The Jessies

The Jessie RichaRdson TheaTRe awaRd socieTy pResenTs VancouVeR’s pRofessional TheaTRe awaRds and paRTy

coMe celeBRaTe 35 yeaRs!

Monday, June 26, 2017

coMModoRe BallRooM pRoduced and diRecTed By

WELCOME 2016/2017

THE 35 TH JESSIE AWARDS CELEBRATING THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE VANCOUVER PROFESSIONAL THEATRE COMMUNITY

2017 JESSIE AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

LARGE THEATRE ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE LIGHTING DESIGN SET DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN SOUND DESIGN OR ORIGINAL COMPOSITION DIRECTION PRODUCTION SIGNIFICANT ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT

SMALL THEATRE

WELCOME TO THE 35TH ANNUAL JESSIE RICHARDSON THEATRE AWARDS We begin by acknowledging that we live, work, play, create and currently gather on the land of the x?məθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwəta?/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.

Tonight, the Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards Society welcomes you to Vancouver’s annual professional theatre awards ceremony. We gather to raise a glass and celebrate the outstanding work of a talented and diverse community of artists.

ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE LIGHTING DESIGN SET DESIGN COSTUME DESIGN SOUND DESIGN OR ORIGINAL COMPOSITION DIRECTION PRODUCTION SIGNIFICANT ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT

THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCE

This season, our juries attended 67 productions that displayed the dedication, ingenuity, and creativity of our community. Tonight, we will recognize a small portion of these artists from this stage, yet these productions are all held up by the many hours put in by administrators, technicians, board members and other seemingly invisible partners. We see you. We are grateful for your time, energy, and passion. Your work makes Vancouver a vibrant place to live, work and play; enriching residents and visitors alike.

PERFORMANCE DESIGN ARTISTIC CREATION PRODUCTION SIGNIFICANT ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT

Please give your colleagues on the stage the same respectful attention you give them in performance. They’ll be grateful and you will be moved and entertained by what you hear.

We’ll keep things moving so that we can all get to the dancing quickly!

VANCOUVER NOW REPRESENTATION AND INCLUSION AWARD OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SCRIPT GEORGIA STRAIGHT CRITICS’ CHOICE INNOVATION AWARD PATRON OF THE ARTS MARY PHILLIPS PRIZE FOR BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACHIEVEMENT SAM PAYNE AWARD FOR THE MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER JOHN MOFFAT & LARRY LILLO PRIZE GVPTA CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD SYDNEY RISK PRIZE COLIN CAMPBELL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL THEATRE RAY MICHAL PRIZE FOR MOST PROMISING NEW DIRECTOR

We’re so glad you’re here. Let’s celebrate!

–The JRTAS Board of Directors

THANK YOU! We are most grateful to our sponsors and partners who help make the Jessie Awards possible. And, thank you to SFU Woodwards, PL1422, Pacific Theatre, Artslandia, Railtown Entertainment, Fusion Cine, Cause and Effect Circus, Protec Production Group, Emelia Symington Fedy, Arthur Watson and Obidiah Watson for your support.

ADDITIONAL AWARDS

2017 | Jessie Awards 3

fun facts ABOUT YOUR MASTERS OF CEREMONIES

Jacqueline

Munish

BIRTHPLACE: SURREY

BIRTHPLACE: REGINA

AGE: 29 & HOLDING!

AGE: 36

MIDDLE NAME: DAWN

MIDDLE NAME: I DON’T HAVE ONE.

COVETED ROLE: ALICE COOPER, HEDWIG, OR SALLY BOWLES! FAVOURITE PERFORMANCE: MAUREEN IN RENT AND ERMA IN ANYTHING GOES

COVETED ROLE: EBENEZER SCROOGE FAVOURITE PERFORMANCE: BASHIR IN THE INVISIBLE HAND

FOLLOW US FOLLOW ARTSLANDIA ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, AND INSTAGRAM RIGHT NOW FOR LIVE UPDATES FROM TONIGHT’S EVENT. 4 2017 | Jessie Awards

PHOTOS BY ROB TRENDIAK

@TRENDIAKPHOTO

AND THESE ARE YOUR JESSIE HOSTS

Q&A

WHO ARE THESE STARS WHO HAVE TAKEN THE STAGE TO BE YOUR MC’S FOR THIS EVENING? YES, WE ALL KNOW THEM, BUT DO WE REALLY KNOW THESE TWO PERFORMERS WHO HAVE EXCELLED BOTH ON STAGE AND OFF? NOW’S YOUR CHANCE!” JACQUELINE BREAKWELL Jacqueline Breakwell is a staple in the Vancouver performing arts community.

