Anyone with a spare bedroom is in for a treat this summer should they decide to host one of the visiting professional actors with the Classic Theatre Festival. This summer marks its 6th season, with a new version of its historic, theatrical guided walking tour (a Nancy Drew meets Film Noir theme), the brand new Friday night Lonely Ghosts Walk, and two hits from the golden age of Broadway (Neil Simons comedy Barefoot in the Park and Frederick Knotts nailbiting thriller, Wait Until Dark) at its venue at 54 Beckwith Street East. Currently, the Festival has actors who will be arriving in Perth for two separate six-week periods, June 21-August 3 and July 21-August 30. The Festival is hoping individuals or families with spare bedrooms and access to a kitchen and washroom are able to host one of the performers (all of whom pay for their own food). In return, host individuals and families receive free passes to the Festival all summer long as well as exclusive invites to special Festival social events. If billets are only available for a three-week term, that could work too. In addition, a number of designers will require shorter, 10-day stays in July and August. For Perth resident Helen Gamble, 2015 marks the 6th consecutive year she has hosted a performer. I’ve billeted at least one actress each year of the Classic Theatre Festival in Perth, Gamble says. At first I wondered how it would work out and whether my guest room was adequate. Its been a wonderful experience. I meet interesting, artistic people who are passionate about what they do. They are gone most of the day into the evening, busy with their work schedules. It’s fun to have someone coming and going, a bit of company, but someone I don’t have to entertain. Gamble has gotten used to living with actors she sees turning into completely different people when they assume their characters on the Classic Theatre Festival stage. She, among other billet hosts, has also struck up close friendships with those she has hosted, and they often stay in touch via facebook, email, and reunion visits. And its always a nice surprise to turn on the TV or see a film in which one of the people who stayed with her has gotten a role. All they need beyond their room is a shelf in the fridge and one in a cupboard, Gamble says. They feed themselves, tidy and clean after themselves, and respect my house and routine. My friendly dog seems to be a bonus and often they practice their lines with him as their foil. Billeting costs me very little really, just a bit of hot water for showers and a spare key but I meet and interact with intelligent, outgoing people and am invited to casual get-togethers of cast, crew, other billeters, and volunteers. I’m gifted with tickets to the plays which are more interesting than ever, because I know at least one cast member. I’m glad I decided to billet that first year and look forward to meeting this year’s actress and becoming involved once… Continue reading
