Western Canada Theatre's Annual Report for the 2021/2022 Season

ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22

COVER:

WELCOME

WCT’s 2021/22 Season saw a welcome return to in-person programming. Delayed from our usual starting dates due to the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, we nonetheless presented a full slate of programming on both of our stages. Highlights included three world premieres, the return of two productions postponed at the beginning of the pandemic, and a rapturously received family musical.

The Heart Series at the Sagebrush Theatre featured five productions: Trace, a movement theatre piece from Red Sky Performance Theatre; Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen; BOOM, from Kidoons Productions; Kim’s Convenience, from the Arts Club Theatre Company (Vancouver); and an all-new, original production of The Wizard of Oz

In the Pavilion Theatre, our Courage Series featured three new works from IBPOC female creators: Clean/Espejos, in association with Neworld Theatre; Hey Viola! Viola Desmond—The Soundtrack of a Life, in association with Musical TheatreWorks; and Echoes of the Homesick Heart, by local Secwépemc playwright Laura Michel. Thanks to a grant from the Canada Council, Echoes of the Homesick Heart was filmed for digital distribution in 2023.

Our programming continued to embody a range of theatre experiences designed to attract a broad audience of first-time theatregoers and returning supporters. The Courage Series placed female and IBPOC stories at the forefront, drawing new audiences from diverse communities, exploring innovative modes of theatrical storytelling, and presenting works of social relevance and topical impact. With a total audience of over 10,000 people, The Wizard of Oz brought families and young people to the theatre in large numbers, including over 4,000 people under the age of 18.

Our commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices on our stages was exemplified by the development and premiere of Echoes of the Homesick Heart, a local story which drew audiences from several Secwépemc communities. In form and content, Trace represented a unique form of Indigenous storytelling from an internationally-acclaimed performance company.

The 2021/22 live theatre season was influenced and enhanced by our previous season’s pivot to virtual programming. Our digital programming garnered new and appreciative audiences for WCT while exploring innovative forms of cultural expression with new and diverse collaborators. WCT has also increased its local focus, collaborating with an increasing amount of community artists and partners towards the development of our homegrown creative community.

Thanks largely to extraordinary support from the Canada Council, the Government of Canada, and the BC Arts Council, WCT maintained full staff employment during the pandemic, and we were able to return to programming in 2021/22 with few hiccups. This support allowed us to continue to provide meaningful employment for the artists and artisans who live and work within our community.

We were also thankful for continued support from our individual donors and sponsors, community members who responded to our appeals with characteristic generosity. Their support has not only allowed us to return to full programming earlier than expected, it reflects the value WCT provides to the lives of our community.

Director JAMES MacDONALD | Choreographer TRACEY POWER | Set Design NARDA McCARROLL

Costume Design STEPHANIE KONG | Lighting Design JOHN WEBBER | Scenic Painter HANS SAEFKOW

WCT’s commitment to the principles of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility has been codified in our new Strategic Plan. These principles continue to form the foundation for our programming and community programs, along with our internal staff and HR policies.

Over the past three years, WCT worked with Ron Fawcett on the design and development of a new performance, rehearsal, and administrative space called Kelson Hall, located at 330 St. Paul Street. This building, gifted to the City of Kamloops through the generosity of Ron and Rae Fawcett and the Kelson Group, will be administered by WCT and the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. The building provides much-needed creative spaces to be shared by the two organizations, and used for the benefit of our entire artistic community. This includes a dedicated home for WCT’s Stage One Theatre School for the first time in its 46-year history.

The Kelson Hall project is intended as Phase One of the projected Kamloops Centre for the Arts. WCT remains active in lobbying and supporting the project, which would bring new capacity for the performing arts in the city, along with overdue replacement of aging infrastructure at the Sagebrush and Pavilion Theatres.

