Thursday, September 17, 2015

throwback thursday | pt at the fringe 2010

The last time we hosted shows in the Vancouver Fringe Festival was 2010 - here's a throwback to those productions!

Confessions of a Paperboy

Dirt

Miracle in Rwanda

Stretch Dog

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

smoke on the mountain | the cast

The Midnight Theatre Collective has gathered an incredibly talented group to perform in SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN!  Here's a brief introduction to the cast.


Stephen Bulat is a part of the ensemble supporting the Sanders Family Singers with music as well as designing the lights and sound!  He has last been involved in Midnight Theatre Collective productions.

Damon Calderwood is a familiar face on the PT stage.  He last performed in The Midnight Theatre Collective's THE SPITFIRE GRILL, and also often steps in to do our production photography.

Mack Gordon last performed at Pacific Theatre in THE FOREIGNER and THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE.  He is also a member of our Working With playwright development group.

Kim Larson is one of this year's season apprentices!  A talented singer and actor, we are excited to have her on board all season long, and kicking off her apprenticeship with this fun show.

Matthew Simmons is quickly becoming a Pacific Theatre staple.  He performed in last year's SIDESHOW performances as well as IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW.  This year we will be seeing him again in A CHRISTMAS CAROL: ON THE AIR.

Kaitlin Williams is a former apprentice who has since performed in DOUBT, THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE, and THE FOREIGNER.  Every time she visits our stage is a treat!

Gordon Roberts is a mainstay of the Midnight Theatre Collective.  Last time you saw him here was in THE SPITFIRE GRILL.

Lalainia Lindbjerg Strelau performs in musical theatre all over town (now returning from a brief hiatus to raise her children).  Her last performance at Pacific Theatre was in CHRISTMAS ON THE AIR.

Friday, September 11, 2015

Pacific Theatre has a LOT of plays in development. Here's one we commissioned from New York playwright Chris Cragin-Day and Nashville songwriter Don Chaffer, after seeing their collaboration on Son Of A Gun Off-Broadway a couple years ago. Hopefully it'll be on the PT stage before too long! (Just to be clear, the staged reading is in New York.)



Thursday, September 03, 2015

2014-2015 donor report

It's no secret that we couldn't do our work without our donors, but in this year's donor report, Ron makes it clear what that actually means: not only are we able to create theatre at all, but the loyal support of our donors is what allows us to do the kind of work we do.  Because of you we are able to take risks and explore stories and artists who might take us to unexpected places.  Below is our donor report from the past year, with details of a few of the things we were able to do with your donations, as well as where we're planning on going.  Thank you!


View or download as a PDF here.

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

around the world in 80 days | gallery 7 theatre audition

Our friends at Gallery 7 Theatre are holding open auditions for their upcoming production of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS! For more information visit their website.



General Audition
Wednesday, September 9, 2015 @ 6:30 PM

Call Backs
Thursday, September 10, 2015 @ 7:00 PM

"We are looking for male and female performers aged 18 - 75 to perform in our production of Around the World in 80 Day, adapted by Mark Brown from the Jules Vern novel. Those interested in helping out behind the scenes are also invited to attend the audition."

Where
Gallery 7 Theatre - Huntington Station
#100 - 34595 3rd Avenue, Abbotsford
Please click here for a map.

Please Register Ahead of Time
Call 604-504-5940 or email info@gallery7theatre.com

When you register, please include your name, phone number, email address and a little bit about your theatre experience, if any. Please read the Actor's Orientation Package (available here) prior to registering for the audition.

Sunday, August 30, 2015

september 10-19 | eurydice | eleanor felton

Another Fringe show featuring some PT talent! EURYDICE is directed by Eleanor Felton- recent apprentice and director of this years Artistic Director's Series A GOOD MOTHER. PT's Technical Director Kougar Basi is designing lights, and past apprentice Ryan Scramstad is on sound design! The cast features Julie Casselman who will be playing Nurse Susie in this years production of WIT, as well as Brandon Bate, a recent PT apprentice who is producing the show alongside Eleanor. 



EURYDICE 
Sept 10-19
Tickets available at the Fringe Festival Box Office


Sarah Ruhl, one of America’s most respected living playwrights, adapts the Greek myth “Orpheus and the Underworld” from the perspective of his wife Eurydice - the woman who dies twice. In this quirky, playful retelling, Eurydice tumbles down into the Underworld where she meets three Stones, The Lord of the Underworld, and is reunited with her Father. Her husband braves the barriers of hell to retrieve her, forcing Eurydice to face a horrible choice between the two men she loves most.

