~ About TAG ~
TAG – A Short History
The Theatre Arts Guild is proud to be the country’s oldest community theatre
with a record of continuous operation. The Guild was founded in 1931 (through a
merger of the Little Theatre Movement and the Halifax Dramatic and Musical
Club), and has presented entertainment each year since then.
During the war
years there was a change of activity from plays to concert parties, held for the
troops stationed in Halifax before their deployment overseas.
“The Dover Road,” by A.A. Milne was the group’s first production in May of
1931, and was given at the Garrick Theatre (the present Neptune Theatre), since
the group did not have a permanent home. “Dover Road” was repeated for TAG’s 60th
Anniversary in 1991.
Over the years, the Guild has had several homes and performed in many
venues, including the Capitol Theatre, the former College Street School, and the
gymnasiums of HMCS Scotian and St. Patrick’s High School. In 1966 however, the
Guild acquired a former church hall at 6 Parkhill Road and this property,
renamed The Pond Playhouse, has been its home ever since.
TAG’s season runs from September through July, during which five shows are
presented. These range from musicals to comedies, mysteries and dramas, with an
ever-popular pantomime during the Christmas period. The season is supplemented
by workshops, poetry readings and an annual members' Variety Night.
The Guild has never wavered in its mandate ‘to promote the study, practice
and knowledge of the dramatic and musical arts in the city of Halifax and the
neighbourhood,’ as its Act of Incorporation states, and remains a true community
resource, offering the theatrical experience to both onstage and backstage
participants.
Judy Reade - TAG’s Archivist – April, 2004
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