REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural
WINTER 2026 Issue 27
Letter from the Editor Normally, this is the space where I share a light story from my life, tease a few upcoming articles, or reflect on events happening around our com- munity. I had every intention of doing that again this month. But yesterday, something happened that completely shifted what I felt needed to be said. I learned that someone I knew had taken their own life.
I’m no expert in mental health, but I’ve known enough people who have struggled to understand that it isn’t about blame. Someone can have supportive parents, good friends, caring partners and access to therapists and resources — and still feel trapped by what’s happening in their own mind. Sometimes the pain convinces them that there is only one way out. I don’t judge him. I’m heartbroken that someone so young is gone. I can only imagine how much he must have been carrying, and how deeply his family and loved ones will feel this loss for years to come. If there’s anything I hope comes from this, it’s a reminder that help does exist. That reaching out matters. That there are people who want you here, who will listen, who will sit with you in the hard moments. It may not feel like it, but you are not a burden, and you are not alone. In the meantime, hug the people you love a little tighter. Ask how they’re doing — and ask again tomorrow. Let people know they matter, even if they don’t expect to hear it from you. That’s how we look after one another.
We weren’t close friends, but we had worked together in the past. We had crossed paths often at business events, chatted, caught up, shared laughs. He was easygoing, fun-loving, and always seemed genuinely interested in how others were doing. We were more than just Facebook acquaintances, though not deeply connected. Still, the news hit hard. What struck me most was the outpouring of love I saw afterward. Post after post spoke about how much he meant to people, how he made them feel seen, how he showed up. It became painfully clear that this was someone who touched many lives and will be deeply missed. The idea that he struggled enough to take his own life is mind-boggling. Any death is tragic. Losing someone young to illness, an accident, or circumstances beyond their control is devastating. But suicide often carries an added weight — an unspoken judgement, a sense that it was a choice; that it was somehow ‘their fault’. I don’t believe that.
If you or someone you love is contemplating suicide, help is available. In Canada, you can call Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566, available 24/7, or text 45645 in the evenings. Someone is there to listen.
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Family Day Brunch Brings Community Together at Wildflowers Farm Wildflowers Farm is inviting families to slow down, gather around the table, and with a special Family Day Brunch, celebrate together, marking both a seasonal milestone and a new chapter for the beloved farm. On August 1, 2025, Michael and Michelle Crich officially took ownership the property located at 42338 Fruit Ridge Line, St Thomas, where they will host the brunch on Monday, February 16th. “Our Family Day Brunch, with family-style seating and a buffet will offer an assortment of brunch foods to cater to both adults and kids,” Michael shares. While the exact menu is still being finalized, the clear intention is to offer food that brings people together. “Where we can,” he adds, “We will work with individuals to meet any dietary restrictions.” Michelle notes that this is a first for the farm. “I am not aware of any previous events for Family Day on the farm,” she says.” It is our first Family Day event and brunch through our in-house catering, ‘Thyme by Wildflowers Farm’.” “Bringing the community together is at the heart of Wildflowers Farm,” Michelle explains. “Food is a great way to bring people together, so incorporating our brunch on Family Day felt like a natural fit – delicious food and interacting with the community.” Beyond the meal, families can expect a full experience. Michael shares that the day will include live music by Sing Me a River, a contemporary folk duo from Kitchener, a kids’ craft table and, weather permitting, outdoor seating and activities. Guests are also welcome to explore the property and meet the farm’s free-roaming chickens.
Michael brings a diverse hospitality background to Wildflowers, with experience in culinary arts, travel, weddings, and events, while Michelle’s background is in event and program coor- dination in higher education. Together, they’re blending their strengths to shape the future of the farm. For Michelle, the excitement comes down to connection: “It has honestly been a pleasure meeting so many people, whether they are Wildflowers Farm regulars or it’s their first time on the farm.” Tickets for the Family Day Brunch are $28 for adults and $15 for children aged 4 to 12, available online on the Upcoming Events page at wildflowers.farm or via the farm’s Instagram, Linktree.
