christmas campaign | last chance to give in 2017

It's almost the new year, and you know what that means... there are only a few days left to give to our Christmas campaign and get yourself a 2017 tax receipt!

Give online HERE!

christmas campaign 2020

The Pacific Theatre Christmas Campaign is off to a roaring start!

Sharing stories helps us get through the day, whether we’re in a theatre seat or in our pyjamas.

This Christmas, you can help ensure that when we do leave the house, there’s still a Pacific Theatre to visit and new stories to tell and see. Please consider donating to our Christmas Campaign and help our artists escape their boxes - and get back on stage.

You may have heard that Pacific Theatre’s donors ‘keep the theatre alive’. This year, that statement is uniquely true. With ticket revenue almost completely erased by limited seating and closed shows, supporting Pacific Theatre now is a gesture of faith in the future. Our goal this year is $50,000 by Dec 31st - and as always, every contribution helps. You can track the campaign’s progress below (and pick up a digital copy of Christmas Presence At Home for your living room!). All donations over $10 will receive a tax receipt.

COUNTING UP TO CHRISTMAS

We're keeping a tally of all the donations to this year's Christmas Campaign! Every gift, large or small, makes a difference. Thank you.

Donate today online here or phone (604) 731-5518.

merry christmas!

Merry Christmas! Our office will be closed from Dec. 24th-Jan. 2nd.

Have a wonderful week of holidays, and we'll see you in 2018!

dec 23 matinee | christmas presence | set list

ACT ONE
band | i saw three ships
john dowie | three wise men
michael | three generations
john lekich | a keen sense of occasion
rachel | christmas song
frederick buechner | emmanuel
garth | god rest ye
connie braun | a christmas gift from the sea
rachel | silent night
luci shaw | too much to ask
luci shaw | mary considers her situation
l'engle | the irrational season
l'engle | o sapientia
michael | wexford
dylan thomas | a child's christmas in wales
jon | magic

ACT TWO
band | joy to the world
corey | time & place
frederick buechner | annunciation
michael | advent song
charles dickens | are there no prisons?
garth | midnight clear
nelson boschman | finding christmas
judy graves | god's christmas party
rachel | what must it be like
charles dickens | a new man
garth | go tell it

FEATURED ARTISTS

Musicians
Rachel Button, Garth Bowen, Michael Hart, Jon Ochsendorf, Corey Janz, Nelson Boschman
bass, Chad Galpin
drums, Kenton Wiens

Readers
Ron Reed, Charissa Hurt, Jalen Saip, Kim Larson

links to some of the readings can be found here

christmas presence | artist spotlight | cate richardson

This is Cate's first time joining the CHRISTMAS PRESENCE gang! We are so excited to have this talented musician and actress on stage with us.

Cate Richardson is a violinist, singer, songwriter and actor and a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. As a performer, Cate has worked in theatres across British Columbia.

Selected actor credits include Mozart & Salieri (Seven Tyrants), Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular (Razzle Dazzle), Castle in the Sky (Castlereigh Theatre Project), and Les Filles du Roi (workshop - Fugue Theatre). Cate has also appeared on-screen in The Age of Adaline (Lionsgate) and Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Hallmark). Cate has played violin in such shows as Holmes and Watson Save the Empire (ACE Productions), Fiddler on the Roof (Glenlyon-Norfolk School), Oliver! (Bard to Broadway) and others.

Cate is also completing a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Victoria. Merry Christmas!

dec 22 | christmas presence | set list

ACT ONE

boschman band | jazz
dickens | scrooge's nephew
garth | god rest ye
mason | the cave of jesus' birth
all | yule carol
danielle & ron | gibson | butterfingers angel
kwerks | lights
corey | time & place
eliot | journey of the magi
bre | song of the magi
waltner-toews | if he were born today
garth | white christmas
mason | three fools
jon | magic

ACT TWO

band | jazz
winchester star | police blotter
garth | alleluia (christmas song)
sedaris | thaddeus bristol
nelson | finding christmas
kwerks | drummy dun dun
kossoff | shem
jon | rescue me
kossoff | seth
bre | silent night
ivan frodneshco | blessing
kwerks | carry me


MUSICIANS
nelson boschman, garth bowen, the kwerks, corey janz, bre mcdaniel, jon ochsendorf
drums, rick colhoun
bass, chad galpin

READERS
ron reed, matthew simmons, danielle klaudt

links to some of the readings can be found here

christmas presence | artist spotlight | nelson boschman

We have been lucky to have Nelson Boschman as a part of our family of artists for over a decade! He'll be joining the CHRISTMAS PRESENCE crowd on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Nelson Boschman has been playing jazz, folk, and pop piano throughout Greater Vancouver since 1997. His group, the Nelson Boschman Trio, was formed while in the Jazz Studies Program at Capilano College in North Vancouver, BC (Canada) and has enjoyed playing at various coffeehouses, restaurants, weddings, benefits, corporate functions, and Jazz Vespers services. The group's creative, interactive style is influenced by the piano trios led by Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett and Brad Mehldau, and appeals to a wide audience.

