Playgoers of Lethbridge is celebrating their 100th anniversary by giving the community a taste of the arts this weekend.
There will be workshops, performances, film and a chance to dance and sing at the Yates Theatre and Sterndale Bennett Theatre, Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22.
“ Move between the two venues, stay for the day or come and go. The longest performance is 45 minutes. So come and see what you like and maybe learn a little about Playgoers’ history,” said Nancy Purkis, Playgoers of Lethbridge Board member and one of the festival‘s organizers.
Planning the two day event has been in the works for a year when Playgoers started applying for city, provincial and federal grants to cover the costs of the event and to ensure that everything is free to attend and to ensure the performers receive an honorarium.
“ It’s certainly snowballed,” Purkis said, adding they had to submit a tentative schedule to apply for the grants, so Playgoers was pleased the Lethbridge arts community answered calls through the Allied Arts Council and on social media.
The opening ceremonies at 5 p.m., Friday, April 21 and plaque unveiling featuring speeches by Mayor Blaine Hyggen, Playgoers of Lethbridge president Elaine Jagielski and Dr. Mike Bruised Head, has been moved inside due to concerns about the weather.
“The Southern Accord Chorus are going to sing Happy Birthday to Playgoers at 5:50 in the Yates Theatre. And The Lethbridge Big Band will be performing “Going Up” from the first musical comedy Playgoers of Lethbridge ever did,” Purkis continued, adding local dance companies including Beyond Limits will perform and provide an opportunity for the audience to dance if they desire.