Theatre Ontario Congratulates Bev Dietrich, Recipient of the 2014 Michael Spence Award

Theatre Ontario is thrilled to announce that the 2014 Michael Spence Award for Contribution to Community Theatre will be presented to Bev Dietrich of Elmira.  This award is presented by Theatre Ontario from the nomination by Elmira Theatre Company, and on the recommendation of the Western Ontario Drama League (WODL).  The award honours individuals for sustained contribution to community theatre, generosity of spirit, involvement, and commitment to community theatre that is legendary within his/her region, helping community theatre flourish.  Bev will receive her award on May 18 at the Theatre Ontario Festival Awards Brunch in Sarnia.

Bev Dietrich has been a member of the Elmira Theatre Company (ETC) for over twenty-five years, working on over ninety shows as a stage manager, actor, co-director, and producer; as well as working front-of-house, parking cars, selling 50/50 tickets, and serving on the Board of Directors or chairing special events.  As a stage manager, she is renowned for her teamwork, organization, and sense of humour, and recognized for her vocal appreciation of every person involved in a production.  She has mentored many assistant stage managers, and helped build a strong core of capable and confident stage managers at ETC.  She has also been honoured with several awards for stage management at WODL Festivals.

She was instrumental in bringing the WODL Minifest to Elmira for the first time in 2009, and exposing the community to the educational opportunities of that unique one-act community theatre festival.  She has been a member of the WODL Board of Directors for the past three years, currently serving as Chair of the WODL Minifest, and has been ETC’s representative to the WODL Board over the last ten years.  She has also been a regular attendee at Theatre Ontario’s Summer Theatre Intensive for many years, always returning to ETC to share her learnings and encourage others to attend these courses.

“I cannot begin to express my gratitude in being nominated and chosen for this award,” said Bev.  “It is a true honour and I am thrilled, but at the same time very humble to be part of such a distinguished group of award winners.”

The Michael Spence Award honours legendary contributions to community theatre in Ontario, and is named after Michael Spence, the founding President of Theatre Ontario.  Michael was active in community theatre at Hart House Theatre, London Little Theatre, and the University Alumnae Dramatic Club (now known as Alumnae Theatre.)  He was a member of the Board of Governors of the Dominion Drama Festival, a past President of Arts Etobicoke, and he continues to be an enthusiastic supporter of Theatre Ontario.

Read more about Theatre Ontario's Michael Spence Award for Contribution to Community Theatre