2024/25 SEASON
Welcome
Kelli Fox
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
A good deal of this past year happened under the leadership of Executive Director Matt Eger, who pulled the company through a tumultuous time. I can only speak to what I have been a part of since joining the team at the end of May.
Much of our focus in the summer was taken up with repairing some damage in the company culture. Staff, leadership, and the board had all been buffeted by a lot of upheaval and everyone was in need of a great deal of support. Matt and I, together with the board, have worked hard to make up ground and I’m happy to say the progress and the improved morale is palpable. We are entering this season with a company feeling stronger and more optimistic than they were at the close of last season. We have a very exciting line up of plays on stage this year, and we look forward to building a new strategic plan to take us through our next period of growth. We have recently added personnel in a few key areas that will mean we have greater capacity going forward, and that has me feeling very excited about what is possible for us.
In terms of measurable achievements, I have been working hard with Kirk Smith and Amira Alam in the Marketing department to create a series of short videos that will appear weekly in our social media spaces. These include interviews with a number of cherished friends and colleagues from WCT’s 50-year history, and will mark special moments through the progress of the season. And, while I was away for a long while completing work on a prior commitment, I managed to use that time meet with a number of colleagues in Ontario, to create some new contacts and strengthen some old ties, and I’m pleased to say we are nearly half way to having a 2026/27 season to present to the board in the New Year.
I couldn’t be happier to be here, or more optimistic about the future of WCT. I look forward to an opportunity to meet with all of our many supporters, donors, and volunteers as the year unfolds. I know your love of theatre, and your faith in us, are what keep this company strong and thriving through all weather.
Matt Eger
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A Year of Transformation
For our upcoming 50th Anniversary season, Western Canada Theatre has expanded an initiative first imagined by the legendary Lori Marchand: offering affordable tickets for Indigenous community members. This program now extends across the entire season, rather than for indigenous specific programming. At the suggestion of our Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, Laura Michel, the promotional code for these tickets is “Transform.”
Laura explained that the word connects deeply with the Secwépemc legend of sk’elép (Coyote) as a transformer—a figure who brings change, learning, and new ways of being. It also speaks to this moment for Western Canada Theatre, as we and our local Indigenous communities move together toward a better place. Transformation is at the heart of the stories we tell, and it has also been at the heart of our 24/25 year.
When I stepped into this role, I knew change would be inevitable, but I could not have imagined the scope of it. We have restructured and modernized our finance department, bringing our systems technologically into the present. A brand new box office system has been introduced, and our partnership at Sagebrush Theatre has been renewed with a carefully built management agreement that sets a stronger foundation for the future.
It has also been a year of building relationships and strengthening the team. I am honoured to welcome Kelli Fox as Artistic Director for our 50th anniversary. Kelli is a through-and-through theatre artist, steeped in the art form and deeply connected to some of the country’s most remarkable creators. I look forward not only to the many road trips we will share to see theatre together, but to the extraordinary work we will bring to Kamloops—work that will surprise, delight, and move this community in the years ahead.
We are also proud to have welcomed Laura Michel permanently to the company, ensuring that WCT continues to be a place of connection between colonial systems and the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, the caretakers of the land where we gather. And with the arrival of Cheyenne Scott as Associate Artistic Director, we are thrilled to be developing her play Wolf Cull toward its world premiere in 2025/26. These are steps that ensure our stories and our leadership reflect a broader, more inclusive future.
The Board of Directors has worked tirelessly alongside us, strengthening governance and HR practices, and ensuring systems are in place to take care of the whole team. Together, we are preparing to launch a new strategic plan that will guide us toward growth, sustainability, and our long-term vision for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts.
Through all of this, one thing has not changed: the extraordinary commitment of our staff, who consistently go above and beyond, even as they work within notable resource constraints. They bring relentless passion and dedication to the work of making theatre happen. Their creativity and care are what sustain us, and my priority remains building balance and support for them in uncertain times.
Despite challenges, WCT ended the year with stability and even a modest surplus. That may not sound like much, but after years of navigating deficits, it is a marker of progress and a sign that our systems are stronger. More importantly, it is proof of the resilience of this company and the community that surrounds it—our donors, sponsors, volunteers, and audiences who remain steadfast in their support.
At the end of the day, what we do together is nothing short of miraculous: putting bodies on stage to tell stories, with music and dance, sets and costumes, and all the magic that comes with live performance. As we enter this 50th Anniversary season, and as we embrace the word Transformation, we celebrate not only the past fifty years but the future we are shaping together—one of care, resilience, and imagination.
Cover Photo by BARBARA ZIMONICK
Message From the Board
WCT opens the curtain on its 50th season!
Wey’tk and greetings everyone.
It’s been a year of change and growth, as we now step into Western Canada Theatre’s 50th season. As a Board, when we reflect on all the people who have shaped the direction of the theatre over the years, and been shaped in turn by the stories WCT tells, we feel deeply proud to be part of its story.
