Soo Theatre and STARS would not be successful without their community members and families participating in, attending, and volunteering in the arts. Those who come through the doors to help in any way they can are such gems. From the staff and Board of Directors, “THANK YOU!” Without the help of families, such as the highlight of this week’s article, this local historic non-profit theatre would not be possible.
One family who has been a longtime part of the Soo Theatre are the Woolevers, who have been with the Soo Theatre Project since 2007-2008. Their involvement with the Soo Theatre is a family affair; all but father Shane take lessons and/or are involved in summer camps, Soo Youth Theatre, summer musicals, and Soo Opera Theatre.
The Woolevers moved to Sault Ste. Marie in 2001 from Grand Blanc, MI. Betsy (Mom) is originally from New Orleans, LA and Shane (Dad) is from Flint, MI. The two met in New Orleans where Shane had been doing his residency. They were both looking for a small town to raise their family and Betsy added, “Sault Ste. Marie has such a warmth of community and seemed like a perfect fit for us.”
She goes on to add, “All of my children have taken classes at Soo Theatre and are involved in the Soo Youth Theatre productions. Tessa takes voice, piano, and theatre classes and Mia also takes voice, piano, and theatre classes. Both Tessa and Mia are in Soo Youth Theatre’s production of Lion King Jr. on April 19-22. Quinn is involved in drum lessons at Crooked Music and is also in the Lion King Jr.” The youngest member of the family, Shelby, has also participated in summer theatre camps.
Betsy has served on the Board of Directors early on for the Soo Theatre and currently takes private piano lessons with Betty Struble. Betsy commented in regards to her lessons with Betty, “It was something I have always wanted to learn and I am really enjoying this new opportunity to cultivate this skill. It has made me appreciate the skills my girls have acquired through lessons; they can play circles around me.”
Betsy said, “Growing up in New Orleans, music and theater were a huge part of my life. When I moved to the Sault I wanted to be sure that my family had the opportunity to experience the arts in all forms: music, dance, visual arts, etc. I really feel strongly that these help my kids to express themselves.”
She added, “I can’t recommend Soo Theatre Project enough from taking classes to experiencing a concert. The opportunities offered in the Soo Theatre are world class!!! Everyone should take advantage of our small town gem.”
As always Soo Theatre is happy to welcome anyone interested in lessons, group classes, productions, and/or volunteering. A few things to note coming up…..
Soo Theatre strings students will be participating in Bach in the Subways from March 21st to 25th. Students will play at Soo Township Elementary, Washington Elementary, and Bahweting Schools. Cello Groups at the Theatre will also participate. Bach in the Subways is an international event started in 2010 by cellist, Dale Henderson. Henderson believed that not enough people were listening to or appreciating classical music, so he began playing Bach’s unaccompanied cello suites in the subway stations of New York City. He declined donations and gave postcards to people talking about how he wants to sow the seeds of love for classical music for generations to come. Bach in the Subways is celebrated each year on the weekend closest to J.S. Bach’s birthdate. More information can be found at: http://bachinthesubways.org/
Soo Theatre Project’s main office number: (906) 632-1930
Email: sootheatre@gmail.com
Check us out at their website, www.sootheatre.org and like them on any or all of the social media outlets: Facebook @SooTheatreProject , Instagram @sootheatreproject, and Twitter @SooTheatre.
Soo Theatre Project’s office and studios will be closed for Spring Break the last week of March, March 25th to April 1st, 2018.
Soo Theatre Project, where there’s something for everyone!