This Capilano University graduate has acted for Gateway Theatre, Theatre Under the Stars, Fighting Chance Productions, and The Arts Club Theatre Company, and on-screen in Psych, Roadies, Some Assembly Required and Travelers. By night, this multi-talented star is better known as Miss Kiss, the fierce burlesque performer who has graced the stage at a variety of shows including the oh-so-famous Vancouver International Burlesque Festival. She won an Ovation Award for her stellar performance as the eccentric Maureen in Fighting Chance Productions’ Rent as well at Erma in Anything Goes.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFORMING? WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE? I am going to be a total cliché and say, as long as I can remember! I once forced my friends to put on a Spice Girls concert for our parents, complete with costume changes, mic rentals and choreo rehearsals. We raised money for the SPCA and took donations for the Food Bank. The first role I remember, outside of elementary school, was a terrible production of Annie where I was an orphan and Understudy Pepper.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Burnaby, BC WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PERFORMANCE?

That’s tough. It’s a toss-up between Maureen in Rent and Erma in Anything Goes.

LEAST FAVOURITE?

The production of Annie I previously mentioned. We had to pay to be in it and provide our own costumes. The best part was… I got to pet the dog.

DO YOU STILL GET NERVOUS BEFORE PERFORMING?

Always! I’m told it’s a good thing, meaning that you haven’t lost your edge or your passion.

WORST MOMENT ON STAGE?

There was a time when there was no stage lighting, so a dude hooked up a flood light and I cartwheeled off the stage because I was blinded.

I was dressed as I clown, so I assume I played it off pretty well.

HOW MANY PRODUCTIONS HAVE YOU ACTED?

More than a gaggle, less than a legion.

JACQUELINE BREAKWELL

&

MUNISH SHARMA

MUNISH SHARMA Munish Sharma is a jack of all trades when it comes to performance. From writing to acting, to even cofounding drama troupes—he’s done it all. Munish has stolen the show in his lead roles on-stage in productions such as Iceland and This is War, and he’s recently earned himself a Jessie Award nomination for his outstanding performance in Pi Theatre’s The Invisible Hand in 2016. He’s even penned some noteworthy pieces, as well, with his play, Mrs. Singh and Me, being awarded the Pick of Fringe at the 2015 Vancouver Fringe Festival. He’s also the cofounder and co-creator Canada’s first South Asian sketch-comedy production, I Can’t Believe it’s not Butter Chicken.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFORMING? WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST ROLE?

10 years. My first role was Captain Hook in Grade 3.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Regina, SK WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLAY IN WHICH YOU HAVE ACTED?

The Invisible Hand WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PERFORMANCE?

Bashir in The Invisible Hand LEAST FAVOURITE?

Nice try.

DO YOU STILL GET NERVOUS BEFORE PERFORMING?

If I’m not nervous then it doesn’t mean anything to me. So yes, yes I do.

WORST MOMENT ON STAGE?

I unexpectedly flashed the audience during a burlesque performance…but that wasn’t the worst part. I tried to tell it as a funny story while MC’ing an event and the audience was not having it. It was horrible.

ONE ROLE YOU LONG TO PLAY?

HOW MANY PRODUCTIONS HAVE YOU ACTED?

Alice Cooper. Aside from that, Hedwig, though I don’t have the right parts, sadly. Ok, I will go with… Sally Bowles!

I’ve never counted but I do my best to stay active.

ONE ROLE YOU LONG TO PLAY?

YOU MAY KNOW ME FROM:

Ebenezer Scrooge

Reading this.

ADVICE TO WINNERS TONIGHT WHEN ACCEPTING THEIR JESSIE?

WHERE YOU’LL SEE ME NEXT:

I have been focusing a bit more on film lately, but hope to get back to my love of live theatre soon. @XX_MISSKISS_XX

Speak from your gut and honour your mentors. @MUNISHARMA.COM0

AND THE FINALISTS ARE...

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN LARGE THEATRE SPONSOR:

Itai Erdal Moonlodge, Urban Ink Gerald King King of the Yees, Gateway Theatre Robert Sondergaard Rock of Ages, The Arts Club Theatre Company

John Webber Pericles, Bard on the Beach John Webber Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, The Arts Club Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN SMALL THEATRE

Itai Erdal O’wet/Lost Lagoon, Alley Theatre in association with Full Circle: First Nations Performance

Itai Erdal Walt Whitman’s Secret,

the frank theatre company

Jonathan Kim The City and The City, Upintheair

Theatre and The Only Animal presented as part of the PuSh Festival

Jonathan Kim The Nether, redcurrant collective Andrew Pye Flare Path, The Slamming Door Artist Collective

OUTSTANDING DESIGN THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCE

Randi Edmundson & Jess Amy Shead Freddie in the Neighbourhood, The Little Onion Puppet Company, Puppet Creation

Randi Edmundson Freddie in the Neighbourhood, The Little Onion Puppet Company, Set Design

Shizuka Kai On My Walk, Carousel Theatre for Young People, Production Design

Jessica Oostergo Baking Time, Presentation House Theatre, Production Design

Frank Radar & Barbara Clayden Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch,

Axis Theatre Company, Puppet Creation

6 2017 | Jessie Awards

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN SMALL THEATRE

Michelle Allard Walt Whitman’s Secret,

the frank theatre company

Lauchlin Johnston Creeps, Realwheels Theatre Lauchlin Johnston Long Division, Pi Theatre Heipo Leung Betrayal, Ensemble Theatre Company Yvan Morisette Green Lake, Solo Collective

VANCOUVER NOW REPRESENTATION AND INCLUSION AWARD Rohit Chokhani for his leadership as a

founder and executor of numerous initiatives and activities reflecting an expanding vision of cultural diversity.

