Tina Fowler is one of the STJC's busiest members. Since joining the company in 2005 as part of the Guys and Dolls, costume crew in the fall of 2005, she has been a familiar face. Since then, she has been part of 17 productions, doing everything from acting to backstage work. She has acted in 8 plays (including last year's TotE performance of "Wingin' It!"), was costume head for "Proof" and "The Sunshine Boys," co-stage managed "Moonchildren" for SJTC: Second Stage last April, and also stage managed "Trout." Most recently, Tina could be found filling the role of Assistant Stage Manager for "Cabaret" which went on in May.
"She can always be counted on to lend a hand," says Lisa Flower, STJC: Second Stage planning committee member. "Even when she's in a play, she wants to know if there's anything she can do to help backstage too!"
Tina is going to be back on the stage to take part in "Out on the Edge." SJTC: Second Stage has been working in collaboration with Port City Rainbow Pride on this unique theatrical project. Stories were collected from people in our local GLBT community and transformed into a hour long production that is sure to move our audiences.
"This project is based on real people and their personal stories, and that translates to an honesty onstage that will capture and hold the emotions of both performer and audience," says Fowler. While the stories have received some dramatization, and tweaking of the dialoge, they maintain the spirit and emotion of authors and offers a challenge to the actors taking part.
Tina Fowler is no stranger to challenging roles however. Two years ago, she was cast in the TotE production "For Ever and Ever," a two woman show that questioned the meaning of life, and the existence of God. A strong performer with a genuine depth of emotion, she was a shoe in for "Out on the Edge," and she couldn't be more pleased to be involved.
"It is very much an honour to give voice to the words and thoughts of those brave people who have put their joy and pain on paper," she says. "Theatre has always been about life, and stories about life, whether to raise public awareness, to change the indivdual heart, or to merely entertain. This project will do all three."
"Out on the Edge" has been a journey for everyone involved. "I have already learned so much about personal struggle, hope and courage that I can only hope that this will change my "individual heart," Fowler says about working on the production.
"Perhaps in larger Canadian cities, the subject matter would not be considered edgy, but for Saint John audiences, this represents an opportunity to share stories and viewpoints that are not often represented in our more traditional, conservative city," adds director and developer Jay Rawding. "In this sense, it is a perfect fit for our fringe-like festival."
But Tina wants "Out on the Edge" to be more than just an entertaining evening. "I hope that this project will encourage and stengthen those families who are facing all the questions and fear associated with living with homosexuality," says Fowler. "I feel that we, as a company, are growing and exploring the artistic community around us. We have moved out in our own circle of supporters and, with this project, we are going beyond ourselves and bringing others to know the truly wonderful world of theatre."
TotE is offering three performances of "Out on the Edge" at the Mary Oland Theatre, Tuesday, August 7th, at 8 pm, Friday, August 10th, at 6:30 pm, and Sunday, August 12th, at 2 pm. Tickets are $10. Tuesday and Friday night performances are included on the Festival Pass which is $30.
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