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Real Living • Winter 2026 • Page 3
Family Fun and Local History Take Centre Stage at the Elgin County Museum
SCOTT LEWIS AUTO A name you can trust One of the highlights is a popular green-screen experience that lets visitors ‘travel back in time’ and pose for photos with Jumbo the Elephant. “We’ll have two photos for people to choose from,” says Madeleine. “They’ll be able to take a printed copy home as a little souvenir — and it’s all free.” Craft activities will also be available, including elephant- themed paper bag puppets, elephant masks, and colouring pages, making it easy for younger visitors to stay engaged. Families can also take part in the Jumbo Mania scavenger hunt, which encourages visitors to explore the exhibit while answering questions along the way. “Kids – and adults if they want, can take a look through the exhibit and see how much they learn about Jumbo,” Madeleine adds. The Elgin County Museum invites families looking for engaging, affordable activities this winter to step inside, where hands-on history and creative fun are taking centre stage for Family Day and March Break. Located at 460 Sunset Dr., the Museum is offering special programming on Family Day, from 1 to 4 pm designed to spark curiosity while celebrating local heritage. Curator Madeleine Howard says being open on Family Day provides an important opportunity for families to connect with history in an interactive way. “Not a lot of things are open on Family Day,” she explains. “It’s good for us to have something for kids and families to do; they can come and do some fun crafts and fun activities, and learn a little bit about their local history as well.”
The Jumbo Mania exhibition, which runs until March 20, 2026, explores the life and enduring legacy of Jumbo, the famous elephant who met his death in St. Thomas. “Even if you don’t know his story, you still know his name,” Madeleine notes. “Jumbo jets, jumbo hot dogs – his name is everywhere. This exhibition really highlights that legacy, along with the local ties.” During March Break, the Museum will be open March 9 to 14 and March 16 to 21, from 10 am to 4 pm, including both Saturdays. Programming will mirror Family Day offerings, ensuring families have plenty of opportunities to visit before the exhibit closes. Looking ahead, the Museum’s next exhibit, Eyes on the Skies, opens in late April, exploring air traffic control in Canada, with connections to local aviation history. For families seeking meaningful ways to spend time together, the Elgin County Museum offers an experience that blends fun, learning, and community, all under one roof. THE TURKEY SHOPPE
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Real Living • Winter 2026 • Page 5
Finishing Strong: Purpose, Momentum and Quiet Leadership in Elgin County by Dr. Dominique Giguère, Warden of Elgin County and Mayor of the Township of Malahide When you live in a rural community, leadership is never abstract. You see it in the condition of the roads you travel every day, in the strength of the local economy, in the care provided to neighbours, friends, and family. Decisions aren’t distant policy discussions. They show up in lived experience. That perspective has shaped how I approach my role as Warden of Elgin County. My journey into municipal leadership began just seven years ago, but it has been informed by decades of senior management experience, doctoral studies, and business consulting, in a broad range of non-profit sectors. Just before entering local politics, I worked internationally as an organizational development consultant with Doctors Without Borders, in some of the most challenging environments, with the most inspiring colleagues. This transformative experience, combined with all my years in management re-affirmed for me that leadership is about being values-driven, developing trust through clarity, being disciplined in decision-making and delivering results with the hard-earned dollars from taxpayers or donors. Eventually, that work led me home, with a realization that the skills I had developed could be put to use right here in my own community. In 2018, I was elected Deputy Mayor of Malahide, and after one term, I ran unopposed for Mayor. Today, I have the honour of serving as Warden of Elgin County. I waited deliberately before stepping into this role. That is because I believe strongly in the
