DALE SHUTT
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
SHAWVILLE – To conclude a successful 2024 season, the Pontiac Community Players (PCP) held their Annual General Meeting, April 26 at the Continuing Education Centre.
After presenting the annual report, President Greg Graham outlined several new initiatives and equipment upgrades, made possible through funding from the MRC’s Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR), MNA André Fortin, and the Municipality of Bristol. These upgrades include portable sound and lighting systems, which will support the group’s upcoming 2025 “Theatre in the Park” series — a travelling outdoor production.
“We are all about telling stories,” said Graham. A second new initiative for 2025, An Evening with History, will feature performances based on the personal stories of local historical figures. These productions are slated for Bristol, Ladysmith, Quyon, and Shawville.
In 2024, PCP staged three productions: one at Coronation Hall in Bristol, another at Pontiac High School in Shawville, and a live radio play at the United Church in Quyon. Looking ahead, the group plans to broaden their audience by reaching out to venues in the Upper Pontiac and Fort-Coulonge. They also aim to offer theatre workshops later this year.
The financial report revealed a 40% increase in ticket sales over the previous year. PCP donates a portion of its ticket revenue to performance venues and awards an annual bursary to a Pontiac High School student with a passion for theatre. The 2024 recipient, Ollie Côté, is currently studying Theatre at John Abbott College.
The meeting concluded with the election of the 2025 board of directors. Returning members Greg Graham, Will Bastien, Val Twolan-Graham, and Marguerite Carmichael were confirmed, with Rick Valin joining as a new director.
Community theatre has long been a part of Shawville’s cultural life. The Pontiac Community Players, now a registered non-profit, have been entertaining audiences under that name since 2000 — and show no signs of slowing down. Graham encouraged anyone interested in participating to reach out via their Facebook page.
Photo – Pontiac Community Players Board L/R: Marguerite Carmichael, Will Bastien, Val Twolan-Graham, Greg Graham, Rick Valin. (DS)