Boschman has recorded two CDs as a composer/arranger/bandleader to date. KEEPING TIME, Vol. 01 was released in 2004. KEEPING TIME Vol. 02 was released in August 2007. Both have received airplay on CBC radio’s HOT AIR and TONIC programs, and can be purchased on iTunes.

Vancouver jazz great Brad Turner has the following to say about Boschman’s work:

Nelson Boschman is a pianist of taste and refinement. Not one to waste notes, his solos are thoughtful, and beautifully crafted. His recording “Keeping Time” displays his considerable talents as a composer and arranger, and the performances by all musicians involved are top-notch.

dec 21 | christmas presence | set list

ACT ONE
nelson & mark & rick | joy to the world
garth | white christmas
keillor | principles of a successful christmas
katie & karen | the cherry tree
peter boychuk | jesus freak
nelson | help is just around the corner
bre | silent night
connie braun | a christmas gift from the sea
jon | finally on our way
nelson | finding christmas
judy graves | god's christmas party
katie & karen & nelson | soul cake

ACT TWO
katie & karen & nelson | i saw three ships
winchester star | police blotter
garth | god rest ye merry gentlemen
carson | snow angel
bre | stardust
robert jellema | four-square
jennifer morison | annunciation
rainer maria rilke | joseph's suspicion
jennifer morison | visitation
madeleine l'engle | o sapientia
bre | song of the magi
rosen | no safe place
katie & karen & nelson | lo how a rose
david kossoff | seth
jon | rescue me
robert louis stevenson | prayer
garth | go tell it on the mountain

*

nelson boschman, garth bowen, karen hefford, katie green, brea mcdaniel, jon ochsendorf
rick colhoun | drums
mark bender | bass
spencer capier | stringed things

*

links to some of the readings can be found here

christmas presence | artist spotlight | bre mcdaniel

We've got a few performances of CHRISTMAS PRESENCE left, and lucky us! Bre McDaniel will be joining!

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE is almost over, but it won't really be complete until we have Bre McDaniel on our stage for a couple of nights. Check out some of her latest music here:

dec 20 | christmas presence | set list

ACT ONE
band | mr grinch
charles dickens | scrooge & nephew
robert farrar capon | advent
katie & karen | the cherry tree
william gibson | butterfingers angel
taylor swindells | magnificat
judy graves | god's christmas party
jon ochsendorf | finally on our way
mike mason | miles
taylor swindells | have yourself a merry
frederick buechner | the innkeeper
jon ochsendorf | rescue me
dina donohue | no room
katie & karen & corey | soul cake

ACT TWO
katie & karen & corey | I saw three ships
ira glass | themselves but moreso
david sedaris | santaland diaries
taylor swindells | white christmas
connie braun | a christmas gift from the sea
corey janz | time & place
david kossoff | shem
jon ochsendorf | mary take your baby
peter boychuk | jesus freak
taylor swindells || put the lights on the tree
annie dillard | feast days
katie & karen | lo how a rose
sheila rosen | no safe place
jon ochsendorf | magic

*

readers | ron reed, jalen saip, mariam barry

keyboard | peter abando
bass | mark bender
drums | rick colhoun

*

links to some of tonight's readings can be found here

christmas presence | artist spotlight | katie & karen

We've got a couple of new faces coming to CHRISTMAS PRESENCE this year! Meet Katie & Karen.

We are so excited to have some new voices in our roster this year! Katie & Karen are fairly new to the scene, with a beautiful album of folksy songs about BC's history.

See Katie & Karen on Dec 20th.

