Simcoe Little Theatre seeks directors for 2025-26

Simcoe Little Theatre presented the musical Little Shop of Horrors last fall. 

Simcoe Little Theatre (SLT) is ushering in a new era of creativity and collaboration as they prepare for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

The theatre, recently announcing the formation of a leadership committee, welcomes Anna Reu as the new Simcoe Little Theatre Coordinator as they gear up to bring fresh, exciting productions to the community.

The Simcoe Little Theatre leadership committee is committed to fostering a collaborative environment, building on the theatre’s rich history, and ensuring the continued success and growth of the organization. The committee, comprised of local theatre enthusiasts and dedicated volunteers, is focused on supporting their mission of providing quality community theatre experiences in Simcoe. Formed early last year, the leadership committee has spent the current season developing resources, updating best practices, and establishing their goals for the future.

Reu steps into the role of Coordinator at a pivotal time for the theatre. Anna brings a wealth of experience, having worked managing volunteers for over three decades and has a long history with the theatre, appearing on the SLT stage for the first time in 1990. She is eager to support the creative and operational needs of SLT as the theatre continues to engage with the community.

“My love of live theatre and my past involvement with Simcoe Little Theatre led me to this position as the Simcoe Little Theatre Coordinator,” said Reu in a media release. “I am enjoying all aspects of this position, from recruiting and managing the precious volunteers at SLT, to supporting the artistic direction of our dynamic SLT Leadership Committee. Then add the administration learnings from the knowledgeable staff at Lighthouse Festival and a strong example of collaboration is created. All to continue to provide community theatre at its best!”

Nikki Wiltac, a member of the leadership committee, expressed her enthusiasm about the future of SLT, saying, “A community theatre in Norfolk not only celebrates local talent but also serves as a venue where diverse voices can be heard. It allows for the exploration of social issues, encourages dialogue, an opportunity to learn about history, and of course, to be entertained. Something magical happens when an audience witnesses a story together; they have both a personal and collective experience. An experience that can never be recreated, and that is the beauty of live theatre. By offering a platform for those in our community to express their arts, SLT enriches the cultural fabric of Norfolk and strengthens the sense of belonging within the community.”

The leadership committee is comprised of eight members - Sally Bellamy, Melinda Campbell, Dave Kent, Dave Smythe, Heather Reichheld, Brian Reichheld, Chris Verge, and Wiltac. As SLT Coordinator, Reu also sits on the committee, along with Lighthouse Festival Operations Manager, Caitlin O’Neill.

CALL FOR DIRECTORS

In addition to the excitement surrounding the new leadership team, SLT is also calling for directors to join the theatre family for the upcoming season.

With plans for several productions, the need for creative minds to take the helm and guide new works is essential to ensuring the theatre continues to flourish. Directors with fresh ideas, passion for the arts, and a desire to inspire local talent are encouraged to apply and be a part of the magic that makes Simcoe Little Theatre so special.

Heather Reichheld spoke to the importance of getting new directors on board.

“Whether you are a first-time director or a veteran, there are always great resources that you can draw upon to help you. Simcoe Little Theatre is always open to various kinds of shows. We have had dramas, comedies, musicals, mysteries, etc. There is always an audience for the various kinds of shows.

“If a director has a particular show in mind, we're always open to reading the script to see if it's something that we feel would be appropriate for our audiences. If they don't know what they want to direct, we have a whole closet full of scripts for them to choose from.”

For more information on how to become a director or to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit www.simcoelittletheatre.org or contact Anna Reu at sltcoordinator@lighthousetheatre.com.

ABOUT

Simcoe Little Theatre is a non-profit community theatre located in Simcoe. For nearly 80 years, SLT has been dedicated to providing quality theatrical productions and fostering a love for the performing arts in the local community. Simcoe Little Theatre and Lighthouse Festival have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship since 2021 where Lighthouse Festival is responsible for venue ownership and operational support, while Simcoe Little Theatre volunteers have artistic autonomy.

For more information, visit www.simcoelittletheatre.org.