Page 6 Real Living • Winter 2026 Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com Employee benefits • Savings plans • Estate and Financial Planning Service *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. Employee benefits • Savings plans • Estate and Financial Planning Service Plan for your future farm needs. Let’s talk about steps you can take to protect your business and yourself. It all starts with a conversation. Plan for your future farm needs. Let’s talk about steps you can take to protect your business and yourself. It all starts with a conversation. Employee benefits • Savings plans • Estate and Financial Planning Service Plan for your future farm needs. Let’s talk about steps you can take to protect your business and yourself. It all starts with a conversation. Plan for your future farm needs. Let’s talk about steps you can take to protect your business and yourself. It all starts with a conversation. Plan for your future farm needs. Let’s talk about steps you can take to protect your business and yourself. It all starts with a conversation. business and yourself. It all starts with a conversation. Your local Sun Life Advisor for 23 years and counting. Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. *Advisors and their corporations conduct insurance business through Sun Life Financial Distributors (Canada) Inc. Mutual fund business is done with your advisor through Sun Life Financial Investment Services (Canada) Inc. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is the insurer and is a member of the Sun Life group of companies. © Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, 2023. Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com Michael L. Moore* Advisor, Sun Life Tel: (519) 637-7747 michael.moore@sunlife.com
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idea of the right person, in the right place, at the right time, taking on responsibility when you’re ready to serve well. As we look ahead to 2026, Council’s priorities are clear. Across Elgin County, we are focused on listening well, investing wisely, and ensuring that growth is managed responsibly and sustainably. These focus areas will include ensuring that Council, staff, and residents have a clear and shared understanding of our financial position: how our budget is built, how decisions are costed, and how we plan responsibly for the years ahead. People want to understand how resources are allocated, and how today’s choices affect tomorrow’s services. They also want to know their voices matter. That is why, in the coming year, Elgin County will continue improving how we connect with residents. Not just by sharing information, but by creating meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their daily lives. Economic development also remains central to our work this year. Supporting local businesses means more than attracting investment; it means making it easier for entrepreneurs and employers to navigate systems and get support. In the coming year, the County will launch a comprehensive business guide that provides easy access to resources and tools. We will also introduce a new online planning tool designed to walk applicants through the development process step by step, reducing barriers and increasing clarity. At the same time, we recognize the importance of listening directly. County staff will continue regular visits with local businesses to better understand their challenges and opportunities. The ElgincentivesCommunity Improvement Plan will relaunch with refreshed incentives, supporting
revitalization efforts and long-term economic health across our communities. Infrastructure investment continues to be another major priority. In 2026, the County will carry forward its multi-year investment in the Village of Fingal, including road reconstruction and infrastructure upgrades needed to support future housing. We will also rehabilitate 17 kilometres of roadway across four major County roads, helping ensure safe, reliable travel for residents, businesses, and visitors. Providing high-quality care in our long-term care homes will remain an important responsibility for Elgin County. As the outgoing Chair of the Terrace Lodge Fundraising Campaign, I’ve seen how important these homes are to families and the community. In 2026, we will continue supporting Elgin Manor, Bobier Villa, and Terrace Lodge through enhanced education for front-line staff and the continued implementation of best practices, always with the goal of improving resident experience, safety, and dignity. As Warden, my commitment is simple: to help remove obstacles, support collaboration, and ensure that we deliver on what we set out to do — thoughtfully, responsibly, and without unnecessary noise. I am proud of what we have accomplished together so far during this term, and I am optimistic about what lies ahead. The work of local government is often quiet, sometimes complex, and deeply important. When done well, it may not demand attention, but it builds the kind of communities where people feel connected, supported, and confident in the future. That is the work we are focused on in Elgin County, and I look forward to finishing this term with purpose, momentum, and care.