The Artistic Team: 
Director: Eleanor Felton
SM: Caitlin Darcy
Set: Mikaela Fuqua
Costumes: Audrey Herold
Lights: Kougar Basi
Sound: Ryan Scramstad

Cast: 
Julie Casselman, Brandon Bate, Joel Butler, Mark Fleming, Sharra Ganzeveld, Julie Disher, Tiffany Stoecker

WHERE:
Pacific Theatre (as a Fringe venue- tickets must still be purchased through the Fringe Festival Box Office)

WHEN:
Thursday Sept. 10 5:00pm
Friday Sept. 11 10:30pm
Saturday Sept. 12 1:55pm
Sunday Sept 13 6:45pm
Thursday Sept 17 5:00pm
Friday Sept 18 7:00pm
Saturday Sept 19 8:45pm


Friday, August 28, 2015

15-16 artwork spotlight | wit

The final show of the season, and of our artwork spotlight series, is WIT.


The story might revolve around a woman and her cancer diagnosis, but WIT is much more than that.  Just as Vivian, the central character, is an expert in the poetry of John Donne, so the play feels like a poem in its own right.  The writing is elegant and concise, and the imagery is powerful, so we needed an image that would reflect this.  What a stunning piece of art Emily returned to us!  It has the quality of a painting, while tying in Donne's poetry.  The perfect end to our season.

Thursday, August 27, 2015

audience survey - still on!

Don't forget about our audience survey!  It will take no more than 4-6 minutes to fill in and will go far.



To participate, just click the image above, or HERE.
Thank you!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

15-16 artwork spotlight | a good mother

The next show for our artwork spotlight series is A GOOD MOTHER by Kathy Parsons.


As the second in our series of staged readings to come out of our Working With play development group, we asked Emily to keep the tradition of using pages from the actual script in the poster.  Here, they wound up as the sidewalk.  The poster needed to reflect motherhood and contain an element of poverty.  We love the way this came together with the sepia-toned alley and coloured stroller.

Monday, August 24, 2015

15-16 artwork spotlight | gruesome playground injuries

The next image in our artwork spotlights series, unpacking the stunning images Emily Cooper created for our season, is GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES.


With a title like this, you need to know what you're getting into - the story follows a pair of friends through a lifetime of injuries, accidents, and damaging choices.  It also shows the power of companionship to get you through it all.  We wanted to reflect that danger and injury, as well as something of the relationship between the two with the image, and here's what we got!  Every detail, down to the uneven aging around the edge of the image reflects the look and feel of the show.

Friday, August 21, 2015

15-16 artwork spotlight | common grace

Today's artwork spotlight is COMMON GRACE.  We couldn't be more excited about this play: not only is it the first fully-produced mainstage production to come out of our Working With playwriting program, but playwright Shauna Johannesen is a newly-minted Leo Award winner for her film BED BUGS: A MUSICAL LOVE STORY.  Plus, check out this artwork by Emily Cooper!


For this one we gave Emily a lot to deal with: we wanted the image to clearly reflect a kitchen, family, and a traditional aesthetic while hinting at secrets, rebellion, and a bit of sass.  She came at us with a whole host of options and the last one she showed was this concept of items on the shelves.  We loved it!  It is clean, sharp, contemporary, and sophisticated, while clearly communicating the family kitchen feel.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

audience survey

We want to get to know you! A little information goes a long way - just a few facts about you and your interests can help us with everything from marketing to season selection to sponsorships. Plus, we just like to know who is coming through our doors. This survey will take no more than 4-6 minutes to fill in and will go far.



To participate, just click the image above, or HERE.
Thank you!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

15-16 artwork spotlight | a christmas carol: on the air

Another wonderful piece of artwork to share with you in our artwork spotlight, featuring the beautiful work Emily Cooper creates for us every year!  Here is A CHRISTMAS CAROL: ON THE AIR.


We were thrilled with the production Peter Church and Sarah Rodgers put together for IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW last year, and decided we absolutely needed to jump into the world of radio once again this year.  We asked Emily to keep some touches from the last show - the microphone, snowy sky, and old fashioned radio (can you find it?), and then of course we needed to add Scrooge into the mix!

Emily's first draft looked almost exactly like the final image you see here - we made a few tiny tweaks after the fact and that's it.

