Heidi group photo — at Cornerstone Lounge Room.
Canowindra will celebrate twenty years of Beanshed Productions with world premiere performance of “Snapshots”, an ode to the many Beanshed plays that have come before, written by local playwright, parent and director, Helen Giger.
Beanshed Productions can be traced back to 1995, when Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, directed by Katrina Walker, was performed on the front veranda of her house at the Cornerstone Community. Originally, the productions were designed to provide home schooled kids opportunities to network together and acquire skills in drama and confidence on stage. Over the years, it became apparent that there was a need beyond the home school network to include others who were keen to be involved in the dramatic arts.
“In 2000, as it had outgrown the Walker’s front veranda, we began to perform in the Beanshed at Cornerstone,” recalls Helen. “That year we produced Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. There were some challenges working around an operating bean shed – the dressing room was the cool room!”
Between 2004 and 2007, Beanshed Productions were directed by Rosemary Harrison and Anne-Marie Richards, using Maverick musicals, in the Canowindra High School Hall. From 2008, Helen Giger and Trish Balcombe took over the reins. Over the two decades, Helen estimates at least 50 families have been involved in Beanshed Productions, and over 200 children.
Any past parents or performers are very welcome to attend the special “Reunion Dinner” to be held after the Saturday night performance on 5th April.
“I’m looking forward to catching up with old friends and would love some of the old faces to come along,” says original director Katrina Walker.
For Reunion Dinner, please phone Helen Giger on 042744188 or email helen.giger@gmail.com.au, or go to the Beanshed Facebook page.
By Julia Andrews
image; Beanshed Productions Reunion Facebook page (cover photo)