Western Canada Theatre's Annual Report for the 2020/2021 Season

ANNUAL

REPORT 2020/2021

WELCOME We’ve grown used to unconventional seasons at Western Canada Theatre over the past few years, and in 2020/21 the WCT team responded with customary resiliency, ingenuity, and dedication.

Our programming through the past year kept us engaged with our audience and supporters with virtual and in-person productions. These productions were based on a number of creative factors, including the development and promotion of local artists, seasonal offerings, a balance of in-person and online events, and maintaining a continuity of previous events.

The highlights of the year included an online cabaret marking International Women’s Day (created by an all-female team at WCT), a week-long series of digital events around the holidays titled The Snow Must Go On, a one-person cabaret called From the Sagebrush with Love, and a co-production with Chimera Theatre of an online festival of new work entitled The Remergence Festival. This festival was a rethinking of our in-person Pandemic Playhouse series which took place in November, 2020, which was unfortunately cancelled after two weeks due to renewed restrictions in the Interior Health region.

Our collaborations within the community extended beyond Chimera Theatre, and included a co-production with the Kamloops Symphony of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale, as well as continued collaboration with the Kamloops Arts Council in delivering family programming around Canada Day and the online Children’s Arts Festival.

Additional in-person and online events included Tales from the Stage around Hallowe’en, as well as a digital performance commemorating Remembrance Day. In addition to ongoing audience engagement, our digital programming contributed to our ability to develop the skills of our production staff, and to bring in much-needed improvements in our technical infrastructure, including camera, lighting, and sound equipment. These innovations will contribute to our ability to create virtual and online programming in the future, enhancing our ability to increase community outreach through digital programming for remote communities, and new advancements in our educational programs. We are grateful to the additional support received from the BC Community Gaming Branch and the BC Arts Council, to fund our equipment upgrades.

Our audience numbers and sales for the season’s events varied, with the most popular offerings being A Broad’s Way Cabaret and The Remergence Festival. We intentionally made access to the majority of our programs available to our community for free

– ensuring the availability and accessibility of high-quality and thought-provoking theatre for our audience during trying pandemic circumstances. This resonated with our audience, and we saw over 40,000 unique engagements with our digital productions over the year. We acknowledge the support of both Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and Union of BC performers (UBCP/ACTRA) who were strong partners supporting the creation of our digital programming.

Our Education and Outreach department continued to offer programs and classes through 2020/21, including a reduced roster of in-person classes for youth and adults due to gathering restrictions, as well as online offerings produced both in-house and in collaboration with the Kamloops Arts Council.

From a financial development perspective, we continued to see strong support from our community in the areas of private donations, sponsorships, and gifts, despite being unable to hold our traditional campaign attached to single ticket and subscription sales.

The strong support we received from the community has enabled us to continue planning for a resiliency season in 2021/22, and a full season in 2022/23 and beyond.

We are also extremely grateful for the extraordinary financial supports received that allowed us to bring back skilled technicians, artisans, and staff after lockdown, return to engaging artists and playwrights, and undertake a season of programming. The Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), along with sector-specific support from both the Canada Council for the Arts and the BC Arts Council were essential to our survival, and these funds not only helped us manage the past year, but will also help stabilize the organization as we return to in-person audiences in 2021/22.

The 2020/21 year was also one of introspection and internal work. With the season beginning immediately after the killing of George Floyd, and ending with the discovery of 215 children on the grounds of the residential school at our neighbouring Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, we were called to reflect on the nature of our organization, the work we undertake, and our relationships with Indigenous and diverse communities and artists.

As a first step in building cultural competency, in Fall 2020, our staff participated in the Kairos Blanket Exercise, a powerful ceremony providing us all with a new perspective on the terrible legacy of colonization and Indigenous history. Administratively, the organization developed its first anti-racism, inclusion, and cultural equity statement, as well as a suite of internal practices to ensure a more inclusive work environment for all.

We took pause to examine our staff structure and working conditions, in order to build a stronger and more collaborative organization for the future. The renewal of several key senior staff roles and operational departments have been key steps forward.

Over the past few seasons, WCT’s programming has reflected both the growing population and increased cultural diversity of our region, and we will continue to do so as we plan for the years to come. Our audiences and supporters have embraced the diversifying of our programming, including our increased focus on new and established Canadian and Indigenous plays and artists, and we will continued to centre this programming in upcoming seasons.

We emerge from the pandemic with a certain amount of financial security, and we look to a future where we can deepen our investments into the work on our stages, development of new Canadian and Indigenous plays and artists, and enhancing the audience experience in our theatres through modernization and updating of our theatrical infrastructure.

Despite the cancellation of the 2020 referendum for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, our facilities continue to show their age, and the need for new rehearsal, performance, classroom, and production spaces remains a priority for WCT. We acknowledge with gratitude the extraordinary community leadership shown by the Kelson Group and Ron and Rae Fawcett, and we look forward to how this project will regroup and move forward in the future.

Our two venues, the Sagebrush and Pavilion Theatres, as well as our box office agency, the Kamloops Live! Box Office, were dormant for much of the year, allowing our staff the time to undertake much-needed renovation, organization, and updating to these spaces, equipment, and related processes. We are grateful to the City of Kamloops and School District #73 for their ongoing support of the Sagebrush Theatre, and look forward to our venues returning to in-person audiences in the 2021/22 Season.

Last, but certainly not least, we acknowledge with gratitude the resilience and hard work of our staff over the past year. When the path ahead was foggy and uncertain, our team banded together with strength and grace. We are grateful to the contributions everyone has made, and continues to make, towards the success of WCT. We couldn’t do it without each and every one.

With thanks and respect,

JAMES MACDONALD and EVAN KLASSEN Artistic and Managing Directors

Members of the staff prepare to take a well-deserved bow for our year-end video “thank you” message.

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD Western Canada Theatre’s 45th season was a unique one. While not offering our regular programming due to COVID-19 restrictions and protocols, we did pivot to some amazing online programs and classes which were popular with our community! We thank our funding partners who provided extraordinary and necessary funds so we could produce throughout the pandemic and prepare for a return to in-person performances in 2021/22.