Fifty years. Just think about that for a minute. When WCT was born, the most popular toy was a pet rock. Trudeau (the first one) was Prime Minister, and George Manuel of Kamloops was the president of the Assembly of First nations. Chicago and The Wiz had just opened on Broadway. People were dancing the hustle, and everything was groovy.
Many of us on the Board hold WCT among our earliest memories, from Stage One classes to productions that inspired us. Like a dear friend, WCT’s influence has stood the test of time. We owe much to every one of the dreamers and doers who brought it to life.
This past year, WCT put on an awesome season, with audiences turning out in record numbers. And after a search that saw applicants from across Canada and around the world, we welcomed the incredibly talented Kelli Fox as our new Artistic Director. We look forward to seeing Kelli and our amazing Executive Director Matt Eger, along with the wonderful staff at each our venues—Kelson Hall, the Sagebrush Theatre, and the Pavilion Theatre—grow WCT together in the months and years ahead.
As a Board, we have aimed to build on the organization’s robust foundations, while thinking about our impact on the future. We began the groundwork for our 2026-2031 Strategic Plan and reflected on WCT’s many roles in the community—as a provider of live professional theatre, theatre education, and venue and box office management. With one eye, we looked inward, ensuring modernized processes and good governance, while with the other we looked outward, exploring ways to expand our impact on the national stage, while building new and stronger strategic partnerships, right here at home.
In that spirit of community, as we wrap up the year, we would like to give a round of applause to everyone in WCT’s tapestry—all of the donors, partners, volunteers, staff, and, of course, audiences—who make the theatre live and breathe. Each one of you is a vital author of WCT’s story.
WCT’s next chapter will be focused on finding ourselves a space in the new Kamloops Centre for the Arts. By this time this goes to print, the ground-breaking ceremony has already happened, but our work continues. There are two (2) theatres slotted for this impressive building; one with 1200 seats and one with 450. WCT advocated for the 450-seat theatre because we are not likely to grow into the 1200 seat theatre for a few decades. However, we acknowledge what a great asset it will be for the city to attract travelling shows, and we understand that our friends at the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra will get great use of it.
Our focus remains on the 450-seat theatre and how its establishment will effect WCT’s involvement with the Sagebrush and Pavilion theatres. More to come on this issue.
Going forward, the Board’s decisions will be made in accordance with the following pillars:
1. producing high quality theatre;
2. improving the audience experience;
3. become a destination theatre for artists by nurturing an environment that inspires;
4. establishing ourselves as an employer of choice.
In closing, I wish to acknowledge the committed volunteers that are your Board of Directors and also share the Board’s decision-making process.
In order to make informed and thoughtful decisions, we have implemented a committee system that ensures all major decisions are debated separately and independently at least twice. In this respect, the Board has established four (4) committees that are charged with specific topics to research, discuss and then submit recommendations to the Board, which in turn debates the issue again. Committees do not decide, they advance the debate.
Each Board member is expected to sit on at least one (1) committee.
And so I would like to acknowledge the extensive contribution of:
• Dr. Sunnie Rothenburger, Vice President and Chair of the Governance Committee.
• Diana Skoglund, Secretary and member of the Governance Committee.
• Shelley Sanders, Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee.
• Monica Macaulay, co-Chair of the Strategic Relationships Committee.
• Colleen Ryan, co-chair of the Strategic Relationships Committee.
• John Scott, co-chair of the Facilities Committee.
• Greg Sawatzky, co-Chair of the Facilities Committee.
• Dieter Dudy, Director at Large and member of the Finance Committee.
• Robin Nichol, Director at Large and member of the Governance Committee.
• Radhika Tabrez, Director at Large and member of the Strategic Relationships Committee.
• Sara Wolfe, Director at Large and member of the Governance Committee.
I would also like to acknowledge Beth Morgan and Allison Sidow, past board members who departed the Board earlier this year.
Of course, none of this would be possible without our committed Executive Management Team, which are the only direct reports to the Board and charged with implementing the Board’s direction. A big thank you to Matt Eger and Kelli Fox as they endeavor to lead our very talented team to artistic excellence.
Cheers to another 50 years—and beyond.
Chrystie Stewart Board President
BOARD PRESIDENT CHRYSTIE STEWART WITH WCT STAFF AT ANNOUNCEMENT OF BUILD KAMLOOPS APPROVAL.
We value our role as the largest professional arts organization in the B.C. Interior, and our leadership in the cultural sector of our province.
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BARBARA ZIMONICK
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Vision
Western Canada Theatre changes lives through inclusive performing arts events 365 days a year.
Mission
To lead cultural conversations and engage our community through inclusive, innovative productions and arts education. WCT honours its audiences and community by promoting relevant and resonant stories, amplifying diverse voices and ideas, and inspiring audiences and artists of the future.
