Camden's own Workhouse Theatre Company (WTC) was recently notified of a Minnesota House Resolution congratulating them on having won the IVEY Award, one of the highest achievements in Twin Cities' theatre.
The October 13 resolution was introduced by Representative Joe Mullery (58A), and signed by Anthony "Tony" Sertich (Chair of Rules and Legislative Administration) and Magaret Anderson Kelliher (Speaker of the House). Workhouse Theatre is recognized as "the only theatre company on the North Side of Minneapolis," and special mention is made of the "overall excellence in theatre" designation associated with the award.
The resolution concludes by stating that Workhouse Theatre is the only theatre company in the history of North Minneapolis that has achieved an IVEY and that; "Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration of the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota that it recognizes and congratulates the Workhouse Theatre Company for its outstanding hard work, dedication, and artistry in bringing live theatre to the North Side of Minneapolis."
This particular honor is the latest in a series of good news developments for WTC, as they also recently achieved 501c3 (non-profit) status. Previously, the company had conducted business through the fiduciary agent of Our Neighborhood Works. WTC founder and Jeff Redman notes, "Our Neighborhood Works' fiscal agency support has been invaluable and the service they provide for positive North Side initiatives is working to build a more engaged community. Independent not-for-profit status for the theatre company, however, allows for greater flexibility with finances, including tax-exemption on purchases, more streamlined grant applications, and the ability for donors to deduct contributions come tax time.
Workhouse Theatre is not slowing down as they head into the new year, as they begin production for their March mainstage, world-premiere production of Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children, as well as launch their spring education effort by kicking off two classes and hosting a Saturday workshop in January.
In the final week of January, they kick off their ever-popular classes of Improvisation (Monday, January 26) and Beginning Acting (Wednesday, January 28). The classes, which run for eight and nine sessions respectively, are taught by experienced instructors and take place at Patrick Henry High. Both have a registration of $30.
On Saturday, January 31, Sara J. Leigh will conduct a workshop on Scenic Design at The Warren (4400 Osseo Rd), from 10 a.m. to noon. Leigh (who, incidentally, was the scenic designer for 2008's Ivey Award-winning ‘night, Mother) will discuss the scene design process and its role within a theatrical production. Participants will learn how scenic elements come together, do a group exercise in collaborative art, and work through the process with a short scene. Registration is $30 and no experience is required.
For info on any of Workhouse Theatre's class or workshop offerings, visit http://www.work housetheatre.org/site/classes. php. Specific class dates, times and fees are available, as well as detailed class descriptions and a downloadable registration form. Inquiries may also be sent to education@workhousetheatre.org. Register early in order guarantee a spot.