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Dedication To Amelia
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As we start our 49th season here at Lake City Playhouse, we’d like to take the time to thank all of you whose continued support has kept us
going for nearly 5 decades. Thank You! We’d also like to extend a very special ‘Thank You’ to Amelia Lewis de Gremli, the founder of our theatre who sadly,
passed away this year at the age of 88.
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In 1960 Amelia de Gremli had no sets, no costumes, no money and no place to perform, only a vision of what would eventually become the Coeur d’Alene
Community Theatre and Academy. Though almost everyone told her it was impossible and constantly advised her to give up the project, she continued.
And with the help of a few dedicated friends, Amelia watched as her dream became reality in 1961 as the Coeur d’Alene Community Theatre came to life when it
opened the production of Harvey. Amelia went on to direct all 5 shows that first season and because of her, here we stand almost 50 years later, still working
hard to keep Amelia’s vision alive.
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Amelia received her B.A. degree in Educational Drama (with honors) from Ohio University, 1942, where she was President of the National Collegiate
Players chapter. She received her Masters in Elizabethan Drama from San Diego State University, graduating summa cum laude. Amelia was Technical Director
of the Barn Playhouse Summer Stock Company (during which time the late Marlon Brando performed early in his career). She was later appointed Resident Director
of Philadelphia’s Neighborhood Playhouse (now the Playhouse in the Park). There, she taught and directed two children’s theatre groups, the adult theatre, as
well as conducting classes in Shakespeare. Amelia directed the first TV play drama to originate from a Philadelphia TV studio.
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In 1947 she joined CATS (Civilian Actress Technicians) and was sent to Occupied Japan. An arm of the U.S. Army Special Services Division, these women
served in the Pacific and Europe Theatres to organize, direct, perform in and present musical, variety and theatrical productions by and for the soldiers.
In Japan she was given an audience with the Japanese Princess for her cultural work in Occupied Japan. She received two Letters of Commendation and a U.S.
Army Far East Command Special Citation.
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A published playwright and author, Amelia wrote several plays and short stories. She founded and directed at several community theatres, including the
Masque & Wig in Mexico City, and our own Coeur d’Alene Community Theatre. She was a teacher in Kansas, Alaska, Mexico and Idaho, where she taught drama
at North Idaho Jr. College.
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All of us here at Lake City Playhouse would like to say ‘Thank You Amelia’. Thank you for your Vision, your Passion and your Gift that has become
Lake City Playhouse. We lovingly dedicate our 2009 - 2010 season to your memory.
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