By Keith Tomasek, Oct. 29, 2024
The most celebrated and produced Canadian playwright is Norm Foster. So, it is not surprising that community theatres produce Norm Foster plays regularly. Surprisingly, four community theatres in the Oxford County region picked a Norm Foster play and scheduled the productions without consulting each other.
Enter Sarah Hodgkinson from Theatre Woodstock, who recognized an opportunity to foster a love of theatre in the region.
“Why couldn’t we all collaborate on this unique situation and grow our audiences?” thought Hodgkinson. “Maybe people seeking entertaining productions at a great price would consider touring four theatres throughout Oxford County.”
“The Foster Four”” is the name of the new collaboration amongst the four community theatres of Oxford County: Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts, Theatre Tillsonburg, Thistle Theatre in Embro, and Theatre Woodstock.
Tourism Oxford has lent a hand to support the Oxford County theatre scene while celebrating this internationally renowned Canadian playwright.
“The Foster Four” invites theatre fans to expand their horizons, literally and metaphorically that will no doubt inspire theatre goers form far and wide to visit all four theatres.
Travelling locally to watch quality shows from like-minded community companies extends theatre historian Bonnie Harley’s notion that “Community theatre is about providing opportunities for local people to share the creative process of telling those stories, as well as watching them.”
How will it all work? Simple: Get into the car and go. Travel to each corner of Oxford County to be engaged in quality theatre, and learn more about your neighbours.
Embro: Thistle Theatre
In the County’s east end, Thistle Theatre in Embro is the first company to mount a production of “The Foster Festival.” Thistle Theatre’s building can boast something of its own… probably the province’s most diminutive stage! Their intimate auditorium seats approximately 150, although it’s an historc building, it’s accessible, with a new lift and dedicated accessible washroom.
It’s not just the stage that is cozy, so is the welcoming atmosphere that you will receive in Embro.
Their Foster production “The Ladies Foursome” set on the links, is funny, fast-paced, heartwarming story that is a definite hole in one! The day after their friend Cathy’s funeral, Margot, Tate and Connie gather for a round of golf in honour of their recently departed fourth.
At the course, they are joined by another woman, an old friend of Catherine’s they’ve never met. Over eighteen holes, secrets and confessions unravel as the women discuss love, sex, children, and everything in between.
This is a story about friendships tested and friendships found. Thistle Theatre in Embro hosts this light hearted comedy directed by John Hazeleger and Doug Truvey and produced by John Truvey.
Thistle Theatre
“The Ladies Foursome”
Nov. 8, 9, 10 and 14, 15, 16.
Box Office: 226-785-3353
Click for details and tickets
Woodstock: Theatre Woodstock
Travel west from Embro back into the County, and you will arrive in downtown Woodstock for the next stop on our “Foster Four” tour.
Theatre Woodstock is an award-winning theatre with a 240+ comfortable seating capacity and state-of-the-art technical abilities. When you arrive, you will see a space fully capable of accommodating wheelchair access and equipped for performing with beautiful architecture. It is located right behind Woodstock City Hall at Market Centre Theatre in downtown Woodstock and was rebranded as Theatre Woodstock in 2000. Over the years, it has become an award-winning theatre telling stories and entertaining audiences.
Christmas at Theatre Woodstock will be a time of laughter with Norm Foster’s comedy of “A Snow White Christmas.” This romp with an older version of Snow White, who is the proprietor of a bakery called Ye Olde Sweat Shoppe (the “a” is silent), is sure to please audiences of all ages.
In typical Norm Foster fashion, the production offers a variety of different colourful characters. There are 8 children and 6 adults that make up the cast of this hilarious show. The 7 adopted children toil in the basement, making goodies for sale to keep the roof over their heads.
Snow entertains a group of unexpected guests, not the least of which is the son of The Evil Queen. Oh yes, there is also a Fairly Good Mother and some magical black light scenes!
Theatre Woodstock
“A Snow White Christmas.”
Dec. 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15.
Box Office 519-537-2582
Click for details and tickets
Tillsonburg: Theatre Tillsonburg
A short trip down Highway 19 leads to the sunny south of Oxford and Tillsonburg. For almost half a century, Theatre Tillsonburg has provided audiences with truly unforgettable live theatre experiences, and the tradition continues at the Otter Valley Playhouse nestled on Potters Road.
Theatre Tillsonburg mounts three productions annually and several workshops, camps and additional theatre projects throughout the year.
Once the Christmas decorations are put away, you can chase away the February blues with “Opening Night” at Theatre Tillsonburg. The stage is set, and the curtain is ready to rise on this play within a play. Prepare to be transported into the world of theatre magic, backstage drama, and a few surprises as a theatre company navigates the ups and downs of preparing for its big opening night.
Entertaining from start to finish, “Opening Night” keeps you laughing with a quirky cast of characters and hilarious mishaps. “Opening Night,” is directed by Mark Smith and produced by Joe Sheik.
Theatre Tillsonburg
“Opening Night”
February 13-15 & 20-22 at 7:30 pm and Feb 16, 23 at 2 pm.
Box Office: 519-688-3026
Click for details and tickets.
Ingersoll: Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts
The sun will be shinning as you drive to the center of the county to Ingersoll to wrap up our fourth Foster production. Founded in 1976, ITOPA is a volunteer, non-professional community theatre company that provides live entertainment in the form of music, plays, and other events.
Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts (ITOPA) has updated its seating, modernized its sound & lights, and made the theatre more accessible with a new elevator, a hearing assist system and an improved method for online booking. ITOPA is striving to continue to provide top-notch live entertainment for years to come.
ITOPA’s “The Long Weekend” is just what we need in June. When Max and Wynn invite their friends Roger and Abby up for a weekend at their country home, the true nature of their relationships comes to the surface as the four so-called best friends slowly discover how they really feel about each other.
It is a hilarious tangled web of truths, deception, and surprises that leaves the audience guessing and laughing all the way to the final curtain.
“The Long Weekend” will feel anything but long as you laugh your way through this two act comedy. Welcome the summer season with this fourth of “The Foster Four” shows.
Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts
“The Long Weekend”
June 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29
Box Office: 519-485-3070
Click for details and tickets
Tourism Oxford has worked hard to centralize, coordinate and promote the fine work of the community theatres of Oxford County for “The Foster Four” adventure. If you like to explore new communities, appreciate high-quality community theatre and love to laugh, then “The Foster Four” of Oxford County has just the thing for you: A collection of Norm Foster plays produced by passionate community theatre companies throughout the 2024/25 season. Embrace the vibrant Oxford County theatre scene while celebrating this internationally renowned Canadian playwright.
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