Monday, August 17, 2015

15-16 artwork spotlight | the amish project

Continuing our spotlight on Emily Cooper's artwork for our coming season, we'll take a look at the piece for THE AMISH PROJECT.


Going into the meetings, we had no idea what would come for the artwork for THE AMISH PROJECT.  The play tells the story of astonishing real-life forgiveness, when an Amish community suffered a terrible school shooting and responded with instant forgiveness for the shooter, and compassion and support for his family.  The poster needed to reflect this danger and darkness, as well as the hope and strength of forgiveness and the Amish people.

We made very few changes to this image after Emily presented it to us.  She integrated all the elements of the story so perfectly, even incorporating real news coverage from the event.

Friday, August 14, 2015

15-16 artwork spotlight | smoke on the mountain

Now begins one of our favourite summer blog features - a spotlight on each productions' artwork!  We love working with artist Emily Cooper on these pieces - her work is always imaginative, creative, and the collage gives a touch of whimsy that we just love.  Take a look at the SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN image.



SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN is a bluegrass musical set at a depression-era church's first-ever hymn sing.  It's spirited, funny, and full of good ol' fashioned foot-stompin' fun.  The characters are well-intentioned and hilariously imperfect.  That is what we told Emily we wanted to convey in the artwork, and look at what she brought us!  Slam dunk.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

sept 10-20 | hunger games: the musical | frank nickel, alison chisholm, andrea loewen, jennifer pielak

Another Fringe show featuring some PT talent!  HUNGER GAMES: THE MUSICAL comes to you from our administrative staff - a team who not only run the theatre, but are artists and producers as well.  Co-General Manager Frank Nickel is directing and producing, Co-General Manager Alison Chisholm performs, Director of Marketing and Publicity Andrea Loewen has done the choreography, and you may recognize Jennifer Pielak from SIDESHOW this past year - she'll be playing Katniss!


HUNGER GAMES: THE MUSICAL
Sept 10-20
Tickets available at the Fringe Festival Box Office

A priceless pop culture parody of Suzanne Collin’s hit novel and its inevitable film. Watch as Katniss Everdeen takes a stand against the Capitol, while belting out twisted Taylor Swift, Maroon 5, and Lorde tunes (to name a few). Experience a ridiculous ride through teenage angst. It’s all the fun of a dystopian death match, now with kicky pop tunes!

Artistic Team:
Directed by Frank Nickel and Mark Vandenberg
Musical Direction by Rick Colhoun and Oker Chen
Choreography by Andrea Loewen
Costume Design by Audrey Herold
Stage Management by Julia Lank

Cast:
Jennifer Pielak, Riley Qualtieri, Richard Meen, Aaron Lau, Matthew Simmons, Morgan Churla, Rebecca Piplica, Ryan Scramstad, Cecilia Rahoerason, Alison Chisholm, Lisa Penz, Amy Dauer, Chris Lam, Kathleen Munro and Oken Chen.

WHERE:
Pacific Theatre (as a Fringe venue)

WHEN:
Thursday Sept. 10 6:55pm
Friday Sept. 11 8:40pm
Saturday Sept. 12 3:50pm
Sunday Sept. 13 1:00pm
Thursday Sept. 17 7:00pm
Friday Sept. 18 10:30pm
Saturday Sept. 19 4:45pm
Sunday Sept. 20 3:00pm


Wednesday, August 12, 2015

sept 11-19 | shake the sheets | kaitlin williams, mack gordon

We have a ton of PT artists producing shows in the Fringe Festival this year! Here's SHAKE THE SHEETS!, a new play by Mack Gordon (THE FOREIGNER), starring Mack and Kailtin Williams (THE FOREIGNER) featuring PETER CARLONE (THE FOREIGNER) and others, with an original score by Jordan Klassen (CHRISTMAS PRESENCE).




SHAKE THE SHEETS!
A Level-Headed Friends production at The Vancouver Fringe Festival 
Sept 11-19 

Tickets available from the Fringe Festival Box Office

A couple find themselves in a strange in-between world where the power of words can take them anywhere. The only question is: how do they get out? Featuring a score by Vancouver musician Jordan Klassen and a cameo appearance by a different Fringe celebrity every night, Shake the Sheets! is a verbal and auditory trip.

Featuring Mack Gordon, Kaitlin Williams and a different Fringe superstar each night, including: TJ Dawe, Peter Carlone, Chris Wilson, Martin Dockery, Tara Travis, Wonderheads, Sam S. Mullins and Jayson Macdonald.  

