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Legacy n. Late 15^th Century.  A tangible or intangible thing handed down by a predecessor; a long-lasting effect of an event or process.

How could Verna Conant have imagined she would spawn the legacy that has become the Oshawa Little Theatre, over a cup of tea in 1928?

And what kind of legacy are we referring to?  For starters, eight of our still active members began their association with the theatre in the fifties.  Robert Aldsworth Photo initiated a relationship with OLT in 1958, one which continues to this day.

In June, 2001, The International Year of the Volunteer Gala, fifty-five members celebrated a combined total of 1621 years of volunteerism; truly and genuinely extraordinary in a time when superlatives are dispensed like M & M’s.  And these are not just anonymous volunteers; they are predominantly citizens of Oshawa and Whitby, folks who have created one of the most remarkable and successful cultural institutions in Canada, no small feat in what were essentially blue-collar communities.

My own affiliation with OLT began in 1993.  What struck me then and continues to this day, is the sense of family that permeates every nook and cranny of this facility.

What we recognized that June evening in 2004 was an unprecedented appreciation of the friendship, respect, and admiration of one’s peers.  The culmination of these attributes, along with tireless dedication and selflessness, combined to sculpt the legacy we have today.

Legacies however, are not self-fulfilling prophecies.  Their strength is their torchbearers.  Indeed, OLT is truly a sacred trust that seems to imbue each new torch-bearer within our non-profit charitable organization, to protect and strengthen the Theatre with enthusiasm, and a spirit of artistic and fiscal vigour.  But torch-bearers do not drop out of the sky; cultural success is not that fantastic!

The legacy of OLT is the legacy of Durham, and the legacy of Durham is the legacy of the citizens of Durham.  Furthermore, legacies need replenishment and renewed enthusiasm, and for that, we count on the people of Durham to fulfill this call to arms, or, to the “stage” as it were.

Theatre is a cornucoepia of activity, imagination, fun, skills and skills development, everything from arts education and training for the children in the Youth Group to master carpentry; from seamstresses to stage managers; lighting and sound design to makeup; directors to producers; set design to set construction, and let’s not forget the actors.

Despite our success, we are neither boastful nor smug.  We do not rest on our laurels, nor do we wear our pride on our sleeves.  We do not sustain mediocrity, nor do we encourage vanity.  We glow in the shadows and we bow humbly in the light.  We are the servants of imagination and the stewards of industry.  We seek, find, and administer that which serves the greater good.  May humility always be our compass.

We are privileged individuals.  We are a coterie of magic carpet riders.  We are the art of the possible.  We are the benefactors of the human spirit.  We are the apple a day that keeps the doctor away.  Theatre keeps you young.

We are the proprietors of personal enrichment, and the enrichment of others.  We are the stage managers of altruism.  We are the manufacturers of an inestimable debt of gratitude within our community.  Come out to OLT and see what we are all about.  Moreover, if you a have special skill or no skills at all, give us a call, we will do the rest. 

We are very special.  Come join us and realize your own personal reward and a lifetime of friendships.

Louis MacPherson

Board of Directors, Oshawa Little Theatre

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