suitcase stories | opening night reception

We had a blast at the opening night of SUITCASE STORIES! Thank you to the creative team and all of you who came out to support this beautiful story. Here is a recap of the night!

suitcase stories | opening night

SUITCASE STORIES opens tonight on our stage! Come join us for our opening night @ 8pm. We can not wait to share Maki's incredible journey with all of you. Congratulations, Maki and the team!

Oct 29, Nov 4, 5 | in the flesh | apprentice project

This Saturday, October 29th @ 10 pm (after SUITCASE STORIES), apprentice Paige Louter will be performing her one woman show, IN THE FLESH.

IN THE FLESH
by Paige Louter
Oct 29th, Nov 3-5 @ 10 pm

A one-woman show about learning to be an actor, In the Flesh blends stand-up comedy, performance art, and feminist theatre to create something only slightly less awkward than that one picture of fourteen-year-old you. This show investigates what happens when an actor specifically invites an audience’s gaze, the peculiarities of elbows, and whether Paige is capable of spinning in a circle without falling over.

Featuring Paige Louter
Running time: 30 mins
Tickets: pay-what-you-think-it’s-worth after the show (cash only)

** Subscribers you get free tickets to our apprentice shows! Email tickets@pacifictheatre.org to reserve your free tickets today.

oct 27 | suitcase stories | pay-what-you-can preview

This week SUITCASE STORIES opens on our stage! Don't miss our pay-what-you-can preview tomorrow, October 27th @ 8pm. Tickets are $14.95 in advance or pay-what-you-can at the door (after 7 pm). 

suitcase stories | vancouver presents

The creative team has been working hard to bring you SUITCASE STORIES, opening this Friday, October 28th @ 8pm! Have you ever wondered how SUITCASE STORIES started? Well, throughout the 2013/14 season, Maki performed LOBBY PROJECT: SUITCASE STORIES before each of our MainStage shows. These 10 minute long pieces were thoughfully compiled and reshaped into a SUITCASE STORIES, a fully length play. Click on the link below to read more about Maki's journey in creating the piece.

Suitcase Stories is an immigrant tale of self-discovery and hope
by Mark Robins

suitcase stories | video trailer

Check out the video trailer for SUITCASE STORIES, featuring Maki Yi. Video credits go to the talented Peter Carlone. 

oct 25 - 30 | frankenstein | ryan scramstad

Check out our friend, Ryan Scramstad (THE RAINMAKER, THE FOREIGNER) in FRANKENSTEIN, 1945 now until October 30th! Here is an article featured in the Vancouver Sun about this exciting new play, by Mily Mumford.

suitcase stories | the creative team | maki yi

Our PT family is thrilled to welcome Maki Yi back to our stage in SUITCASE STORIES, opening in one week today! Many of you may remember Maki as a company apprentice back in 2011-2012, and when she appeared in THE SEAFARER in 2013 as well as LOBBY PROJECT: SUITCASE STORIES. Maki is the playwright for SUITCASE STORIES and also the solo actress in the show. We can't wait to see you on stage, Maki!

Where did you receive your BFA?

I received my BFA in Theatre Performance at University of Regina and my MFA in Interdisciplinary Studies at Simon Fraser University.

Suitcase Stories is your story of moving from Korea to Canada - how old were you when you decided to move and can you talk a little about what inspired you to come in the first place?

The decision was made in my mid-late 20s. I longed for a place where I can be myself and find what I love to do while the social/cultural expectation was to find a good husband to serve.

Another major aspect of your story is the discovery of yourself through theatre, and then the difficulty sticking with it (theatre as the “bad boyfriend”). What do you love about theatre? Why stick with it?

Theatre was what I looked for, something I’d love to do. It was really love at first sight. I love that theatre transforms imagination into reality. When I am on stage, the whole world fills with heightened sensations and emotions.

Can you give us a brief timeline of Suitcase Stories - when these events happened in your life, and what the journey of the play itself has been (from the Lobby Project through to full performances)?

These were in my early years in Canada, before I became a permanent resident. When I got my PR, I finally could apply for the artistic apprenticeship at Pacific Theatre, where I started my professional career. PT gave me another opportunity for creating Lobby Project, through which I learned a new way of play development. And now a third opportunity to present the full length play, evolved from 8 short plays in the theatre lobby, is granted. I am forever grateful to God and to PT!