Chris Gatchalian for producing an

extraordinary 16/17 season that included Q2Q, the first ever queer theatre Conference in Canada, which embraced intersections of queerness and cultural diversity with vision and integrity.

David C. Jones for demonstrating

leadership as a champion of diversity (intersections of queer, cultural diversity, differently abled) in his body of work as a director, producer, and writer.

Sherry Yoon for initiating the 3.7%

program, a powerful initiative to provide mentorship and leadership training to emerging women artists of colour in theatre.

OUTSTANDING SET DESIGN LARGE THEATRE SPONSOR:

Drew Facey Brothel #9, Touchstone Theatre Pam Johnson Bakersfield Mist, The Arts Club Theatre Company

Lauchlin Johnston The Flick, The Arts Club Theatre Company Ken MacKenzie Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, The Arts Club Theatre Company

Amir Ofek Pericles, Bard on the Beach

(Order of presentation)

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN SMALL THEATRE

Carmen Alatorre Walt Whitman’s Secret,

the frank theatre company

Christopher David Gauthier Creeps, Realwheels Theatre Christopher David Gauthier Redpatch, Hardline Productions Chantal Short Flare Path, The Slamming Door Artist Collective

Marina Szijarto Elbow Room Café: The Musical, Zee Zee Theatre

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN LARGE THEATRE SPONSOR:

Carmen Alatorre Pericles, Bard on the Beach Nancy Bryant Romeo and Juliet, Bard on the Beach Mara Gottler King of the Yees, Gateway Theatre Mara Gottler Othello, Bard on the Beach Christine Reimer The Audience, The Arts Club Theatre Company

MARY PHILLIPS AWARD FOR BEHIND THE SCENES ACHIEVEMENT To be announced at ceremony

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE SMALL THEATRE SPONSOR:

Sebastien Archibald The Pipeline Project, ITSAZOO

Productions and Savage Society in association with Neworld Theatre and the Gateway Theatre

Jesse Martyn Flare Path, The Slamming Door Artist Collective

Ashley O`Connell Flare Path, The Slamming Door Artist Collective

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE

SYDNEY RISK PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SCRIPT

LARGE THEATRE

To be announced at ceremony

Scott Bellis Romeo and Juliet, Bard on the Beach Craig Erickson Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, The Arts Club Theatre Company

Andrew McNee Romeo and Juliet, Bard on the Beach Valin Shinyei Billy Elliot: The Musical, The Arts Club Theatre Company

Sanjay Talwar The Men in White, The Arts Club Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE SMALL THEATRE SPONSOR:

Reneltta Arluk Redpatch, Hardline Productions Yoshié Bancroft Ithaka, dream of passion productions & Excavation Theatre

Kayla Deorksen Green Lake, Solo Collective Sarah May Redmond And Bella Sang with Us,

And Bella Artists Collective

Donna Soares Green Lake, Solo Collective

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE LARGE THEATRE SPONSOR:

Lindsey Angell How to Survive an Apocalypse, Touchstone Theatre

Luisa Jojic Othello, Bard on the Beach

SAM PAYNE AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER

LARGE THEATRE

OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN OR ORIGINAL COMPOSITION

Outstanding Ensemble Performance Lyne Barnabé, Leanna Brodie, Thérèse Champagne, Siona Gareau-Brennan, Vincent Leblanc-Beaudoin, Emilie Leclerc, Annie Lefebvre and Joey Lespérance, Bonjour, là, bonjour,

SMALL THEATRE

James Coomber The Nether, redcurrant collective James Coomber Redpatch, Hardline Productions

Théâtre la Seizième

Troy Slocum The Pipeline Project, ITSAZOO

Outstanding Ensemble Performance Ian Butcher, Kayla Deorksen, Jeff Gladstone, Luisa Jojic, Kavyon Khoshkam, Sereana Malani, Kamyar Pazandeh, Luc Roderique and David Warburton, Pericles, Bard on the Beach

Curtis Tweedie Flare Path, The Slamming Door

Outstanding Work in Expanding the Diversification of Vancouver Theatre Through Excellence in Festival Programming Rohit Chokhani, Diwali Fest

Matthew MacDonald-Bain The Fighting Season, Bleeding Heart Theatre

Productions and Savage Society in association with Neworld Theatre and the Gateway Theatre

Artist Collective

OUTSTANDING SOUND DESIGN OR ORIGINAL COMPOSITION

Outstanding Movement Collaboration Wendy Gorling, Pericles,

LARGE THEATRE

Bard on the Beach

Torquil Campbell and Alessandro Juliani Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, The Arts Club

SIGNIFICANT ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT

Theatre Company

Steve Charles Moonlodge, Urban Ink Steve Charles Othello, Bard on the Beach Malcolm Dow Pericles, Bard on the Beach Patrick Pennefather The Piano Teacher, The Arts Club Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING ARTISTIC CREATION THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCE

