Summer Stage 2017
Briercrest Summer Stage 2017 wrapped up on June 8 with a sold-out final weekend of performances. This year saw the highest attendance in the program’s five year history, with three sold-out shows throughout the run!
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast was presented on May 11 – 13, 18 – 20, and June 7 – 8. This production included a cast of 50 college, high school and elementary school students, staff, faculty, and community members. Our second production of the season was Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Gondoliers, a hilarious story of mistaken identity set in the idyllic city of Venice, Italy. Comprised of a cast of 35 college and high school students, staff, faculty, and community members, the production was the fifth Gilbert & Sullivan musical presented by Briercrest Summer Stage.
Briercrest Summer Stage gives students the opportunity to gain real-life experience in musical theatre performance. Students will typically work a job during the day and attend rehearsals and performances in the evenings, which is characteristic of professional theatre companies. Our unique ensemble of students of various ages, staff, faculty, and community members also provides the opportunity to build meaningful friendships with people outside the typical peer circle. Through Summer Stage we are thrilled to see friendships and mentorships blossom that last for years to come. High school students are given the opportunity to work alongside college students, and college students are able to learn from Briercrest College’s performance faculty.
Revenue from Briercrest Summer Stage also goes toward supporting students in their growth as performing artists at Briercrest College. Student scholarships for Briercrest College Vocal Performance students are funded by Briercrest Summer Stage. Also, Summer Stage allows us to bring in guest faculty each year to enrich the students’ music and performance education. In the past we have had renowned instructors such as Professor Lorna MacDonald (University of Toronto) and Dr. Janette Ogg (professor emeritus, Shenandoah University) visit us to offer private lessons, master classes, and lectures.
Briercrest Summer Stage is a highlight of the year for many within the Performing & Worship Arts department. Similar to the Briercrest Christmas musical, Summer Stage gives us the opportunity to reach out to our local community and the greater community of southern Saskatchewan. During both productions we invite the community to join us for an evening of musical performance, and perhaps to leave with something more.