Our Front of House Manager for this production, 'Mr. MacDougall' is a teacher in Bedford by day; with
his hands full with a class of grade seven students. He is also an active member of Bedford Players, as
the Vice President of our Executive Council and our Communications Officer.
Organization is a key to this position, as well as having a good rapport with the
public, being a problem solver and being diplomatic.
After attending an information session he saw advertised on the sign outside our theatre space (on
the All Saints Church sign) Sandy got involved working backstage during the May 2005 production of
'Barefoot in the Park'. Finding he enjoys the theatre and the people, he has participated in further
productions as Stage Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, Technical Crew/Operator and Technical Coordinator.
To date, Stage Management is Sandy's favourite role; even though it takes up an enormous amount of time.
The Stage Manager is arguably the longest running role in any production, stepping up to the plate to assist
the Director from the first auditions (if not before) and carrying on through to the final performance; attending
every rehearsal, every performance, and managing a multitude of details. Sandy's time in this role during our
25th Anniversary reprisal of 'No Sex Please, We're British' in 2008 raised the bar for stage
management at Bedford Players. Diving completely into the role, and reaching out to community theatre
members and the internet for resources and support; Sandy has brought new practices, tools and opportunities
to our productions.
Sandy's advice to anyone interested in joining Community Theatre: There are MANY
volunteer roles... ask some current BP members/volunteers and find out how you can get involved at a level you
are comfortable with… then grow from there.
This same approach in being brought to Sandy's foray into his role managing Front of House for
'Maggie's Getting Married'. He is not sure of the time commitment required ...it's the first time I've taken
on this role.
In preparation for the run, he is spending a few hours here and there organizing and preparing
as well as scheduling the volunteers. Once the show starts, it will mean being at the theatre from at least 6:00
pm to 10:30 pm or so each night of the show. The Front of House manager is in place just for a particular
performance; and changes out with each performance, although Sandy hopes to do it for the next production as well.
While he has not ventured on stage at Bedford Players yet, Sandy did play several characters in an historical
play, based on the founding of St Peters, Cape Breton. My portrayal of a couple of French characters in that
show did nothing to enhance my acting portfolio!
First in high school, and continuing afterward Sandy also
coordinated an Elementary/Junior High drama festival in Richmond County for a couple of years.