved if they so desire in various facets of the
productions of the Canal Fulton Players. “There is more to theatre than
just acting. Allowing the residents to participate this year in stage
crew, lighting, props, costuming, production, and sound will reinforce what we
teach at the classes. It will also allow the Players’ casts and crews to
actively give any hands on direction so the residents can move forward and form
their own troupe,” said Mr. Van Gaasbeek.<BR> One aspect of
this year’s theatre schedule is that on March 13-15, 2009 and May 8-10, 2009,
the Players will give performances of On Golden Pond and Once Upon a Mattress at
the Community Connections facilities at 2393 Locust Street, Canal Fulton,
Ohio. The residents will help the Players’ casts and crews build the sets
and help with the various aspects of the actual production. The residents
will also run the concession stands. They also can come at a special price
and watch the productions. “Sometimes the best teacher is observation,”
said Mr. Van Gaasbeek. “A resident can now watch and learn while skilled
actors perform.”<BR> The ultimate goal is that the residents
with the Players’ help will not only produce a talent show for the community but
also invite other facilities with individuals with special needs to
participate. After that talent show, the residents will be free to
participate with their troupe or come and participate with the Players.
The Players will be able to do the same thing. “The arts and theatre just
got a royal booster shot with this agreement,” said Mr. Van
Gaasbeek.<BR> Those who are interested in helping the Canal
Fulton Players and the residents of Echoing Ridge should contact either David
Van Gaasbeek at 330-494-1022 or 330-854-4387 or Rick White at
330-854-9759. It is pure volunteer work but the reward will be far greater
than what money can buy.<BR></STRONG></FONT></DIV></FONT><BR><BR><BR><DIV><FONT style="color: black; font: normal 10pt ARIAL, SAN-SERIF;"><HR style="MARGIN-TOP: 10px">Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? <A title="http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2009/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00030000000007" href="http://autos.aol.com/cars-Volkswagen-Jetta-2009/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00030000000007" target="_blank">Read reviews on AOL Autos</A>.</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>