Kayla Dunbar A Charlie Brown Christmas, Carousel

Theatre for Young People, Choreography

Gabrielle Rose Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, The Arts Club

CJ McGillivray On my Walk, Carousel Theatre for Young

Laara Sadiq Brothel #9, Touchstone Theatre

SIGNIFICANT ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT SPONSOR:

Carole Higgins

Theatre Company

To be announced at ceremony

To be announced at ceremony

Erin Ormond The Audience, The Arts Club Theatre Company

JOHN MOFFAT AND LARRY LILLO PRIZE

On My Walk, Carousel for Young People, Director

People, Composer

Chris McGregor Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, Axis Theatre Company, Director

Kim Selody Baking Time, Presentation House

SMALL THEATRE SPONSOR:

Outstanding Innovation in Video Design Cande Andrade, am a, Mindy Parfitt and Amber Funk Barton Present Outstanding Ensemble Performance Paul Beckett, David Bloom, Genevieve Fleming, Brett Harris, David A. Kaye, Aaron Roderick and Adam Grant Warren, Creeps, Realwheels Theatre Outstanding Innovation in Staging Interactive Audio Kendra Fanconi, Daniel Martin, Dave Mott and Jason Patrick Rothery, The City and The City, Upintheair Theatre and The Only Animal presented as part of the PuSh Festival Outstanding Innovation of Audience and Community Engagement or Social Justice award The Pipeline Project, ITSAZOO Productions and Savage Society in association with Neworld Theatre and the Gateway Theatre Outstanding Portrayal of Indigenous History Using Non-linear Storytelling Quelemia Sparrow, O’wet/Lost Lagoon, Alley Theatre

Theatre, Direction

2017 | Jessie Awards 7

FINALISTS CONTINUED SIGNIFICANT ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENT THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCE

Outstanding Audience Engagement Baking Time, Presentation House Theatre

Connecting theatre makers with theatre audiences

Box office Marketing Volunteer management TheatreWire.com @TheatreWire

Freddie in the Neighbourhood, The Little Onion Puppet Company

On My Walk, Carousel Theatre for Young People

Theatre Company

Ester Duquette and Gilles Poulin-Denis Straight Jacket Winter, Théâtre la Seizième

Anosh Irani The Men in White, The Arts Club Theatre Company

Sean Harris Oliver Fighting Season, Bleeding Heart Theatre Quelemia Sparrow O’Wet/Lost Lagoon, Alley Theatre

THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCE SPONSOR:

Jeny Cassady, Mika Laulainen & Sarah May Redmond Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, Axis Theatre Company

Randi Edmundson & Jess Amy Shead Freddie in the Neighbourhood, The Little Onion Puppet Company

William Hopkins Robinson Crusoe, Axis Theatre Company Nimet Kanji Sultans of the Street, Carousel Theatre for Young People

Emilie LeClerc A Charlie Brown Christmas,

Carousel Theatre for Young People

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

BY AN ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE LARGE THEATRE SPONSOR:

granville island stage

8 2017 | Jessie Awards

goldcorp stage at the bmo theatre centre

Nadeem Phillip The Men in White, The Arts Club Theatre Company

Haig Sutherland The Flick, The Arts Club Theatre Company

SPONSOR:

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

stanley industrial alliance stage

Club Theatre Company

Dorothy Dittrich The Piano Teacher, The Arts Club

To be announced at ceremony

—Your fans at the Arts Club

Nolan Fahey Billy Elliot: The Musical, The Arts

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

BY ACTOR IN A LEAD ROLE

PATRON OF THE ARTS AWARD

Best wishes and applause to all of this year’s nominees!

Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SCRIPT

in association with Full Circle: First Nations Performance

CONGRATS!

Ryan Beil Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, The Arts Club

Damien Atkins Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, The Arts Club Theatre Company

SMALL THEATRE

Linden Banks Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, Theatre Obscura

Raes Calvert Redpatch, Hardline Productions Aadin Church Top Dog/Underdog,

Seven Tyrants Theatre

Kyle Jespersen The Fighting Season,

Bleeding Heart Theatre

Tom Pickett Walt Whitman’s Secret,

the frank theatre company

GEORGIA STRAIGHT CRITIC’S CHOICE INNOVATION AWARD To be announced at ceremony SPONSOR:

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE LARGE THEATRE SPONSOR:

Shannon Chan-Kent The Flick, The Arts Club Theatre Company Megan Leitch The Piano Teacher, The Arts Club Theatre Company

Adele Noronha Brothel #9, Touchstone Theatre PJ Prudat Moonlodge, Urban Ink Katharine Venour Wit, Pacific Theatre

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

BY ACTRESS IN A LEAD ROLE

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION

SMALL THEATRE

Baking Time

SPONSOR:

Siona Gareau-Brennan The Fighting Season, Bleeding Heart Theatre

THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCE

Presentation House

A Charlie Brown Christmas Carousel Theatre for Young People

Alexandra Lainfiesta Green Lake, Solo Collective

Freddie in the Neighbourhood

Quelemia Sparrow The Pipeline Project, ITSAZOO

Land of Trash

Productions and Savage Society in association with Neworld Theatre and the Gateway Theatre

