Well, if you’ve been cruising around my site at all, you’ll know that I’m a writer and a fanthropologist, but did you also know that I’m a professionally trained voice actor and musical theatre performer?

If you’re ever been interested in my performance work – mostly live theatre – then you’re in luck: A LIFE IN THE LIBRARY launched today!

From the website:

A Musical Tribute to Lillian H. Smith

 In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of children’s libraries in Toronto, a musical about Lillian H. Smith has been written and is currently in preproduction. You are invited to participate as an investor in the film. This page describes your contribution options and project participants through the following sections.

Smith was born in London, Ontario and moved to Toronto in 1912. She received international acclaim for her forty-year career creating a model of children’s services and became the first trained children’s librarian in the British empire.

Written, produced and directed by Michael Manchester, this short film is an extension of an independent study that was completed while enrolled in the Masters of Library and Information Science program at the University of Western Ontario.

In the demo versions of the soundtrack – currently three songs from the show – Lillian H. Smith is sung by yours truly.

I had an absolutely marvellous time recording this sound track. Michael Manchester’s libretto was gorgeously challenging, Adrian Ellis’ music was sprightly, interesting, and absolutely perfect for my vocal range, and the sound studio was too professional and stunning to forget.

I encourage everyone to go and enjoy the website, listen to the songs, and help spread the word about this amazing multimedia musical project that celebrates children’s literature, the Can. Lit. community, libraries, and the love of books.

Or, at least enjoy a science fiction author singing about how much she loves novels!