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MURRAY MITCHELL
2024/25 SEASON PRODUCTIONS
Directed by KIM COLLIER OCTOBER 10 to 20, 2024
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
By STEPHEN MALLATRATT
Based on the novel by SUSAN HILL
A Spine Chilling Theatrical Masterpiece
Artistic Team
CAST
CHARLIE GALLANT Actor
JAMES MacDONALD ^ Actor
SHANNON McQUILLAN ^ The Woman in Black
CREATIVE
KIM COLLIER ~ Director
KEN MacKENZIE Set Designer
JOHN WEBBER Lighting Designer
SABRINA STACE ^* Costume Designer
THOMAS RYDER PAYNE Sound Designer
ALISON MATTHEWS Dialect Consultant
JAN HODGSON Stage Manager
PETER JOTKUS Assistant Stage Manager
JONATHON YOUNG Voice of the Priest
^ * ~ LEGEND
= Kamloops Artist
= Emerging Artist
= Artist formerly from Kamloops
Photo by MURRAY MITCHELL
DISNEY’S
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Music by ALAN MENKEN
Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN and TIM RICE | Book by LINDA WOOLVERTON
Originally Directed by ROB ROTH | Originally Produced by DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS
Directed & Choreographed by TRACEY POWER
A Tale as Old as Time
Artistic Team
CAST
SHELYSE CAMERON ^* Enchantress | Understudy: Babette / Lefou
OLIVER CASTILLO Lefou | Understudy: The Beast
BRIANNA CLARK * Belle
DUSTIN FREELAND Gaston | Understudy: Cogsworth
JAKE KOPYTKO ^* Monsieur D’Arque | Understudy: Gaston / Lumiere
CAITRIONA MURPHY Mrs. Potts | Understudy: Madame de la Grande Bouche
JENNIE NEUMANN Madame de la Grande Bouche | Understudy: Mrs. Potts
RON PEDERSON Lumiere
KIRK SMITH ^ Cogsworth
ALI WATSON Babette | Understudy: Belle
CHRISTOPHER WEDDELL ^ Maurice
JACOB WOIKE The Beast
ARCHER VANDERBURGH ^* Chip
REM MURRAY ^* Understudy: Ensemble / Monsieur D’Arque
STEPHANIE McLEAN ^ Understudy: Ensemble / Chip
YOUTH ENSEMBLE
BRENNA DEWING ^*
RIELLE DMYTERKO ^*
AIZA ABBAS ^*
ANNA MacFARLANE ^*
AUBREY MARRIOTT ^*
ESME MORRIS ^*
ADRIANNA RANDELL ^*
MUSICIANS
BAILEY FINLEY ^* Sinfonia Player
CLARE WYATT Conductor / Keyboard
CREATIVE TEAM
TRACEY POWER ^ Director & Choreographer
CLARE WYATT Music Director
NARDA McCARROLL Set & Lighting Designer
APRIL VICZKO Set Designer
BARBARA CLAYDEN Costume Designer
TREVER TEWS Sound Designer
SARA RUTSATZ ^*
MEER DANEYAAL ABIDI ^*
SEREN WILLIAMS ^*
MORGAN YAMADA Fight Director
STEPHANIE McLEAN ^ Assistant Choreographer
LAUREL ONEIL Stage Manager
ASHLEY REES Assistant Stage Manager
TWITCH TOBIN ~* Assistant Stage Manager
HANS SAEFKOW Scenic Carpenter & Painter
LIZZY KING ^ Youth Supervisor
Photo by BARBARA ZIMONICK
LIARS AT A FUNERAL
By SOPHIA FABIILLI
In association with Alberta Theatre Projects
FEBRUARY 20 to MARCH 02, 2025 | SAGEBRUSH THEATRE
LITTLE RED WARRIOR AND HIS LAWYER
Written and Directed by KEVIN LORING
A Savage Society (Vancouver) and Belfry Theatre (Victoria) co-production in association with NAC Indigenous Theatre (Ottawa) and Theatre Calgary
Not All’s Fair in Family and Funerals A Trickster Fable of Land, Love, and the Law
Artistic Team
CAST
GRACE FEDORCHUK * Dee Dee / Mia
JOEL DAVID TAYLOR * Quint / Cam
TYRELL CREWS Frank / Wayne
HELEN KNIGHT Evelyn / Leorah
MAUREEN THOMAS Mavis
CREATIVE
CLARE PREUSS Director
FILSAN DUALEH * Assistant Director
ANTON deGROOT Set & Lighting Designer
ABBIE BROKENSHIRE * Costume Designer
KATHRYN SMITH * Sound Designer
LAUREL ONEIL Stage Manager
RAYNAH BOURNE * Assistant Stage Manager
Artistic Team
CAST
GORDON PATRICK WHITE Little Red Warrior
LUISA JOJIC Desdemona
KEVIN McNULTY Floyd
SHEKHAR PALEJA Larry
NICK MIAMI BENZ * Lizzy
CREATIVE TEAM
KEVIN LORING Director & Playwright
JOHN DOUCET Set Designer
JEFF HARRISON Lighting Designer & Technical Director
SAMANTHA McCUE Costume Designer
TROY SLOCUM Sound Designer
CANDELARIO ANDRADE Projection Designer
ANGELA BEAULIEU Stage Manager
GEOFF JONES Assistant Stage Manager
DANIEL RIITANO Scenic Painter
Set reconstruction and additional automation by:
CHAD DESJARDINS Head Carpenter
TOM ROLFE Assistant Carpenter
And members of IATSE 471
Photo by MURRAY MITCHELL
Photo by EMILY COOPER
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PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Written by KATE HAMILL
Adapted from the novel by
JANE AUSTEN
A Playful Twist on a Literary Classic
Artistic Team
CAST
MEREWYN COMEAU Jane/Miss de Bourgh
KATE BESWORTH Lizzie
MELISSA OEI Lydia/Lady Catherine
CHRIS WALTERS Mr. Darcy
DYLAN FLOYDE Miss Bingley/Wickham/Collins
REM MURRAY *^ Mr. Bingley/Mary
GREG ARMSTRONG-MORRIS Mr. Bennet/Charlotte
ANITA WITTENBERG ~ Mrs. Bennet/Servants
Photo
BARBARA ZIMONICK
MARCH 04 to 09, 2025 |
JULIET: A REVENGE COMEDY