The Little Onion Puppet Company Green Thumb Theatre

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch Axis Theatre Company

Lori Triolo Bug, Reality Curve Theatre

GVPTA CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

Deborah Williams 5@50, Zee Zee Theatre/Ruby Slippers

Marsha Sibthorpe

Theatre

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION LARGE THEATRE

RAY MICHAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING EMERGING DIRECTOR

SPONSOR:

To be announced at ceremony

The Arts Club Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION SMALL THEATRE

Brian Cochrane Creeps, Realwheels Theatre Sean Harris Oliver and Raes Calvert Redpatch, Hardline Productions Jack Paterson Walt Whitman’s Secret,

the frank theatre company

Rachel Peake Green Lake, Solo Collective Sarah Rodgers and Ian Harmon And Bella Sang with Us, And Bella Artists Collective

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION LARGE THEATRE SPONSOR:

Lois Anderson Pericles, Bard on the Beach Kim Collier Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, The Arts Club Theatre Company

Katrina Dunn Brothel #9, Touchstone Theatre Esther Duquette, Édith Patenaude & Gilles Poulin-Denis Straight Jacket Winter, Théâtre la Seizième

Gilles Poulin-Denis Bonjour, là, bonjour, Théâtre la Seizième

COLIN CAMPBELL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL THEATRE

Angels in America: Millennium Approaches Brothel #9 Touchstone Theatre

Moonlodge Urban Ink

Pericles Bard on the Beach

Straight Jacket Winter Théâtre la Seizième

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION SMALL THEATRE SPONSOR:

Creeps Realwheels Theatre

Green Lake Solo Collective

The Pipeline Project ITSAZOO Productions and Savage Society in association with Neworld Theatre and the Gateway Theatre

Redpatch Hardline Productions

Walt Whitman’s Secret the frank theatre company

CATEGORY SPONSORS LARGE THEATRE: FULL CATEGORY SPONSOR: CMHC SMALL THEATRE FULL CATEGORY SPONSOR: ANVIL CENTRE

To be announced at ceremony

2017 | Jessie Awards 9

MARSHA SIBTHORPE GVPTA CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD MARSHA SIBTHORPE grew up north of Toronto in Waverly and trained at the Theatre School at Niagara College in Welland, Ontario. Upon graduating, Marsha spent 3 years at the Shaw Festival, first as an apprentice electrician, and then as the lighting operator at the Court House Theatre. In 1971, Marsha followed her life’s partner to Vancouver and started her lighting design career at The Arts Club Theatre Company with The Lion in Winter. 285 Arts Club productions later, Marsha retired this year with her final show being Moms the Word, Nest 1⁄ 2 Empty.

In the 1970’s Marsha quietly broke ground for women; she was one of the very few female lighting designers in the country. Marsha led the way for women to enter the world of technical theatre.

For more than 40 years, Marsha has been an artistic force within the theatre community as a brilliant designer and champion of the art of lighting design.

Article by JASMINE PROCTOR

“For me, realizing that what I wanted to do for the rest of my life was to be a lighting designer— that was pretty huge.”

From her early days as a theatre buff in high school, Marsha Sibthorpe knew that she would always be involved in the arts.

The theatre department was where she felt she belonged, right from the start. Inspired by her drama teacher, Marsha headed for theatre school, where she took up an apprenticeship with the Shaw Festival in Ontario. There was no turning back.

design. During the months Marsha spent coiling cables for the Shaw Festival, she found another mentor. Gill Wechsler, an experienced lighting designer who worked with the Metropolitan Opera in New York, had, in Marsha’s eyes, impeccable credentials. “He was a special man, and I was in the right place, at the right time.” This chance encounter set the stage for a long and accomplished career in the lighting design field.

The apprenticeship program illuminated, you could say, the route Marsha would continue to take for the next 45 years—lighting

During her time, Martha was involved with more than 500 productions, constantly reinvigorated by the work that she took on. Whether

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it was the show, or the director, or the script, Marsha always discovered different ways to keep motivated and view her work in a new light (no pun intended). “Each show was like a new job—a brand new thing.” Her favourite challenge was a never-done-before piece.

“It was inspiring, knowing that I would be the first person to throw some light on it.” While unable to pick a favourite among the hundreds of original productions she worked on, Marsha was able to bring her expertise to some well-known classics as well, ranging from the ever popular Les Misérables with the Arts Club at Vancouver’s own Stanley Theatre, to the gothic classic, Dracula, with the Chemainus Theatre Festival.

During her long career in the arts, Marsha experienced many epiphany moments along the way. The biggest? Finding her passion.

“For me, realizing that what I wanted to do for the rest of my life was to be a lighting designer—that was pretty huge.” As a result, Martha stayed in the lighting design industry for 45 years. Her dedication to her craft allowed her to shape a dynamic career, which has contributed to the flourishing of the Vancouver arts community over the past several decades.

However, the designer recently experienced yet another “ah-ha” moment: realizing it was time to turn off the lights and pack it in.