Our Senior Management and the staff team planned and re-planned, as we navigated the challenges of the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. It was a second season of logistical, staffing, performance, and stakeholder engagement trials that challenged us to prepare for coming out the other side. While we continue to not know what the new normal will be for all of us, we know the community, the WCT team, and our stakeholders are behind us.

The 2020/21 Season, while we were not able to produce, has given James MacDonald, our Artistic Director, hours of planning for the upcoming season in which he has awarded us with some amazing plays! The Board was thrilled to have signed both James MacDonald and Evan Klassen to renewed contracts this year, ensuring we have stable organizational leadership as we move towards a future when we can gather in person once more.

At our 2020 AGM, the Board elected to add two seats to the Board and we welcomed new Board Directors who reflect an array of diverse perspectives from within our community.

Our governance committee developed policy around organizational governance, risk management, board diversity, fund development, and financial compliance to ensure that WCT will be a sustainable and equitable organization moving into the future, as well as one that is compliant with all relevant legislation and regulation. This was a significant objective that the Board achieved in 2020/21.

We remain indebted to our amazing community partners, sponsors, donors, staff, and volunteers for their continued support of our vision for WCT and our drive to provide opportunities for the people and youth of Kamloops. Without this support, we simply could not be where we are—poised to recover and thrive following the pandemic.

While the 2021 AGM represents the end of my term as President, I look forward to continuing my contribution with WCT and the Board as Past President—ensuring that we move into a strong future, together.

TIM RODGERS, Board President Lauren Okano in The Soldier’s Tale, a WCT collaboration with the KSO Photo by Allen Douglas

PERFORMANCES

Realizing a traditional WCT Season would not be possible due to COVID-19, we pivoted from a full season of plays and musicals to present a variety of innovative micro-productions throughout 2020/21.

This reimagined season was an opportunity to celebrate the amazing work of local artists—in-person and online. While in-person gatherings were limited due to pandemic restrictions, we continued to connect with our community by sharing several online performances and projects, resulting on upwards of 37,000 views across all WCT online presentations and videos.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS THE SOLDIER’S TALE

Co-produced with Kamloops Symphony Orchestra September 26, 2020 | Online September 27, 2020 | Paramount Theatre The KSO and WCT joined forces to bring audiences Igor Stravinsky’s fiendish theatrical work The Soldier’s Tale. Conceived during the Spanish Flu, this reimagined production entertained audiences in a new digital format, over a hundred years later.

James MacDonald in The Soldier’s Tale | Photo by Allen Douglas

HALLOWE’EN 2020

Tales from the Stage–A Spooktacular Theatrical Evening October 30, 2020 | Pavilion Theatre Classic Mystery Radio Plays and Ghost Stories were performed live, in-person.

Tales from the Graveyard October 26 - November 1, 2020 | Free Online Free videos shared through Facebook and YouTube featuring real-life stories of murder, mayhem, and the supernatural—all set in Kamloops.

Brittney Martens in Tales from the Cookie Jar

Tales from the Cookie Jar October 27 - November 1, 2020 | Free Online WCT’s Education team created fun Hallowe’en activities and stories for families to enjoy from home.

PANDEMIC PLAYHOUSE: A YKA STRONG COMMUNITY SERIES

November 5 - 27*, 2020 | Pavilion Theatre – Limited in-person audiences WCT invited some of Kamloops’ most innovative, edgy, and experimental performing artists to this community celebration series. A variety of one-act performances were scheduled in the spirit of “The Show Must Go On,” no matter floods or fires, falling roofs or global pandemics. *All events from Nov 18 on were suspended due to new Public Health Order restrictions set by the Province of BC.

THE SNOW MUST GO ON: HOLIDAY CLASSICS WITH A LOCAL TWIST

December 15 - 21, 2020 | Online As a safe way to share some holiday cheer with the community, WCT shared six original, locally-produced, free videos, revealed daily, and culminating in a Live Virtual Watch Party.

FROM THE SAGEBRUSH WITH LOVE Alex Ward, Richard Graham and Mike Turner play Vince Guaraldi classics in front of a green screen for The Snow Must Go On

Part of WCT’s Togather: A Celebration of Community February 11 - 20, 2021 | Online | Live Watch Party February 13 The Sagebrush Theatre is our favourite gathering place. To celebrate this theatre we love, Eva Tavares filled the theatre with song one again, performing songs from classic Broadway musicals that were shared online.

A BROAD’S WAY CABARET: THE STAGE IS HERS Part of WCT’s Togather: A Celebration of Community March 8 - 14, 2021 | Online | Live Watch Party March 8 WCT’s second cabaret celebrating and supporting International Women’s Day, helmed by an all-female group of WCT team members. This virtual cabaret featured a wide variety of local emerging and established artists and groups performing dance, theatre, comedy, and more—all in support of Kamloops Immigrant Services, a charity that does a great deal for women in our community.

Eva Tavares in From the Sagebrush With Love

THE REMERGENCE FESTIVAL

Aaron Shuffletoski Chimera Theatre’s Board President

Presented by Western Canada Theatre and Chimera Theatre May 5 - 15, 2021 | Online A one-time theatrical event like no other that featured theatre, music, improv, and variety from 24 local acts, plus a free family-friendly Saturday matinée. A virtual Pavilion Theatre was created to encourage the social element of running into a friend in the lobby or discussing the show with a fellow patron. Ancillary events and artist talks, nightly giveaways, and food and beverage options provided even more enjoyment for our patrons watching from the comfort of their own homes.

WORKSHOPS

WCT also used the 2020/21 Season as chance to support and develop exciting, new Canadian and Indigenous work, including Playing with Fire: The Theo Fleury Story by Kirstie McLellan Day and Echoes of the Homesick Heart by local Indigenous artist Laura Michel (scheduled to appear in WCT’s 21/22 Season).

Allandra Gardner & Brittney Martens in a workshop of Echoes of the Homesick Heart by Laura Michel (also pictured)

Laura Michel in her original piece, When Did I Lose You?