Financially, WCT finished the season in a surplus position for the sixth year in a row. The positive financial position allows the company a small cushion to return to full programming while weathering the uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic. It also enables us to plan for a future that includes continued diversification of programming, and development of new projects.

Many thanks to the entire WCT creative, administrative, and production teams, whose talent, ingenuity, and good humour have carried us through the past two years. We are truly fortunate to have a dedicated, experienced staff at WCT, part of an exceptional, growing creative community.

Finally, at the tail end of our season we bade farewell to WCT Managing Director and co-CEO for the past four years, Evan Klassen. Evan made immeasurable contributions to the success of WCT through several turbulent years, from the Sagebrush Theatre roof collapse through the global pandemic. He remains a good friend to WCT, and we wish him good fortune in his new tenure as the Executive Director of the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario.

As our city grows and changes, WCT remains at the vanguard of providing unique and vital arts experiences for our established community and newcomers to our city. We play an integral role in enhancing quality of life in our city for residents and the growing, diversifying tourism industry. We are proud to play a leadership role as the largest professional arts organization in the Southern Interior, a role we will continue to embrace for years to come.

JAMES MACDONALD, Artistic Director

KIRK SMITH, ANDREW COWNDEN, MANDISA VOLO & ROBBIE TOWNS in THE WIZARD OF OZ (2022)

Photo by BARBARA ZIMONICK

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

WCT’s Board is grateful to have been supporting theatre arts on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory within the traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation since 1969.

Resilience, tenacity, and passion are the three words that immediately come to mind as I look back on the past year. The Board has witnessed and supported the WCT team as they successfully completed the 2021/22 Season. The folks bringing us the best in local theatre demonstrated extreme resilience, facing unprecedented challenges as they continued presenting events and community programming amid changes in health orders and unpredictable public confidence towards live theatre. But through all upheaval and uncertainty, this group of amazing humans continually demonstrated tenacity, and passion, moving forward without hesitation.

2021 saw the Board undertake the immense task of finding a way forward to a sustainable future for Western Canada Theatre through the development of our new 5-year strategic plan. Like many communities in BC, Kamloops is experiencing growth and a rapidly changing community demographic. We identified a need for a local strategy and building cultural literacy. As a leader in that space, WCT needs to play a greater role in the building of a larger cultural community that will enrich the lives of our community, attract new residents and professionals to our city, and welcome a broader audience through rural and tourism attraction.

Western Canada Theatre is a vital hub for arts and culture, producing entertaining and thought-provoking performances while providing learning opportunities through the Stage One Theatre School.

The Board is encouraged by the organization’s diligence and ability to secure new funding opportunities that ensured the financial stability of the company throughout COVID and long into the future. Operating with a purposeful and thoughtful budgeting processes, WCT, over the past six years, has grown from $2.1M to $3.2M company, while eliminating a $300,000 accumulated deficit.

This growth has allowed WCT to undertake development of world premieres and national tours and we are now highly recognized as an essential part of the national performance arts landscape.

Currently WCT operates two performing arts facilities and a community-serving box office. In the fall of 2022, through the immense generosity of Ron and Rae Fawcett, WCT will move part of its operations into the new rehearsal, performance, production, and administrative venue, Kelson Hall.

WCT’s strong and dedicated presence is a testament to its board members and loyal audiences that can attest to the innovative and diverse programming done at WCT. The future of WCT is bright as we continue to premiere important theatrical collaborative works with other emerging organizations, build brand strength, and continue to focus on creating incredible cultural facilities.

The Board commends and honours each and every one of our WCT team, dedicated supporters, our amazing community, and the City of Kamloops for the ongoing love and passion for live theatre, ensuring WCT’s future as a vital hub for arts and culture in Kamloops far into the future.

BEVERLY DESANTIS, Board President

TRACE from Red Sky Performance (2021)

Photo by Rob DiVito

PRODUCTIONS

In the 2021/22 Season, WCT returned to live in-person events and welcomed back over 22,000 audience members with heart and courage.