A message from Maki:

I am so grateful to have worked with Colleen and Chengyan in the past, and am thrilled to work with them again. When I had doubts and fears in the creative process, they remained supportive, generous, trustworthy, and hardworking. I really hope the process is more enjoyable and less stressful for them this time around. I love my creative team!

suitcase stories | the creative team | colleen lanki

Colleen Lanki has been directing, choreographing and performing internationally for over two decades. Colleen is currently the Artist Director of TomoeArts, a company that explores traditional Japanese arts and creates works of total theatre. She is also pursuing her PhD at UBC. We are thrilled to have Colleen directing SUITCASE STORIES, by Maki Yi. Welcome to the team, Colleen!

What are some interesting facts about you?

I do Japanese classical dance and my professional name is Fujima Sayū.

Why are you excited to work on SUITCASE STORIES?

This is a story from the heart of a strong, slightly crazy woman and we need more stories like this! Suitcase Stories also sheds a light on the madness that is Canadian immigration… And Maki is fabulous!!!!!

Recent Theatre Credits & Awards: 

WEAVER WOMAN (choreographer and performer), English language premiere of THREAD HELL (Guest Artist, University of Hawaii), and Mary Zimmerman’s ARGONAUTIKA.

Favourite Theatre Credits:

All the physical ensemble pieces I have helped create over the past 10+ years in Japan and Canada. I am also moving into opera: SHADOW CATCH (Chamber Opera) - and currently working on the creation of a new chamber opera combining Japanese noh with classical music.

oct. 25th | open auditions: halo | gallery 7 theatre

Our friends at Gallery 7 theatre are hosting open auditions for their upcoming production of HALO! If you missed our 2004 production, here's your chance to be involved with this charming Canadian play. 

General Audition: Tuesday, October 25, 2016 @ 6:30 PM

Call Backs: Saturday, October 29, 2016 @ 10:00 AM

Gallery 7 Theatre is seeking male and female performers ages 16 - 70 to perform in its January/February production of Josh MacDonald's touching comedy about faith, relationships and donuts. Those interested in helping out behind the scenes are also invited to attend the auditions.

Where:

Gallery 7 Theatre - Huntington Station

#100 - 34595 3rd Avenue, Abbotsford

Please Register Ahead of Time:

Please click here or call 604-504-5940 or email info@gallery7theatre.com.

When you register, please let us know your name, phone number, email address and a little bit about your theatre experience, if any. On the day of the audition, we will be sending you our Actor's Orientation Package. Please make sure you read through this important document prior to the audition.

The Story:

When the image of Jesus Christ appears on the wall of a Tim Horton's restaurant in Natley, Nova Scotia, the town is thrown in to euphoric chaos. Is this appearance a miracle? A hoax? While the townsfolk contemplate difficult questions about faith, life and love, a father quietly wrestles with his own faith as he deals with a tragedy that has left his daughter in a coma. Hilarious, moving and challenging all at the same time, this play has become a Canadian classic.

Performance Dates:

January 27 & 28, February 1 - 4, 2016 @ 7:30 PM

Matinees: January 28 & Feb. 4 @ 2:00 PM

Performance Location:

Abbotsford Arts Centre

2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford

Rehearsal Schedule:

November/December/January, 2016

Monday, Wednesday  & Thursday evenings starting September 12, 2016.

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Please note there will be two additional Saturday rehearsals scheduled: Saturday, December 17, 2016, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and Saturday, January 7, 2016, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Please also note that during the final week of rehearsals, we will be rehearsing every evening and that rehearsals can go as long as 10:45 pm.

Rehearsal Location:

Gallery 7 Theatre - Huntington Station

#100 - 34595 3rd Avenue, Abbotsford

Artistic Team:

Director Ken Hildebrandt | Set Design Craig Moolenbeek | Costume Design Vicki Bolan | Lighting Design Gabe Kirkley | Sound Design Ryan Scramstad | Make-Up Design Victoria Hu

Character Break-Down:

Please Note: This play will be performed by 7 actors ages 14 – 70.The following descriptions provide an approximate age for each character. However, the director may decide to cast older or younger performers depending on the needs of the production, regardless of the age range of the character listed below.

Father J.J.: In his 30s. The shaggy-haired new priest in town who’s having a hard time “filling Father McEvoy’s shoes.”