Devon More performs her original song, Mr. Big Shot: A Musical Love Letter

Mother & Daughter Valerie Easton and Robyn Wallis perform Sister Kate

Chantalle Anderson, Hannah Latta, and Avery Graham-Wiseman perform a dance piece, If

Brittney Martens, Jessica Buchanan, and Morgan Benedict perform Fever

All My Relations First Nations Dance Group

Producer/Director Dawn Bergstrom starts off the evening

Following on the heels of the 2019 event, The All A’Broad Community Cabaret, A Broad’s Way Cabaret: The Stage is Hers saw an all-female led team of WCT staff members producing, directing, crewing, curating, and promoting this show, which featured over 15 local acts, including dance, improv, visual art, musical theatre, and drama. These events celebrating International Women’s Day - have been such hits that, in 2022, the program will be expanded to a week-long festival.

The Powerhouse All-Female WCT Creative Team

Tanya McCartney’s Disappearing

Chioma Darah-Ani sings Rise Up

Kate Blackburn and Jonathan Winsby in A Backyard White Christmas part of The Snow Must Go On series.

ARTISTS of 2020/21 THE SOLDIER’S TALE

Co-produced with Kamloops Symphony Orchestra JAMES MACDONALD Performer LAUREN OKANO Performer BILL CHABASSOL Lighting Designer

TALES FROM THE GRAVEYARD/STAGE/COOKIE JAR & REMEMBRANCE DAY PERFORMANCE DAWN BERGSTROM KIRK SMITH

SHELDON BERGSTROM TRACEY POWER

ALEXANDER WARD ANNA HAHN JEREMY KNEESHAW CAYMAN DUNCAN JAMES MACDONALD

DAWN BERGSTROM

MADISON HENRY JESSICA BUCHANAN BRITTNEY MARTENS TERRI RUNNALLS LIAM BEFURT

Performer: Graveyard/Stage & Remembrance Day Performer: Graveyard/Stage & Remembrance Day Writer/Director: Tales from the Graveyard Performer: Graveyard/Stage & Remembrance Day Performer: Graveyard/Stage & Remembrance Day Writer/Director: Tales from the Graveyard Performer: Remembrance Day Performer: Remembrance Day Performer: Remembrance Day Sound FX Coordinator: Tales from the Stage Director: Graveyard/Stage & Remembrance Day Performer: Remembrance Day Performance Performer/Producer: Graveyard/Stage & Remembrance | Writer: Tales from the Graveyard Stage Manager: Graveyard/Stage & Remembrance Performer: Tales from the Cookie Jar Production Assistant | Performer: Cookie Jar Director/Performer: Tales from the Cookie Jar Camera Operator / Switcher: Tales from the Stage

YKA STRONG SERIES BONNIE MCLEAN MORGAN BENEDICT CVETOZAR VUTEV CURTIS HOWELL DAN ONDANG TJ MCCALLUM GLEN CAIRNS JESSICA BUCHANAN COCO CRÈME MADISON OLDS JARED WILMAN ALEXANDER WARD

Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer

PLAYING WITH FIRE WORKSHOP SHAUN SMYTH CORWIN FERGUSON MICHAEL HOWARD ROGER LANTZ

Performer: Theo Fleury Projection Designer Stage Manager Production Manager

THE SNOW MUST GO ON: HOLIDAY CLASSICS WITH A LOCAL TWIST EVA TAVARES GAELAN BEATTY JEREMY KNEESHAW JONATHAN WINSBY KATE BLACKBURN TERRI RUNNALLS DAWN BERGSTROM SHELDON BERGSTROM JESSICA BUCHANAN RICHARD GRAHAM JAMES MACDONALD BRITTNEY MARTENS MICHAEL TURNER ALEXANDER WARD ANNA HAHN CARYS WILLIAMS CASSIUS FORD LUKAS WOODS MACENZIE MARSICO MANDISA VOLO SEREN WILLIAMS JAMES MACDONALD DAWN BERGSTROM KIRK SMITH BILL CHABASSOL JAMES BEFURT LIAM BEFURT PAUL CUTHBERT SELENA TOBIN

Performer Performer/Editor Performer Performer/Editor Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Youth Choir Youth Choir Youth Choir Youth Choir Youth Choir Youth Choir Youth Choir Director Producer Editor/Live- StreamDirector Production Manager Camera Operator Lighting Designer Sound Mixer Production Assistant

FROM THE SAGEBRUSH WITH LOVE EVA TAVARES KAREN LEE-MORLANG JAMES MACDONALD DAWN BERGSTROM

Performer Accompanist Director Producer

KIRK SMITH BILL CHABASSOL LIAM BEFURT PAUL CUTHBERT JAMES BEFURT SELENA TOBIN BRITTNEY MARTENS

Editor/Director Production Manager Lighting Designer Sound Mixer Camera Operator Production Assistant Creative Intern

A BROAD’S WAY CABARET: THE STAGE IS HERS ABBIE ISREAL AVERY GRAHAM BERNICE JENSEN BRITTANY JENSEN JEWEL JENSEN TIMARA JENSEN BRITTNEY MARTENS CHANTALLE ANDERSON CHIOMA DARAH ANI DEVON MORE EMILY WHALEN HANNAH LATTA ILA CRAWFORD JESSICA BUCHANAN LAURA MICHEL LAUREN OKANO MORGAN BENEDICT ROBYN WALLIS SUMMER BOGETTI SMITH SUSAN OLIVERIUS SHYLA RAINE TANIA MCCARTNEY TINA MOORE VALERIE EASTON DAWN BERGSTROM KIRK SMITH BILL CHABASSOL MADISON HENRY BRITTNEY MARTENS SELENA TOBIN JANE HARESTAD VALERIE HEINE

Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Performer Director/Producer Editor Production Manager Production Coordinator Set and Props Coordinator Technical Director Technician Technician

Shaun Smyth plays Theo Fleury in a workshop of Playing With Fire on the ice at The Sandman Centre

ECHOES OF THE HOMESICK HEART - WORKSHOP DAKOTA HEBERT SHELDON ELTER TRACEY NEPINAK ZACH RUNNING COYOTE ALLANDRA GARDNER LAURA MICHEL VALERIE PLANCHE CHRISTINE LEROUX

Performer: Emily Performer: Abe Performer: Bernadette Performer: Iswell Performer Playwright Director Stage Manager

THE REMEGENCE FESTIVAL A Walrus and an Elephant and a Raven and a Fox and Death ANDREW ROBERTSON Performer DAN ONDANG Performer Why Coyote No Longer Wears Moccasins CHRIS BOSE Performer Girl from the Future DEVON MORE BRITTNEY MARTENS

Creator/Performer Scenic Designer

The Freudian Slips Present: Improv…Bingo?!