Directed by Katrina Darychuk
Original Score Composed by Jordan Klassen
Stage Managed by Geoff Jones

WHERE:
Carousel Theatre, 1411 Cartwright St
Granville Island

Sept 11th@7:00pm (1/2 price show!)
Saturday Sept 12th @6:00pm
Sunday Sept 13th @2:00pm
Monday Sept 14th @10:45pm
Wednesday Sept 16th @8:00pm
Thursday Sept 17th @6:00pm
Friday Sept 18th @9:45pm
Saturday Sept 19th @1:00pm

TICKETS:
$14 (+ $5 one time Fringe Membership if you don't already have one)


Tuesday, August 11, 2015

sept 10-20 | the fighting season | evan frayne, julie mcisaac, tom pickett

We have a ton of PT artists producing shows in the Fringe Festival this year!  Here's THE FIGHTING SEASON, a new play by Sean Harris Oliver with Evan Frayne (FREUD'S LAST SESSION) directing, Julie McIsaac (MEASURE FOR MEASURE) and Tom Pickett (THE WHIPPING MAN) performing, and Shelby Bushell (IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW) stage managing and designing.



THE FIGHTING SEASON
September 10-20
A workshop production by Bleeding Heart Theatre at the Vancouver Fringe Festival

Tickets available from the Fringe Festival Box Office

Based on his father's real life experiences as a doctor in Afghanistan, Sean Harris Oliver's new play The Fighting Season investigates Canada's involvement in Afghanistan through the eyes of the medical personnel who served for our country abroad.

The Fighting Season featuring:
Julie McIsaac
Tom Pickett
Kyle Jespersen

Written by Sean Harris Oliver
Directed by Evan Frayne
Stage Management and Design by Shelby Bushell
Sound Design by Matthew MacDonald-Bain

Show times:
Thursday Sept 10 at 10:45pm- Opening
Saturday Sept 12 at 8:45pm
Sunday Sept 13 at 4:00pm
Tuesday Sept 15 at 8:00pm
Thursday Sept 17 at 10:45pm
Friday Sept 18 at 5:00pm
Saturday Sept 19 at 7:45pm
Sunday Sept 20 at 2:00pm- Closing

meet the apprentice | julia siedlanowska

Last, but not least, we have our final apprentice to introduce you to.  Our apprentices are all graduates from theatre training programs, on the verge of launching their professional careers. The apprenticeship program is part mentorship, part creative residency, allowing these fledgling artists a place to grow their craft, experiment, create, and try new roles in a professional environment, all while making valuable industry connections.  Now, meet Julia Siedlanowska.


Julia Siedlanowska is a Vancouver born actor/director, and a recipient of the Laura C. Muir Performing Arts Award of Distinction. She graduated with a BA in Acting from the University of Wales and returned home to act in and direct multiple productions. Currently she is touring "A Tale About Happiness" (originally presented at the BC Children's Hospital) which she directed, as well as translated and adapted from a popular Polish children's theatre script. She is interested in travelling the world in combination with a life in the theatre in many varying capacities.


Name:

Julia Siedlanowska

What were you doing last year?

Created a dance-theatre company called "Shakespeare Unchained," was performing in and directing various shows, spent a month in Vietnam, Bejing and Hong Kong.

What are your favourite shows you've worked on so far?

"Mary's Wedding," (Peninsula Productions), "The Winter's Tale" (Classic Chic), "Party Princess Rule No. 5" (IGNITE! Youth Festival), "Tango" (Vancouver Polish Theatre)...honestly each show I've ever worked on has some fantastic memories to offer. Most recently I co-created a site-specific, two-woman adaptation of Don Quixote which was a fascinating process- challenging and rewarding.


What is your non-theatrical specialty?

Travelling, bellydancing, aerial silks.

What is the number one thing you are excited about doing during your apprenticeship?

Knowing what the heck is going on in my life for a full year. Meeting and working with all the fantastic people that run PT. Being around amazing artists that create outstanding work I deeply admire.



Where did you train in theatre? 

University of Wales Trinity Saint David and Douglas College.

What was your favourite part of your training? 

Movement classes with David MacMurray Smith, playing Lady Macbeth in an 11th century castle and touring South-west Wales as a Dodo bird.



Is there anything coming up in the apprenticeship that will be totally new to you?

I'm sure there is, I guess we'll find out!