Written by PIPPA MACKIE and RYAN GLADSTONE
A Monster Theater Production Directed by RYAN GLADSTONE
A Comedic Feast, Best Served Cold
Artistic Team
LILY BEAUDOIN Performer (Juliet)
TARA TRAVIS Performer (Everyone Else)
RYAN GLADSTONE Playwright/Director/Performer (Shakespeare)
PIPPA MACKIE Playwright
DREW JURECKA Original Score
JON PATERSON Lighting Designer/Stage Manager
NITA BOWERMAN Costume Designer
Written and Performed by KRYSTLE DOS SANTOS APR 29 to MAY 04, 2025 |
MOTOWN GET DOWN
A Ride Through the ‘60s Sounds of Motor City
Artistic Team
KRYSTLE DOS SANTOS Writer & Performer
DOMINIC CONWAY Saxophone
JON HOLISKO Drums
COLE TINNEY Keys
GAVIN YOUNGASH Guitar
Photo by PEYTON MOTT
(feat. LILY BEAUDOIN & CARLY POKORADI)
Special Events
Before the season started, the City of Kamloops held an event in the parking lot next to Kelson Hall, slated to be the location of the new Centre for the Arts. The current ground plan for the centre was realized on the lot in chalk, and different areas were activated by various arts groups, including WCT staff.
At the end of the season, in June, the recorded 2022 production of Laura Michel’s Echoes of the Homesick Heart was screened at the Paramount Theatre in partnership with the Kamloops Film Society. This event featured a panel discussion after the film led by Paul Michel. Panelists included Sound Designer Jeremy Kneeshaw (who also performed music in the lobby), actor Merewyn Comeau, Lori Marchand (via Zoom), and Secwepemc language specialist Janice E. Billy.
Laura Michel launched her Echoes of the Homesick Heart Bursary supporting post-secondary students pursuing Secwepemctsin studies, and Artistic Director Kelli Fox announced that WCT would be matching donations to that bursary made at the screening.
Education and Outreach
This past year was another year of growth for the Education and Outreach department! The Hub for Creative Learning was busy enhancing our patrons’ theatre experience and continuing to provide arts education in a multitude of ways.
We continued to provide our audiences with enrichments to our programming. In the 2024/2025 season, the Education and Outreach department continued to offer tea matinees, venue tours, pizza nights, actor talkbacks and study guides. We provided additional workshops this year with groups such as Kamloops Adult Learners Society, SD73, Kamloops Secondary School and even our own WCT Board! As we venture into workshops for Public Speaking and Team Building, we were very excited to create a relationship with TRU Gaglardi’s Economics program.
Our Theatre Classes continue to thrive at Kelson Hall! Our Stage One programming for youth saw a small increase in classes and students, as did our Next Stage adult programming. For youth we continue to offer: Introductory Acting, Musical Theatre, Teen Workshop Week and Performance Classes. Our Next Stage programming for adults consisted of Intro Acting 1, Scene Study and Play Reading Class, in both the Fall and Spring.
This year we continued with our dedication to Relaxed Performances. For two plays this past season (Liars at a Funeral and Pride and Prejudice) we adapted our performances and created play guides to allow all patrons an opportunity to see our shows. Without compromising artistic integrity, we provided a highly inclusive environment that gave patrons with children, mobility concerns and sensory sensitivities, a wonderful and safe place to enjoy theatre.
Our student matinees continued this past year with Beauty and the Beast being a favourite amongst schools. Our three school matinees for Beauty and the Beast sold out in just three days. Our school matinees offer a wonderful experience for young people; discounted ticketing, actor talkbacks, tea and snacks pre-show and study guides to give them continued enhancement after the show is finished!
TERRI RUNNALLS
Education & Outreach Director
STAGE ONE Performance Class
EDUCATION IN NUMBERS
STAGE ONE
18 CLASSES
30 TEACHERS
268 STUDENTS
NEXT STAGE
4 CLASSES
4 TEACHERS
56 STUDENTS The Hub Workshop
DAYS BOOKED PER VENUE
275
SAGEBRUSH THEATRE USAGE BY TYPE
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MURRAY MITCHELL
Fund Development
Throughout 2024/25, Western Canada Theatre navigated a year of dynamic change in our world’s economy and the challenges brought by the postal strike. Yet, through it all, our community’s belief in the power of live theatre shone brightly. Thanks to the steadfast generosity of our donors, sponsors, and patrons, we achieved a record year of donations—a powerful reflection of the shared conviction that this is theatre and programming to believe in.
