Vancouver-based actor Scott Patey is making an extended visit to Lloyd this month to help with fundraisers. He is pictured running an improv workshop for Grade 10 and 11 drama students at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School last week. Geoff Lee Meridian Source
Actor Scott Patey, a former Lloydminster resident, is making a dramatic impact on local fundraising these days.
The Vancouver-based actor was invited to the city by his friend and Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) drama teacher, Simon Stang, for multiple funders and causes.
Patey showed up at Rotary on May 2 and will wrap up his visit with a small acting part in the production of Clue, a murder mystery dinner theatre presentation at the Legacy Centre May 12-14.
The play, directed by Stang, is a major fundraiser for the centre.
“We figured if he was in town we might as well put him to work. We’ve got a whole bunch of trivia nights and fundraisers,” said Stang at LCHS last Wednesday.
Patey spoke about his whirlwind tour while helping Stang teach an improv workshop to Grade 10 and 11 drama students at LCHS.
“If we count the production of Clue, which will be three shows next weekend, it would be a total of an improv show, Lobsterfest, and the trivia night at Original Joe’s. That’s six,” said Patey.
“I accepted the invitations and helped create them.”
Patey was invited to LCHS to prepare some Drama 30 students for the Last Laugh Improv Show, held last Thursday night at the Baron’s Court Theatre.
That was a fundraiser to keep the theatre program going.
Patey was also hoping to win some students over to the idea of making a career in acting like he has during his improv workshop.
“I always tell them, I was a student living in Lloydminster and wanted to access drama classes,” he said.
“I loved when someone came from out of town and made this for a living. It made it seem possible and achievable.”
Patey says even if they don’t want to do this professionally, it’s communication skills, and listening skills that are important for what everyone needs in life for across-the-board careers.
“Today’s a lot of improv stuff. A lot of listening skills, a lot of communication skills. Getting them out of their shells. I kind of adapt as I go,” he said.
Acting as a profession may not be in the cards for Emry Marchand in Grade 11, but it could be a side hustle of sorts.
“I plan to go into plastic surgery, but I’d love to do acting on the side. Performance-wise, it’s a wonderful outlet. I just love the idea of being able to play pretend as I get older,” she said.
The teen says she has performed in many plays, including the Freaky Friday musical and some One-Act Festivals.
She says what she learned from the workshop is keeping up the energy.
“Keeping your energy levels there, keeping the flow and not blocking,” is how she put it.
As for Patey and Stang, she said, “They’ve definitely prepared us to this point to perform.”
Stang says it’s really good to work with an old friend, an old colleague.
“It’s really good to see him come in and inspire the younger generation of people who may want to be actors or just do this for fun,” he said.
“He just brings a new energy and perspective coming from someone who’s been doing this all his life. It’s super exciting.”
