Second-annual Arts Hall of Fame awards 3 major players

Not only did he help start Broadway North, he also had a hand in establishing the E.A. Rawlinson Centre, Odyssey Productions and the Prince Albert Community Players. This summer, he helped the Borealis Music Festival to get off the ground.

“He’s a believer that the arts enhance our community and so he’s being honoured as a builder of the arts,” explained Dicke.

Jenkins, a proponent in Prince Albert’s art’s community for decades, said finding out he’ll be honoured was a, “very pleasant surprise.”

Last week, he said he was taken aback by the realization 20 years to the day had passed since the Broadway North Theatre Company first debuted with their production of West Side Story.

“That was the beginning of it all,” said Jenkins, a founding member of the company. “It really has been quite a remarkable journey.

“They were so enthusiastically received and such a vital part of the theatre scene in Prince Albert,” said Dicke.

To this day, over 4,000 people attend their productions every year.

“And that’s what got us the (E.A.) Rawlinson Centre and of course the many great things that have happened there since,” said Jenkins.

Dicke explained after the company moved to E.A. Rawlinson Centre, they established a teaching model for acting, singing and dancing and were able to help children improve through their involvement in productions.

“We started up Broadway North and it just grew and grew,” said Jenkins. “Twenty-five years ago there were no facilities here and kids would have no place to show their stuff.

“When theatre came along, musical theatre specifically, it was something that was new to P.A.”

Since then, Broadway North have put on over 30 productions.

“Now, kids have grown up after 20, 25 years, expecting this in their town just like every other town or city has,” said Jenkins. “They have facilities, they have teachers, they have shows they can be in or watch and I’m very, very gratified to see that.”

He said he smiled when children of the cast of West Side Story were old enough to join the theatre company themselves. This year, they’ll be putting on a production of Shrek over Christmas at the Rawlinson Centre.

According to Jenkins, enrollment at the dance studios in the city continues to grow and the arts community is on the upward curve.

“It just gets bigger and better,” he said.

Linda Erhardt was involved in nearly every medium as a visual artist, according to Dicke. She was an active member of the Kyla Art Group, 1010 Painting Group, and the Prince Albert Pottery Guild among others.

She also taught at the Prince Albert Arts Centre. Throughout the years, she’s received many awards.

“She is just beloved by many,” said Dicke. “It seemed really appropriate that someone who has been active for so many years would be honoured.”

Overall, Dicke said those being honoured have been crucial.

“The arts in any community is a sign of a community that’s growing and that’s healthy and vibrant,” said Dicke. “We at the Prince Albert Art’s Board feel it’s really important that the arts are acknowledged and also celebrated, within the city and beyond.

“We are thrilled that we’re going to have such strong inductees.”

Tickets for this year’s ceremony on Sep. 26 are available from the EA Rawlinson Centre for the Arts Box. Tables open to the public.

“We really look forward to a great evening of entertainment and celebration.”

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha

by Alex Soloducha

Second-annual Arts Hall of Fame awards 3 major players

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