Here's their stunning rendition of I'll Fly Away.

dec 19 | christmas presence | set list

act one

band | mr grinch
charles dickens | scrooge & nephew
michael hart | advent song
frederick buechner | annunciation
corey janz | time & place
lucia frangione | a taste of winter
the kwerks | drummy dun dun
mike royko | pretty well picked over
zaac pick | maybe this christmas
peter boychuk | jesus freak
the kwerks | lights
connie braun | christmas gift from the sea
michael hart | wexford carol
annie dillard | feast days
zaac pick | finding christmas

act two

band | have yourself a merry little christmas
the winchester star | police report
corey janz | do you hear what I hear
roderick jellema | four-square
jennifer morison | joseph & mary
rainer maria rilke | joseph's suspicion
zaac pick | christmas song
john henry faulk | a child's christmas in texas
michael hart | star of bethlehem
david kossoff | seth
zaac pick | o what night
sheila rosen | no safe place
the kwerks | carry me

*

readers | ron reed, kaitlin williams, matthew simmons, theo birkner, jalen saip, matthew macdonald-bain

keyboard | peter abando
bass | becca birkner
drums | rick colhoun

*

links to some of tonight's readings can be found here

dec 19-21 | christmas at the bez | brett ziegler

Our pal Brett Ziegler (GODSPELL, CHRISTMAS PRESENCE) is doing a Christmas show at Jericho Ridge Church in Langley this week!

Our storyteller, Justyn Rees and singer/songwriter, Russ Rosen join forces with multi- instrumentalist Brett Ziegler and percussionist Kenton Wiens to deliver the songs and stories like you've never heard before.

Dessert banguet and Christmas Tales show it the intimate theatre setting of Bez Arts Hub hosted by your friends at Jericho Ridge Community Church.Our pal Brett Ziegler (GODSPELL, CHRISTMAS PRESENCE) is doing a Christmas show at Jericho Ridge Community Church this week!

Info and tickets here.

christmas presence | sold out!

Wow! CHRISTMAS PRESENCE is sold out for the week! You can still be added to the waiting list for each night, just email tickets@pacifictheatre.org or call 604-731-5518.

christmas presence | artist spotlight | peter abando

Peter Abando has quickly become a much-loved member of the Pacific Theatre family, ever since he performed with Off Key Improv in SIDESHOW in the 2014-2015 season. He'll be joining the CHRISTMAS PRESENCE band on Tuesday and Wednesday.

When he's not teaching K-7 music in West Van, you can find Peter composing, improvising, directing, or performing music somewhere around Metro Vancouver. 

Select music direction credits includes Dogfight (Semper Fi Collective, 2016), the Jessie nominated production of Edges (Two Monkeys Production, 2015), the Ovation nominated Connected: The Musical (Whirlwind Theatre, 2013), and a super fun workshop of [title of show]. 

You can regularly find him conspiring with Jennifer Pielak and Off Key Musical Improv. He music directed Spring Awakening in March, and was the rehearsal pianist for Align Entertainment’s February presentation of The Little Mermaid. Up next - Next To Normal with West Moon Theatre in February!

christmas presence | artist spotlight | michael hart

It's time for more artist love for CHRISTMAS PRESENCE! Our next featured artist is Michael Hart!

We are so happy to have Michael Hart back for two performances of CHRISTMAS PRESENCE. Come hear him perform on Dec. 19 and 23!

almost, maine | closing night

It's closing night of ALMOST, MAINE! Thank you to the incredible team of artists who pulled together to make this show into the magical, charming gem it has been, and an even bigger thank you to all of you who came out to see the show! We couldn't do it without you.

christmas presence in the valley | sunday

Every year we pack up our gear and head out to Abbotsford to perform a round of CHRISTMAS PRESENCE in the Valley! We are always happy to be able to save our Valley patrons the trip across the bridge, and to partner with our friends at Gallery 7 Theatre on the performance.

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE IN THE VALLEY
Sunday, Dec 17 at 8pm

Featuring:

Jon Ochsendorf
Chris Hawley
The Kwerks
Becca Birkner
Rick Colhoun
Nelson Boschman
Rachel Button
Jamison Isaak
Ron Reed
Ken Hildebrandt
AND MORE!

Tickets available at our website or through House of James in Abbotsford.

dec 13 | christmas presence @ reality church | set list

a benefit for hope international
with michael hart, garth bowen, ron reed

first set
michael | advent song
mason | the real santa claus
michael | three generations
graves | god's christmas party
garth | god rest ye
donohue | no room
garth | go tell it
faulk | a child's christmas in texas
michael | the holly and the ivy

second set
michael | joy to the world
ron | seth
garth | silent night

christmas presence | artist spotlight | jon ochsendorf

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE regular Jon Ochsendorf is kicking off our week with CHRISTMAS PRESENCE IN THE VALLEY!

