24 FOCUS - APRIL 2018 Port Perry SmartCentre 905-985-3223 N a t i o n a lAdoption M o n t h Let’s find furever homes. April is ..... Port Perry SmartCentre Port Perry SmartCentre M o M o M n o n o t n t n h t h t ow entering its 5th year, Theatre 3x60 is changing its name to Theatre On The Ridge, with an even greater commitment to serving the artists, audiences and communi- ties of Durham. The rebranding, and the decision to call Scugog home, comes from recognizing the growth and location of the company’s summer theatre festival, the consistent support of the arts found in North Durham, and the growth and appeal of distinct com- munities such as Port Perry, found on the Oak Ridges Moraine. “‘Whereareyou?’isalmostalways the first question people have for us”, says current Artistic Director and General Manager, Carey Nicholson. “It will be good to have a name that reflects our unique rural location as well as having that little play on words that speaks to our mandate for producing entertaining, edgy and challenging work, and our belief that theatre can provide new and unique perspectives on life.” Founded in 2013 by Ms. Nicholson and Joan Etienne, Theatre 3x60 quickly established itself as Durham’s unique, not-for-profit professional theatre company committed to enriching lives through theatre, on and offstage. Under its new name, Theatre On The Ridge will continue to be an entertaining and innovative co pany that captivates on and offstage, sup- porting and impacting local communi- ties through culture and community engagement. In the past, the company has taken programs and productions to non-traditional venues such as li- braries and coffee houses, worked with community partners to bring produc- tions to schools and community ven- ues, and developed theatrical heritage walks and a one act educational play festival for area community theatres. This summer, with the support of the Scugog Council for the Arts, the company will partner with the Scugog Lake Stewards to bring thea- tre for young audiences to the Scugog Memorial Public Library, telling the story of Lake Scugog through the eyes of a lovable lake monster. Theatre On The Ridge’s an- nual summer theatre festival presents professional theatre and musical productions of new, Canadian and in- ternational works that entertain and engage audiences, pairing a quality big city theatre experience with the welcome and appeal of small town rural hospitality. The festival is also becoming an exciting vehicle and opportunity for nurturing new art- ists and practitioners, and provides professional theatre students with summer employment, giving them the opportunity to expand their skills in performance, direction, creation, teaching and management. Through a WorkInCulture work placement pro- gram, the company has recently hired a paid summer company manager to oversee the festival this year. In 2018, Theatre On The Ridge will also have a new rehearsal and program space as it partners with the Utica Memory Hall to create a home base for its theatre education and community performance programs. Watch for youth and adult classes in stagecraft, playwriting and produc- tion skills, along with regular staged readings and studio scale productions. It’s exciting times to be on the ridge! Support for this innovative and community driven company is always welcome – as a participant, patron, donor or volunteer. Visit www.theatreontheridge.ca or follow Theatre On The Ridge on Face- book to learn how to help broaden horizons through new perspectives in theatre. Theatre 3x60 is taking root in North Durham with a new look and a new name. Introducing ........