On behalf of the
St. James-Assiniboia School Division, it is my pleasure to recognize my friend
and colleague, Judy Gislason, on her 25th year of directing the
Musical Theatre program for the division. From Tom Sawyer to Anne of Green
Gables, Seussical the Musical to The Little Mermaid, Judy Gislason has brought
delight to audiences and enriched the lives of thousands of students who have
had the opportunity to grow as performers on the stage.
Judy’s programs
are of the highest quality gaining the attention of professional organizations
such as Rainbow Stage who scout local talent from St. James. Judy’s influence
has seen many of her students carry on to pursue their dreams of being stage
actors.
Alyson Workman was one of those students. She attended Sheridan
College in Oakville Ontario, has performed at Rainbow Stage and several other
similar theatres in Ontario and was cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new production
of The Wizard of Oz. Alyson is thrilled to be member of the ensemble and also
the understudy for Aunt Em. Just last
week, they did their 400th performance!
The
following are a few words from Aly Workman to you Mrs. G….
When I got to
grade three I was the most excited eight year old in school because being in
grade three meant I could audition to be in the Divisional Music Theatre. This
was a dream come true!
I hope that you,
Mrs. G, are incredibly proud of what you have created over the past twenty five
years, and the opportunities you have provided for hundreds of kids with dreams
of being a performer. Everyone needs to be given a chance, a shot at something
they've never done before, and you gave me that opportunity and encouraged me
for six years to pursue what I love doing, and now I am lucky enough to have
achieved what has always been my biggest and wildest dream of being a
professional actor. Thank you for your immense dedication to us: the kids
waltzing down the grocery store aisles dreaming of waltzing around on a
stage. Thank you for giving us that
stage. Thank you for giving us the chance.
Congratulations
Judy on this last day of your 25th Musical Theatre Production. What
a wonderful day to celebrate all of your achievements! You have left a legacy
of instilling passion for the arts in many, many hearts. Well done and thank
you!