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A Place to Grow: How the Horton Farmers’ Market Supports Local Businesses by Monique Clark, Horton Market Coordinator If you haven’t been to the Horton Farmers’ Market at 10 Manitoba Street, St. Thomas, on Saturday mornings, you are missing out on an amazing community gem. We host up to 60 farm and artisan vendors in our Regular Season, and 25 vendors during our indoor-only Winter at Horton Season. Our vendors come from within a 60km radius of the market, selling produce, meats, cheeses, beer and ciders, pottery, and more, so customers can be confident they are supporting our local economy. Becoming a vendor at the Horton Farmers’ Market is a rewarding way to connect with the St. Thomas and Elgin community, grow your business, and share your products in a bustling, local setting. Whether you are a farmer, food producer, or artisan, the market offers a welcoming environment that supports both new and experienced vendors. Vendors at the Horton Farmers’ Market can expect a community-focused atmosphere where Market shoppers come looking for fresh, local, and handmade products, and who value meeting the people behind what they buy – all while building customer loyalty. The process of becoming a vendor is straightforward. Interested vendors begin by visiting our website at www.hortonfarmersmarket.com, and submitting an online vendor application that includes business details and the products they intend to sell. This information helps the market management evaluate each submission to maintain a balanced mix of offerings, ensure quality standards, and determine whether HIGHLAND PHARMACY
the vendor’s products meet the Farmer’s Market criteria for goods that can be sold at the Market. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, check out our website for the latest application or send an email to hortonfarmersmarket@stthomas.ca. There are several benefits of being part of the Horton Farmers’ Market. Vendors have direct access to customers who value and support local, quality foods and craftsmanship. The Market provides a low-overhead selling opportunity with an established, loyal customer base that supports vendors beyond the Market itself, and allows new businesses to test products, pricing, and branding in a real-world setting. There is also access to marketing coaching and business exposure through our active social media. As well, vendors benefit from networking and collaborating with other local producers and the Market team, learning from shared experiences, and being part of a supportive local community. Being a vendor at the Horton Farmers’ Market is about more than just selling products; it’s about community connection, small business growth, and contributing to a thriving local economy. Come join us Saturday between 9 am and 1 pm (winter hours) and see everything the Horton Farmers’ Market has to offer.
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Real Living • Winter 2026 • Page 9
Looking Ahead: A Year of Opportunity for Elgin–Middlesex–London by Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, MPP for Elgin–Middlesex–London As we turn the page on another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and, more importantly, where we’re headed. The past year has been one of progress and challenges, but also of resilience and opportunity. In 2026, my focus remains clear: strengthening our communities, supporting our families, and protecting our economy. Unfortunately, our economy, our jobs, and our families have been the target of President Trump’s punitive trade antics. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, your provincial government will always protect Ontario. That was the clear mandate we were honoured to be given and the mandate that will deliver results for our riding of Elgin–Middlesex–London. We are fortunate to have attracted historic levels of investment in Elgin–Middlesex–London. In fact, 10% of all economic investment in Ontario is happening right here in our region. This is a staggering figure that speaks to our strategic importance and the confidence global companies have in our workforce and communities. Most recently, Vianode announced a $3.2 billion facility in St. Thomas to produce synthetic graphite for electric vehicle batteries. This project alone will create 1,000 new jobs and position our region as a leader in the EV supply chain. Alongside Vianode, the Volkswagen EV battery plant (the largest auto
investment in Canadian history) continues to move forward, bringing thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity. These investments will ripple through our local economy, supporting suppliers, contractors, and small businesses for decades to come. This is a transformation for our region. Elgin–Middlesex–London is becoming a hub for advanced manufacturing and large-
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Page 10 Real Living • Winter 2026
