These passionate volunteers deserve a curtain call

Six local theatre enthusiasts were honoured Tuesday evening during the presentation of the first-ever "Friends of the Theatre Awards" hosted by the Sault Community Theatre Centre (SCTC) Board of Directors. 

The 2024 honourees are:

• Kara Colynuck (Posthumous)
• Peggy Cooper
• Ardys and John Fleming
• Riley Korschin
• Katie Short

"The SCTC board saw the need to acknowledge the extraordinary volunteerism that exists in this community, which sustains performing arts and culture in Sault Ste. Marie,” said SCTC board chair Christopher Rous in a news release.

SEE: 'She was a force': Remembering Kara Colynuck, a giant of Sault musical theatre

Full text of the news release follows:

On Tuesday evening, Sept 24, 2024, the Sault Ste. Marie Community Theatre Centre (SCTC) recognized and celebrated the first recipients of the 2024 Friends of the Theatre Awards at an on-stage dinner at White Pines Collegiate & Vocational School.

The awards recognize those who have voluntarily made outstanding contributions to local community theatre. It honours individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication, support, and passion for the performing arts in Sault Ste. Marie. This year’s awards recipients are:

• Kara Colynuck (Posthumous)
• Peggy Cooper
• Ardys and John Fleming
• Riley Korschin
• Katie Short

In June of this year, the call for nominations was publicly announced. The SCTC received a significant number of nominations. A small committee of SCTC directors was established to serve as award judges.  

"The SCTC board saw the need to acknowledge the extraordinary volunteerism that exists in this community, which sustains performing arts and culture in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Christopher Rous, chair of the SCTC Board. "The Friends of the Theatre Awards is SCTC’s modest way of expressing our sincere thanks to those who make the Sault’s theatre community vibrant and dynamic."