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
Vancouver's leading arts source since 1967. Celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2017. #straight50
Proud Media Sponsor
The Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards STAY CONNECTED AT STRAIGHT.COM 10 2017 | Jessie Awards
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.
Your local connection for Breaking News, Traffic and Weather
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
>> Good thing the new smart fortwo can fit just about anywhere. Starting at $19,555. smart - a Daimler brand
1-855-586-4486 smart Centre Vancouver 550 Terminal Avenue Vancouver D#6276
vancouver.thesmart.ca smart Centre Boundary 3550 Lougheed Highway Vancouver D#6279
smart Centre North Vancouver 1375 Marine Drive North Vancouver D#6277
smart Centre Richmond 5691 Parkwood Way Richmond D#6278
smart Centre Surrey 15508-104 Avenue Surrey D#11013
Š2017 smart Canada, a Division of Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. Model shown is 2016 smart fortwo. *Total price for the 2016 smart fortwo coupe is $19,555, which includes an MSRP of $17,300 plus freight/PDI of $1,495, dealer admin fee of $595, air-conditioning levy of $100, PPSA up to $45 and a $20.00 fee covering EHF tires, filters and batteries. Additional options, fees and taxes extra. Vehicle license, insurance, and registration are extra. Offer may change without notice. Dealer may lease or finance for less. See your authorized smart Centre for details or call smart Vancouver Customer Relations at 1-855-586-4491.
DOUGLAS 17-137
Unlock your talent APPLY NOW for a two-year diploma program. Theatre
douglascollege.ca/theatre
Stagecraft and Event Technology douglascollege.ca/set
JACKSON BOUDREAU Theatre grad