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scale economic development, positioning our communities as a driving force behind Ontario’s growth and a key player in the global automotive and mobility sector. Protecting and growing our economy creates the ability for our government to continue our commitments to support, fund, and invest in new hospitals, primary care, a strengthened education system, and critical infrastructure like roads and water. Under the 2026 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, nearly $14 million is being invested across Aylmer, Bayham, Central Elgin, Malahide, Southwold, St. Thomas, Thames Centre, and West Elgin to renew critical infrastructure. From safer roads and bridges to improved water systems, these investments will keep our communities connected and resilient. In 2026, families across our riding will see major progress on new schools and child-care spaces. Construction is underway on two modern elementary schools in London, which will both include licensed childcare, adding spaces for 1,180 students and 176 children in childcare. Moreover, Belmont’s new public school is also moving forward, ensuring rural families have access to top-tier education close to home. These projects are solid investments in our children’s future and in the vitality of our communities. I am proud of the collaborative health-care model in St. Thomas, where community partners from across sectors work together to support our most vulnerable residents. This integrated approach delivers real results by connecting people to housing, addiction supports, and primary care in a coordinated system. It’s a model that strengthens health outcomes while reinforcing the sense of community that defines our region. Looking ahead, I will continue to advocate
for investments that expand access to care, reduce wait times, and ensure that every resident, regardless of circumstance, can find the support they need close to home. The year ahead is about building on this momentum. Our government will continue to focus on health care improvements, housing affordability, and workforce development to ensure that every resident benefits from the growth we are experiencing. Our region is leading Ontario in economic investment, and that leadership will translate into stronger communities, better services, and opportunities for all. 2026 is a year of opportunity. It’s a chance to build on the progress we’ve made and tackle the issues that matter most to Ontarians. I’m optimistic about what we can achieve together, and I look forward to continuing the work of making our province stronger, fairer, and more resilient. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your MPP. My door is always open, and I welcome your ideas, feedback, and collaboration as we move forward, together. Real Agricultural Elgin Living Winter 2026 cover
Out visiting the goats at Little’s Forest and Farm in St. Thomas. These goats will go for a forest walk with you! Check out their private events. Photo by Geoff Rae.
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Real Living • Winter 2026 • Page 11
Simple Steps lead to Safer Farming in 2026 by Laura Fraser, OFA Member Service Representative for Elgin and Oxford County Laura.fraser@ofa.on.ca
Another persistent safety challenge in Southwestern Ontario comes on the roads. Winter is a great time for farmers to conduct thorough daily safety checks of their equipment — including brakes, lights, hitches, and slow-moving vehicle signs — to ensure their machines are road-ready for the spring and as visible as possible to other drivers. Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) signs on a tractor or self-propelled implements on a highway are a must. SMV signs should be centred on the rear of the rearmost vehicle, .6 to 2 metres (2’ – 6’) above the road. Farm equipment using a SMV sign must obey its 40 km/h (25 MPH) speed limit. It is also important to replace faded SMV signs, as they must be clearly visible from 150 metres (500’). It is equally important for motorists to act accordingly when driving behind a vehicle with a SMV sign. Be sure always to give lots of room behind farm machinery; adjust your speed accordingly, and only pass when it is safe to do so. Drivers should always be aware of motorists who are passing and be sure to take extra caution when entering roadways and making turns. Visit ofa.on.ca/resources/smv-roadsafety/ for more resources. Safety partners such as Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and the Canadian Agriculture Safety Association offer extensive resources to help farmers and rural families reduce risks. These include farm safety checklists, hazard awareness tools, and training programs on topics ranging from tractor operation to fire safety planning. As the planting and harvest seasons continue to shape daily life in Southwestern Ontario’s agricultural heartland, proactive safety measures are critical. With a strong emphasis on education, community cooperation, and shared responsibility on and off the farm, the region’s farmers and residents can work together to ensure that every season ends with everyone safe at home.
The agriculture sector is one of the most hazardous workplaces in Cana- da, and the slower winter season is an ideal time to sound the alarm on the importance of farm safety and to come together to reduce injuries and prevent fatalities. Farm work in Ontario can pose serious hazards, from the everyday use of heavy machinery, navigating uneven terrain, working with livestock to handling chemicals. Agriculture remains a high-risk industry, with national data showing farmers are significantly more likely to suffer fatal or disabling injuries compared to workers in other occupations. Children living on or near farm properties are among the most vulnerable. In Ontario, nearly one-fifth of farm fatalities involve youths aged 1–19, and for many of those under 15, accidents occur, not during work, but while simply being present around farm operations. Runovers and machinery entanglements are among the leading causes of these incidents. Formal safety training, clear hazard inspections and the importance of age-appropriate tasks for young workers are key steps to keeping families safe. Simple precautions, such as eliminating unnecessary hazards, ensuring machinery guards are in place, and designating safe play areas, can make a life-saving difference.
Stay connected and informed this winter!