Our donors are the heart of our continued success. Their support fuels every curtain rise, every new artist welcomed to our stage, and every story that brings our community together. It is their commitment that allows us to dream boldly, create fearlessly, and keep live theatre vibrant in our region.
A Special Thank You
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sandman Signature for their outstanding partnership this past season. Their generosity in subsidizing accommodations for our out-of-town artists has been invaluable—ensuring that WCT can continue to attract exceptional talent from across the country.
To all our supporters, sponsors, partners, and funders: thank you. Your belief in Western Canada Theatre makes it possible for us to continue inspiring, entertaining, and connecting our community through the transformative power of live theatre.
Our community continues to stand behind the stories, artists, and experiences that make this theatre worth believing in.
Stephanie McLean Development Director
Corporate Sponsors and Partners
WCT would like to thank the following organizations for their support.
PRESENTING PARTNER
TITLE SPONSORS
COMMUNITY TICKETING SPONSOR
SHOW SPONSORS
ANONYMOUS DONOR
SEASON SPONSORS
GOVERNMENT FUNDERS
FOUNDATIONS
MEDIA SPONSORS
OPENING NIGHT SPONSORS
PIZZA PRE-SHOW SPONSOR
Annual Gifts
Donors whose recent gifts help WCT enrich and transform lives.
Listings based on annual contributions from July 1, 2024–September 17, 2025.
DIAMOND COMPANIONS
$10,000 +
Anonymous
Michael E. Black & the Late
Denise Fortier
Rae Nixon
PLATINUM PATRONS
$5000–$9999
Anonymous
Hugh & Marilyn Fallis
Roland and Anne Neave
GOLD PATRONS
$3500–$4999
Anonymous
Tacey Ruffner
SILVER PATRONS
$2000–$3499
James & Barbara W. Wentworth
Bill Adams & Katie McCormack
Mike & Margot Waithe
Tim Rodgers
Susan Safford: In emory of Carlos Tallent
COPPER PATRONS
$750–$1999
Jessie & James Fedorak
J. Ivor McMahen & J. Ann
Carter Fund
Dennis & Sue Reedman
Archer Vanderburgh
Valerie Fitger
Barb Prystawa
Jo-Anne Kobayashi & Don
Shaw
Don & Sandy Staff
Jennifer Takahashi
Mirella & Bob Holden
Grant & Nancy Chu
Al & Marijke Stott
Mr. Terry Simpson
Kathleen Biagioni
PATRONS $500–$749
Kathleen Collier
Kirsten Juliette McDougall
Laura Paula Piva-Babcock
Vic & Sally Mowbray
Tricia Sellmer
Donna Geefs
Terry Shupe
Ginny R. Ratsoy
John Helvoigt
Lois K. Hollstedt
David & Rosemarie Stoltze
Lois Crown
Lauryn V. Purych
Robert Walter & Jill Calder
Susan Turner
Lyn Holborn
Tanya Mihura
Margaret Jones
John McCurrach
Hope Hyslop
Fred Cunningham & Helen
Birdsall
Peter & Debra Allik-Petersenn
Bill & Evey Chursky
INVESTORS $200–$499
Anonymous (4)
Ms. Dian Henderson
Ms. Shelley Sanders
Jim & Joan Rosemary Gordon
Christine Bilbey
Francis & Helen Barnett
Terri MacLennan
Barb & Mike Webber
Marcia Julian & Cameron Grant
Adrienne M. Murphy
Cara Gates
Brenda & Ken Christian
Colleen Stainton
Justin Waito & Sagan Morrow
Nicole Tougas
Jolana Tamajka
Gail Bonnie Jesten
Gwen Ginter
In Memory of Claire Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. Chris de Haan
Helena Hasler
Angela Stott
Ruth & Michael Fane
Pam Bradley
Diana O’Dare
Diana Skoglund
Trent & Melissa Jakubec
Yvonne Heese
Frank & Jo Law
Greg Howard
William J. Flynn
Dennis & Sandra C. Lloyd
Catriona Leger
Rhonda Diaper
Jack & Terry-Lynn Stone