What would your top three categories in Trivial Pursuit be? (Invented or real)

I don't play games...*insert serious face*

Monday, August 10, 2015

meet the apprentice | kim larson

Next in our series of apprentice introductions: Kim Larson!  Our apprentices are all graduates from theatre training programs, on the verge of launching their professional careers. The apprenticeship program is part mentorship, part creative residency, allowing these fledgling artists a place to grow their craft, experiment, create, and try new roles in a professional environment, all while making valuable industry connections.


Kim is a Studio 58 alumna with a passion for acting, writing, and good storytelling in general. She also gets pretty excited about knitting and Lush bubble bars. Kim’s roots are in Mission, BC, where her parents still live on the farm she was brought home to when she was born. Her Auntie Janet used to take her to Pacific Theatre shows as a kid/teenager, and it was always a special treat to spend the drive home hashing out what they had seen on stage. She is thrilled to have come full circle and now get to be a part of those shows.


Name:

Kim Larson

What were you doing last year?

Attending Studio 58

What are your favourite shows that you've worked on so far?

“All My Sons” (Arthur Miller) and “Grease”. They are opposite ends of the spectrum acting wise, but I loved them both dearly. I did “All My Sons” in high school and fell in love with acting. I did “Grease” at Studio and got to sing/dance/pretend fall in love every night. It was the most fun part of my day every day for 30 some shows.


What is your non-theatrical specialty?

Knitting! Seriously, I’m ballin’ at it. Get it? Ballin…

What is the number one thing you are excited about doing during your apprenticeship?

Being on stage! And becoming a part of the PT community.


Where did you train in theatre?

Studio 58

What was your favourite part of your training?

Graduating. Haha! Just kidding. Studio has an amazing creative atmosphere and it was such a gift to be able to get up every day and know that I would see work that was inspiring and pushed me to be a better artist from my peers and instructors. The “hive mind” of excitement and support was like nothing I had experienced before.


Is there anything coming up in the apprenticeship that will be totally new to you? 

All the administrative stuff. I’ve done plenty on stage and back stage, but never in the office!

What would be your top three categories in Trivial Pursuit?  (Invented or real)

Confession: I have never played Trivial Pursuit.

Friday, August 07, 2015

15-16 staff picks | andrea loewen

Another round of staff picks for the 2015-2016 Pacific Theatre season!  Here are the shows our Director of Marketing and Publicity, Andrea Loewen, is looking forward to the most.


A GOOD MOTHER

Our staged readings are hand down one of my favourite things that happen at Pacific Theatre, and this is one of the best scripts I've read in a long time.  The story is compelling and the questions it asks are both troubling and satisfying.

COMMON GRACE

Another new play!  The characters are so real and relatable in this script as it reveals all the mess that lies just below the surface of a family that could have been mine.  There are no easy answers, and a lot of humour - I laughed out loud more than once reading this one.

GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES

Gruesome is one of those plays that sometimes makes you cringe, but you can't stop watching.  Kenton and Pippa are former apprentices who gave phenomenal performances when they did this as their year-end project two years ago.  Can't wait to see their work again.

Check out the entire season and subscribe!

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

15-16 staff picks | frank nickel

Up next in our series of staff picks for the 2015-2016 season is Frank Nickel, Co-General Manager.


THE AMISH PROJECT

The strength of the narrative, the brutality of the story, and the amazing capacity of forgiveness, told through a single actor playing a myriad of characters. I’ve seen bits of the play and read small sections of the script and I can’t wait to see it come to life on the PT stage.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: ON THE AIR

I simply love Peter Church and his ability to take almost any classic story and make it into a modern day recreation set in the height of the radio drama era. With Sarah Rodgers directing and Rick Colhoun directing our live foley sound effects its a new Christmas tradition I’m looking forward to bringing the family to.

WIT

It's an all star Pacific Theatre cast, grappling with true Pacific Theatre material. I’m looking forward to some of Vancouver’s top actors wrestle with a truly mesmerizing text.

Check out the entire season and subscribe!

Tuesday, August 04, 2015

season announcement | gallery 7 theatre

Our friends at Gallery 7 Theatre in Abbotsford have announced their season!  We're excited to see them celebrating their 25th anniversary.



Jules Verne's
AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS*
A Comedy/Adventure by Mark Brown

November 6 & 7, 11 – 14, 2015 @ 7:30 PM
Matinees: Nov 7 & 14 @ 2:00 PM

On a whim, wealthy adventurer Phileas Fogg makes a bet with his friends that he can travel around the world in a mere eighty days. The problem? It's 1872 and the airplane hasn't been invented yet! Accompanied by his trusty servant, Passpartout, Fogg embarks on a journey unlike any other, dodging a pesky, ill-informed detective at every turn. Join us for this mad-cap adventure comedy featuring raging typhoons, runaway trains and stampeding elephants!