JANE HARESTAD Performer ASHLEY HIIBNER Performer DAN ONDANG Performer Spitting Slag (Acme World Headquarters) GLEN CAIRNS Performer & Producer MANSEL ROBINSON Writer Toby Sharp: A Buzz in his Hub TOBY SHARP HEATHER MCLEAN

Performer Creator

Dwelling Sight (Tamarack House Productions) SAGE RAYMOND Performer HUNTER VOGEL Performer JYELLE VOGEL Performer Risqué Cabaret (Kamloops Burlesque) ROSIE BUBBLES Performer NIXIE NEFARIOUS Performer VANILLA BEAN & JOE HOTDOG Performers

IVY NYX HELENA DRESS MS. COCO CRÈME MISTY VINE TATIANA CANTALOUPES

Performer Performer Producer/Performer Hostess Stage Kitten

Mother Sun JARED DOHERTY Guitar & Vocals EMILIO PAGNOTTA Guitar & Vocals ALEX WARD Organ, Bass & Keys JARED WILMAN Drums, Percussion & Vocals

Partners in Crime CURTIS HOWELL Performer – C.P.E Bach CVETOZAR VUTEV Performer – Leopold Mozart Shakes and Shimmies – An Exploration in Improv KASHMIR Performer MIA Performer BROOKLYN Performer VIENNA Performer ZARRA Performer WILLOW Performer MS. COCO Instructor MS. JENNILEE Instructor Some People Perform for Some People MORGAN BENEDICT Performer GREG BROWN Performer JESSICA BUCHANAN Performer SHANNON COOPER Performer DES GEDDES Performer BRITTNEY MARTENS Performer Tonight Only: A Zorblax-travaganza (Zorblax, Destroyer of Worlds) ZORBLAX Himself BRIAC Himself MR. TERRENCE PRODUCER Stage Manager ASHLEY HIIBNER Assistant to Mr. Destroyer of Worlds ANDREW ROBERTSON Assistant to Briac DAN ONDANG Also ZACK FERNSTROM Asst. to the Stage Manager

“Intermission” Music Acts JEREMY KNEESHAW GUILLAUME SCOTT MARGIT SKY PROJECT KIKI THE ECO ELF TANYA LIPSCOMB SOUL PATCH THEJAMPRESENTS SUZ & JOHNNY SHAWNA MARIE PALMER DAVE COALMINE BAND THE DECOYS Plays in Progress Session ALEX WONG AVERY REID BRITTANY REID BRITTNEY MARTENS CATRIONA LEGER JESSICA BUCHANAN LAURA MICHEL MORGAN BENEDICT

education & Outreach theatre classes creative development community engagement audience enrichment educator resources

While this year certainly didn’t look the same as past years, the Education program at Western Canada Theatre never stopped. The resilience shown in this department is a testament to the ongoing commitment WCT has made to theatre education in Kamloops.

In the 2020/21 Season, Stage One Theatre School maintained its presence in the community despite the challenges presented. While our afterschool program was cancelled due to COVID-19, our summer program in August was able to move forward in a smaller capacity. The Teen Workshop Week was very popular as we had to open up a second class of actors. Our Acting Essentials program (ages 8-12) was also able to continue much to the delight of young people (and parents) who were ready to take the stage again!

Our adult theatre classes continued forward in the 2020/21 Season on a smaller scale, but with great response. In Fall 2020, we held our first Scene Study class—this program offers actors with some experience the chance to exercise their skills while studying a particular play. In May 2021, we were able to sneak in a shortened Play Reading course, in person—this five-week course allowed us to gather, distanced with masks, to discuss wonderful plays, converse, and enjoy light refreshments. It was very rewarding to be able to share the joy of theatre with others.

Sadly, in October 2020 we had to once again cancel our annual Halloween Family Dance Party. However, this brought about our first digital children’s show, Tales from the Cookie Jar—an online variety show filled with theatre games, stories, music, and fun for the kids. Created by Education Coordinator Terri Runnalls and Education Assistants Jessica Buchanan and Brittney Martens, this video proved to be a wonderful way to continue to engage the smallest of theatre lovers.

In December 2020, our Education team was at it again, creating a Christmas variety show for young people with dancing, singing, theatre games, and stories. This show was pre-recorded and free for families young and old. An additional digital Christmas show was created for the Children’s Arts Festival, produced by the Kamloops Arts Council. Usually in the summer in Riverside Park, this year’s festival brought you tons of children’s acts from Kamloops and beyond. We were proud to be a part of this festival; albeit in a different medium, for another great year!

In Spring 2021, we announced a new educational endeavor, The Hub for Creative Learning. This initiative encompasses all that we do in education under one umbrella. For many years, Western Canada Theatre has been doing educational and outreach programming in a variety of avenues, and The Hub has allowed us to break down all of these wonderful activities into five pillars: Theatre Classes, Creative Development, Audience Enrichment, Educator Resources, and Community Engagement. With this came a rebranding, new logos, and a website where all in the community can go to participate in theatre education!

PHOTOS: Stage One Theatre School; The Next Stage Adult Playreading Group; Instructor/Performers Brittney Martens, Terri Runnalls, and Jessica Buchanan in Tales from the Cookie Jar

TERRI RUNNALLS, Education & Outreach Director

WCT STAFF & BOARD BOARD

WCT STAFF

TIM RODGERS President LORI BREGOLISS GRANT CHU DR. PAUL DAGG BEVERLEY DESANTIS SHARON FRISSELL TARA HOLMES NENA JOCIC-ANDREJEVIC CHRYSTIE STEWART PETER TER WEEME CARMELINA WOODS

JAMES MACDONALD Artistic Director EVAN KLASSEN Managing Director

Francis Barnett * D. Michael Dobbin * Peggy Gilmour * Tom Kerr ‡ Mike Latta * Anne Manson * Maureen Marshall * David Ross † Lanni Shupe * Judge T.W. Shupe § § Honorary Life Chairman * Honorary Life Member †Honorary Life Artistic Producer ‡ Founding Artistic Director

