Burlington Student Theatre: having a ball at PAB’s French Quarter Festival

I recently had the pleasure, thanks to Rainer Noack and Maureen Tilson-Dyment, of attending PAB’s French Quarter Festival. So I enjoyed the exquisite torture known to most gala attendees: what to wear? Because this time I was going as. . . myself. I have attended
galas and grand openings for a decade, but I’m used to being costumed. Through Burlington Student Theatre, I’ve volunteered at almost every Burlington fundraiser this millennium.

If you were at the Grand (Re) Opening of Central Library, Tansley Woods, Paletta Mansion, Waterfront Centre, Labyrinth; or a fundraising gala for: Carpenter Hospice, Burlington Art Centre, Ronald McDonald House; or perhaps Cycle for Autism, Bronte Creek Spirit House, you’ve seen me. I’ve been Catwoman, the White Witch of Narnia, a moving dessert table, Cinderella, a living statue, Batgirl, a Can-Can dancer, a masked Venetian, and a Queen (to name but a few).I’m used to being remembered by Post and SNAP photographers, but was surprised when, dressed in a 1947 costume for the Chamber of Commerce, I was recognized as Rosie the Riveter from the Art Centre’s Bali Hai evening.

After more than a decade of outreach, I’m passing the torch to Student Theatre’s current students. I still look forward to glamming it up as a Bond Girl for Halton Child and Youth Services, but mostly I help pull costumes and give lessons on period hairstyles. The Seniors do me proud. I beamed like a stage-mom during their Scarecrow dance at the Mayor’s Gala.

The best part - it’s all for a good cause! So buy your tickets, bring your cheque book, and meet me at the next gala! With all the outreach that Student Theatre does, it’s amazing that we do anything else. In between galas, we’re preparing for Narnia (April 4 & 5), and Sweet Charity (May 23 & 24). For information, tickets, or to book Student Theatre for an event, call 905-637-6000.