Intergenerational performers stage ‘Wizard of Oz’ with Calgary’s Painted Fish Theatre Company

The Painted Fish Performing Arts Society is performing “The Wizard of Oz” this month at La Cite Des Rocheuses Theatre on Richard Road.

However, what is different about this classic show, is the wide variety of ages on stage.

Painted Fish is a community theatre that has been putting on shows for 16 years with a specific goal of producing shows that are intergenerational with feel good family values.

Artistic producer Marion Hamilton said it gives family members, like grandparents and grandchildren, siblings or parents, the opportunity to perform together.

“When we started we realized that there were adult theatres and children’s theatres, but there weren’t theatres for families to participate together,” she explained. “The youngest cast member we have ever had was five, the oldest was 81 — I think — the last time she performed with us.

“She still talks about that fondly that five years later, maybe she should be in another show.”

Hamilton says Painted Fish allows different generations to share experience and foster friendships.

“Generations of people would go to the same church, so you would spend time with older people and older people would spend time with children… particularly with children who become good friends with someone that is 60 years their senior,” she explained.

While there are auditions for Painted Fish productions, experience is not a requirement; they will teach singing, dancing, — whatever is needed.

The rehearsal period is four months, and the shows usually run for about three weeks from Thursday to Sunday, with matinees and evening shows.

Ticket sales predominantly cover the costs of the society for renting rehearsal and performance space.

Volunteers that come together to build the sets.

Although the shows are volunteer powered, the productions do not spare the bells and whistles.

Last year, the society staged “Fiddler on the Roof,” which sold out before it even opened.

Tickets to “The Wizard of Oz,” and more information about the theatre company, can be found at paintedfish.ca