The Heart Series was filled with music, comedy, history, and familiar stories of family and home. The iconic music of Leonard Cohen came to life on stage in a brand-new way at Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen; virtuoso performer Rick Miller took audiences on an explosive trip through the music and history of the Baby Boom generation at BOOM; Canada’s favourite corner store family brought laughs and tears at Kim’s Convenience; and a reimagining of the classic musical The Wizard of Oz brought families together with spectacle and heart.

The Courage Series amplified vital new voices and untold stories with three world premieres from diverse and bold female creators. Neworld Theatre’s Clean/Espejos (performed in English and Spanish, with surtitles) intimately explored different perspectives of female solidarity; the life and music of Canadian civil rights hero, Viola Desmond was celebrated at Hey Viola! Viola Desmond—The Soundtrack of a Life (also part of the Heart Series); and the world premiere of Echoes of the Homesick Heart highlighted Indigenous language and cultural reclamation from one of our most compelling local Secwépemc artists, Laura Michel.

Special events brought in new audiences and offered unique experiences. The first event to welcome back in-person audiences in the 2021/22 Season was Tales from the Stage and Tales from the Cookie Jar at the Pavilion Theatre, offering Halloween fun for all ages in-person and online. Canada’s leading contemporary Indigenous performance company opened the 7-show Season subscription series at the Sagebrush Theatre with Trace, a powerful contemporary dance work. In March, WCT’s annual International Women’s Day celebrations expanded with a full week of events, including Push Up Bar from the Break a Leg Collective of six local female artists; Off-Broad’s Way Salon virtual panel discussion; and the return of the popular A Broad’s Way Cabaret celebration of local community talent.

“We’re very fortunate to have live theatre of this caliber in our community”

“In this world right now, the beauty of the arts offers a flame of hope. Shine WCT, you are a blessing to our community”

“I have not been to many shows that have not impressed and entertained me. The company should make Kamloops people proud to have them in our community.”

“Thank you once again for such heartfelt commitment to Kamloops youth and to our professional theatre. You knocked it way out of the park”

The Cast of CHELSEA HOTEL: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN (2021) Director and Choreographer TRACEY POWER | Associate Director JAMES MacDONALD Set & Costume Designer DREW FACEY | Lighting Designer JOHN WEBBER Associate Costume Designer MARIAN TRUSCOTT

Photo by BARBARA ZIMONICK

A return to in-person theatre warranted a celabratory Season Launch, both in-person at the Pavilion Theatre and live-streamed. There were interviews and sneak peeks with artists from the upcoming season, as well as live music from local musicians

THE ALEX WARD TRIO, and the unveiling of stunning show art from local illustrator and frequent WCT collaborator, JENNIFER TAYLOR PARAVANTES.

TRACE

Conceived & Directed by Sandra Laronde | Choreography by Jera Wolfe

A Special Presentation from Red Sky Performance

November 20 and 21, 2021 | Sagebrush Theatre

CHELSEA HOTEL: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN

Created by Tracey Power and Steve Charles

A new version based on the Firehall Arts Centre Production

December 02 to 11, 2021 | Sagebrush Theatre

BOOM

Written, Directed, and Performed by Rick Miller A Kidoons and WYRD Production

February 24 to March 5, 2022 | Sagebrush Theatre

CLEAN/ESPEJOS

Written by Christine Quintana Spanish translation and adaptation by Paula Zelaya Cervantes

A Neworld Theatre Production, in association with Western Canada Theatre March 24 to April 02, 2022 | Pavilion Theatre

KIM’S CONVENIENCE

By Ins Choi

An Arts Club Theatre Company (Vancouver) Production Based on Pacific Theatre’s 2018 Production March 31 to April 09, 2022 | Sagebrush Theatre

HEY VIOLA! VIOLA DESMOND–THE SOUNDTRACK OF A LIFE

Created by Krystle Dos Santos and Tracey Power

A Western Canada Theatre Production, in association with Musical TheatreWorks April 21 to May 07, 2022 | Pavilion Theatre

