HAWK Theatre supporters want return of live shows to the stage in Lucknow

The goal of HAWK Theatre in Lucknow has always been to bring live shows to the local community.

Now, supporters of this organization want to see a return of theatre to the stage at the Lucknow Town Hall.

A long-time proponent of HAWK Theatre, Maureen Matchett, says a volunteer meeting was held Sunday, Sept. 28, and was well-attended by some keen people.

“I came away from that meeting far more optimistic than I expected,” she says.

Lucknow has had a live theatre group since 2002 with the establishment of the H-K Players, says Matchett. When it incorporated as a non-profit organization, it changed its name to HAWK Theatre, which stands for the four townships around Lucknow: Huron, Ashfield, West Wawanosh, and Kinloss.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” was the group’s first production, which involved local youth in the cast. In the spring of 2003, the next production was “Mail Order Annie.”

Since then, HAWK Theatre has performed two productions per year: one in the spring geared to an adult audience with adult actors, and one in the fall geared to youth and involving youth performers. Also, over the years, the theatre group has improved the theatre staging space, installed an elevator, upgraded the audience seating, and installed modern lighting and sound technologies.



The cast of the 2019 HAWK Theatre production of "Southern Fried Funeral" poses for a group shot, prior to the second act; from left, are Andrea Feeley, Julie Bullivant, Tony Martens, Ben Hustis, Lucy Muir, Vicki McKague, Lynn Shepherd-Adamson, Bill Cooper, Tony McQuail, Bev Ellis, and, in front, Terry Marsh

“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this pattern, cancelling the planned production for the spring of 2020,” says Matchett. “In the fall of 2022 and spring of 2023, we performed ‘The Ladies' Foursome’ and ‘Halfway There,’ both written by Norm Foster. Although both were successful and well-attended plays, the volunteers involved could not sustain mounting additional productions, so the theatre remained quiet for the rest of 2023 and for 2024.”

Matchett has been involved with HAWK Theatre since 2008, assisting in small and big ways over the years as a sound technician, a stage manager, an actor, a producer, and a director.

“Our goal has always been to bring theatre to our local community,” she says. “It’s a way for both youth and adults to explore their creativity and experience the joy of theatre which helps make a local community well-rounded. It's another way for people to get involved in creating something together.

“Since 2002, there have been many, many volunteers who have contributed to the amazing productions performed on the HAWK Theatre stage. As we've seen, there are so many creative people in the Lucknow area and I'm sure there are more who would love the opportunity to be involved.”



The cast and crew of the 2023 HAWK Theatre production of "Halfway There," includes, in back, stage manager Kassi MacDonald (left), Reanna Ramaker, Lynn Shepherd-Adamson, Julie Bullivant; and in front, producer Deb Marion (left), Tom Barton, Lianne Nicholson and director Maureen Matchett

Currently, the theatre group is seeking volunteers who want to help organize events, who have ideas for how to use the theatre space, who want to help with theatre productions off-stage, who want to lead projects, who might want to be part of the theatre’s board of directors, or all of these!

“We are not yet looking for actors,” says Matchett. “Our theatre productions begin with a core group of interested volunteers, before we seek actors.”

She says the amount of time and energy that each volunteer gives to the theatre depends on the volunteer. Some want to dedicate a few hours once in a while, while others would like to invest a lot more time.

They must be able to work co-operatively with others, says Matchett. “Kindness and a sense of humour are major assets, as well as a willingness to learn and try new things.”

The group is currently working on a purge of its costume and props rooms.

“We are planning to have a ‘Backstage Purge’ sale – like a yard sale – Sunday, Oct. 19, from 1-4 p.m. at the theatre which is located a 526 Campbell Street in downtown Lucknow,” says Matchett. “Since Halloween is right around the corner, people may find something that inspires this year's costume, or that nostalgic item they remember from grandma's house!

“It’s a bit of a fund-raiser for the theatre, but we're mostly hoping to get some space back!”

She says another volunteer planning meeting will be held in the near future, as well as some smaller events, such as workshops for actors.

If you would like to get involved with HAWK Theatre, send an E-mail message to hawktheatrelucknow@gmail.com; or send a direct message through the theatre’s Facebook page, or contact Donald Andrew at 519-530-9019.



The Cinderella KIDS cast from 2018