For years there’s been talk about starting an adult-driven theatre company in St. Albert. For the longest time it was just talk — until now.
Last week, health care professional Stanley Haroun put out a call to anyone interested in starting a theatre company.
He received more than a dozen replies from residents in a variety of walks of life — a lawyer, filmmaker, stage manager, playwright, dance studio owner, fitness instructor, college student, director and, of course, actors.
“The response was really great. I didn’t expect 18 responses. I was hoping for half a dozen,” says Haroun, adding those who emailed felt there was a gap in St. Albert’s performing arts community that needed to be addressed.
A meeting has been scheduled for anyone interested in venturing into this project for Monday, July 5 at 7 p.m. in Progress Hall at St. Albert Place. The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in theatre, from acting and directing to design, production, makeup and costumes.
Although Haroun holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in human sciences, psychology, social work and philosophy from Alexandria University in Egypt, he has long been involved in the theatre arts.
“In my early 20s I was involved in theatre and TV production. I wrote one-act plays and short stories. That was my passion.”
Later, when he was chair of the outpatient department at Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, he introduced psychodrama as therapy.
“At this stage of my life, I have the time, ability and expertise to fulfil this new ambition. I’m very hopeful we will have a very strong company.”
Anyone in the community is free to attend.
“I would appreciate it if they could email me before they come so we have a record of their interest.”
Haroun’s email is [email protected].