FINANCE RON THOMPSON Finance Director OLGA KILINNIK Accounting Officer MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS CATRINA CROWE Marketing & Communications Director ‡ CHELSEA ISENOR Marketing & Communications Director* FRANKIE KNIGHT Digital Media Coordinator ‡ KIRK SMITH Interim Marketing & Communications Director / Manager of Marketing, Digital & Special Projects*† DEVELOPMENT SUZAN GOGUEN Growth & Engagement Director ALI WEBSTER Special Events Manager‡ EDUCATION & OUTREACH TERRI RUNNALLS Education & Outreach Director JESSICA BUCHANAN Education & Outreach Assistant PRODUCTION DAWN BERGSTROM Producer BILL CHABASSOL Production Manager DARREN JOHN Technical Director*‡ PAUL CUTHBERT Associate Technical Director† LIAM BEFURT Associate Technical Director CINDY WIEBE Head of Wardrobe‡ RORY LYNCH Head of Scenic Carpentry‡ GREG KLOHN Scenic Carpenter‡ ANGELA FRYE Head of Properties‡ SELENA “TWITCH” TOBIN Intern Production Manager /

Production Assistant† JAMES BEFURT Senior Venue Technician /

Associate Technical Director† BRITTNEY MARTENS Apprentice in Theatre Creation† SKYLAR NAKAZAWA Safety & Infection Control Coordinator† MADDY HENRY Production Coordinator† CHRISTINE LEROUX Production Coordinator†

Staff members show off their performing chops in our Year End Thank You video message

VENUE SERVICES SHEVAUN FORTUNE Venue Services Director‡ MICHELLE CHABASSOL Venue Services Coordinator /

Manager of Ticketing & Patron Services† ALLISON BREGOLISS Volunteer Coordinator‡ MORGAN BENEDICT House Manager† HOUSE STAFF AMANDA BREUER NATALIE DEWING NICOLLE DUPONT CHRISTIAN MILNER KAMLOOPS LIVE! BOX OFFICE (KL!BO) REPRESENTATIVES: JANE HARESTAD GRACE LABOSSIERE GRAYSON NORSWORTHY NOTES: * New to position in 2020/21 † Change in role in 2020/21 ‡ Left position in 2020/21

THANK YOU TO OUR 2020/2021 VOLunteers JEAN AMENDOLA JOY ANTONIA MARY AULIN VALERIE CADORET OLGA COLLINS PHILIPPA COXON WENDY CUMMER JOAN CHOW

JOANNE DENNSTEDT ELIZABETH DEWHIRST DIANE FORSTER TRUDY GOOLD ANNE GRUBE NICOLE JUNG SANDI LLYOD JANICE MACDONALD

CHRISTA MAGUIRE MAUREEN MCKENIZE WENDY MCLEAN SHARON MOORE KATHY MOORE SHELLEY O’GRADY HEATHER PICHE KATHERINE RICHARD

CLAUDE RICHARD ISABELA RICHARD GREG SAWATZKY SHELDON SHORE CATHERINE THOMPSON DIAN VERWEY

MISSED BY OUR COMMUNITY BRENT CARVER

ALAN GRAHAM

LANNI McINNES-SHUPE

Brent Carver was a Tony-award-winner, Kamloops High School alumni, and actor in Western Canada Youtheatre (the predecessor of WCT). In the words of Artistic Director James MacDonald, “He was an astonishing and versatile talent, equally at home with Broadway musicals, Shakespeare, and new Canadian plays. He was an inspirational presence in Canadian theatre, and all of us, artists and audiences alike, will miss him terribly.” Pictured below with the cast of Western Canada Youtheatre’s 1972 production of The Fantasticks.

Alan was a huge part of the WCT team for over 15 years, and after his departure he remained a dear friend to many of in the community. He had a massive smile, and his laugh was infectious. He was immensely talented and passionate, and he loved to share his passions with others.

In his time here as Prop Master (“Head Proptologist”) he was instrumental in bringing countless fantastical contraptions to life.

From her time studying under founder Tom Kerr, Lanni was an integral part of WCT for several decades, contributing as an Actor, Director, and Associate Director, among other roles, including a year as co-Artistic Director. Lanni and her husband, Honourary Life Board Member Terry Shupe, have played an essential role in WCT’s success since the beginning. In the words of former Executive Director Lori Marchand, “It’s not a stretch to say that without Lanni and Terry Western Canada Theatre and professional theatre in Kamloops would not exist”.

FUND DEVELOPMENT It was a year like no other, filled with uncertainty for everyone. But thanks to the incredible support of our community, Western Canada Theatre continued to provide opportunities for artists in the community. The philanthropic support of the Kamloops community is critical to our ongoing operation and the outpouring of generosity throughout the pandemic was truly heartwarming. We would like to extend an extra special thank you to all those who gave through donations, sponsorships, grants, and special events. We could not have done it without you!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

Western Canada Theatre extends our deepest appreciation to Ron and Rae Fawcett for their generosity this past season. Their ongoing dedication to WCT strengthens our commitment to be a cultural leader in our city and region, and provide opportunities to actors, designers, and technicians both locally and across the country.

SPONSORS &PARTNERS Western Canada Theatre gratefully acknowledges the financial support of The Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia through the British Columbia Arts Council and the Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch, the Thompson Nicola Regional District and the City of Kamloops.

PRESENTING PARTNER

MORE DONORS THAN EVER BEFORE

Thank you to the extraordinary support of our community—you were there for us when it counted. Over the 2020/21 Season, 640 donors supported WCT and over 60% were first time donors!

SUZAN GOGUEN, Growth & Engagement Director

GOVERNMENT FUNDERS

Tess and Lara from Gin Lane Distilling & Red Collar teach a cocktail-making course to Eva Tavares, James MacDonald, and viewers at home as part of Togather: A Celebration of Community | A silver lining to the pandemic was the strengthening of so many community partnerships.

FOUNDATIONS

Edith Lando

Charitable Foundation

DONORS Western Canada Theatre gratefully acknowledges the following government agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals for their generous contributions through sponsorships and/or charitable donations. We thank everyone who plays their important part in helping us to bring the highest quality of work to the broadest possible audience.

