Jeremy Watkins’ associated request, for sponsorship funding from the municipality, will be reviewed at an upcoming budget meeting.
The Aug. 21-24 play will feature events leading up to and including the wedding day of the Governor of Acadia to the daughter of the Chief of the Mi'Kmaq.
Watkins says the play will create a “unique opportunity not only for Th'YARC playhouse and arts centre, but also as a cultural event that can aid the Yarmouth area in the tourism industry.”
The show will bring local stories by local people to the stage.
Another large production, which was written and directed by Andre Haines in 2011, had a budget of $14,500.
Watkins hopes to obtain a grant from Communities, Culture and Heritage N.S. cultural activities program, as well as contributions from Destination Southwest Nova, Acadia First Nations and municipal units. Costs include costumes, props, set construction, and advertising. The show is a volunteer production, with “professional caliber talent and guidance,” requiring an estimated 3,334 hours in production and rehearsals from March to post performance. It calls for 20 actors, a backstage crew of six, and technical staff.
The Yarmouth Drama Society has supplied $1,500 towards the rent of Th’YARC for the show and rehearsals.
“This is a collaboration between the two organizations,” said Watkins.
“The goal is to have a 50/50 spilt between them after expenses have been paid.”
Council members commented favorably on his presentation and councillor John Cunningham handed Watkins a grant application at the end of his presentation.
