FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE/January 28, 2004Nepean Little Theatre to merge with GOYA Theatre ProductionsOTTAWA, Ontario - January 28, 2004 - GOYA Theatre Productions, a federally chartered charitable organization dedicated to Giving Opportunities to Young Artists (GOYA), has entered into an agreement with the Nepean Little Theatre that amalgamates both companies. Under the terms of the merger, GOYA assumes NLT assets, liabilities and ongoing production responsibilities. The 2004 spring production of Little Red Riding Hood marks the continuation by GOYA of staging NLT's annual children's theatre event."Over the last 35 years, the Nepean Little Theatre has built a great reputation as one of the foremost community theatre companies in Ottawa. It is therefore a great honour and an expression of confidence in GOYA Theatre Productions, formed only in 2001, to be chosen by Nepean Little Theatre as its successor company," says Kurt Baumgartner, GOYA Theatre President. The Nepean Little Theatre was founded in 1968 as Camelot Little Theatre and launched its first production in February 1969. It was reborn as Nepean Little Theatre in 1982. Over the years, NLT produced 138 shows, won a total of 60 Eastern Ontario Drama League festival awards, and 4 Theatre Ontario awards. It hosted the Eastern Ontario Drama League Full-Length Festival in 1981 and again in 1991. Camelot withstood a devastating fire to “Camelot House” a little less than 2 years after it opened. Nepean Little Theatre withstood four changes to venue that hampered its financial and community support. Monique McCormack, President of Nepean Little Theatre says, "Our executive approached GOYA about a merger because the two companies share a similar vision. We believe in presenting quality community theatre and fostering interest in young people in the performing arts. As such, we are proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for our first show as one company." GOYA's 2004 season begins with 6 March Break performances of Little Red Riding Hood on March 19, 20, and 21 at 10 am and 2 pm in the Chamber at Ben Franklin Place. Tickets are available at the Client Service Counter at the Walter Baker Centre (580-2424 x30371) or Nepean Creative Arts Centre (596-5783). GOYA's second spring production, The Revenge of the Dinosaur Lady is staged from April 29 to May 1st and May 5th through 8th in the Chamber at Ben Franklin Place. Tickets are available from the Centrepointe Theatre Box Office (613-580-2700). About GOYA Theatre Productions Inc. Giving Opportunities to Young Artists (GOYA) Theatre Productions Inc. was established in 2001 as a not-for-profit organization under the Companies Act of Ontario and became a federally registered charity in 2003. GOYA’s mandate is to foster the continued development of community-based, non-equity theatre in the City of Ottawa; to showcase, as part of our season, new Canadian works; and to nurture the development of young artists by involving them in mainstage productions, writing workshops, and stage craft. For more information, please visit the GOYA Web site at www.goyatheatre.com. For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Arlen Bartsch |