Mission’s Opening Nite Theatre scooped up three awards at Theatre BC’s Fraser Valley Zone Festival.
The event, which took place last month at the Coast Capital Playhouse in White Rock, was hosted by Surrey Little Theatre and adjudicated by Vancouver actor Fran Gebhard.
Opening Nite’s drama How It Works, about a family coping with a drug-addicted teenager, won Best Actress for Camille Atebe and Catherine Dawn, and Best Costumes for Bunny Patterson.
Abbotsford’s W.J. Mouat Secondary theatre and film teacher, Brian Billo, and Dawn were also awarded Most Chemistry Between Two Actors.
How It Works, directed by Helen Embury, enjoyed a successful run in Mission before moving on to the festival. The play also featured Petra Atebe in the four-character ensemble.
“We have such strong actors at Opening Nite and what a thrill to be recognized for our hard work and dedication amongst our peers,” said Dawn. “These awards are a direct result of stellar teamwork.”
Dawn also said, “To be awarded this certificate (Most Chemistry) brings a sense of validation for the teamwork that is ongoing behind the scenes to create the truth in the moment and magic seen on stage.”
Bunny Patterson added, “I loved helping the cast develop their characters with the costumes. Opening Nite Theatre is an amazing group of people with director Helen Embury bringing us all together for a very successful production.”
Eight community theatre groups competed in the Fraser Valley Zone Festival, with Coquitlam’s Stage 43 winning Best Production for Bingo.