Allyson Leet鈥檚 full-circle moment came within one day of a year from when she received the green light for a project to create community - figuratively and literally.

Leet is a Comox Valley actor, director, and co-founder of Sitka Stage & Screen, and has been an instrumental part of the area鈥檚 theatre community.

Two years ago, after some encouragement from friends, she applied for a Telus Storyhive grant for a 10-episode documentary series on the Comox Valley theatre community. Creating Community received a Telus Storyhive Voices grant, which supports compelling, original stories told by creators from British Columbia and Alberta through production funding, training and distribution to new audiences.

On Sept. 8, 2022, Leet received word that she received the $10,000 grant, and on Sept. 9, 2023, her documentary officially premiered at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay.

鈥淭o have everyone there in person was really lovely; so many people go to learn stories about their community,鈥� says Leet, who not only directed the film but produced it along with a small team that included producer Laurel Moffat, editor (and Leet鈥檚 mentor) Stephanie Rossel, camera operator Katie Clarkson and sound mixer Sam Wharram.

The idea behind the documentary was to showcase the Valley鈥檚 theatre community, specifically a behind-the-scenes look at Courtenay Little Theatre鈥檚 production of Cinderella (which Leet was also involved in acting).

For three months, she followed the cast and crew from the first rehearsal to the final performance. More than 200 people participated in the documentary series.

鈥淚t was a bit labour of love; this community really stepped up. It鈥檚 kind of like a time capsule or a snapshot. I knew I wanted to create a gift to give back.鈥�

Leet notes one of the biggest surprises during filming was the amount of footage recorded. Combing through hours and hours of footage made her realize how to look at film differently than theatre.

She describes that being a film director, particularly for documentary film, requires a vision similar to theatre, but also the ability to let that vision go, as it鈥檚 difficult to predict what actually might be captured on film.

鈥淭here were so many surprises in moments in between the scenes,鈥� she explains. 鈥淚n theatre, the cast actively works to put your vision out there. In a documentary, it鈥檚 much more in the moment, truthful and organic.鈥�

Leet says since the premiere, the feedback on the film has been excellent. Following the closing of Cinderella, she offered the cast a private rough-cut screening at the wrap party.

鈥淓veryone cried, and it was a really beautiful moment. To see people react like that in person was so lovely鈥� everyone learned a lot about themselves and their community. From a personal standpoint, I knew that there was going to be support, but I just didn鈥檛 know how much. My heart was just so full.鈥�

Going forward, Leet is considering the possibility of entering the film in festivals but is primarily focused on sharing it with the community and beyond.

To watch the documentary, search for Creating Community in the Telus Storyhive YouTube channel.