Two long-serving members of community theatre troupe the Not So Grand Players were recently honoured for their dedication and hard work with Lis Pieper memorial plaques.
Connie Dickinson and Florence Arkell have been active over the years, writing, directing, acting and producing many of the plays audiences in Fergus and Elora have come to cherish.
While Dickinson and Arkell are currently vacationing in warmer climes, they sent an email to the Advertiser expressing their surprise at receiving the award and why they are so passionate about local theatre.
Arkell said she got her start around 30 years ago when she volunteered to help build and paint the set for We’ll Meet Again, a production celebrating the 40th anniversary of WWII.
As it happens, more people arrived to help with backstage tasks, and few to star in the show itself. Therefore Arkell, along with many other volunteers, unintentionally ended up with parts in the play.
She says they were all surprised – and hooked – when it ended up having sold-out performances at the Elora, Arthur and Fergus Legions.
“This group of amateurs loved the excitement of such a successful venture so much, they couldn’t wait to do it again,” Arkell recalls.
Dickinson joined a year later, at the same time the troupe received its name.
“That’s when the annual productions began and before long the name became the ‘Not So Grand Players’,” they said. “A name that became synonymous with great family entertainment provided by local folks having fun, singing and making people laugh.”
Since then, the group has presented 28 stage productions and four Christmas variety evenings. Arkell and Dickinson have penned at least 11 of these scripts. The women agree the great feeling that accompanies giving back to the community is what has kept them involved.
“For weeks after closing a show, [we] receive accolades from not only family and friends, but from complete strangers in local stores or on the street.”
Over the last 30 years, the Not So Grand Players have also been responsible for donating $90,000 back into the community.
Because it never felt like an obligation, the women say they were “truly shocked” when they were announced as recipients of the Lis Pieper award.
“It seemed preposterous that a person would be recognized for doing something that they enjoyed so much,” they said. “Although Lis was not a personal friend it was easy to see and hear the impact she had on community theatre.”
in Fergus and the surrounding area. That in itself was inspiration to stay involved.”
The women believe the success of organizations such as the Not So Grand Players is wrapped up in the spirit of the community itself – and Centre Wellington takes great pride in its homegrown artists and volunteers.
“Community theatre, by all groups in the area, is still so successful because people like to see people they know on stage. Also the quality of the productions is excellent, while the ticket costs are still within reach.”
The women say that moving forward, one of the challenges is continuing to find new volunteers as core members move into retirement – but they have faith the group will continue to have a strong presence in the area.
“Volunteering plays such an important role in every community. It’s certainly alive and well and can be seen and felt in our very own community,” they say.
“Volunteers, especially those that just work diligently without ever expecting anything in return, are everywhere.”
The Lis Pieper memorial award is named for a long-time member of the Elora Community Theatre who passed away a few years ago. It is meant to honour those who have made outstanding contributions to local theatre and have exhibited Pieper’s dedication.