Lois Lowry's
THE GIVER*
Adapted by Eric Coble

January 29 & 30, February 3 - 6, 2016 @ 7:30 PM
Matinees: January 30 & Feb. 6 @ 2:00 PM

In a futuristic, utopian society where there is no war or misery, and each citizen is assigned their role in the community by the elders, young Jonas is surprised to learn that he has been chosen to receive special training from The Giver, the keeper of all memories of true joy and pain. As Jonas begins his education, the darker hypocrisies of his perfect world are brought to light, and he is faced with a decision that could risk all he has, including his own life. This moving adaption of the award-winning novel for young adults explores what it means to grow up and to be human in an imperfect world.

SCHOOLHOUSE**
By Leanna Brodie

April 8 & 9, 13 – 16, 2016 @ 7:30PM
Matinees: April 9 & 16 @ 2:00 PM

Set in 1838 in a one-room schoolhouse in the fictional town of Baker's Creek in rural Canada, a young but precocious Melinda Linton is appointed teacher of an endearing yet rambunctious group of children. Quickly gaining the respect of her young charges, Linton is challenged by the arrival of a new student, a juvenile delinquent named Ewart who was sent to the community after doing time in Battenville Training School. Linton attempts to reach out to the young boy and struggles to help both the town and the student move beyond their fears and insecurities. Full of poignancy, humour and warmth, this play celebrates those incredible teachers who impacted us most, and tenderly explores ageless themes of rejection, compassion and redemption.

FREUD'S LAST SESSION***
by Mark St. Germain

May 20 & 21, 25 – 28, 2016 @ 7:30 PM
Matinees: May 21 & 28 @ 2:00 PM

On the day England enters World War II, famous psychiatrist, Sigmund Freud and young novelist and Oxford fellow, C.S. Lewis engage in an intellectual and emotionally charged debate about some of life's biggest questions: love, God, relationships and the meaning of life. As the discussion ensues, the two discover a respect for the other, despite the significant differences of opinion that separate them. A fictional story brimming with humour and insight, this play celebrates friendship and respect as two of the greatest minds from the 20th century tackle the biggest questions of all time.

Introducing Our 2015 | 2016 Bonus Shows:


PANIC SQUAD AND FRIENDS
September 25, 2015 @ 7:30 PM

Those masters of super-clean, super-funny comedy improv are back! Thrill to side-splitting, tear rolling hilarity as the Squad invents scenes right before your eyes, using only the suggestions you give them. A perfect night out with family and friends!


CHRISTMAS PRESENCE****
December 19, 2015 @ 8:00 PM

A rag-tag gathering of musicians and actors sharing songs and stories for the holiday season, this is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Once again, we're joining forces with our friends from Pacific Theatre for this festive event and will feature, among others, Ron Reed and Ken Hildebrandt.

meet the apprentices | jess amy shead

Every season we gather a new group of new theatre graduates into our midst as season apprentices - you might know them as the people who process your subscription, answer the box office phone, and run the front of house, but that’s only a tiny portion of what they do! Our apprentices are all graduates from theatre training programs, on the verge of launching their professional careers. The apprenticeship program is part mentorship, part creative residency, allowing these fledgling artists a place to grow their craft, experiment, create, and try new roles in a professional environment, all while making valuable industry connections. Now is your chance to meet them! Up first, Jess Amy Shead.


Jess’ onstage experience includes playing Maria Elena in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, and Becky in Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol at the Chemainus Theatre Festival. She also appeared in FIRE with Blue Bridge Reparatory Theatre, and as Una in Blackbird with Theatre Inconnu. She recently played Sam in Runaway with Theatre SKAM, and took her new solo show The Somewhere Cedar, an adaptation of Jean Anouilh’s Antigone, to Intrepid Theatre’s UNO Festival. She has worked with companies such as Atomic Vaudeville, The Belfry Theatre, starstar theatre, NOW! Theatre, The Only Animal, the PuSh Festival, The Firehall Arts Centre, and many more. www.jessamyshead.com



Name: 
Jess Amy Shead

What were you doing last year:
I was the Artist Services Coordinator for the Vancouver Fringe Festival, and spent the holiday season at the Chemainus Theatre Festival playing a little cockney misfit and the long lost love of the 'high functioning sociopath' Sherlock Holmes.