Sue & John Whitehead
Nancy Leake
Barbara Lucas: In Memory of
Reg Lucas
Roxanne Dauncey
Ron & Patricia McColl
Marvyn Fitzpatrick
Ms. Margaret Patten
Diane Mary Webb
Ms. Evelyn Pochay
Mona & Chris Murray
Valentina Putoto
Donna L. Duffy
Jim & Martina Duncan
Joanne Dennstedt
Ann Weller
Sally and Bob Zryd
Maureen Brown
Keith & Kathy Boughton
Rob & Chris Phillips
Ed & Diane Barker
Jack & Linda Fulton
Bob & Jo-Mary Hunter
Dan & Denise Douglas
Janet Kusler
Mary Jane Finch
Sheelah Witham
Niki & Steve Remesz
Dennis & Maxine Mucha
Bob & Pat King
Glen & Sara Farrow
Audrey Ann Niehaus
Larry Dixon
Bill & Sally Jennejohn
David Horsley
John And Jean Webb
Chet & Pria Flanagan
Lori Melnychuk
Donna M. Daines
BENEFACTORS $100–$199
Anonymous (6)
Heidi Coleman
Stan Fike
Joan Bernard
Peter & Judy Gray
Karl & Debbie Rainer
Wendy Willis
Thompson Valley Community
Orchestral
Ed & Patti Bruzzese
Wendy Bainbridge
Vic & Diana Endean
Kathryn Shaw
Andrew & Tammy Watson
Mike & Mary Baker
Sloane Hammond
Linda F. Barr
Gillian Doan
Mary Elizabeth Lowe
Joy Gothard
Mavis Hollman
Edna & Larry Hlokoff
Jon & Irene Buckle
Bobbie Harrison
Karen Siggers
Ken & Marylyne House
Evan & Wendy Lichlyter
Blake & Linda Fox
Joan Cummings
Joel Groves
John Charles Dittrich
Yanni Giftakis
Norm & Lynn Cleveland
Ethel Sheremeta
Shirlee Ezowski
Lucy & Ron Heslip
Laura K. Hoffman
Sue Buzash
Dawne Taylor
Bruce & Helen Newmarch
T & S Rogers
Cathie Cooper
Claire Johnson
Ron & Marilyn MacKenzie
Ron & Judy Hatch
Sandy Elizabeth Eastwood
Charo Neville
Anne Margaret Laroche
Nicole and Tom Befurt
Judy Armstrong
Janice & Blaine Hawkins
Jonathan McCormick
June Routledge
Donna Sharpe
Kathleen Nadler
Judith Treherne
Luciana Comparelli
Maureen Margaret Brady
Nancy Martens
Robert & Patricia Esdale
Jeff Cummings
Ellen Nast
Shirley Sze
Carol Dreger
Arthur Ross
Karen Baleshta
Richard and Ali Floyd
Trudy Goold
Sean Sutherland
Susan Hammond
Wendy D. McLean
Norm & Heidi Bryson
Wendy Nielsen
Margaret Brown
Tracey Pointer
Byron Murray
Annonymous
In Memory of Eleanor Putnam
Jay Rilkoff
CONTRIBUTORS $25–$99
Anonymous (5)
Dianne Jackson
Karen Albiston
Catherine Garay
Mrs. Berinda Kruger
Susan Rolston
Penny Elaine Haggarty
Jamie Fecteau
Wendy Krauza
Cindy Piwowar
Allyson Friesen
Penelope Buckman
Ms. Elaine Andrews
Ms. Liz Murray
Shelley Singular
Karen & Hardy Grey
Beverley Martin
Christine Fichter
Trevor Pratt
John Weller
Elizabeth Dye
Gillian Gaiser
Judy Basso
Erica Roy Feldsted Family Grant’s
Sandy Baird
Av Loerke
Dave & Irene Edamura
Josh and Teresa Keller
Frances Seaton
James MacDonald & Tracey
Power
A. Swanson
Nancy MacKinnon
Wanda Johnston
Urszula Ewa Zawadzka
Diane Florence
Mary-Jane Reid
Jane Reed
Nicholas McKenzie
Sharlene McIlwain
Sara Kathryn Hilliard
Ms. Rhonda Pedersen
Ms. Donna Hunko
Danielle Collins
Mr. & Mrs. Dave & Sandra
MacDonald
Lorraine Romanin
by BARBARA ZIMONICK
Photos
Volunteers
Our volunteers are essential to Western Canada Theatre’s success. They are the ticket takers and ushers for every performance and all events at the Sagebrush Theatre, Pavilion Theatre, and Kelson Hall. They help us build costumes and sets, sell drinks and snacks in the concession, send out promotional mailings, make phone calls to thank donors, and myriad other tasks we couldn’t do without them!
8,800+ THE NUMBER OF HOURS DONATED BY WCT VOLUNTEERS THIS SEASON!
