What do some former Winnipeg Blue Bombers, a journalist, media personalities, and a comedian all have in common?
Now, that I’ve got your attention: Sarasvàti Productions is presenting its 3rd annual So You Think You Can Act fundraising event on Wednesday, February 19th, 2014 at 7:00pm at the Gas Station Arts Centre (445 River Ave). If previous incarnations of this fundraiser are any indication, this event is guaranteed to have you laughing in your seat.
The evening will feature seven local celebrities, famous for things other than theatre, testing out their acting chops in front of a panel of judges and an audience. Each celebrity will be paired with a local actor to perform a scene and then the panel of judges will provide hilarious commentary in the style of many reality-television competition shows.
The best part of it all? The audience will get to vote for the winner of the trophy prize (and bragging rights of course).
Organizers are pleased to have some of Winnipeg’s biggest names participating in this year’s event. The seven celebrities include: Alison Gillmor (Winnipeg Free Press and CBC Radio), Jim Ingebrigtsen (radio/tv producer and host), Obby Khan (former Winnipeg Blue Bomber), Eva Kovacs (Global), Kris Laudien (CTV), Big Daddy Tazz (comedian), and Troy Westwood (former Winnipeg Blue Bomber).
Inaugural event winner Ace Burpee (r) with scene partner Jane Burpee.
“So far radio personalities have dominated the competitions with past winners Ace Burpee and Kerri Salki. We are excited to see if football players are better actors than those in the media,” says Artistic Director Hope McIntyre. “Although we are known for tackling important theatrical works in our season, this event is really just about having a good time. Last year our audience had a blast with a lot of laughs. Who knows what will happen this year!”
Ace Burpee of Virgin Radio, and the inaugural winner of So You Think You Can Act, will host the evening. The panel of judges include a fabulous line-up of local theatre professionals: Sharon Bajer (local playwright and actor), Ardith Boxall (Artistic Director, Theatre Projects Manitoba) and Kevin Klassen (co-Artistic Director, Shakespeare in the Ruins).
Past winner Kerri Salki (r) with scene partner Cheryl Gensiorek.
Sarasvàti Productions is a local not-for-profit theatre organization committed to using theatre to create social change. The company produces work that inspires both artists and audiences alike and are most well known for FemFest, an annual festival of plays written by women for everyone.
Throughout their thirteen year history in Winnipeg, Sarasvàti has engaged several communities in theatrical expression and have worked with numerous organizations and businesses. All money raised will go directly back to the company and will help support the transformative theatre work that they do.
Past audiences have discovered that So You Think You Can Act is a fantastic way to show support of local arts.
Tickets are $25 dollars and include a wine reception after the show. There will also be thousands of dollars in raffle prizes donated by local businesses as well as a 50/50 draw.
Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here or by calling Sarasvàti Productions at (204) 586-2236.
