Open Stage marks 15 years
Posted May 12, 2011 By Stacey Roy
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Tweet ThisEMC Entertainment - Drums, guitars and the shiest of children's voices can be heard every Sunday evening at Lower Reach Park thanks to the efforts of Open Stage organizers who created a supportive place for people of all ages to get on stage and feel the rush of a crowd.
This year marks their 15th anniversary of providing free music in the park every Sunday from 5-8 p.m. This year's Open Stage season will run from June 5-Sept. 11, 2011.
"It's something that you can count on all summer long," said Beverly Hitchins, founder.
Open Stage welcomes absolutely anyone who wishes to feel the energy of an audience to step up to the mic, but extends a special invite this year to past performers who would like to come out and celebrate their 15th anniversary.
"It would be nice if everybody would come out," Hitchins added.
To mark its first weekend June 5 Open Stage will once again be a stop during the Smiths Falls Doors Open event. This is a historic community tour that welcomes individuals in to view heritage properties and places for free.
"I'm excited about that," Hitchins said.
Open Stage got its start in 1996 when Hitchins was approached by Mayor Dennis Staples and asked if she could do something to promote Lower Reach Park in the community. A brainstorming session resulted in the creation of Open Stage, which Hitchins has nurtured and developed over the years.
The local woman never expected it to become such a permanent fixture in the park, but is drawn back week after week by the talented musicians and enormous personal successes she has seen by those brave enough to perform. Open Stage is a fantastic way for children to overcome their fear of public speaking in a fun and friendly environment. Over the years Hitchins has seen three and four-year-olds develop their stage presence until they are confident teenagers who eagerly jump on stage to sing or play their instrument.
"I feel like a proud mother watching them. I've literally been in tears," Hitchins said.
Open Stage has welcomed acts from Smiths Falls area, the region and some international folks as well who have been visiting in the area. In 1996 Hitchins' friend from Paris appeared on stage.
At that time Open Stage had a stage at the park from which it could operate. About three years ago damage and age caused the stage to be torn down. It hasn't been replaced.
"Hopefully at some point we'll get a stage ...but that's never stopped us," Hitchins added. "It's not the stage so much as the people that show up."
For the last few years Open Stage has been setting up under the Lions shelter so that it may continue its efforts of providing complimentary music in the community and a place for children to confront their fears.
The impact Open Stage has had on the community has not gone unnoticed. Recently, Mayor Staples honoured Hitchins with the Charles Gilhuly Award for her long-term volunteer commitment to the program.
Hitchins credits word of mouth for the ongoing success of the Sunday evening event, but has also launched a Facebook site and website (www.openstage.ca) to get the word out even more.
This summer, stop by Lower Reach Park along the historic Rideau Canal and enjoy some of the diverse musical offerings to be had.
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