Richard's Blog

Who Are The Artful Players?

Meet Matt Loop, the Emcee for The Artful Players, May 15th, SOLD OUT, Groovin’ for Good variety show and fundraiser for the London Food Bank.

Matt’s first theatrical experience was in his Grade 13 high school show. “I wrote some sketches and got some laughs – and I was hooked,” he says.

“I have been in TV and Radio for over thirty-five years, even though I look in my early twenties,” says Matt. “I have been involved in community theatre since 1997 as an actor and playwright, chairman of the Brickenden Awards, and just finished a successful show with my sketch troupe Project G Force.”

Matt’s day job is the Afternoon Host on Jack 102.3 London.

“I am honoured and excited to be the Emcee of Groovin’ for Good,” says Matt.

Meet Mariann Sawyer, the Sound Design/Board Operator, and self-proclaimed #1 cheerleader, for The Artful Players’ May 15th Groovin’ For Good variety show and London Food Bank Fundraiser at the Palace Theatre.

Mariann’s earliest theatrical experience was her annual visits to the Stratford Festival with her father, which gave her the theatre bug early on. Her first roles on stage were skits and improv in elementary school, and she eventually joined the Stratford community as a high school student.

“Since moving to London in 2014, I have been an active participant in many different production companies where my roles have typically been in stage management, costume design, producing, directing, sound, and video design,” says Mariann.

Mariann is a graduate from Fanshawe’s Theatre Production program.

Mariann thanks Toni Wilson for asking her to join Silver Spotlight Theatre and Stage Manage for Grease. “It’s been so wonderful to see the wonderful folks in SST and The Artful Players shine!” she s

Media Release

May 9, 2025

The Artful Players’ Groovin’ for Good London Food Bank Fundraiser SOLD OUT

LONDON, ONTARIO – The Artful Players’ Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank at London’s historic Palace Theatre is officially SOLD OUT.

The seniors’ musical theatre group is ready to present a captivating family-friendly evening of retro live performances covering three decades: the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The show will feature vintage musical performances, skits, trivia, dances, and memorable TV commercials.

The ticketed event will feature a Silent Auction prior to the show and during intermission with a wide array of items generously donated by local businesses, arts organizations, and artisans. A donation box will also be set up in the theatre’s Lobby for non-perishable food items.

The London Food Bank has seen an increased demand for its services in recent years, making this fundraiser more important than ever. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Food Bank, enabling it to continue its crucial work of providing essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity. The evening is expected to raise thousands of dollars for the London Food Bank.

The Artful Players Present Groovin’ for Good: A Fundraiser for the London Food Bank.

Date & Time: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 7:00 pm.

Location: The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St., London, ON. 519-432-1029

Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Publicity, Social Media and Program Head, richardyoung51@rogers.com

Media Release

May 7, 2025

The Artful Players present Groovin’ for Good, a London Food Bank Fundraiser

LONDON, ONTARIO – One week from today, The Artful Players Groovin’ for Good fundraiser for the London Food Bank will take the stage at the historic Palace Theatre.

The seniors’ musical theatre group is ready to present a captivating family-friendly evening of retro live performances covering three decades: the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The show will feature vintage musical performances, skits, trivia, dances, and memorable TV commercials.

The ticketed event will feature a Silent Auction prior to the show and during intermission with a wide array of items generously donated by local businesses, arts organizations, and artisans. A donation box will also be set up in the theatre’s Lobby for non-perishable food items.

The London Food Bank has seen an increased demand for its services in recent years, making this fundraiser more important than ever. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the Food Bank, enabling it to continue its crucial work of providing essential support to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

The Artful Players Present Groovin’ for Good: A Fundraiser for the London Food Bank.

Date & Time: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 7:00 pm.

Location: The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas St., London, ON. 519-432-1029

Tickets: $30 Online https://palacetheatre.ca or at the Palace Theatre Box Office

Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Publicity, Social Media and Program Head, richardyoung51@rogers.com

Meet Frank Almeida, Lighting Designer for The Artful Players Groovin’ for Good variety show and London Food Bank Fundraiser on May 15th at the Palace Theatre.

Frank’s earliest theatrical experience goes back to 2018 when he did the Lighting Design for 1949, a play about Newfoundland joining Confederation, directed by Sue Perkins. In 2024, he was asked to do the Lighting Design for Silver Spotlight Theatre’s third production, Into The Woods, where he worked alongside his wife, Cindi Armer Almeida, who produced the show.

Frank is doing the Lighting Design for Groovin’ for Good and helping build the show’s set. Tickets for the May 15th London Food Bank fundraiser are available now and can be purchased online at https://palacetheatre.ca or the Palace Theatre Box Office, 710 Dundas St., London, ON, 519-432-1029.