Dannyll Challis says it's been a dream of his to start a theatre company and now, with 30 years of professional experience, he is about to launch Tale Spinner Theatre on Sept. 8 as its founding artistic director.
Challis says there will be three branches to the company that will assist in bringing good stories to the Battlefords community.
The first of these is the professional theatre company, which will bring in professionals from across Canada to tell innovative and entertaining stories that haven't been seen before in the Battlefords.
The youth program, beginning Sept. 13, focuses on teaching teenagers about theatre through instruction in forms of storytelling from theatre professionals.
The community outreach program, which won't always include theatre but will also incorporate music or dance, will focus on bringing awareness to what's happening in the area.
Challis thinks the time is right to launch a theatre company because the Battlefords have undergone change in recent years as the community has grown.
"(The Battlefords are) becoming vibrant in terms of community. The CUplex is now three years old and has been a hub of activity," Challis notes.
"There's great stories from this area and I just think it's time to start telling (these) stories."
The youth program, which is most directed at fostering local talent and having original voices from this area heard, has three terms, with the fall term beginning in September and running until December, the winter term going from January to March and the spring term from April to June. Each term will study and perform a play by Shakespeare and also perform original pieces, Challis says.
Dramatically-inclined teenagers can learn more at www.talespinnertheatre.ca.
Tale Spinner Theatre board of directors is hosting a wine and cheese Sept. 8 at the Chapel Gallery to launch the new venture. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. with a program at 8 p.m. featuring Belle Plaine.