Jon Ochsendorf's folksy guitar stylings are always a beautiful addition to our CHRISTMAS PRESENCE performances. He'll be joining The Kwerks and others in Abbotsford on Sunday to start off our week of songs and stories for the Christmas season!

dec 12 | christmas presence langley | set list

Christmas Presence | Tue Dec 12, Bez Arts Hub, Langley
Benefit for Hope International
Michael Hart, Garth Bowen, Ron Reed

ACT ONE
michael | all hail and welcome
garrison keillor | seven principles of a successful christmas
michael | three generations
judy graves | god's christmas party
garth | god rest ye
john henry faulk | a child's christmas in texas (1379)
garth | go tell it
mike royko | pretty well picked over
michael | the holly and the ivy

ACT TWO
garth | christmas song (alleluia)
david kossoff | seth
michael | joy to the world
sheila rosen | no safe place
garth | silent night

here's a link to a christmas presence index, which will give you links to some of the pieces we read tonight

holiday gift certificate promotion

As you gather together the final pieces of your holiday gifts, don't forget about how meaningful the gift of a beautiful story will be to your loved ones. Our Christmas promotion this year gets you a gift certificate for TWO tickets to any remaining show this season for only $50.

To buy a Christmas gift certificate, visit our website, call our box office at 604-731-5518, or pick one up in person and get a beautifully-wrapped gift, ready to go!

christmas presence | artist spotlight | zaac pick

We are so excited to have Zaac Pick back with us for CHRISTMAS PRESENCE this year!

Zaac Pick has become a wonderful fixture on our stage for Christmas Presence, come see him on December 19th! Preview his original Christmas song on Spotify:

almost, maine | more photos

There is one week left for these sweethearts to fall in and out of love in ALMOST, MAINE!

dec 10 | christmas presence, richmond | set list

ACT ONE
allen desnoyers | bethlehem light
dina donohue | no room
cate richardson | hand-made stars
frederick buechner | annunciation
rachel button | winter wonderland
garrison keillor | seven principles of a successful christmas
cate richardson | i've got my love to keep me warm
mke mason | the real santa claus
allen desnoyers | innocence
john henry faulk | child's christmas in texas
jon ochsendorf | magic

ACT TWO
charles schultz | charlie and linus
cate richardson | the christmas song
frederick buechner & madeleine l'engle| emmanuel
jon ochsendorf | finally on our way
judy graves | god's christmas party
rachel button | what must it be like
annie dillard | god in the doorway
jon ochsendorf | rescue me
david kossoff | seth
allen desnoyers | gifts of the magi

featuring musicians Cate Richardson, Allen Desnoyers, Rachel Button, Jon Ochsendorf, Becca Birkner, Chris Hawley, Rick Colhoun
readings by Ron Reed

links to some of the readings can be found here

almost, maine | $20 wednesdays

Don't forget! This year every Wednesday night performance is only $20! Tonight, it's ALMOST, MAINE.

christmas campaign | pacific theatre's everyday heroes

Our Christmas campaign is well under way, but there is still time to be a hero! Our staff team is made up of everyday heroes banding together to keep Pacific Theatre running, but hero work is almost as expensive as producing professional theatre and they need your help! Be a hero, donate today by clicking here, or call 604-731-5483. All gifts over $10 will receive a charitable receipt.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TODAY!

All gifts over $10 receive a charitable receipt.

christmas presence | artist spotlight | the kwerks

It's almost time for our favourite Christmas tradition, CHRISTMAS PRESENCE! Playing Dec 17 in Abbotsford, and then Dec 19-22 in our space, we are featuring some of the artists to come. First up, The Kwerks!

The Kwerks have become fixtures of Christmas Presence, winning our hearts with their fun and, well, quirky style.

If you haven't fallen in love with them yet, check out this video:

The Kwerks will be performing Dec 17, 19, and 22nd.

almost, maine | photos

We are already halfway through the run of ALMOST, MAINE! Unbelievable that this charming romantic comedy is coming close to an end. Here are some of the photos, all taken by Ron Reed, featuring set and lights by Lauchlin Johnston and costumes by Amy McDougall.

dec 9 | a quiet day for advent | st. faith's anglican church

Our friends at St. Faith's Anglican Church are hosting their annual "Quiet Day for Advent", a meditative and artistic experience of advent.

Quiet Day For Advent
Saturday, December 9 ~ 10:00am - 3:00pm
St. Faith’s Anglican Church ~ 7284 Cypress St. (at W. 57th Ave.)

Take time for silence and reflection in this season of expectation. The day will include prayer and poetry and a variety of creative contemplative practices including creating prayer beads and prayer shawls.

Bring a bag lunch. Tea & treats provided. $30 suggested donation toward supplies, as able. (Reduced for students.)