Listings based on annual contributions, July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021.

Diamond Companions – $10,000 + Michael E. Black and the Late Denise E.L. Fortier Platinum Patrons – $5,000 - $9,999 Rae Nixon Terry Shupe Silver Patrons – $2,000 - $3,499 Edith Pletzer Russ & Jane Reid Copper Patrons – $750 - $1999 Anonymous Robert Walter Jean Chacko Marilyn and Hugh Fallis Jessie & James Fedorak Len & Laurie Marchand Valerie Darlene Rampone Tacey Ruffner Tom & Anise Wallace/Barton James & Barbara W. Wentworth Patrons $500 - $749 Celista Estate Winery Grant & Nancy Chu Gwyneth Lamperson James MacDonald & Tracey Power Neil & Mary Jane MacDonald Jordan Marshall June McClure Thomas & Sharon Moore Vic & Sally Mowbray Alastair Murdoch Roland & Anne Neave Colene Palmer Nancy Stewart David & Rosemarie Stoltze Peter TerWeeme Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way Investors – $200 - $499 Peter & Debra Allik-Petersenn Brenda J. Aynsley Hildi Banting

Francis & Helen Barnett Sherry & Brad Bennett and Barb Smith Margaret Brown Ed & Patti Bruzzese Mavis Chalmers Ray & Toshi Chatelin Joslyn Conley John Corbishley Margo Custance Paul Dagg Rhonda Diaper Dan & Denise C. Douglas Nancy Eld Jill & Tyler Enns Shirlee Ezowski Glen & Sara Farrow Julie Ann Feather Valerie Fitger Nadine R. Fort Jim & Joan Rosemary Gordon Penny Iris Govette Anne Grube Barbara Jane Hicks Lois K. Hollstedt Greg Howard Bob & Jo-Mary Hunter Hope Hyslop Rob & Lila Jennejohn Gail Bonnie Jesten Joanne A. Jones Margaret Jones Doug & Ann-Marie Jury Fred & Pat Kaatz Michael & Debbie Kowbel Chris & Tara Larouche-Holmes Jack & Sharon Latimer Fred & Nancy Leake Daniel & Bev Lewis Leighton Tammy Marsico Kathy McArthur Ellen McCurrach Elspeth M. McDougall Kirsten Juliette McDougall Terry & Joan McQuillan Tanya Mihura

Roxy Lynn Morley Mount Paul United Church Kathleen Nadler Michelle Nagle Jean Nelson Richard Olthuis Maria Paccagnella Carl Pentilchuk Tracey Pointer Ginny R. Ratsoy Russ & Jane Reid Ron & June Routledge Susie Safford Ray & Susan Sewell Delray & Heather Lyanne Shannon Terry Simpson Chris & Laurie Stabler Colleen Stainton Carlos Tallent Florence Thomson Nicole Tougas Judith Treherne Naomi Uppenborn Lynda Vigor Ken & Charlotte Wagner David G. Whiting Bonita & Gordon Michael Wiens Benefactors – $100 - $199 Margaret Abramzik Anonymous Dianne Almond Ben & Lorene Anders Debra Apps Anonymous Deborah & Greg Atherton Helen Bailey Wendy Bainbridge Sandy Baird Alan E. Baker Heather Bepple Richard & Fearon Ruth Blair Wilma Bone Keith & Kathy Boughton Maureen Brown David & Liz Bruce

Julie Caroline Burns Tammy & Duwayne Cadwell Mel & Anne Campbell Richard & Chris Carney Kenneth Lorne Christian Catherine Churchill Heidi Coleman Kathleen Collier Cathie Cooper Philippa & Peter Coxon Jean Crowe Joan Cummings Kathy & Sinclair Dalgleish Fay Davies Linnea Davies Cheryl Ann Davison Tony G. Denbigh Joanne Dennstedt Mary Dimopoulos Tim & Gail Dundas Dawn Ebata Carol & Jim Edwards Don & Debbie Erickson Pat Esdale Reno & Marie Fabbro Leandra Fallis Alan Farkas Glen & Sara Farrow Marvyn Fitzpatrick Blake & Linda Fox Anna & Alfred Franczak Cathy Pauline Garay Bob & Michele Gieselman Annette Glover David & Ina Gory Ivana & Homer Hamm Deborah Hansen Marianne Hardy Ron & Judy Hatch Kathleen Virginia Haywood-Farmer Dian Henderson Catherine & Jordan Marie Henry Lucy Heslip Charlene Hillson Jane House Ken & Marylyne House

Maureen & Hoberly Hove Linda Humphrey Charles Izowsky & Judy Moser Bill & Sally Jennejohn Kathy Jmaiff Mel & Heather J. Johnson Tanya and Daniel Johnson Sharon Kika Margaret Kinney Kats & June Kitamura Clement Lasaga Bill & Eileen Lee Fred Legace Denise Leigh Sheryl Lindquist Lukinchuk Group Shirley Ann Lunan Lynda MacKenzie Brian & Nancy MacKinnon Terri L. MacLennan Lori Marchand Janet McChesney Jon McCormick Angus & Barb McKay Alison McKinnon Andrew McLaren Marilyn Kay McLean Dorothy McLellan Stephanie Moen Joan Moffat Dennis & Maxine Mucha Michelle Theresa New Helen Mary Newmarch Ross & Robin Nichol Nuance Dance Studio Nu Master Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Elaine Paget Joan Parker Teresa Arline Prehara Valentina Putoto Karl & Debbie Rainer Dennis & Sue Reedman S. Cookie Reimer Derek Rein Niki and Steve Remesz Louise Richards

Lory Rodrigue Susan Rolston Shirley Rowland David & Jody Lee Rushka L. M. (Lynn) Rutherford Anne Sales Bryan Salsbury Gene & Shirley Sanderson Jill Schrauwen Don Shaw Ethel Sheremeta Kathy Sinclair Shelley Singular Bea Smith Rama Somaya Una St.Clair Karl Stegemann Barbara Jean Steinke Jamie W. Sterritt Al & Marijka Stott Shirley Sze Cec & Jan Tarasoff Dawne Taylor Elizabeth Templeman Laurie Ternier Carol J. Todd Elizabeth A. Todd Glenna Tomlins Lynne Totten Luci Tremblay Hazel Wadlegger Ronald Watson Barb & Mike Webber Shawn Marie Wenger John & Sue Whitehead Dave & Maryanne Whiting Eric & Mary Wiebe Contributors – $25 - $99 Steve Abram Shirley Allan Esther Anderson Mary Aulin Sue Babiy Trudi C. Backman Carolyn & Roger Joseph Bacon Barb & Rick Baker Mike & Mary Baker Mike Baldwin Barbara & Magnus Balle Lorraine Balogh Mona Banek Ron Banford Anna Barton Irene Bazell Evelyn Baziuk