“When you’re in theatre, you’re working a lot of nights. There’s a lot you can’t do because it conflicts.” After working in the industry for so long, Marsha decided to end off with a bang and take the opportunity to focus on other things.

Marsha believes firmly in passion when working. “Theatre is really hard work, and you have to love what you’re doing.” Her career is proof that passion, talent, and inspiration are the key to success. From finding a place of belonging in her high school’s theatre program to a chance mentorship encounter during her apprenticeship with the Shaw Festival, this award-winning lighting designer truly followed her heart to create an incandescent career. .

“It was inspiring, knowing that I would be the first person to throw some light on it.”

congratulations

to our friends and cooeagues for another season of

outstanding theatre

“I can no other answer make but thanks, and thanks; and ever thanks.”

– Twelfth Night

Congratulations to all the dedicated artists whose work entertained and delighted us in 2016!

bardonthebeach.org 2017 | Jessie Awards 11

JESSIE RICHARDSON JESSIE RICHARDSON was a local pioneer in the development of professional theatre.

Once met, she was never forgotten. She could be found at the center of any dramatic activity that aspired to professional theatre—she created costumes, acted, toured the province, raised money and raised the spirits of all.

Jessie gave everyone she encountered a sense of community and common purpose. It was, and continues to be, fitting to celebrate Vancouver’s theatrical excellence in her honour.

SPECIAL AWARDS DESCRIPTION SYDNEY J. RISK Sydney J. Risk was a Western Canadian theatre pioneer who formed Everyman Theatre, a reparatory company, in 1946.

The company toured Western Canada at a time when there were no professional theatre companies and no government grants. He contributed to the theatre as a professional actor and educator with the Universities of BC and Alberta and the Banff School of Fine Arts. However, it is his support of playwrights for which he is particularly remembered, producing new plays through Everyman and later at UBC. In memory of Mr. Risk, the Sydney J. Risk Foundation created this award to recognize an outstanding origi-

CARRIER TALENT MANAGEMENT CONGRATULATES: NADEEM PHILLIP RAES CALVERT ALEXANDRA LAINFIESTA JESSE MARTYN LYNDSEY ANGELL

ON THEIR 2017 JESSIE AWARD NOMINATIONS! 12 2017 | Jessie Awards

nal play by an emerging writer. A monetary gift accompanies this award, given annually in memory of this inspiring director and teacher. Further information about Sydney J. Risk Foundation may be obtained by contacting Donald Risk at dhrisk@shaw.ca.

THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT CRITIC’S CHOICE INNOVATION AWARD The the Innovation Award is adjudicated

by Vancouver theatre critics, and celebrates the most successfully innovative production of the year. The nominating committee for this award includes Jo Ledingham, Colin Thomas, and Mark Robins. They nominate the five most innovative productions of the season and select one winner. The producer receives a special trophy.

PATRON OF THE ARTS AWARD The Patron of the Arts Award recognizes an individual or organization that has provided significant support to live theatre in our community. In honouring these exceptional supporters, we celebrate the impulse to philanthropy that is essential to our survival.

The Patron of the Arts Award is juried each year by a committee of the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance.

THE SAM PAYNE AWARD FOR MOST PROMISING NEWCOMER Born in New Westminster, Sam Payne received his formal training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, England. Upon returning to Canada, he joined the company of Ottawa’s Canadian Repertory Theatre along with Christopher Plummer, Derek Ralston, Amelia Hall, et al.

The company ran for three years and is credited for being the first professional theatre company in Canada. Returning to BC, Sam worked as an actor, director, adjudicator, and producer. He put his stamp of excellence on every company from the early days of Totem and Vanguard Theatre to CBC’s Golden Age of Radio Drama and the beginning of television drama. The Sam Payne Award was established to recognize and encourage new talent on the Vancouver Theatre Scene.

THE PERFORMING ARTS RECOGNITION FUND The three components of The Performing Arts Recognition Fund are The Mary Phillips Award, The Ray Michal Award, and The John Moffat and Larry Liillo Prize. These three cash awards, administered by The Vancouver Foundation, provide unique opportunities for us to recognize local theatre artists. By making a personal investment in our community, you help ensure the ongoing recognition of our outstanding artists. Donations can be made payable to The Vancouver Foundation and sent to: The Performing Arts Recognition Fund, c/o The Vancouver Foundation, Suite 1200, 555 West Hastings St., Box 12132, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6.

THE JOHN MOFFAT AND LARRY LILLO PRIZE John and Larry were prodigiously talented theatre artists—lovers of life, art and fun — who were lost to AIDS. John and Larry were integral members of the contemporary Vancouver Theatre scene. They were recipients of numerous Jessies, John for performance and Larry for directing. This Prize grew out of a request by John that an annual award be established in memory of his longtime companion, Larry Lillo. In their memory, a cash prize is presented each year to a West Coast theatre artist to be used for a project, a course of study, or to fulfill their heart’s desire. In John and Larry’s memory, we must strive to live courageous, creative lives full of laughter and love.

