Mulgrave Road Theatre

MRT building 


Artistic Director's Note

In March 2008, The Nova Scotia Cultural Action Network (NSCAN) initiated a research project to look at new ways of thinking about economic development. The resulting report offers Nova Scotians an alternative future, one in which arts and culture play a central role, not just as an economic engine, but as a way for all of us to lead rich, vital, and fulfilling lives.

The following text has been lifted from that report and edited for the purpose of stirring your interest.

According to leading thinkers, human creativity is a defining feature of modern life, and it is powering one of the great economic changes of our time. Global economic patterns have shifted from the production of goods toward the provision of services. Knowledge itself has become a commodity and a key tool in the generation of economic value. At the same time, there is a growing desire for meaningful experiences, and a greater value is being placed on expressive content in goods and services. As a result, the knowledge economy has gradually been giving way to the creative economy.

The arts are at the epi-centre of this large and rapidly growing movement, based on ideas and innovation. If we want to be players in this new economy, we must take the arts very seriously, for they are a primary generator of inspiration and ingenuity. They also offer a crucial way to teach the kind of creative thinking that is essential to innovation.

Fortunately, Nova Scotia is blessed with a wealth of creative resources. However, many of us know that much existing potential is still unrealized, and many creative people leave the province in search of brighter opportunities elsewhere. This can be reversed, but only by making arts and culture a clear priority in community development strategies.

We can all be a part of building the economy of the future. It just takes vision and leadership. I urge you to become involved in the evolution.

The full report, Nova Scotia CAN: Building the Creative Economy in Nova Scotia, can be found on-line at www.novascotiacan.ca                       
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                 
Emmy Alcorn, AD


Note from the Chair        

Almost five years ago, soon after arriving back in the Maritimes after many years "away" in Upper Canada, I was invited to become a member of the Board of Directors of the Mulgrave Road Theatre.

At that time I was happy and a little amazed to discover this widely recognized and admired organization here in the little village we had chosen to call home. Five years later, I can only say that I am ever more impressed by the accomplishments of MRT.

Through the support of our membership and that of the community, MRT has managed to thrive for more than thirty years, commissioning original works of theatre, and bringing them to the stage—always with the "World Premiere" right   here in Guysborough! Our productions have then been sent out into the world, far beyond the borders of Guysborough Municipality, to intrigue and entertain audiences both across Canada and abroad.

As with most arts organizations, MRT faces challenging times just now. We will, however, surmount our challenges to continue to bring to life new and exciting productions— productions that will continue to make our community proud and that will continue to bring positive attention to Guysborough County.

We are fortunate to face the immediate future with a talented and committed staff and with an enthusiastic and determined Board of Directors...all of us focused on making MRT an even more active centre for creative and cultural activity in our community.

By maintaining your membership in MRT, you are showing your support for our endeavours and we thank you for that. As the new Chair of the Board of Directors for the theatre, I would like to challenge each current member to recruit two new members to our organization during the coming year. Talk to your friends and neighbours, bring them along to MRT productions and activities. Spread the word! Drop by. Share your ideas. Get involved! A strong and active membership will be one of the keys to our ongoing success.

We look forward to hearing from you and working with you toward the continued success of MRT.

                                                                                                                                                   Barb Bell, Chair

                                                                                

Become a Member of Mulgrave Road Theatre

For just $15 you can support the work of the theatre, receive our newsletter and vote at the Annual General Meeting. Strong membership numbers signal to funding bodys that Mulgrave Road Theatre has strong community support. Help us to continue our mission by becoming a member.

Fundraising

Mulgrave Road Theatre Administrator Sherry Richard presents a print by Kate Brown-Georgallas to Ray Bates, the lucky winner of a random draw. The draw took place at the Theatre's annual general meeting, and was part of the Fundraising Committee activities for the year. Thank you to all who purchased tickets! 

Artistic Director
Emmy Alcorn

Administrator
Sherry Richard

Artistic Associate
Natasha MacLellan