OTA PREPARES FOR 2007-2008 SEASON, ELECTS BOARD MEMBERS Jerry Baltzer, Bob Caldwell, Larry McAffery, Dave McInnes and Bob Stoltz, left to right back row, Sylvia Latshaw, Darlene McAffery, Sheila Taylor and Stephanie Stoltz, left to right middle row, and Ric Munhall, front row, accept their Howie Awards during Olympic Theatre Art’s annual meeting, held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Sept. 8. Theatergoers honor 16 Howie Award winnersby ASHLEY ODENStaff writer And the “Volunteer of the Year” award goes to ? Sheila Taylor. Olympic Theatre Arts honored 17 members and volunteers with 16 personalized trophies during the organization’s annual meeting Sept. 8. In addition to volunteer of the Year, individuals — including the Sequim Gazette — received Howie Awards, named after Howard J. Wood, founder of the Howard Wood Memorial Theatre on Washington Street where OTA was based for many years before moving into its Sequim Avenue location. More than 50 guests clapped, hooted and hollered during the second annual ceremony. Members also voted on new board candidates during the meeting. Linda French, Janet MacDonald, Tom Williamson, Ric Munhall, Dave McInnes and Stephanie Stoltz were unanimously welcomed to the board of directors. Additional trustees finishing pre-existing terms include Tracy Williams, Nan Cramer, Elaine Caldwell, Hugh Haffner and Bob Stoltz. A bylaw allowing trustees to serve up to three consecutive two-year terms rather than only two consecutive two-year terms was passed. Caldwell, phase III coordinator, spoke on the theater’s construction progress, which had some setbacks during the past six months including being shut down by the city of Sequim for not having proper permits in line. “We are moving ahead and we are not going to ground,” she said optimistically. “Things happen every day at our theater to give us hope, keeping us treading water for as long as we have to, even if it’s hot water.” Phase III includes finishing the main stage area, which will seat 160 people. OTA has spent $353,000 since being shut down late last February, according to Caldwell, and about $300,000 still is needed to bring the building up to code with a proper sprinkler system, fire doors, additional bathrooms, insulation, siding and parking lot lights. That puts members right on track with the initial estimation of $750,000 for all of phase III, she said. A completion date is not set. “Right now, our goal is to get into that building,” Caldwell emphasized. “When we raise that $300,000, we will be able to do that.” In total, OTA’s reconstruction will cost more than $1.5 million. The public can get involved. Monetary donations are being accepted to help purchase main stage seats, fire doors and bricks. People also can help by attending and participating in plays and volunteering time and services, Caldwell reminded. “This is going to be an incredible, magnificent venue,” she said. “Theater has its place in our lives because it is life. It’s a wonderful thing that puts people in a place to express their God-given gifts.” Coming to a theater near you ? OTA’s 2007-2008 season starts with “A Grand Night for Singing” in October. “It’s a story of love ? childhood ? marriage ? and loss,” said Lee Harwell, director. “It’s an incredible piece and is going to be very, very fun.” Rehearsals are in progress. The show is scheduled for Oct. 1-7at the Sequim High School Performing Arts Building. “The Bench,” a Christmas story directed by Sequim’s Olivia Shea, is back by popular demand Dec. 20-23, also at the high school. The play was performed first in 2004 and will include all the same actors and actresses. “It’s a wonderful show with lots of laughs and slapstick comedy,” Shea said. “I think it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.” “Murder at Café Noir” premiers in February 2008 at the Sequim Elks Lodge as a dinner theater production directed by Tracy Williams. “Don’t Dress For Dinner,” a fast-paced comedy directed by Ric Munhall is scheduled for June 2008. “I love door slamming comedies that go 90 mph, and that’s exactly what this is,” Munhall said. The fifth and final production is “Honky Tonk Laundry,” led by Tom Williamson, a new director in the theater. The play takes place at the Wishy Washy Washateria and is about two women who dream of performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage. The show, a tribute to Nashville, includes all country-western music. 2007 Howie Award winners
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