THE RAY MICHAL PRIZE FOR MOST PROMISING NEW DIRECTOR Ray Michal was a vital force in Vancouver’s theatrical life. As the artistic director for City Stage, directing over 100 productions, his choice of plays and players, to some, were quite risky. However, Ray’s vision provided a guiding light for innovation in theatre that is still present in our city today. As one of the very first directors to present “lunch hour” theatre, he offered many people their first break in the arts. Ray won two Jessies for Outstanding Direction of a Play, and in 1988, was given the Career Achievement Award. His wife Betty and sons Carl and Paul established the Ray Michal Prize which offers a monetary bursary to the most promising newcomer in the field of Stage Direction. The bursary is awarded annually to a person who has combined commitment, vision, integrity, and added a dash of daring to their artistic endeavors.

THE MARY PHILLIPS AWARD FOR BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACHIEVEMENT This award honours our unsung heroes: publicists, stage managers, administrators, accountants, box office and front-of-house personnel—all those wonderful people who labour in obscurity and will never be asked to take a bow for their work. The prize commemorates Mary Phillips, whose matchless wit and style graced the behind-the-scenes at City Stage. When she fell ill with breast cancer, the theatre community’s love and respect for her was demonstrated in a memorable evening of entertainment, the “pass the Hat” benefit of September 4, 1988. David Phillips established the Mary Phillips Award with the generous donations of Vancouver’s theatre community. Each year, this award is given to a person who best exemplifies the spirit and dedication which were Mary’s gifts to the performing arts in Vancouver.

THE COLIN CAMPBELL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TECHNICAL THEATRE Colin Campbell lived and worked in technical theatre and live performance for over 30 years in a variety of capacities and increasing responsibility. The Colin Campbell Award for Excellence in Technical Theatre is awarded to an individual at any stage in their career who has displayed excellence and commitment to the field of professional technical theatre in Greater Vancouver through their body of work. Colin Campbell, production manager at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company, passed away on June 25, 2010, after a fierce and inspiring battle with cancer. His friends and colleagues have established an award in his name to recognize an individual who shares Colin’s commitment to excellence in the field of technical theatre.

JURY CHAIRS CONNIE HOSIE Audiences last saw Connie’s work as Costume Designer for Pi Theatre’s Long Division. As stage manager, Connie has worked everywhere from The Belfry Theatre and Chemainus Theatre Festival on Vancouver Island to The Charlottetown Festival on Prince Edward Island and various theatre stops in between. As costume designer, highlights include You Never Can Tell & Snow White (CTF); Vincent River & Hedda Gabler with Osimous Theatre for which she earned a Jessie nomination and another Jessie nomination in costume design for Carousel Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. Connie is a graduate of The Phoenix Theatre at UVIC.

SUSAN MIYAGISHIMA Susan Miyagishima divides her time between production management, stage management, and props. She has worked with many wonderful local companies and has toured extensively throughout Canada and into the US. Other career highlights include Interim Production Manager at Studio 58, Wardrobe Venue Coordinator for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Opening/Closing Ceremonies and Head Set Decorator for the independent feature film Eadweard. She has received a Jessie Award Nomination for Outstanding Stage Management and is a graduate of Studio 58.

DAVID JONES David is an actor, director, writer, filmmaker, event producer, and coach. A graduate of Studio 58 and a teacher at The Vancouver Film School, he also works as an emcee, auctioneer and/or a corporate comedian.

He was the Entertainment Manager of the 2010 Winter Olympics. He is the Vancouver Cultural Ambassador for Culture Days and serves on the LGBTQ Advisory for City Hall.

Now he needs to find something that pays. www.davidcjones.ca C. E. GATCHALIAN Born, raised and based on the unceded traditional lands of the Coast Salish Territories, Filipino-Canadian author C. E. Gatchalian writes drama, poetry, fiction and non-fiction.

His plays, which include Falling In Time, Broken, Motifs & Repetitions and People Like Vince, have appeared on stages nationally and internationally, as well as on radio and television. A two-time finalist for the Lambda Literary Award, he was the 2013 recipient of the prestigious Dayne Ogilvie Prize, awarded annually by The Writers’ Trust of Canada to an LGBT writer of merit. He is currently Artistic Producer of the frank theatre company.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2016/2017 President LOIS DAWSON

Marketing Chair WENDY BOLLARD

Secretary GISELLE CLARK-TRENAMAN

Marketing Assistant ANGIE DESCALZI

Treasurer ELIZABETH POPE-MORE

Sponsorships SARAH ROSE

Awards Show Chair JETHELO E. CABILETE

Ticketing LISA C. RAVENSBERGEN

Special Awards Chair MIKE MACKENZIE

Members at Large JULIA MAURO, TOM PICKETT

Statues DANIELLE BOURGON

This serves as the official notice to members that the 2016/2017 AGM will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 7pm. Location TBC. The AGM will be followed by a TownHall.

Got a Jessies related subject you’d like to see discussed at the town hall? Email info@jessies.ca.

