Magnus Theatre: Theatre on the Lake
It sounds like it could be the premise for a movie: “A theatre on the north shore of Lake Superior desperately seeking to hold on to a production manager.” In fact, that's been the reality for Magnus Theatre (Thunder Bay) since the late 1990s.
The only professional theatre company between Winnipeg and Sudbury, Magnus Theatre is an integral part of the cultural life of the region. In 2001, it moved into a renovated historical building with a newly built 250-seat theatre addition with state-of-the-art equipment. As well as producing quality theatre programming out of its new facility, Magnus Theatre also contributes to training the next generation, offering students opportunities to work alongside theatre professionals, including a stage manager, a sound and lighting technician, a stage carpenter and a seasonal production manager.
Financial constraints have meant that the training program has fluctuated over the years, and students, at times, have had to leave the region in order to acquire or hone theatre skills elsewhere. The need for on-site expertise with a meaningful time duration that that could significantly and positively impact future training became increasingly apparent.
With Canada Council assistance, the company developed a residency program for a production manager and launched a call to the arts community. Interestingly the selected candidate is a native of Thunder Bay. 'Exiled' and living in Toronto for a number of years for professional career reasons, she appreciates the opportunity of being able to return to her home town to live and work in at a job where she is able to fully utilize her skills and knowledge in a creative and supportive environment.
As part of her duties, she will guide apprentices as well as high school students throughout the production process of a play and assist and guide them with any plans they may have to pursue theatre arts study at university.
This training program, as well as the re-establishment of an association with school drama departments in the region, reconnects the company to the heart of the community and its development.