by Jo Barnes –
Your heart is pounding. The adrenalin is flowing. You’re waiting in the wings for your big moment to step out into the bright lights before that waiting audience.
Such dreams of the stage have been brought to life for almost 30 years by Mountain Dream Productions.
The local performing arts company, under Directors Margaret Watt and Rob Forbes, provides instruction for students of all ages in acting, singing and dancing and mounts many stage productions each year.
“The mission is to teach students, whether youth or adult, all the skills they need to put on a show,” shares Rob. “We provide affordable and professional level productions for everyone to enjoy.”
The story begins in 1991 when Margaret, and her husband at that time, Claude, began their production company performing original shows and offering acting instruction alongside the program. When Claude passed away in 2008, Mountain Dream carried on as a performing arts school primarily for youth and shows were mounted.
Over time, community awareness of the school increased, student numbers grew and more classes were added.
“We’ve had more promotion and social media over the years, but it really has been word of mouth,” says Rob. “Now, we have more students than we can handle.”
Mountain Dream offers two sets of classes during the fall, winter and spring and a two-week intensive summer program. The Tuesday Company Class for experienced students involves two hours of training followed by a two-hour rehearsal for a specific show. The Wednesday Theatrical Class is designed for children who are new or have limited experience in theatre. Recently added was a Musical Theatre Class for adults.
Students learn not only what is needed to be a triple threat performer, but also how to deal with new situations and work with others as a team. The process fosters friendships and community.
“The group makes me feel like they’re my family,” shares student Sophie Burns. “I’ve learned many things that I didn’t even know existed before.”
“I feel more comfortable and confident now than when I first began. I know I have the support of everyone else,” says student Izzy Walls.
Producing shows and giving weekly instruction is demanding work. “We do four productions a year and summer production!” says Margaret. “We have to deal with preparatory plans, rehearsal scheduling, sound, music, design, backstage details, promotion; it’s a lot.” The workload may be heavy for Margaret and Rob, but the rewards outweigh it all. “I love working with kids and seeing their growth and what they give on stage,” shares Margaret. “I love it; it’s a passion!”
Adds Rob: “It’s great to see them enjoy the job well done at the end. I’m learning all the time too. I’ve no idea what I’m going to learn next!”
Over time, many volunteers have come on board to give of their time, talent and energy. Their assistance with dance coaching, acting instruction, costume work and set construction is highly valued.
“We can’t do it without our volunteers. There are about 12 of them. They give one-to-one attention to students like helping them with developing a character,” says Margaret.
Some volunteers are also students like Charlie Walls who works with some of the younger children and has been with the company since 2016.
“When I first started, I had no idea about theatre,” says Charlie. “It has changed my life.”
Adds Charlie’s mom, Lisa: “Volunteering has given her an opportunity to give back to the community.”
Whether volunteer, student or teacher, everyone is constantly learning. Volunteers attend workshops where they can access new ideas and approaches.
“We do workshops each year working with professionals on Broadway,” says Rob. “It’s great the people you meet and what you learn from them.”
Mountain Dream’s goal is always to present the best possible show to an audience. It takes a community to achieve this. What begins with one student impacts his or her family and inevitably the greater community gets involved.
“Mountain Dream initially gave us an opportunity and a place to become part of the Sidney community. It has given us events where we can invite extended family and friends to watch the shows,” says Sophie’s dad, Sandy Burns. “We get to discover something new about Sophie with every performance.”
Community, friendship, and personal discoveries go to the heart of this theatre company where self-expression blossoms, skills are developed, teamwork is mentored and where ultimately dreams take flight.
photo courtesy by Mountain Dream Production