Visit centralelgin.org for:
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Page 12 Real Living • Winter 2026
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Time is a strange thing. As we age, we understand that even more acutely. I often think back to a conversation that happened in the good old Parkside cafeteria during my time there. My high school best friend said over a plate of OUTSTANDING IN HER FIELD Where did the time go? by Sarah Harrison, Co-Owner of Mazak Farms
fries and gravy, “Time is so weird. Like, there goes another second, and another and another. We can never get those back.” I don’t know if she was mature for her age or being a goofy 15-year-old – either way, she wasn’t wrong. With the fresh slate of a new year, we all tend to think about time more than normally, and as we are doing that, time is passing. So, what are we waiting for? Why do we keep waiting for things to be ‘right’ or to have ‘more’ or for someone else to be ‘ready’ before we take action? Time is passing whether we take action or not. If there is something you want to explore, do, or experience, do it now. The time will pass whether you do something with it or not. What we do to reach our goals or dreams doesn’t usually happen all at once, even though most of us expect it to. Why do we do that to ourselves? We often get stuck in a place of waiting instead of doing. Waiting to save more money, waiting to find the right moment. In that waiting, time is moving; it never waits. As that time is moving, we could be moving with
it, in small, measured, manageable steps. We don’t have to do everything all at once; moving slowly but with purpose is often more sustainable, and before we know it, we end up where we wanted to go because we used time. Most of us have probably had the experience of not using time wisely. I definitely have! Those moments of ‘man, if I had signed up for that course when I first found out about it, I would have been done by now’ type of moments. So perhaps with the New Year laid out in front of us, we stop ourselves from experiencing those types of regrets and go for it, because time is not going to wait for you. Keep being outstanding in your field.
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Real Living • Winter 2026 • Page 13
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REAL LIVING Rural Elgin All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise indicated. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Photos, community events and article suggestions welcome. Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. ,Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Advertising Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177
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Page 14 Real Living • Winter 2026
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Thanks, next! by Liz Gilroy, Port Stanley Festival Theatre Artistic Director
When constructing a season for Port Stanley Festival Theatre, I usually have some actors in mind for a few of the roles. There are many actors who work on and off at our theatre, who are audience favourites. Also, I have actors whom I like to hire because of their considerable talent, work ethic, fearlessness, and their positive energy during rehearsals. BUT.......Sometimes I need to audition to find just the right person for a specific role. This is a process that I need to start eight to ten months before we even begin rehearsals. Step 1 – Casting Call: Name of the play, the role, the dates of the contract, and what qualities define the character: Once the notice goes out, the resumes start pouring in. Step 2 – Sifting through the resumes and headshots: Experience; theatres worked at; directors worked with; special skills – have they done: musicals, comedies, period pieces, classical theatre, opera, dance, concerts, etc. Then those resumes go into a Yes, Maybe, or No pile. One always hopes the Yes pile is the largest! Step 3 – Booking times: I get in touch with the actors themselves or their agents and let them know that I would like to see them for an audition. I send out ‘sides’ – a few pages from the script, and they are to come prepared to read those sides with a reader provided by the theatre. Step 4 – The Audition: Potentially, I can have up to 150 auditions booked if I have numerous roles to cast, and that ends up being around three days of auditions with 10 people per hour in five-minute time slots. Those days are exhausting,
as you want everyone who auditions to be at their best, so I must always be 100% present and emit as much positivity as possible. Auditions are tough: show me in 10 minutes or less why you should get the part. If someone is just perfect for the role, I may ask them to ‘cold read {a different scene from the play} to see if they are good at taking direction, a very important skill. Step 5 – Making Choices: Once all the auditions are done and the new Yes, Maybe, and No piles are completed, putting together all the puzzle pieces begins. Step 6 – You got the job: Calls go out to the agents; then we negotiate, which can take up to a month, and eventually the season is cast. When it all goes according to plan, the chemistry between the actors on stage should be electric, and our patrons should fall in love, or love to hate, the talented actors throughout our summer season. See you at the theatre!
Real Living • Winter 2026 • Page 15
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