Residents can help shape the narrative of a new book about the Guelph Little Theatre.
This month, Guelphites are invited to submit a memory of an experience at the GLT to be included in an special edition of anthologies, which will be published August or September depending on public health regulations.
"Before this latest lockdown, they (GLT) had arranged to have some kind of display at the Civic Museum on August the ninth," said Lisa Browning, the owner of One Thousand Trees and the publisher of the anthologies, "That's when I thought that would be perfect, let's have the books available for that,"
"So that is the plan, it's just that, that plan might change."
Entries can range from 500 to 3,000 words and can be submitted to Browning by email at [email protected].
“We’re getting some people who are sending snippets of memories, and I have a longer one as well,” said Browning, who is also the owner of Thousand Trees publishing, “It’s coming together quite nicely and I’m quite excited about it.”
Despite what people might think of their memories, Browning emphasizes everyone has a story to tell.
“I suggest people don’t sell themselves short.. If it has affected you in any way, then it is important,” said Browning.
The idea to write an anthology about GLT came after Browning felt there was more she could do to support the organization during the pandemic. Around that time, she had started writing special edition anthologies for charities and causes, including Care for the Caregivers.
“I thought, why don’t I just do another one of those special edition anthologies about the Guelph Little Theatre?” she said.
Besides resident’s memories, the book will also include a history of the GLT, pictures of the three buildings GLT has been in, plays produced and more.
“It’s going to be not just story and reflections, but it’s also going to be a lot of interest and information about the theatre that people might not know,” said Browning.
Currently, the last day Browning will be accepting entires in June 1, but she mentions this date may also be extended in accordance with the revised publishing date. Anyone interested in submitting an entry is encouraged to reach out to her by email.
Lynne McIntee, GLT publicity chair, explains the anthology is one way the organization can still celebrate its 85th anniversary after the original plans were cancelled due to the pandemic.
“This is something we were hoping to tie that in with, to just remind people that it is our 85th until September,” she said, “This is something we can celebrate permanently.”
She adds members of the Guelph Little Theatre look forward to seeing the stories residents share about the theatre over the years.
“The board of directors are feeling really good about the project...to loop people in and keep that human touch going,” said McIntee.
“Guelph Little Theatre has a place in our history and to be celebrated, to keep those stories to live on in a time-capsule moment."
To learn more about the anthologies, go to sharinganthologies.com.
