The Hub August 2014 | Page 14

Try something that scares you, because it’s worth it becomes a part of who I am residually,” says McCurdy. With all these benefits, it’s unfortunate that there’s still only a small number of people who take the stage. Only four per cent of all Ontarians rehearsed or performed in a play or musical in front of an audience at least once a year in 2011. Only one per cent was found to do the same at least once a month or once a week. Rabideau says those who rarely, or never, take part in the theatre arts should try something that scares them because it’s worth it. Rabideau and A.C.T. are taking on West Side Story for their first production, which he claims is one of the toughest musicals because of the number of characters, choreography and vocal ranges needed. He chose the musical because of the fact it scares him. “I live on the thrill of the fear of what may happen, what could happen,” says Rabideau. Having directed around eight major productions along with several smaller projects, Rabideau says he loves seeing performers changing over the course of the production. “I hope they’ve learned something on their journey,” says 2014 SEASON The Beaver Den Beaver May 22, 23, 24 & 25 God of Carnage Carnage June 13-15, 20-22, 26-28 13 3-15, Shakesp re’s Othello Shakespeare’s Othello pea l Septem September 12-14, 19-21 mber The Birds: A Fowl Pla Birds: Fowl Play ay Novem November 21-23, 27-29 mber Hansel Gret Hansel & Gretel: retel: tel: Behind the Gingerbread Ging gerbread read Decem December 12-14, 18-21 mber Full Show info and detai Show and details ils www.kordazone.com www.kordazone.com k Rabideau. “It’s different for everyone. One person will be like, ‘I never knew I could do that with makeup,” or maybe someone else will say, ‘Wow, that breathing exercise really helped me with my voice.’” Rabideau also says he’s shared amazing moments with several actors who he’s worked with. “The moments where you may have had a preconceived notion of what you think someone can do and then they surprise you (or) the moments where you have in your head, ‘Oh I really have to plan this out,’ and then you go and they understood it,” says Rabideau. He’s also been suprised by the initiative shown by new actors, and debuts that defied expectations. Theatre is a rigourous endeavour, way outside many people’s comfort zones. But the reward of a standing ovation at the end of that final curtain call can be the most exhilarating feeling there is, along with knowing you put on a great show. Theatre can give you much more than what it asks of you; consider taking a chance and taking the stage.