Lampman's Maureen Ulrich has brought a lot to the Souris Valley Theatre during an eight-year tenure on the cultural organization’s board.
Not only has she been a board member and, in the past year, their board chair, but she has been a playwright with productions performed by adults and youths alike.
Ulrich was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Mayor Roy Ludwig during Monday night’s meeting of Estevan city council. She had stepped down from the theatre’s board a few weeks earlier, citing her belief that she had made sufficient contributions over the last few years.
She also believes the theatre is now in good shape and has recovered from the flood of 2011.
“It’s running well, and it’s time for someone else to step forward,” said Ulrich.
Lynn Chipley will now be the board’s chair.
Ulrich said her decision to resign was not due to anything negative that has happened.
“I love the people. The actors that come out and our patrons are so wonderful,” said Ulrich. “I certainly intend to attend fundraisers and go to all the shows as much as I possibly can.”
She also confessed that she felt it would be difficult for her to step down from the chairperson’s role and remain part of the board.
The flood of the Souris River in 2011 was arguably the biggest thing to happen to the theatre during her tenure on the board, and, unquestionably, the biggest challenge the board faced. The rising waters damaged the theatre’s Frehlick Hall and other amenities, and wiped out two years of performances.
The board and the community pulled together to ensure the theatre’s future. Board members worked tirelessly to repair the building and ensure it could open again in 2013. The community has been supportive since that time.
“It was a big challenge, but the theatre is looking really good now,” said Ulrich. “But that being said, there are always things to do.”
Ulrich also penned three shows that were performed at the theatre: Snowbirds, which was performed last year; Diamond Girls, which was shown this past June; and Game of Phones, which was performed in August.
Diamond Girls has since been performed at fringe festivals and other events throughout the Prairie provinces. Ulrich expects the one-woman show about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball league will continue to keep her busy.
“I don’t really have any plans to do anything new for next year, just because Diamond Girls has some legs,” said Ulrich.
Game of Phones was a musical written for the teen theatre camp in the summer. Ulrich would welcome the chance to write another production for the theatre’s camps.
“It was so rewarding how it turned out,” said Ulrich.
Ulrich will carry fond memories of her involvement with the theatre. She praised artistic director Kenn McLeod for doing a great job of giving opportunities to young people who are really serious about pursuing their passion for theatre.
“It’s really been a joy to watch them grow,” said Ulrich.
Prior to presenting the certificate, Ludwig said Ulrich has worked tirelessly for the theatre over the past few years, making the theatre more modern, ensuring its sustainability, and creating more comfort for the theatre’s performers and patrons.
