Andy Massingham wrote us in the wake of the announcement about the closing of the Ottawa Theatre School

Photo: Andy Massingham from Yukon News

Dear Alvina and Patrick (and to any you deem to share with);
> As you may or may not be aware,
> I was Artistic Associate with the Ottawa Theatre School for the past three years and was was intimately involved in its creative life. I was in the building or promoting the school on an almost daily basis except when directing or performing elsewhere. With the events of the past week still fresh I felt a strong impulse to give a message from my heart and soul. The views expressed are mine alone and I share them as a passionate theatre lover, creator, artist and life-long believer in dreams and ideas.

What it did…>
> *It introduced me to dozens of young, hopeful artists; many of whom are now working theatre professionals in Ottawa and beyond who are making a huge difference to theatre and thus CULTURE in Canada at a time when it needs it more than ever and deserves to be written about and heard.

> *It gave breath and life to productions in Ottawa that would otherwise not have happened both as co productions and as independent productions. Many of these garnered Prix Rideau and Capital Critic’s Circle nominations.
> *On a DAILY basis, it brought me together with some of the finest instructors, actors, directors, stage managers, agents, playwrights,designers, movers and shakers this country (or any other) has to offer.
> *It offered programs and classes to young artists which are not available in any other theatre school of which I am aware. The school justifiably prided itself on a richly diverse curriculum and was only going to get stronger.
> *It made sure that students were exposed to the tapestry of professional theatre in Ottawa and the surrounding area, encouraged them to GET INVOLVED and be a part of it.
> *I laughed and shared the company with amazing people, some of whom are pillars of Canadian theatre royalty as well as those whom I know one day will be.
> *On a personal level,OTS gave me both a home as a mid-career artist and the opportunity to develop a directing/performance creation career. Without any obstruction, I was able to grow as an artist as well as an instructor.
> *It was and still is a family. We gathered together to debate, create, dance, get confused and frustrated and ultimately celebrate the most ancient of art forms; theatre. Without it, life ceases.
> *No matter what has been or what will be said, quoted or re-quoted, this is the OTS legacy for me; the Ottawa Theatre School gave me, an outsider from Toronto who was welcomed here by a theatre community hungry for growth the fervent belief that Ottawa, THE NATION’S CAPITAL, deserves a fully operational and accredited three-year career college devoted to professional theatre training. I know that I am not alone in this belief and that one day IT WILL HAPPEN.
>
> "An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come."
> Victor Hugo
>
> My feelings are not dimmed, but this is all I have to say.
> I look forward to seeing you (all) again!
>
> Sincerely,
> Andy Massingham
> Artistic Associate
> Ottawa Theatre School
>Published with Andy Massingham’s permission.  (A.R.)