Melanie and I were invited to an Awards Gala at Theatre on Main in Newmarket on Saturday night, and though the date coincided with my Uncle Glen’s birthday party, I felt somewhat obligated to go. Theatre on Main has been a great venue for me over the last couple of years…first in The Affections Of May, and then with The Man With The Plastic Sandwich. I love the ambiance at the theatre and want to support it as much as possible. So we went.
We arrived about an hour early so that I can talk improv shop with another lady named Denise, who Ross had asked me to run an improvisation set with during the gala. She wasn’t there yet, so we took the warmup session of two fantastic musicians who had offered to play during the dinner. One played Guitar and Bass, the other Guitar, Mandolin and Cello. It was an impressive set. Then Denise showed up and we discussed putting on a fairly low key improv set with about four games. Neither of us felt incredibly prepared for it…but then again, what would be the use of learning improvisation if I can’t improvise…right?
Dinner was great; a lot of good friends and fellow actors provided good talk, plenty of wine was consumed, and the previously mentioned musicians entertained us all throroughly with a great show, including an awesome rendering of the song Mary Mac. I was having a great time.
Then the awards presentation began. First, Tim Chadwick took the stage, along with Town Of Newmarket mayor Tom Taylor, to present the very first Theatre on Main award – or Tommy’s, as they were being called, to Ross and Jacki, for starting the venue to begin with and for being the heart and soul of the theatre. Then Ross took over to present the awards. He explained the painful process of trying to get the nominations out to the Season’s ticket holders, and how to describe what is a leading actor vs a supporting actor. Apparently they didn’t quite get the idea. So, he presented to them the breakdown of all seven shows of the 04-05 season with reminders of sets and all actors involved, with the idea that concept will be improved next year. Until then, the awards were broken down into top three female actors, top three male actors, and best show of the season.
To hear my name called for best male actor was very flattering and heartwarming. After doing this for so many years, with my only specific need being the show, not necessarily any fame or recognition, to actually get some recognition felt positively wonderful. I am now in the possession of a beautiful trophy…my very first theatre trophy. I’m still grinning.

Here’s the trophy:

Furthermore, I may just go out in ten days to audition for one of the current season shows, a musical, and Melanie is fairly supportive. ‘Tis possible that my break from theatre is drawing to a close. Ross is also asking if I would like to direct the closing show of the season next May. Once I get my hands on the script I will be able to make a judgement call there.

BTW…I didn’t end up doing the improv set. The band were so good we asked them to continue playing instead. Denise and I shouted the loudest, and practically high-fived when they agreed. As much as I love doing improv, and look forward to my Second City classes, I just felt like being entertained. And that we were.