Pierrette Beaton Sharon Beaver Sandra Beblow Ken & Joyce Beck Ruth M. Beday Nicole Befurt The Benevity Community Impact Fund Sandy Berglind Dawn & Sheldon Bergstrom Jeremy Berkman Frances Bewza R.C. Bidnell John & Elizabeth Bishop Merle Bishop Barbara Boechler Glen & Trudie Bonbernard Christine & Bruce Bosdet Gerry & Barbara Bourdon Shauna R. Bourdon Amanda Bowlby Barbara Bowles Carole Boyle Jack & Pauline Braaksma Percy Brackett Pam Bradley Wesley Darren Bray Kelly Brown Anna Bruno Alan & Mary Buchanan Gerry Buchanan David & Melanie S. Burkholder Sue Burt Candice Burton Sue Buzash Celine Calfa Debbie Cane Brian & Lynda Canfield Frank & Odette Caputo Jim & Sherry Carroll Jean Margaret Cartier Kim Cartwright Andrew Cassar-Torreggiani Cathy Cavaletto Margaret Chrumka Evey R. Chursky Grant & Pat Clark Norm & Lynn Cleveland Susan Rm Clifford Naomi & Ross Cloutier Cathy Colborne Maureen E. Coldicott Michelle Colenbrander Bill & Vicki Collins Sharon Connatty Sharon Cooley Leanne Coombes

Paige Doreen Cooper Alisa Coquet MJ Cousins Janice Faye Crape Sarah Cuzzetto Cheryl Dale Brenna Daloise Santo D’Aquino Cynthia B. Davis Pat Decker Wilma de Jong Donna Demarni Jaime Der Preety Desai Lori Dewart Tom & Joy Dinsdale Larry & Edie Dixon Lillian Dunbar Danielle Dunn-Morris Nicolette Frances Eadie Diane Easton Sandy Elizabeth Eastwood Dave & Irene Edamura Venessa B. Eden Pat Elfstrom Jennifer L. Elliott Jennifer A. Ellis Jim & Susan Eredics Cathy M. Farber Susanna Fawkes Anita Fayers Karen Ferguson Jodi Shelki Jill Field Faye Fike Jane Finlay Robert & Lynda Fisher Diane Florence Ali Floyd Bill & Sheena Flynn Mary Follweiter Sandra Joan Fortems Tierra & Bill French Michael Fryatt Aly Fulcher Jack & Linda Fulton Eileen Funk Mitzi Funk Gillian Gaiser Doris I. Galbraith Lynne Gardner Al & Heather L. Gaunce Becky Carol Geeson Connie Lee Georget Lorelei Gibson Kay & Don Gienow

Natasha Gill David Gilmour Rita Goode Noel & Bonnie Gopsill Margaret Graham Mary & Maurice Granger Shelley Gummeson Judy & Jim Gunderson Dyan Gunnlaugson Joan Hall Drusilla & Ian Hammond Susan Hammond Bob Hancherow Ken & June Edith Hartley Bev Haskins Tanja Hasler Bill Victor Heese Lucy Heglin Fran Helland Joanne Helmer Elizabeth Henderson Karolyn G. Hendra Maddy Henry Maxine Henry Violet Hilton Linda Holan Mavis Hollman Cathy Hoshino Sharon Adele Hrycan Leah Hubensky Jillien Marie Humphrey Donna Hunko Judy M. Hunter Melisa Hunter Kim Hurren Mabel Hustler Sharon Huston Leonard Hutt Pat & Scott Huyghebaert Betty Jakel Donalda Jamrich David Jarvis Carole Jeffries April Olivia Jesson David M. Johnson Marg Johnson Susan Johnson Wanda Johnston Brenda Jones Robert Jones Mary Jordan Margaret Kalyk Sandie Keetch Patricia Kelley Alex & Margaret Kerr Rod & Dawn Killough

Marjorie King Richard Klassen Tom & Marion Elizabeth Konopski Ted & Maryann Kowalsky Don & Karen Krause Sandra Kutscherza Lisa Marie Lake Marge Lane Anne Laroche Marg Larsen Donald Scott Lawrence Clara Leaman Suzanne Legault Catriona Leger Ray LePage Walter Lewis Pam Lovett Reg & Barbara Lucas Lori Lucier Monica MacAulay Frances MacColl Bob & Betty MacGowan Jean MacHardy Beth MacKie Bonnie MacLeod Pat MacQueen Sandra F. Mah Donna Marchand David G. Marcotte Sharon Margetts Raegan Markel Sylvia Rose Markowsky Beverly & Norm Martin Heather Martin & Sham Sunder Judy Martin & Dan Cox Shirley A. Martin Rhonda & John Maskiewich Joan Mason Maria May Ann & Jim McCarthy Win McClure Jim McCreight Grant & Sue McDonald Ona McDonald David & Joanne Leslie McDonnell Lorraine McFadyen Karen McKenna Glenda McKinnon Bob & Robbie McLaren Kevin & Susanne B. McLarnon Wendy D. McLean Edna & Walter McLellan Joann McLeod Doris McNutt Shirley & Orest Melnychuk Jessica Messerer-Trosin

