RLT Life Members

Regina Little Theatre awards Life Memberships to longtime RLT supporters.

2006/07 Honorary Life Membership
Submitted by Bonnie Senger, RLT Director of Scholarships & Awards

As Regina Little Threatre’s board member responsible for Scholarships and Awards, I have the pleasant task of granting the annual Honourary Life Membership Award. And I feel very privileged to be here to make this year’s presentation to an extraordinary woman. This year’s inductee as The Honourary Life Member has made an extraordinary contribution to Regina Little Theatre over many, many years and is no stranger to the arts community, generously supporting a large number of cultural organizations in this city.

Mrs. Jacqui Shumiatcher has given so much to Regina Little Theatre over the years.  Mrs. Shumiatcher was very active in this organization beginning in the 1950’s, acting in many capacities such as a hostess for many functions. She opened her home to host official gatherings for such things as the annual drama festivals. During that time, Mrs. Shumiatcher served on the original RLT Ladies Auxiliary and was the president the auxiliary in the early 60’s.   Mrs. Shumiatcher also served on the executive in such portfolios as Social Committees and Patrons and Memberships.

My sources (mainly Cal Abrahamson) tell me that Mrs. Shumiatcher was always there whenever she was asked to assist in fundraising.  I am told that ‘back in the day’ RLT used to build sets in a boathouse and rehearse in a bakery. When RLT approached the City of Regina to assist with a fundraising campaign, we were allowed to gather in the basement by an entrance to the public toilets of the old City Hall, in a room under the stairs. And 1 day a year for three years they were given permission to go out and beg for money so they could buy a building - a permanent home for Regina Little Theatre. Naturally, Jacqui Shumiatcher was there to assist in these tag sale days. I’m told they were never choice days; but cold days in early June or late September.  She brought food and drink to those “working the street” - and also counted cash and made deposits.  Mrs. Shumiatcher was also involved in additional fundraising campaigns such as the “Do Dads” and “the Rudolf’s Romp” Christmas campaign.  And the campaign to sell McGavins honey dipped donuts door to door.  Cal tells me he ruined 3 suits when the honey would melt in the hot sun and drip out of the bags. These fundraisers were all to raise funds and RLT awareness in the community.

As previously mentioned, Mrs. Shumiatcher also served on the RLT Executive -responsible for Memberships and Patrons.  At that time, Mrs. Shumiatcher was working in her husband’s office and, while doing that, she worked on the patrons’ letters and lists.  And I would also like to mention that her husband, Morris Shumiatcher, also supported RLT in those days by providing legal advice.

Mrs. Shumiatcher continues to be a strong supporter of Regina Little Theatre and I am so very proud to welcome Mrs. Jacqui Shumiatcher as Regina Little Theatre’s newest Honourary Life Member!

All RLT Life Members:

Mrs. Jacqui Shumiatcher Fred Gallagher CD Abrahamson, CM CDA Nora Berg Dean Clausson Sally Crooks Faye Daborn Jean Freeman Fred Gallagher Carol Gay Bell Lyn Goldman Mossie Hancock RG Harvey Dennis Hughes Chuck Jordan Marion Lee Walter Reiben Irv Richards Harold Woodward