Ship's Company Theatre facts for kids
The Ship's Company Theatre is a special theatre group in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia. It's a professional company, meaning people who work there are trained actors, directors, and crew members.
This theatre was started in 1984 by Michael Fuller and Mary Vingoe. It focuses on showing plays written by Canadian authors, especially new stories from writers in the Maritime region. Sometimes, the theatre even asks writers to create new plays just for them! Many of these plays have been so good that other theatres across Canada have shown them too.
The Ship's Company Theatre has a busy season that lasts for 14 weeks, from July to October. During this time, they put on two main plays. They also have a special stage for new and rising artists from Atlantic Canada to show their talents. There's even a music series with fun tribute shows and a special stage just for kids! You can find their ticket office at 18 Lower Main Street in Parrsboro.
The person in charge of the artistic side of the theatre right now is Laura Vingoe-Cram.
What's in a Name? The MV Kipawo Story
The name "Ship's Company" is very unique! It comes from the theatre's first and still main home in Parrsboro. This home is actually an old ship called the MV Kipawo! This ship was one of Canada's longest-serving ferries, which means it used to carry people and cars across water.
Today, the MV Kipawo is no longer sailing. It's permanently parked on the western shore of Parrsboro Harbour. The theatre company started using the ship in the mid-1980s after a plan to turn it into a museum didn't happen.
In 2004, the theatre grew bigger. A large performance hall was built, and the MV Kipawo was completely covered by the outdoor lobby of the new building. So, when you visit, you're not just seeing a play; you're visiting a piece of history!
