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B4-The Canadian Champion, Friday, May 7, 2004 Drury drama i By STEPHANIE THIESSEN The Champion hen it cornes to Stephen Ground's ist of best birthday presents, this year's has to YVbe at the top -a trip to Canadas capi- tal and rnaybe, just rnaybe, an award or two. The E.C. Drury High School student will head to Ottawa Sunday to attend thc provincial level of the Sears Ontario Draina Festival with fellow members of the Drury at Draina troupe. And while on the tip, helIl tuin 18. The carly birthday present is a resuit of the hours and hours of hard work the teain of 14 has put into ils production of Bonjour, La Bonjour, written by Canadian playwright Michel Tremblay. Its (the hours of work) heen tough," Stephen said. 'It takes a tli on other things. But thc trade-off is worth it." Aftcr compcting and placing in Uic top thice in the Halton-wide competition, the group advanced to thc Northwestern Ontario Regional competition. Once again, it placed in Uic top thice. Actors and stage crcw alike are kecping Uiir fingers crosscd Uiat the third turne will continue to be a chann, as Uicy perforin at Uic Ontario level - Uic hîghest level in Uic Scars festival, now in its 58th year. E.C. Drurys production is one of just 15 plays that will be per- formcd at the Ontario competition, whittled down froi 4 10 plays and more Uian 8,000 student perfonners. Stephen said he, along with Uic rest of Uic cast and crew, is incredibly excited. "Is a good opportunity," said Uic grade 12 student. -We get to go and meet a lot of people and sec différent styles of Ueatrc. You learn a lot about life, about yourself, and have a lot of fun." Stephen, along with Melissa Neabel and Kate Longlcy, reccived an award for his acting in Uic production in addition to Uic play's overall Outstandmng Production award. Stephens no ncw-comer to Uic Scars festival. He and many of Uic troupe members also made it to Uic Ontario level last year. "Wc have high expectations of ourselves because of last year," troupe heads to Sears festival he said. Many of Uic Draina at Drury troupe members have been acting togethcr for Uic past Uree ycars. -We're like a big faniily," he said, adding, -We've had some of Uic adjudicators comment on Uia." Stephen plays Uic lead, a character namcd Ferge, in the group's PROM GOWN SALE $130. & trec alterat ions t mîited quantiltes or bave your gowuî custorn nmade Sample bridai gowrîs k50%/Off LANDCAPEPLANSE&GREETS Heooig R ag. 3' - 7 Startlng at $9.95 mach 4Trees dress your home and property 4 Trees enhance your envlronment 4Trees grow an average 12"1 per year 4Trees provide shade and character Trees ddore value to your home SATURAY AY T,20 e I 830A.M dM ST PAUL'S UNITED CNURCH FE1 123 Main St., Milton MWT MITN905-878-8895 production. "The shows about Uic relationships wiUiin a raUier dysfuniction- a] family," he explamned, adding, "There are lots of tough issues addresscd (in Uie production)." Draina teacher Kate Roberts, who heads Uie group, said Uic Draina at Drury group is extra-cun-icular. Students are willmng to devote turne and effort to Uic group simply because Uiey love Uic- atre, she said. And she couldn't he more proud of thein. flic draina troupe was formed about five years ago, she said. Threc years ago, they began competing at Uic Sears festival. And ail Uree turnes they made it to Uic provincial level of competition. On top of Uic rehearsal turne has heen a number of fund-raising ventures to help cover Uic costs of accommodation, entry fées and transportation for Uic Ottawa trip, Ms Roberts said. "'he kids are very dedicated," she said. "Bonjour, La Bonjour is a Canadian classic. It bas mature content wiUi difficult structure, language and concepts. 'the kids have done welI handling Uic con- tent." flic troupe will return next Fniday. Stephanie Thiessen can be reached ai sthiessen@miltoncanadi- anchampioii.com. The I tn Lcarrnng Foundation presents the Fundraisiug Gpportuniti es Fa Undcr one roof, over 40 vendors offening Ietraordinrty fundraissng 'deasfo u organization. OT TO BE MISSED! GRERYETURNS! how these compates =4ý you succecd. 11W»dayMay 13th, am to 8 T e Art lh cst icT t u cc e n à- Y