Rod J. Michell Daniel Mills Beth & Jeff Morgan Lynn Morrison Ella Morrow Judy Mouldey Betty Muench Trudy Nagurski Rick Nakashimada Ellen Nast Lori Nelson Lorraine Nelson Karry Ness Jenny Newbery Sheila G. Noftall Janet Northcott Bill & Audry O’Donovan Daniela O’Fee Keith Brian Ogilvie Dave & Shelley O’Grady Kyle & Shelley M. Okano Erica Oliveira Sylvia Olson Joan Omasta Annie Onuluk Zilly Palamar Edna Park Deborah Lee Pearen Trevor Penner Dave & Mary Ann Peressini Lois Diana Peters Barb Pettie Ross & Darlene Phelps Peter & Sharon Philip Robert & Lorraine Pick Chris & Karla Pincott Cindy Piwowar Bonnie Plowe Andre & Roberta Poirier Pauline Pollock Frith & Sheila Powell Mark Power Sandra Pryce Jenny Quince Caitlin Mae Quist Penny Radies Lorraine Rahel Keylea Joan Rainer Carolyn Ramsay Mitchell Rankin Brian & Laverne Rasmussen David & Pam Ratch Jane Reed Robert & Alison Jane Reid Sandra L. Reidy Julie M. Reimer

Cherryl Rice Bill & Beverly Roberts Joan Roberts Jodi Lynne Roberts Pam And Tyler Robertson Tyler & Pam Robertson Wendy A. Rockwell Terry & Susanne Rogers Lindael Rolstone Chris Rose Erin E. Rugolo Dianne Rusk Audrey Saigeon Kathryn Salt Ivan & Donna Sambolec John Peter Schmidt Beverley Schroeder Eric & Tish Schweizer Laurel A. Scott Elaine Sedgman Almina & Ken Self Robert & Shirley Shanks Heather Arline Shannon Rozanne Shannon Nancy Shelford Tanya Lorraine Simpson Tamsyn Sitler Debra L. Sloat Arlene Smith Doug & Dianne Smith Evelyn Smyth Jeff Sodowsky Catherine Somerville Joan Spencer Jennie Stadnichuk Don & Sandy Staff Kathryn Joy Steen Rob & Sue E. Steenson Tricia R. Steenson Beverley Steeple Kay Stewart Margaret Stewart-Smith Al & Florence Stonehouse Dick & Marilyn Strutz Stella Stumpf Elaine Sukut Andrea E. Sullivan Eleanor Summers Clint & Paula Sword Colleen Joan Tabata Nadine Terziani Donna M. Thomson Linda Thomson Bob & Julie H. Threinen Peter & Jean Tilt Jessie Toews

Joyce & Henry Tomm Martin Tong Ed & Clarice Ungrin Susan Rosemarie Urquhart Bonnie Vanderlaan Anita van Tassel Rhonda Vanvlaanderen Steve & Nancy L. Van Wagoner Gemma Vidal Robert Walter Donna Wanless Hayley Waring Ron & Norma Watts June C. Webb Diane Wells Bonnie White Cathy Wilcox Judy Wilds Debra Williams Sheryl Willis Sue Williston Andrew Wilson Maureen Glynis Wormsbecker Cathy & John Wozlowski Barbara Zimonick

Tracey Power in her video contribution, commissioned by WCT, for Lady MacBeth and the Not Quite Dead, a national project featuring original songs from 20 artists from across Canada, commissioned by various theatre companies and conceived by Tracey and Musical TheatreWorks

FINANCIALS Western Canada Theatre Company Society STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION For the Year Ended June 30, 2021 2021

Assets

2020

Assets

$

1,159,580 $

746,913

Capital Assets

$

325,806 $

311,671

Total Assets

$

1,485,386 $

1,058,584

$

673,043 $

827,113

$

149,474 $

138,575

$

60,000 $

40,000

$

882,517 $

1,005,688

Unrestricted9 Invested in Capital Assets Restricted Fund2

$ $ $ $

5,186 30,602 7,081 200,000

& Resilience Reserve

$

250,000 $

-

Total Net Assets (Debt)

$

602,869 $

52,896

$

1,485,386 $

1,058,584

Long Term Debt

Net Assets $ $ $ $

(51,900) 82,517 22,279 -

The crew adapting to a season of recorded and live-streamed offerings.

Western Canada Theatre Company Society STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS For the Year Ended June 30, 2021 Opera�ng Fund

Capital Asset Fund

Restricted Fund

Opera�ng Con�ngency Reserve

Crea�ve Dev, Stability & Resilience Reserve

2021

2020

Net Assets (Debt) - Beginning of Year

$

(51,900) $

82,517 $

22,279 $

-

$

-

$

52,896 $

11,385

Excess of Revenue over Expenses

$

601,286 $

(56,115) $

4,802 $

-

$

-

$

549,973 $

41,511

Interfund Transfers

$

(450,000) $

Facility Reserve Alloca�on

$

Net Assets (Debt) - End of Year

$

-

$

-

$

200,000 $

250,000 $

-

$

-

(4,200) $

4,200 $

-

$

-

-

-

$

-

95,186 $

30,602 $

27,081 $

$

200,000 $

250,000 $

2021

2020

Western Canada Theatre Company Society STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES For the Year Ended June 30, 2021 Opera�ng Fund

Capital Asset Fund

Restricted Fund

Revenue

$

1,223,797 $

35,762 $

5,064 $

1,264,623 $

2,565,393

Expenses

$

1,227,917 $

91,877 $

262 $

1,320,056 $

2,717,557

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenses from Opera�ons

$

(4,120) $

(56,115) $

4,802 $

(55,433) $

(152,164)

Extraordinary Income (COVID-19 Supports)

$

605,406 $

-

$

605,406 $

193,675

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenses from Opera�ons

$

601,286 $

(56,115) $

4,802 $

549,973 $

41,511

$

-

$

602,869 $

52,896

WESTERN CANADA THEATRE COMPANY SOCIETY Incorporation Date: January 14, 1975 Charitable Registration: CRA# 119292985 RR 0001 WCT maintains active memberships and affiliations with: Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) Canadian Actors’ Equity Association B.C. Touring Council B.C. Alliance for Arts and Culture Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance Canadian Institute of Theatre Technology Associated Designers of Canada (ADC) Playwrights Guild of Canada Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP/ACTRA) OFFICE Pavilion Theatre 1025 Lorne Street Kamloops, BC MAILING ADDRESS Box 329 Kamloops, BC V2C 5K9 250-326-3216 wctlive.ca

We extend our appreciation for the honour and pleasure to live, create and perform in the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory within the unceded traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation.

Sheldon Bergstrom performs for The Snow Must Go On