Please register by email: sthildegards@icloud.com or phone 604-266-8011 (Ext. 1)

almost, maine | artist talkback

Want to chat with this fun and talented group of artists about ALMOST, MAINE? Following tonight's show we'll have an artist talkback with the cast!

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christmas presence | line ups

It's time again for our CHRISTMAS PRESENCE line ups to begin to take shape. We've got some old favourites and new voices joining us this year and we can't wait to share another round of songs and stories to launch you into Christmas.

Dec 17:
Jon Ochsendorf, The Kwerks, Jamison Isaak, Rachel Button, Nelson Boschman, Chris Hawley, Becca Birkner, Rick Colhoun

Dec 19:
Michael Hart, Zaac Pick, Corey Janz, The Kwerks, Becca Birkner, Peter Abando, Rick Colhoun

Dec 20:
Corey Janz, Jon Ochsendorf, Karen and Katie, John Voth, Mark Bender, Peter Abando, Rick Colhoun

Dec 21:
Garth Bowen, Bre McDaniel, Jon Ochsendorf, John Voth, Nelson Boschman, Chris Hawley, Mark Bender, Rick Colhoun

Dec 22:
Garth Bowen, Bre McDaniel, Jon Ochsendorf, Corey Janz, The Kwerks, John Voth, Nelson Boschman, Chad Galpin, Rick Colhoun

Dec 23 Matinee and Evening:
Michael Hart, Garth Bowen, Corey Janz, Jon Ochsendorf, Rachel Button, John Voth, Nelson Boschman, Chad Galpin, Kenton Wiens

NOTE: If you are looking for line ups for Christmas Presence in 2018, please CLICK HERE. The link to this post was sent out by accident, but it's old!
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almost, maine | song list

Jay Clift's sound design for ALMOST, MAINE is right on the money! If you'd like to make your own playlist, here is the list of songs used.

Regina Spektor - On The Radio
3 Dog Night - One
The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun
Beyonce - XO
Regina Spektor - Us
Queen - Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Florence and the Machine - Dog Days Are Over
Bon Iver - Skinny Love
Elle King - I Told You I Was Mean
Jesse Ahmann - Fall Asleep Happy

#givingtuesday is tomorrow!

Giving Tuesday is coming up tomorrow! Giving Tuesday is a time to give back to the communities where we live and work, to give back to our friends and neighbours who have given us so much, and to give back to the local charities and nonprofits who work tirelessly to realize their mission and vision of bettering our communities.

This year, for #givingtuesday we are sharing stories that matter, stories from the community of Pacific Theatre.  — Anecdotes from audience members, staff members, emerging artists, and all the people who come together to create the PT community.

It was at PT that we learned what it meant to have art and community intersect in a powerful way, to have faith inform art and have art inform faith, and to believe in our own talents and gifts. We will always have so much love and affection for Pacific Theatre for giving us room and space to grow and find ourselves and for providing an adventure that would impact us for the rest of our lives!
- Ryan Hoke

How can you get involved?

Share you PT story! Tell us about a memorable moment at Pacific Theatre - what do you think of when you think of PT? Post it with a selfie and the hashtag #givingtuesday

Donate! We believe that every gift has an impact. You can donate online through this link

Then, when you donate, don’t forget to share your PT story with #givingtuesday

You can also donate over the phone at 604.731.5483 or in person at our office from 10:00am - 5:00pm on Tuesday.  If you come into the office, we’ll take a picture of you next to our Giving Tree. Watch it fill up with gifts and stories throughout the day!

Thank-you all for being a part of the community that has made up Pacific Theatre for the past 36 years. Help us continue create more stories that matter for the years to come.

almost, maine | responses

"Like life and love itself, Almost, Maine is quirky, sweet and sometimes delightfully messy. And despite its disappointing lack of snowflakes, you should definitely make this trip to New England." | Mark Robins, Vancouver Presents

"Not only was the play full of emotion, it was hilarious. Due to the characters sincerity, genuineness, and impeccable comedic timing the play seemed to constantly bring the audience to rigorous laughter." | Connor Riopel, Merely Players

"A clever, quirky romantic comic anthology made up of 10 two-character vignettes ... first-time director Kaitlin Williams and her five attractive young actors handle the material with aplomb. Nearly everyone leaves the theatre smiling." | Jerry Wasserman, The Vancouver Sun

almost, maine | opening night photos

We had a spectacular opening night for ALMOST, MAINE on Friday! These guys had so much fun, we could barely get them to stand still for a photo - so when you see blurriness, know that there is joy behind it.