If watching a Can-Do Theatre production is on your bucket list, then Sunday November 12th is your opportunity to check it off your dream list.
The theatre company is presenting the Bucket List Cabaret, 'The Gender Bender' at Widdifield Secondary School.
"The company specializes in providing recreational theatre opportunities to people that have mixed abilities, whether they be developmental, physical or otherwise. It's a completely inclusive program, open to anybody, but our main focus is really accommodating those who need a little bit extra attention, and extra care to be successful on stage," explains Artistic Director, Michelle Webster.
The Bucket List Cabaret is a fundraiser for Can-Do Theatre, now in its ninth year.
"We operate off a very modest budget, so it's necessary to do some public fundraising to keep our program's going. The cost of support for our actors on stage and backstage and making sure they're successful is high, so we're doing this fundraiser."
Sunday's production involves a large number of participants from North Bay's theatre community.
"I've invited them to perform something off of their artistic bucket list. The idea is that it mimics what my actors go through when they are getting brave enough to be on stage. So tackling something that you're not sure you could be successful at, tackling something that has great challenges for you," said Webster.
"So we have about 25 local performers from our theatre community and they've all chosen pieces that are being done as a 'gender bender.' So meaning music theatre pieces that were originally done by the opposite sex than they are. So its been a very interesting year with that theme," laughs Webster.
Nick Fung has been acting with Can-Do for more years than he can remember.
"I like the family that we make over the years. It's like people come in with no theatre background, and we want to make sure they make their own characters. Like last year I played a character name Jack that got really sassy. I like being an actor."
Acting alongside Fung is Jared Bailey, a grade 12 student.
"I think this year will be my fourth year with Can-Do Theatre, It's been so much fun. What I like the most is being able to be myself without all the judgement of the harsh world that we live in. Being able to break free from the shells and being able to open up more," said Bailey.
"It has helped me achieve new heights that I didn't know was possible. It helps me be myself around people I might not even know all that well. It just makes me feel whole."
One of the emcees for the evening is Jon Touw.
"It's a lot of hard work. I just get ready and get excited. I like saying funny things that I came up with and making everybody laugh," said Touw.
"When I see enter the theatre and see everyone in their seats I get a little bit nervous, but I just take a few deep breaths."
Also emceeing is Sean Pace.
"I've been in Can-Do for awhile. Speaking on stage in front of a bunch of people is normal to me now," said Pace.
"I used to be quiet but now I can just talk a lot on stage. I like acting. Usually Michelle asks me to play dry-humoured characters. I'm good at that. It's fun to get into character. Can-do can change your life for the better."
Over the years, Can-Do has expanded its audiences from a mere 50 people, basically friends and family, to as many as 250 people.
"It makes our actors feel incredibly valued by their community which is pretty much our mandate and our goal," said Webster, who has received a lot of positive feedback from teachers and parents.
"It's a huge opportunity for them socially. I see it more in the older kids that they start connecting with people through a hobby, and they feel very much a part of something. They definitely experience a lot of social growth; confidence, articulation, speech and language, body awareness, eye contact, valuing their own creative ideas and empowerment," said Webster.
"There's so much that goes along with theatre, and theatre is kind of addictive in that way. Those of us who do it would all describe our stage experiences as being part of a family and I don't think Can-Do is much different."
Sunday's show will run about an hour and a half. The cost is $15.00, with all proceeds going towards Can-Do Theatre programs, to better support the actors on stage.
"There are adult programs that run year long that are out in the community, so at the PADDLE program and sometimes at Community Living North Bay. And we have a children's program that is running right now in the fall/winter, and in the spring there is the senior acting program, "That age group is from 13 all the way up" said Webster
"The children's program is more of a musical theatre experience, and the teen program is more of an acting experience where they actually write their own show, pick their own characters and it's been highly successful."
Curtain time is 7 PM.