376 VOLUNTEERS
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2024/25 VOLUNTEERS:
PEGGY ADAMS, SHERRY ANDERSON, JOY ANTONIA, MONICA ARDUINI PETER ASELSTYNE, SHERYL ASELSTYNE, CLARE AUDET, MARY AULIN, AL BAILEY, FAITH BAILEY, BEVERLEY BARTLETT, JAIDYN BARTSCH, JILLIAN BEACH, LIANA BEAUDRY, NORA BENNETT, CAROLYN BENOIT, KATHERINE BENTLEY, MARY BENTLEY, HEATHER BEPPLE, SHERI BISSONNETTE, PENELOPE BLAIR, CINDY BONDAROFF, JACKIE BONN, MARYANN BOWER, BONNY BOYCHUK, RUSSELL BROWN, KASHMIR BUNDIC, VIENNA BUNDIC, ZARRA BUNDIC, LINDA BYMOEN, MICHELLE CAMPBELL, YVETTE CAMPBELL, SHARON CARRELL, GAYLE CARRIÈRE, SANDY CASWELL, LAURIE CHAPMAN, JO CHIPPERFIELD, JOAN CHOW, HELEN COLLINS, OLGA COLLINS, SHELAGH CONROY, LORRAINE CORRIGAN, GAIL CROSSLEY, MARJORIE CROSSLEY, PHIL CROSSLEY, SUSAN CULLUM, WENDY CUMMER, HOLLY CURRAH, DOREEN CZERKAWSKI, JEAN DAHL, LAURIE DAHLGREN, AMANDA DAVIDSON, HEATHER DAVIDSON, JOYCE DAWS, TERRI LYNN DAY, JOANNE DENNSTEDT, BRENDA DERMOTT, ELIZABETH DEWHIRST, KELLI DIONNE, BARB DUBOIS-PAYNTER, GRAY EDWARDS, JENNIFER ELLIS, HETTY FABER, DONNA FERGUSON, HELEN FERGUSON, KAREN FERGUSON, CAROLYN FISHER, SANDIE FLEMING, DONNA FLEURY, KAREN FOLK, TAMMY FORSYTH, DEBBIE FRANSEN, MAYU FRASER, LORELEE FRIEDEL, JENNIFER FULLEN, DENISE GAVIN, ISOBEL GEBHART, GORDON GERRITS, ROSALYN GOLDSTEIN, TRUDY GOOLD, SUE GRAY, ANNE GRUBE, GREG HALL, SUSAN HALL, LAURA HARDACKER, DENISE HARVEY, SUSAN HELGASON, WENDY HILL, COLLEEN HODGSON, JUDE HODGSON, CATHERINE HOLMAN, DANITA HOWARD, CAROLA HUGHES, CARMELIZA HURST, CLARE JEFFERSON, KELLY JEFFERY, DEAN JESKE, DONNA JESKE, NIKKI JOHNSTONE, JEANNINE JOLY, BOBBIE KALSI, MARIE KING, PATRICIA KIPP, GEORGINA KNIGHT, MARLY KRUEGER, LINDA KUPP, MARG LARSEN, MARYANN LEACH, LAURA LEADBETTER-FUOCO, HEATHER LEBLANC, JANINE LEDUC,
LORRAINE LEVITT, MIKE LEVITT, WENDY LICHLYTER, MODESTA LUCA, LORI LUCIER, MONICA MACAULAY, NAYA MACAULAY, JANICE MACDONALD, GERRY MACDOUGALL, DENISE MAGRATH, CHRISTA MAGUIRE, DAVID MAJCHER, TINA MAJCHER, ANNA MARIE MANKOWSKE, JANET MASKELL, WENDY MATHESON, JANET MCGREGOR, BRAD MCGUIRE, MARLENE MCKAY, BEVERLY MCKEE, LINDALEE MCKEE, MAUREEN MCKENZIE, DEBORAH MCKEOWN, WENDY MCLEAN, EDNA MCLELLAN, KELLY MECHEM. BETH MILBURN, MURIEL MILLER, KATHLEEN MOFFAT, KAITLYN MONTEIRO, KATHY MOORE, SHARON MOORE, KEISHA MORONG, CAROL-LYNN MORRIS, TERRY MORRIS, BEV MUNRO, LISA NEVIN, JUDY NICHOLS, LINDA NORDGREN, KIM NORDLI, HELEN NYBO, SHELLEY OCKENDEN, TED OCKENDEN, SHELLEY O’GRADY, MI’KAYLA OLEXSON SCHOLPP, TRACY OLSEN, SANDY OSBORNE, RUSTY PATERSON, AURORA PAZMANONGDO, ABBY PERRIN, LULU PHILLIPS, MICHAEL PHILLIPS, HEATHER PICHE, MELODIE PIKE, GLEN PINCHIN, MARLA PINCHIN, SHEILA POWELL, MARILYN PUFF, ALLAN RASMUSSEN, TINA REBS, MARIE REED, INDIRA REMPEL, BRANDON RENNIE, PETER RENNIE, SILVANA RENNIE, JOANNE RICHARDS, MARIA ROMEO, ANN RORISON, INGRID SALYN, GREG SAWATZKY, BILL SCOTT, LIL SELMAN, DEB SHAFER, CLEO SHEPERT, BRENDA SHERWOOD, CATHY SHETHER, ELEANOR SHOOK, SHELDON SHORE, ELAINE SKINNER, LES SKINNER, LOUISE SMIT, MELANIE SMITH, LYNN SNOOK, CHRISTINE SORENSEN, MARY STOFANIK, MARNIE STORIE, LEANNE STURGEON, ELEANOR SUMMERS, JANICE SWANSON, KERRY TARNAWSKY, KELLY TEMBLETT, CINDI THOMPSON, ELIZAK THOMSON, MICHELLE THOMSON, JEAN TILT, SARI VANDEGRAAF, PAT VARNEY, DIAN VERWEY, LYNN VICARS, ROSE-MARIE VOAKES, BEV WELLS, SHAWN WESTERLUND, HARDLEY WILLIAMS, DEBBIE WOLDUM, JACQUIE WOURMS, IRENE YOUNG, SALLY ZRYD
WCT Board