2017 | Jessie Awards 13 17-243_News_1130_Third_Ad_Jessie_Awards.indd 1

2017-05-25 2:34 PM

PRODUCTIONS CONSIDERED 5@50............................................................ Zee Zee Theatre /

Ruby Slippers Theatre

Sea Wall....................................................... Seismic Shift Productions

A Charlie Brown Christmas................. Carousel Theatre

Straight Jacket Winter.......................... Théâtre la Seizième

A Good Way Out...................................... Pacific Theatre A Midsummer Night’s DreamFor Kids!...................................................... Monster Theatre Alone Together........................................... Green Thumb Theatre am a.............................................................. Mindy Parfitt and

Amber Funk Barton Present And Bella Sang with Us......................... And Bella Artists Collective Angels in America Part 1: Millennium Approaches....................... The Arts Club Theatre Company

Somebody Loves You, Mr Hatch........ Axis Theatre Company Suitcase Stories......................................... Pacific Theatre Sultans of the Street................................ Carousel Theatre šx?amet (home)......................................... Theatre for Living

(Headlines Theatre) The Air Loom............................................. you & i Theatre The Audience............................................. The Arts Club Theatre Company The City and The City............................ Up In The Air Theatre The Concierge of Vancouver................ Matchmaker Productions

Bakersfield Mist....................................... The Arts Club Theatre Company

The Country Wife.................................... Ensemble Theatre Co

Baking Time.............................................. Presentation House Theatre

The Day Before Christmas................... The Arts Club Theatre Company

Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery................. The Arts Club Theatre Company

The Fighting Season............................... Bleeding Heart Theatre

Betrayal....................................................... Ensemble Theatre Co

The Glass Menagerie.............................. Island Productions

BILLY ELLIOT......................................... Arts Club Theatre Company

The Men in White.................................... The Arts Club Theatre Company

Bonjour, là, bonjour................................ Théâtre la Seizième

The Nether.................................................. redcurrant collective

Brothel #9.................................................... Touchstone Theatre

The Piano Teacher................................... The Arts Club Theatre Company

Bug................................................................ Reality Curve Theatre

The Pipeline Project................................ ITSAZOO Productions

Creeps........................................................... Realwheels Theatre

The Romans in Britain......................... Ensemble Theatre Co

Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat............... Carousel Theatre Elbow Room Cafe: The Musical......... Zee Zee Theatre

Til Death: The Six Wives of Henry VIII............... Monster Theatre

Expedition.................................................. Boca del Lupo

Topdog/Underdog................................... Seven Tyrants Theatre

Flare Path................................................... The Slamming Door

Artist Collective Freddie in the Neighbourhood............The Little Onion

Puppet Company

Walt Whitman’s Secret.......................... the frank theatre company

The Flick...................................................... The Arts Club Theatre Company

War and Peace.......................................... Monster Theatre Wit................................................................. Pacific Theatre

Green Lake................................................. Solo Collective Hidden......................................................... ITSAZOO Productions Society Holy Mo: A Christmas Show............... Pacific Theatre How to Survive an Apocalypse........... Touchstone Theatre Ithaka by Andrea Stolowitz................. dream of passion productions

& Excavation Theatre Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol........ Theatre Obscura King of the Yees......................................... Gateway Theatre L’Élection..................................................... Théâtre la Seizième Land of Trash............................................ Green Thumb Theatre Long Division........................................... Pi Theatre Merry Wives of Windsor...................... Bard on the Beach Mom’s the Word 3: Nest 1/2 Empty... The Arts Club Theatre Company Moonlodge.................................................. Urban Ink O’wet/Lost Lagoon................................... Alley Theatre On My Walk.............................................. Carousel Theatre Othello.......................................................... Bard on the Beach Pericles......................................................... Bard on the Beach REDPATCH............................................... Hardline Productions Robinson Crusoe...................................... Axis Theatre Company Romeo and Juliet.................................... Bard on the Beach 14 2017 | Jessie Awards

CREDITS Welcome and Blessing Elder S7aplek Lanakila (Bob Baker) & Spakwus Slulum (Eagle Song)

ASL Interpretation Spring Herold & Lisz Keallen (ASL Interpreting Inc.)

Hosts Jacqueline Breakwell, Munish Sharma

Producer/Director Christie Watson (Holding Space Productions)

Live Announcer Emma Slipp

Production Team Jenn Stewart, Robyn Volk, Jethelo E. Cabilete, Melissa McCowell

House Band The Queertet featuring: Allison Gorman, Sal Zori and Jonny Tobin

Photographers Rob Trendiak & Maddy Adams, Jayda Novak

Halftime Show Cause and Effect Circus

Program Design Artslandia Publishing

Presenters Tetsuro Shigematsu, James Fagan Tait, Carmen Aguirre, Aaron Bushkowsky, Kim Harvey, Heather Redfern, Emilie Leclerc, MJ Cox, Sean Malmas, Ming Hudson, Bahareh Shigematsu, Aaron Roderick, Bryan Woo, Aliyah Amarshi, Rachel Aberle, Christopher Gaze, Brian Cochrane, Raes Calvert, Sean Harris Oliver, Pam Johnson

Projection Designer Candelario Andrade Visual Design Support Andrew Laurenson & Markian Tarasiuk Camera Operator Daniel Borzillo Party DJ Oker

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