Theatrefest is Saskatchewan's annual community theatre play festival that is put on by Theatre Saskatchewan, who is a non profit registered charity that allows all people in the province accessibility to live drama.

It was just announced that Theatrefest 2018 will be hosted by Weyburn's Crocus 80, who are a community theatre group that provide the residents of south eastern Saskatchewan with access to live theatre in addition to competing in provincial festivals.

"There's going to groups from all across Saskatchewan coming down, with a play every night from April 1st to 8th at the Cugnet Centre, including Weyburn's own Crocus 80," stated Steven Wilson, Vice President of the Crocus 80.

This event will have something for all ages and walks of life to enjoy.

"There's a lot more to it than just the plays," added Wilson. "There's gonna be workshops, a lot of different fun activities, and it's something that the whole community can actually get behind and have fun with."

Crocus 80 has had success at Theatrefest in recent years. In 2015, they received the technical merit award, and best visual presentation, for their performance of Diaries of Adam and Eve. This year, a workshop apprentice from Crocus 80 was part of the group which received the award for Excellence or Meritorious Enterprise.

"We're looking forward to hosting the fans at Theatrefest," said Connie Nightingale, President of the Crocus 80. "Any year that we've attended Theatrefest we've seen people come from all corners of the province specifically just to come see the plays, and to meet the actors and take part in the green room. So we're hoping that the members of our community come out and do the exact same thing."

With all the Theatrefest participants, planners and atendees coming to Weyburn for over a week, the opportunity city is sure to be quite busy during the festival.

"You're gonna be having upwards of 30 people from each different theatre group coming to town," Wilson said. "It's gonna be a huge boost for the economy as you'll see the restaurants with a lot of activity as well as the hotels and many other local businesses, and it's also just a big fun party with plenty of chances to have a lot of fun while everybody is here."

With an event this huge, they will definitely be in need of volunteers and support.

"We're gonna be looking for volunteers leading up to the festival and for the festival itself," said Nightingale. "We'll be looking for catering, hotel sponsorship and all kinds of support from our community."

Anyone that is looking to help out with the 2018 Theatrefest in Weyburn can either email them,
send a message to their Facebook Page or call/text Steven Wilson at (306) 861-8120.

This is a great opportunity for the community to support local talent and art while being entertained.

Crocus 80

Photo of Connie Nightingale and Steven Wilson starring in Crocus 80's performance of 'The Diaries of Adam & Eve'.