Youth theatre group turns back the clock to celebrate the best of its 20 years - Oct. 9, 2013

By Gord Brock, The Regina Leader-Post

As the saying goes, you can't turn back the clock, but the Do It With Class Young People's Theatre Company is doing just that, in a few different ways, as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The Regina amateur group is helping to mark its second decade by performing favourites from past seasons according to founder and artistic director Andorlie Hillstrom.

“We're kicking off the season with A Midsummer Night's Dream. All of the productions that have been chosen for the company this year were chosen as past favourites of mine. So this will be the third time that Midsummer has been performed by the company. It’s always been popular and well-received, and it’s a wonderful connect for the students who are involved with it,” said Hillstrom.

William Shakespeare’s comedic tale of young lovers who are manipulated by fairies dwelling in the forest includes a lesson about seeing the best in a person. Sarah Bester, a 17-year-old student at Campbell Collegiate plays Helena, who says of her beloved Demetrius: “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.”

Theatre-goers interested in seeing the production, which includes original music written by Robert Ursan and choreography created by Chancz Perry, can take in one of two evening shows. They’re at the Conexus Arts Centre, in the Schumiatcher Theatre, on Oct. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Do It With Class (DIWC) provides theatre training and experience for youngsters mostly aged 10-18. Hillstrom cites former members who've gone on to performing arts degrees or careers, including Tatiana Maslany, star of the television series Orphan Black.

“Wherever they are, we try to go and see what they’re doing. This is family and they are an extension of our family, so we really try to keep in touch with them," Hillstrom said.