Soo-Lebrity Youth Theatre hard at work on Christmas production

A local youth theatre group is hard at work preparing for its second production in the Sault, just in time for the holidays.

Just Claus, which will run Dec. 18, 19 and 20 at the Community Theatre Centre, consists of three one-act plays written by Soo-Lebrity Youth Theatre president Michael Duclos over a number of years.

Duclos said auditions for the production were held in September and the group is now well into rehearsals.

 "We're hoping to be off-book within the next couple weeks so that we can really focus on characterization building and that kind of stuff," said Duclos.

Even though they were written separately over many years, the three acts — The Snow Globe, Christmas Presence and Beth Laham — tie together to create one cohesive story.

"I think it's just really kind of heartwarming for families to come and learn about how amazing it is to believe in the spirit of Christmas and to spend time with people instead of caring about objects," said Duclos.

Two of the acts that make up Just Claus were written by Duclos when he was teaching in the Northwest Territories.

He spent 14 years in the far north after graduating from Lakehead University, 11 as principal. Duclos also ran the McKenzie Mountain School drama club.

"We were very amateur theatre, but it was great because I got the kids into acting and they enjoyed that," he said.

Duclos understood the importance of offering a positive outlet to youth when there often were few opportunities in the community to do so. 

Soo-Lebrity Youth Theatre was founded by Duclos earlier this year, a few short years after he moved his family of six to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie to become principal of the Batchewana Learning Centre. The intention of the theatre group is to offer low-cost opportunities for youth interested in the performing arts.

"There's just so many opportunities for sports, but I just didn't find as many opportunities for the arts and for those kids that don't necessarily want to play soccer, basketball or hockey," said Duclos. "This is a great opportunity for those who will be able to still flex their dramatic muscles."

Duclos grew up as one of those 'theatre kids' and applied that love of performing on stage when he became a teacher.

"Now I don't care about being up on stage as much, but I like to see the kids have their moment in the spotlight, so to speak," said Duclos. "When I started directing, I didn't have any kids of my own so I was working with just kids at my school. Now I have four kids so it's really nice to be able to get my own kids into theatre."

Tickets for Just Claus are available online or from the ticket kiosk at Station Mall.