What are your favourite shows you've worked on so far?

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at the Chemainus Theatre Festival is definitely a memorable show for me. It was a thrill to do every single night, right through to the end of the remount run, and was challenging musically and character wise. Also, the cast and crew formed a very special bond, and we still keep in touch through a Facebook group called 'Buddy Love'!

Another one that sticks out for me is Blackbird by David Harrower with Theatre Inconnu. This play is shockingly beautiful, and really challenged me to be a completely open, vulnerable actor, while finding the strength in a character that could so easily be portrayed as a victim. It was also a very difficult process to get the show up and running, and we lost the actor playing opposite me not long after to brain cancer. The Director had to step in to play opposite me on opening night with a headpiece in his ear being fed the lines from backstage! It was eventful to say the least, but I learned that no matter what is going on behind the scenes, the work is the work. I am forever grateful to everyone involved in that show.


What is your non-theatrical specialty?

Healthy living – I put a lot of time and effort into what goes into my body, and how I treat my ‘instrument’.

What is the number one thing you are excited about doing during your apprenticeship? 

This is such a hard question; there are so many viable options! I'll choose small - but impactful: I'm excited to work on creating a solid monologue repertoire!


Where did you train in theatre?

I did my post-secondary training at The Canadian College of Performing Arts.

What was your favourite part of your training? 

Having a place to go to to do what I loved, what felt right, and what I truly wanted to be doing. I’m looking forward to having that place again through this apprenticeship!


Is there anything coming up in the apprenticeship that will be totally new to you?

I'm very excited to work with Cara in the Community Engagement Mentorship. I've always been fascinated by the idea of engaging audience members beyond their roles as audience members, and I cannot wait to delve in to facilitating talkbacks, the Theatre Club, and getting to know the Subscribers!

What would be your top three categories of Trivial Pursuit?  (Invented or real)

Wes Anderson Movies, South Africa, and Nutritional Supplements.

Friday, July 31, 2015

15-16 staff picks | cara cunningham

Up next in our series of staff picks is Operations Coordinator Cara Cunningham.


WIT

I think the cast is amazing and the script is so stunning. This show gives you a lot to think about. I think about my own life and what I value and how I want to be perceived in this world.

COMMON GRACE

It’s my professional debut! I am absolutely delighted be a part of this amazing show. Shauna’s script really resonates with me and asks important questions. The rest of the cast is fantastic and I cannot wait to get started.

A GOOD MOTHER

Pacific Theatre’s Working With program is so special and Kathy’s play is brilliant. I am so excited to see this come alive. It will definitely have an impact on how you view parenting.

Check out the entire season and subscribe!

Thursday, July 30, 2015

aug 5-7 | once upon a princess | kirsty provan

On our stage this summer is a show that you probably never expected to see at Pacific Theatre: My Little Princess Events (run by former apprentice Kirsty Provan) presents ONCE UPON A PRINCESS: A FAIRYTALE ON STAGE.  This one's chalk-full of PT-connections: produced and written by Kirsty, featuring Pippa Johnstone (THE RAINMAKER), Diana Squires (IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW), and directed by regular PT stage manager Laura McLean.


Once Upon a Princess: A Fairytale on Stage
August 5-7
Tickets at Brown Paper Tickets

Emily’s life is a bit of a disaster. That is, until she stumbles upon a magical book in her grandpapa’s library. As pages fly and stories intertwine, she must navigate the chapters and discover their true meaning in order to get all of her favourite characters back into their proper sections before the clock strikes midnight!

NOTE: This is not a Pacific Theatre production, so all questions about the show should be directed to My Little Princess Events.

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

15-16 staff picks | alison chisholm

It's time for our annual "Staff Picks" series once again!  Just like the little shelf in your favourite book store telling you what the staff's favourite reads are, we'll give you the PT staff's top picks for the coming season.  Up first, Co-General Manager Alison Chisholm!


SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN

Love starting off the season with a good musical romp, and Midnight Theatre Collective musicals never miss!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: ON THE AIR

Peter Church is king of radio shows. Looking forward to bringing back the hilarity of the radio commercials with another Christmas classic.

WIT

I’ve had this play on my 'list of shows to see' for a long time. Can’t wait to see to see it on the PT stage with a star-studded cast

Check out the entire season and subscribe!

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

audition schedule | gallery 7 theatre

Our friends at Gallery 7 Theatre in Abbotsford have announced their audition schedule for the coming season!  Get more on the productions on their site, and check out their handy Actor's Orientation Package.



