Performance Arts
A History of Theatre in Clearwater
Theatre has become part of the community fabric and culture of Clearwater since its first one-room school and community hall. Educators introduced elementary school students to basic theatrical concepts through seasonal and class plays. Students who were adept and interested had their dramatic skills sharpened during their high school years, and for those with real passion, the theatre became part of their post-secondary schooling or vocation. A number of these young people would return to the Clearwater area to settle with their own families and bring their theatrical talents with them; they would get involved in community theatre or, at the very least, become appreciative audience members.
Between the ’70s and early 2000’s Clearwater Secondary, led by talented theatre instructors such as Jackie Birchall and Lloyd Bishop (there were several others in between), was directing quality productions, including musicals, comedies and dramas. In addition, community theatre groups such as “Stratford on Thompson” combined adults and students in excellent and fun-filled productions during the 1990s. Crystal Moliette began a community theatre called “Afters Hours Theatre” in 2006 and produced several successful shows with the help of Alex Arduini, Neal Broswick, and Joanna Hurst. When Crystal Moliette moved the following year, Stephen Raschke took over directorship duties for “After hours” in 2013. They put on five major productions over the next five years, and many excellent actors of all ages shared the stage at CSS and other venues. Alex Arduini and Richard Stroh also took directing roles, and both undertook after-school drama club direction at CSS, which led to additional high school shows.
In 2017, After Hours Theatre changed to become Clearwater Theatre Collective and joined the North Thompson Arts Council the following year. In 2019, CTC put on a joint production with “Squidamisu Theatre” of Vigil (Morris Panych) for its longest run of 12 nights. It was a great success, and we expected great things to happen.
Then the Covid pandemic hit, and CTC has been on hiatus ever since. But fear not; theatre in Clearwater will not die. It is alive and well in the hearts and minds of many in our community: many of us have more plays on our performance bucket lists. And who knows, some person who grew to love theatre here in Clearwater may return and continue the theatrical cycle. If you are that person or a previously undisclosed thespian who just needs permission to act out, call Stephen at (250) 674-1195 and become a part of the CTC and the next generation of theatre in Clearwater.
Music
Live music is not hard to find in the North Thompson. The Summer Stage weekly outdoor concert series, organized by the Wells Gray Lively Arts Society, attracts performers and musicians from far and wide. While the Summer Stage only runs in the summer months, the Lively Arts Society also presents regular Coffee House events during the colder months, with opportunities for local musicians to showcase their talents. Various other local groups regularly put on concerts as fundraisers and for special occasions.
Music lessons are also available locally, with regular concert presentations to friends and family members to demonstrate the students’ abilities.
NTAC has had limited connection with the music art scene locally. Still, we have brought in Noah Derksen, a vibrant blue grass singer and performer, for three lovely concerts, and he was well received by all who attended. Recently, we enjoyed the local musical group Calliope at our local Art show in June 2022. We would love to support more musical events if the opportunity arises! The NTAC recognizes some fine music being played in the North Thompson and other local organizations bringing in musicians for events and fundraisers. We want to encourage our members and those visiting this site to check out and support Wells Gray Lively Arts and Brenden Benoit of Sona, currently producing, teaching and performing locally. If you want to use NTAC as a platform for your music in Clearwater, feel free to become a member and contact our board with your ideas.
Dance
The NTAC currently has no connection to dance in the North Thompson Area. There are certainly private lessons, and lessons available for many age groups through the District of Clearwater. It would be great to see NTAC involved in presenting some dance performances or recitals in the future. If you have an interest in getting involved in this way or have some other great ideas, we welcome you to become a member and bring your knowledge to NTAC.