OSSD News Room
May 2007
What a fabulous fall it has been! The leaves have been as bright and beautiful as our classes at OSSD have been creative and exciting.
We had a great Open House on September 9th, which included a visit from OSSD student and Canadian Idol finalist, Steffi D. Steffi was her usual gracious self. Not only an Idol star, but Steffi is also a person who has really enjoyed doing her Trinity exams at OSSD. Last spring she received honours in her ATCL (Associate of Trinity College, London) certification. She also represented the province at last year’s Kiwanis festival. You can read more information about OSSD’s Trinity program and the Kiwanis festival in the newsletter.
Did you know that we now have a record 47 classes and 480 students at OSSD?! Some days our studios are in use from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. non stop! We are finally beginning to catch our breath after a busier than ever September and start to plan some new projects. With so many creative people under one roof, you’ll be sure to see some exciting new work in the not too distant future.
Our new Adult classes have proved a great hit – Move Into the Act with Peter Ryan is adding on an extra 4 classes, and Improv with AL Connors is adding on a level 2 for the winter. Speaking of winter, it isn’t too early to think about winter registration. Everyone currently registered is guaranteed a space in their class until December 1st. After that we will allow people on the waiting lists to register. So please sign up early to make sure that you get a spot in the class that you want.
The Natalie Stern Studio Theatre is in constant demand by some of the city’s finest theatre companies. This fall you can see programming by The New Ottawa Repertory Theatre and a Company of Fools in the NSST. When we rent out the theatre we have to move our regularly scheduled classes around a bit, so we hope you will enjoy the opportunity to work in different studios from time to time. And we hope you’ll enjoy the convenience of seeing a range of plays and new works right here at OSSD.
Read on in the newsletter to find out about upcoming Open Houses, What’s On and What’s New. There is never a dull moment here at OSSD!
Other News
UPDATE Singer and Radio Host is a true inspiration to OSSD students
For over forty years, legendary Ottawa native Dick Maloney has entertained audiences throughout Canada and the United States. His diverse career includes many successful radio and television series, hundreds of nightclub appearances, ten best-selling recordings, and numerous collaborations with leading Canadian artists. Currently, Dick is host of the popular Sunday morning program “Sentimental Journey” on Rogers-owned Oldies 1310 Radio.
Friends and admirers were stunned to hear that this summer, Dick had taken a serious fall, and was injured badly enough that extensive surgery was required. At last report he is in a wheelchair and has some movement in his arms and legs.
OSSD has a very special connection to this legendary entertainer. The Dick Maloney Scholarship Award was created in January 2006 to recognize Dick’s life-long contribution to the entertainment industry. The scholarship will be awarded for the first time at OSSD’s Awards Night in June 2007 to the musical theatre student who displays the qualities that helped Dick build an enduring musical career: originality, passion, and a commitment to musical exploration.
A fourth quality should be added to this list: determination. Although the last few months have been the toughest, Dick remains positive and hopeful for his recovery. In an interview with the Ottawa Citizen, Dick comments, “I love to perform and sing so much that if I have to wheel my wheelchair out on the stage I’ll sing. I’ll do it from a wheelchair if I have to.”
Amanda Lewis, OSSD Artistic Director, knows first-hand that Dick’s love of performance is something that OSSD students share. “Our thoughts are with Dick and his family during this difficult time. It is our hope that he will be able to join us at OSSD’s 2007 Awards Night when the scholarship named in his honour is first awarded.”
For more information about the Dick Maloney Scholarship Award, click here or contact Leah Jones, OSSD Development at development@ossd.com or by telephone at 613-567-6788 x202.