The cast and crew of Shuswap Theatre’s Pack of Lies packed home several awards from the recent O-Zone Festival in Vernon.
Jean Angers and Don Wilcox took top honours in Best Set Design and the two men plus Mike Nash won Best Set Decor.
Director Kim MacMillan says artist and French immersion teacher Nadine Laurin painted the set but is not eligible for an award as she is not a member of Theatre B.C.
Back in the winner’s circle, the Best Props award went to Karen Morgan, in her first endeavour with Shuswap Theatre.
“She’s never done this before and she just did a fabulous job,” says MacMillan.
MacMillan earned an honourable mention in the Best Director category. Other honourable mentions were garnered by Astrid Varnes – Best Actress category, Peter Blacklock – Best Supporting Actor category and Helen Wall – Best Costumes.
“I have never been to a festival where all the plays were as solid as this one,” said MacMillan “It was really quite exceptional and the adjudicator was very clear these were tough decisions to make.”
MacMillan is also clear that the names on the trophies are only part of the story. Many people contributed to the success in each area.
“I feel privileged to have worked with this group...” he says. “I have never worked with a group that worked so hard, and with such commitment, and who worked so well together.”
Shuswap Theatre dedicated their festival performance to the memory of the late Patrick Allwood.
Allwood performed in many Shuswap Theatre productions as well as the Chase Players in the early days and in two Vernon Powerhouse Productions.
Allwood was a founding member of Laughing Gas Improv Troupe. The current group will pay tribute to him at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20 when they take on Vernon’s Monkey With a Button Improv in a comedic challenge.