Donald McMullen: In his 50s. His daughter Meg lies comatose and brain-dead in the local hospital.  Donald refuses to give up hope in Meg’s recovery, even if it means neglecting his Christmas tree farm.

Lizzie McMullen: In her 20s. Donald’s older daughter and Meg’s sister recently back in town from Toronto.

Jansen Block: In his late teens. Casey’s devoutly Catholic athlete boyfriend.

Casey Quinn: In her late teens.  A spunky Tim Hortons employee and the town cynic.

Male Swing: Various characters.

Female Swing: Various characters.

suitcase stories | advance photos

We had a great photo shoot with the talented Emily Cooper last week. Here are some advance photos for SUITCASE STORIES, opening Friday, October 28th @ 8:00 pm.

oct.14- nov. 11 | tributaries

Stefan Brunhoff is an architect and painter who became a friend of Pacific Theatre back in our earliest days. We met backstage after a performance of First Christmas: An Entertainment, back in 1984. He was a brand new Christian, we were a brand new theatre company, and he was thrilled to meet artists who shared his new-found faith.  If you’ve been to Hunterston Farm on Galiano Island, you’ll recognize the terrain in some of his landscapes. -Ron Reed

suitcase stories | the creative team | chengyan boon

We are very excited to have Chengyan Boon back working on SUITCASE STORIES! Chengyan will be heading up lighting design and taking the reins as stage manager. Welcome back, Chengyan!

Recent Theatre Credits & Awards: A DOG AT A FEAST (Bleeding Heart), THE BEAUX' STRATAGEM (United Players), RED (Aenigma Theatre) NOT SO DIFFERENT (Gateway Academy), SHREK: THE MUSICAL (Notre Dame Regional Secondary), WORDS IN MOTION (The Chan Centre), TWELVE ANGRY JURORS (Theatre in the Raw)

Favourite Theatre Credits: UBU ROI (Theatre at UBC), THE RAYMUR MOTHERS (Theatre in the Raw), WELCOME TO THEBES (United Players - Set and Projections), WEAVER WOMAN (Tomoe Arts - Stage Management and Projections)

suitcase stories | first rehearsal

Maki and her suitcase arrived this morning at Pacific Theatre to rehearsal the highly anticipated SUITCASE STORIES, written and performed by Maki herself. SUITCASE STORIES opens Friday, October 28th and runs until November 12th. Welcome Maki!!

a good way out | closing weekend

It's closing weekend for A GOOD WAY OUT! We still have three performances left: Friday @ 8pm and Saturday @ 2pm and 8pm. Call our box office at 604.731.5518 to get your tickets. Thank you so much to the cast and crew for all their hard work!

oct. 14- 23 | walt whitman's secret | tom pickett

Tom Pickett is a Pacific Theatre regular, from MASTER HAROLD AND THE BOYS through to THE WHIPPING MAN, with many other memorable shows in between. Conrad Belau is also in the cast, out here from Alberta where he often performs at Rosebud Theatre - Ron first saw his work in their production of A BRIGHT PARTICULAR STAR. And hey - even Jethelo Cabilete has a long list of PT credits; he's one of our favourite stage managers.

Walt Whitman's Secret by Sean O'Leary
The frank theatre company
October 14-23, 2016 (preview Oct 13) at Presentation House Theatre

Walt Whitman’s Secret mines the life of the most influential poet in the American canon for insights about creativity, sexuality, relations between the sexes and the often irreconcilable tensions between idealized love and how love actually manifests. Was Whitman – one of history’s most eloquent versifiers on romantic love – ever able to attain the kind of love he wrote so forcefully about?

Directed by Jack Paterson

Set Design by Michelle Allard

Lighting Design by Itai Erdal

Costume Design by Carmen Alatorre

Sound Design by Dorothy Dittrich

Dramaturgy by C. E. Gatchalian

Production Management by Adam Beauchesne

Stage Management by Jethelo Espaldon​ Cabilete 

Featuring Conrad Belau, Adele Noronha, Kamyar Pazandeh and Tom Pickett

Don’t miss a very special 20th anniversary gala performance of Walt Whitman’s Secret on Oct 19th at 6:30pm. Each ticket includes pre-show entertainment, catering, reading, play, dessert and a $30 tax receipt, all for just $80.

Visit their website for tickets and more info!