Shining Star

Colin Lapsley

Theatre Ancaster is, and always has been, a special group of people. What community theatre isn’t? The word “community’ in community theatre is what it’s all about, according to Colin Lapsley. Colin has been a part of the Theatre Ancaster community since its earliest days, when it wasn’t even Theatre Ancaster yet. “I like to say that I’ve been with this 25-year-old company for about 35 years. Longer, if you consider that it grew out of our high school program in the eighties. If that counts, I played trumpet in the orchestra for Jesus Christ Superstar in 1986 and haven’t really taken a break since.”

Gord Conroy, one of Theatre Ancaster’s founders, reminisces: “That’s it, exactly. 1986. That’s when Al Croxall, Ralf Hakenberg and I first met Colin in one of Ancaster High’s musicals. Colin hadn’t moved onto the stage yet from the pit, but when he did, he had a ton of talent, and he’s been a big part of TA ever since. Colin does it all, both on stage and behind the scenes.”

Colin has performed any number of roles at Theatre Ancaster over the years: performer, musician, Vice President of the Board of Directors, Operations Chair, sound guy, handyman, gofer, and most recently, member of the Mainstage Production Committee. Through years of shows and work, Colin points out that the life-long relationships that have formed because of his time at Theatre Ancaster are his favourite things about the company. “I love the lasting relationships. Period. Shows come and go. Some of the relationships I’ve developed are for a lifetime, and I am beyond thankful for that.”

He attributes his strong friendships to a willingness to get involved anywhere that needs him. “I like to stay involved in lots of aspects of the company, onstage and off. While I do find that you generally form strong relationships while contributing as a performer, they are often short term, so I still find it very rewarding to work on the production and administrative end which is a more of a community contribution.” He notes that Theatre Ancaster is home to so many people, but many who have had a large impact on his life have been the ones who do the hard work behind the scenes that ensures everyone has the opportunity to join in on the fun.

These days, Colin’s most visible as a performer, band leader, and producer for Theatre Ancaster’s Mainstage Series concerts. According to Bob Carle, who has directed Colin in both The Full Monty and The Sound of Music, “When Colin is part of a show, he commits completely and works tirelessly to create something that is at a professional level. His knowledge of all aspects of theatre is unparalleled.”

This year’s concert, Best of Billboard features Colin playing the piano and belting out Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” as part of an electric lineup of amazing performers and songs. And though his skill as a performer is easy to recognize, it is a little more difficult for the average audience member to identify all the ways Colin helps ensure they’re getting a great time. Joanne Languay, who chairs Theatre Ancaster’s committee of Mainstage Production Producers, is very proud of Colin’s leadership. “His contributions to our Mainstage productions as a producer are varied and invaluable. He brings creative solutions and is always willing to step in to do whatever needs to be done. Colin is exceptional in that his knowledge and skills for behind-the-scenes theatre equals his on-stage talents!”

His work supporting and encouraging the cast, creative team, and production crew is a huge and meaningful role that many never see. From scrambling around under staging platforms as he helps the lighting team achieve an effect to driving all over town as he picks up and delivers equipment to going over playbill info to make sure everything is correct, small meaningful contributions are what help make Colin an excellent leader and producer.

“Creating and sharing in the creations of others can make for a very full life. Community theatre, in particular, fosters an almost tribal-barn-building environment that is built into our DNA, and you can feel it when it kicks in.” However, when asked where he has the most fun onstage or off, Colin laughs. “I cannot tell a lie. Onstage. At least while there’s still some gas left in the tank.”

While community theatre is often more about found family than related family, Colin notes that it has been a special joy and privilege to watch his children grow up with Theatre Ancaster. All three Lapsley children: Zain, Jaida, and Owen, have appeared on Theatre Ancaster stages and have also made significant contributions in production roles. When asked about his favourite performances, Colin says, “It’s tough to beat watching your children perform and create, so my answer would be anything that I’ve worked on with them.”

While Colin’s influence can be felt all around Theatre Ancaster, those who just can’t get enough of him onstage won’t want to miss his performance in Best of Billboard this month, running from April 18 through May 4.