WE GOT TO THE AUDITION HALL...
Edmonton Sun
February 1992

We got to the audition hall and there was a big sign on the door saying
cancelled. There certainly is a caution is Quebec. They get their
backs up whenever the word Canada is in the title." Dunning, 40, moved from
Vancouver to Winnipeg at age 17 to join the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. She's
been ticking around stages ever since, singing dancing. acting,
directing... "but never as a lounge singer. "

Economic security comes from scriptwriting. For 13 years, the dynamo penned and produced CTV's homespun kids series, Let's Go. When that was cut in 1987, the network hired Dunning to create a slicker youth series, The Rockets.
Montreal born Lemay is best known as artistic director for the 1988 Calgary Olympics, and current head of the Charlottetown Festival.
Two years ago, they moved with their two kids (Genevieve, 12 and Matthew, 8) to Vancouver and commute to wherever there's work
"It's darn hard to make a living in the arts in this country," Dunning admits.

"You have to be diversified, and willing to travel. But a long time ago, I made a commitment to myself and to Canada. Instead of being part of that whole dream that leaves, I’d build performing arts here."
Experience Canada will visit Edmonton for Heritage Days in August. Dunning says the show will likely be staged in Hawrelak Park.
Right now, she's frantically trying to finalize calling, confirm dates and venues and make travel arrangements for the massive group.
"We bring everyone to Vancouver on April 17 for three weeks of rehearsal. Then we hit the road."
The first performance, a trial run, is May 11 at the PNE park in Vancouver, for school students.
"The official launch is May 23 in Ottawa, at the Great Canadian Youth Happening. We end the tour back at the PNE. Aug. 29-3l."
Besides staging a blockbuster show, Dunning hopes the performers catch her patriotic enthusiasm.
"I want to change that. I want them to realize they live in the best country in the world."