Around the World in 80 Days

General Audition: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 @ 6:30 PM
Call Backs: Thursday, September 10, 2015 @ 7:00 PM

The Giver

General Audition: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 @ 6:30 PM
Call Backs: Saturday, October 31, 2015 @ 10:00 AM

Schoolhouse

General Audition: Tuesday, January 12, 2016 @ 6:30 PM
Call Backs: Saturday, January 16, 2016 @ 10:00 AM

Freud's Last Session

General Audition: Tuesday, March 8, 2016 @ 6:30 PM
Call Backs: Saturday, March 12, 2016 @ 10:00 AM

Online registration is available for auditions, or email info@gallery7theatre.com or call 604-504-5940.

Wednesday, July 08, 2015

stonewater rapture | photos

Kayla Heselwood's apprentice production of THE STONEWATER RAPTURE (a co-production with Clockwork Theatre) opens tonight! Here are some of the advance photos they did for the show. Looks fascinating!





Friday, July 03, 2015

july 8-11 | the stonewater rapture | kayla heselwood

Next week apprentice Kayla Heselwood's year-end production of THE STONEWATER RAPTURE opens! 


The Stonewater Rapture by Doug Wright
a Stone's Throw and Clockwork Theatre production
July 8-11

Carlyle and Whitney are two Texan teenagers on the verge of their sexual awakening. Whitney, who has just been elected president of his church’s youth ministry, desperately tries to seduce Carlyle to avoid further bullying from the other boys at school for being a virgin. Carlyle, however, will have none of it, and she coyly refuses Whitney’s advances while making sure she berates him with the biblical knowledge and religious protocol they have been subject to their entire lives. Through a series of mishap and devastating downfalls, the two struggle to find common ground between their religious upbringing and the harsh realities of the world.

Featuring: Kayla Heselwood; and Kenton Klassen

Directed by: Phil Miguel
Assistant Directed and Stage Management by: Eleanor Felton
Set and Lighting Design by: Phil Miguel
Costume Design by: Kayla Heselwood
Sound Design by: Becky MacDormand
Props and Set Dress by: Sharra Ganzeveld

Warning: Minor Language and Sexuality

Tickets available online here.

Thursday, July 02, 2015

summer drama blast | gallery 7 theatre

Our friends at Gallery 7 Theatre are hosting another summer of camps for kids and teens!  Check out the details on their website here.


An Explosion of Theatrical Fun & Learning for Kids & Teens ages 6 - 18, featuring:

Age Specific Camps:
Creative Explosions (6 & 7) | Dramatic Rumblings (8 & 9) | Stage Eruptions (10 & 11)
Dynamite Playmakers (12 & 13)

Theatre Intensive Camps for Teens:
Performance Intensive | Shakespeare in Performance

Our Location:
Abbotsford Arts Centre Community Arts Addition
2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford

This summer, do something DRAMATIC. Explore theatre performance in a life-affirming environment where you can freely explore your creative side. Click the links below for full details, including camp descriptions, schedule, and registration fees. Registration opens April 13!

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

announcing alison chisholm and frank nickel as co-general managers!

We couldn't be more excited to announce that Alison Chisholm and Frank Nickel as Co-General Managers!  This is a big move towards the long-term sustainability of the company, and we are all looking forward to working with them in this new capacity.  Congratulations, Frank and Alison!

 

jul 5 | pierce pettis with allen des noters | pacific theatre

Allen des Noyers is a Christmas Presence staple, and a co-founder of Pacific Theatre. One of my favourite musicians, truth be told. Well, even our musical heroes have musical heroes, and Allen's is Pierce Pettis. So Allen's bringing him to town this Sunday, and opening for him in an informal concert at Pacific Theatre. I'll be out of town, celebrating my 34th anniversary, so everyone reading this blog will have to go in my place…

Pierce Pettis began his long career as a writer/artist at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama and later as a staff songwriter for Polygram/Universal Music in Nashville.

After winning the prestigious Kerrville songwriter competition, he was signed to Wyndham Hill records, and later by Compass Records. His songs have been covered by artists ranging from Garth Brooks and Dion to Joan Baez and Art Garfunkel. Pettis' fifth album for Compass Records (Nashville), "That Kind of Love" (2009), received rave reviews from XM/Sirius Satellite Radio, Paste Magazine, Performing Songwriter, American Songwriter, The (London, UK) Sunday Express, Image Quarterly . . . to name a few. .”