CHRYSTIE STEWART President
SUNNIE ROTHENBURGER
Vice President
DIANA SKOGLUND Secretary
SHELLEY SANDERS Treasurer
*BETH MORGAN
DIETER DUDY
MONICA MACAULAY
**ROBIN NICHOL
RADHIKA MAIRA TABREZ
COLLEEN RYAN
GREG SAWATZKY
*ALISON SIDOW
JOHN SCOTT
SARA WOLFE
*Resigned mid-Term
**Mid-Term Appointment
DAVID ROSS†
TOM KERR‡
JUDGE T.W. SHUPE§
D. MICHAEL DOBBIN*
FRANCIS BARNETT*
PEGGY GILMOUR*
MIKE LATTA*
ANNE MANSON*
MAUREEN MARSHALL*
LANNI SHUPE*
TIM RODGERS*
† Honorary Life Artistic Producer
‡ Founding Artistic Director
§ Honorary Life Chairman
* Honorary Life Member
WCT Staff
LEADERSHIP
JAMES MacDONALD Artistic Director‡
KELLI FOX Artistic Director*
Matt Eger Executive Director*
ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION
MORGAN BENEDICT Producer†
CHEYENNE SCOTT Artistic Associate*
FINANCE
RON THOMPSON Finance Director‡
CAROL FRIESEN Accounting Officer
MARKETING
& COMMUNICATIONS
KIRK SMITH Marketing & Communications Director†
KRISTINA LYNE Marketing Manager
AMIRA ALAM Marketing Assistant*
DEVELOPMENT
SUZAN GOGUEN Director of Development‡
STEPHANIE MCLEAN Development Director†
VENUE SERVICES
SKYLAR NAKAZAWA Venue Services Director
MARTA ORANIEWICZ Interim Venue Services Director* (Parental Leave Coverage)
GREG BROWN Front of House Manager†
JAKOB KOPYTKO Assistant Front of House Manager‡
SHADE ARENDT Assistant Front of House Manager*
JENNY EDWARDS Development & Administrative Assistant‡
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
TERRI RUNNALLS Education & Outreach Director
EMILY BROWN Education Assistant‡
LAURA MICHEL Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator*
Stage One Instructors
TERRI RUNNALLS, EMILY BROWN, DEIDRICH ORTON,
ASHLEY HIIBNER, JESSICA BUCHANAN, LEILA KHELOUIATI*,
AURORA MAHER, ZOE DIMOPOLOUS*
PRODUCTION
BILL CHABASSOL Director of Production‡
DANIEL JEWISON Production Director†
ASHLEY HIIBNER Assistant Technical Director†
LIAM BEFURT Venue Technical Director, Sagebrush Theatre
BRITTNEY MARTENS Head of Properties
SABRINA STACE Head of Wardrobe
ADRIAN HARLAND Theatre Technician, Sagebrush Theatre
JENSEN SCEBEL Theatre Technician, Sagebrush Theatre
BENJI LLOYD Theatre Technician, Sagebrush Theatre*
HOUSE STAFF
DENISE CLEVELAND, SOPHIA DIMOPOULOS, MATTHEW HARDY*, NATASHA HOLOWAYCHUK*, BEN JOHNSON*, LINDA KASSIS, JAKOB KOPYTKO†, LUCAS LOCHRIE, JULIA MCKIBBON, MALLORY MOGG, REM MURRAY, JESSICA REID*, ELIO STEPHENSON*, JANE VIVENTI*
HEAD USHERS
MARY AULIN, BARB DUBOIS-PAYNTER, KAREN FERGUSON, TRUDY GOOLD, KELLY JEFFERY, GEORGINA KNIGHT, WENDY MATHESON, MELODIE PIKE, GREG SAWATZKY
KAMLOOPS LIVE! BOX OFFICE (KL!BO)
MICHELLE CHABASSOL KL!BO Director
STEPHEN FINLAY KL!BO Supervisor
KL!BO BOX OFFICE REPRESENTATIVES
AVIE CACHELIN, NATASHA HOLOYWAYCHUK*, KELSEY LAUNIER*, MEGAN POLACIK, LINDA KASSIS‡ , ANN WELLER‡
*Notes: * New to organization in 2024/25
‡ Left position in 2024/25
† Change in position in 2024/25
WESTERN CANADA THEATRE COMPANY SOCIETY
Incorporation Date: January 14, 1975
Charitable Registration: CRA# 119292985 RR 0001
WCT maintains active memberships in, or affiliation with, the following:
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)
Pavilion Theatre & Kamloops Live! Box Office 1025 Lorne Street
Kamloops, BC
Sagebrush Theatre 1300 9th Avenue Kamloops, BC
Kelson Hall 330 St. Paul Street
Kamloops, BC
MAILING ADDRESS Box 329
Kamloops, BC V2C 5K9
by TRUDIE LEE
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