A NOTE FROM DAVID KAST – THE NEW CHAIR OF FOST
“Ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their Community”. This was the headline of an article I was reading a couple of months ago regarding another community project in the UK.
At the time I was struck how it also applied to all that FOST members do for Shanklin Theatre. However, I would firmly suggest that in respect of our Theatre, the word ‘ordinary’ is changed to ‘extraordinary’, due to all the skills and experience we can call upon from our various supporters who help run the Theatre.
My wife Lesley and I have been members of FOST since moving to the Island some five years ago, and in that time – as with all of you, we have seen our Theatre continue to grow and become an important centre of entertainment for the Island. Today of course, it is also recognised as a venue in the UK for many major artists. Quite simply, we wouldn’t have our Theatre in place today without all that has taken place over the last six or so years. As a part of that process, FOST has been a terrific example of a community coming together to save and maintain something it cherishes!
One of my personal interests also rests with amateur theatre and since being on the Island, I have appeared a few times on the Shanklin stage with the Island Savoyards. All of us ‘treading the boards’ are only too aware that without a well run theatre in which we can present our productions, together with being able to comfortably host and attract our audiences, we couldn’t put on a show.
Having been elected to the Committee during the last AGM and now as the Chair of FOST, I am only really just beginning to come to terms with all that goes on behind the scenes to keep our Theatre going. Alongside the small number of full time Theatre personnel, the number of volunteer hours worked within the various functions such as box office, front of house, cleaning, maintenance, gardening, etc, is enormous!
As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, I am also learning that we are most fortunate to be able to call upon a vast range of skills and experience from members helping make all these a success, together with a huge dollop of enthusiasm amongst all concerned!
I very much look forward to working with the Committee and all of you in the year ahead and hope that I will be able to continue the excellent work of FOST’s previous Chair, Peter Coleman. Peter has been involved with FOST from the very beginning and over the last six or so years has helped steer and oversee many significant stages in its development. Now enjoying a well-earned rest, I am delighted that Peter will continue to work with our Committee as Training Officer.
So for now, thanks to all of you for your continued support, and as they say in the theatre business. “On with the Show”!
