Veteran actor and longtime resident of Meaford William Copeland takes a leading role in Theatre Collingwood's currently running production, Lend Me A Tenor.
Bill performs the role of Saunders, the authoritarian, long-suffering director of an opera company which imports a world-famous wine- and woman-loving Italian opera star to perform in its gala season opener. It's a crisis backstage when they discover their special attraction has passed out cold in his hotel room just before the performance.
About to turn 80, Bill began his professional career as a member of the 1952 Spring Thaw cast and carried him to performances with the Canadian Opera Company in Toronto and on tour throughout Canada, also with the Stratford, Shaw and Charlottetown Festivals and in most of Canada's Regional theatres.
His theatre appearances in Canada, the United States and Australia are too numerous to mention, as are his T.V., Film and T.V. commercial credits. He first performed with Theatre Collingwood in its1998 season and has returned for several productions since.
Bill admits "my role appears authoritarian, but I believe it's a cover up for a certain lack of confidence. When a situation confronts him that he can't control, he goes over the top until he regains his composure and gets back to reality."
Laughs Copeland, "Some of my friends have told me that 'Bill's not acting, he's just playing himself.'"
Says Artistic Director Steven Thomas, "What an honour it is to be working again with one of the great veterans of professional Canadian theatre. His energy, intelligence and knowledge of the craft are remarkable and contribute hugely to every production he works on. Bill's musical background as a singer/actor has played an important role in his success, his sonority of voice and innate sense of rhythm make him comfortable in virtually every live performance medium from opera to musicals, from tragedy to comedy. Truly, he is a great Canadian artist!"
According to Copeland, the decision to move to this area over a decade ago was "the right thing to do". His mother was from Thornbury and his fond memories as a youngster made him feel rooted in the community. He lives on the outskirts of Meaford with a view of Cape Rich, surrounded by pastureland and wonderful, friendly neighbours. His musical contributions to the community through participation in Two Pianos Eight Hands have raised dollars for the L.E. Shore Library and the Meaford Hall Foundation.
Bill is also a sought-out soloist for fundraisers and at area churches.
Sailing is his other passion and Bill is an avid member of the Thornbury Yacht Club with his love, Andrea II. From his arrival in 1997, he rose from 1st Lieutenant Racing to Commodore and now continues to assist with racing.
The one problem with summer theatre is that it interferes with his cruising up the North Channel.
It's the final week for the award-winning play Lend Me A Tenor. For information, contact Theatre Collingwood (705) 445-2200 or click the link provided.
