Judi Straughan takes final bow as STC education director

The Sudbury Theatre Centre has brought down the curtain on the 16-year long career of its education director, Judi Straughan.

It was a second jobfor the arts teacher, who had just finished 30 years at Sudbury Secondary School.

Newly retired, Straughandecided the offer of educational director at the Sudbury Theatre Centre, sounded like fun. So she decided to make asecond career inhelping people make believe.

Straughan said she loved the challenges and problem-solving aspects of her job and even loved not knowing what was around the corner.

Working in her office at the STC one day, a co-worker dropped by and remarked to her that she was living the dream.

You are right, I am living the dream, she replied, and that really, for me, it has been a dream job. How lucky can you be in life to bring your hobby,your passion and your daily work together?That is living the dream.

Straughan worked under seven artistic directors, thanking Tony Lloyd in particular for taking her under his wing and teaching and launching her career. Some directors were calm and sweet, she said, others were fiery and passionate.

As for going back on the stage, Straughan saidtheres no way. She was last on stage six years ago and said, even then, she felt uncomfortable. Last weekshe was offered and turneddown a role.

Its now time, Straughan said, for someone else to seek the limelight.

For this veteran player, there may not be any encores on stage, but Straughan said shell turn her attention to some volunteer work, and fundraising, after a good chunk of relaxation.