THE WIZARD OF OZ

By L. Frank Baum

With Music & Lyrics by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg

Background Music by Herbert Stothart Dance & Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard Orchestration by Larry Wilcox

Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company

Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. & distributed in all media by Warner Bros. May 12 to 28, 2022 | Sagebrush Theatre

ECHOES OF THE HOMESICK HEART

By Laura Michel

June 02 to 11, 2022 | Pavilion Theatre

ARTISTS OF 2021/22

TALES FROM THE STAGE/ TALES FROM THE COOKIE JAR

Cast

Jessica Buchanan*^ – Actor

James MacDonald^ – Actor

Brittney Martens*^ – Actor

Tracey Power^ – Actor

Terri Runnalls^ – Actor

Kirk Smith^ – Actor

Lukas Vanderlip*^ – Music & Soundscapes

Creative & Crew

James MacDonald^ – Director Tales from the Stage

Terri Runnalls^ – Director Tales from the Cookie Jar

Liam Befurt^* – Lighting Designer/Technician

Brittney Martens^* – Scenic Design

Kirk Smith^ – Video Editing & Design

Sabrina Stace^* – Costume Designer

Lukas Vanderlip^* – Sound Designer

Paul Cuthbert^ – Sound Technician

Christine Leroux^ – Stage Manager

Selena “Twitch” Tobin^* – Technical Lead & Video Tech

Adrian Harland^* – Camera Operator

Carina Heine^* – Camera Operator

Kelly McCallum^* – Camera Operator

Olivia Stella^* – Camera Operator

Playwrights

George M. Johnson^ – Rest Assured (Tales from the Stage)

Leila Khelouiati^* – The Hourglass (Tales from the Stage)

TRACE Red Sky Performance

Performers

Sarah Di Orio – Dancer

Miyeko Ferguson – Dancer

Lindsay Harpham – Dancer

Tyler Layton-Olson – Dancer

Jessica Mak – Dancer

Connor Mitton – Dancer

Ian De Souza – Musician

Nadine Pita – Musician

Rick Sacks – Musician

Ora Barlow-Tukaki – Collaborator, Vocalist & Musician

Nelson Tagoona – Vocalist (recorded)

Creative

Sandra Laronde – Director & Concept

Jera Wolfe - Choreographer

Eliot Britton – Composer & Sound Designer

Alexis Bowles – Lighting Designer

Chris Malkowski – Lighting Designer

Marcella Grimaux – Creative Video Director

Daniel Faubert – Head Motion Designer

Alexandre Abrette –Technical Designer

Kinoo Arcentales – Costume Designer

Sarah Miller – Production Stage Manager

CHELSEA HOTEL: THE SONGS OF LEONARD COHEN

Performers

Adrian Glynn McMorran

Jack Garton

Marlene Ginader

Michelle Bouey

Steve Charles

Tracey Power^

Creative

Tracey Power^ – Director & Choreographer

Steve Charles – Music Director & Arranger

James MacDonald^ – Associate Director

Drew Facey – Set & Costume Designer

John Webber – Lighting Designer

Xavier Berbudeau – Sound Designer

Tegan Klancnik – Associate Set Designer & Scenic Painter

Marian Truscott^ – Associate Costume Designer

Tanya Schwaerzle – Stage Manager & Assoc. Choreographer

Madison Henry^ – Assistant Stage Manager

BOOM

Rick Miller – Writer, Director, Performer & Prod. Manager

Craig Francis – Stage Manager & Director of Marketing

Jeff Lord – Executive Producer

David LeClerc – Production Designer

Bruno Matte – Lighting Designer

Creighton Doane – Composer & Sound Designer

Yannik Larivee – Set, Costume & Props Designer

Ravi Jain – Directing Consultant

Logograph – Graphic Design, Multimedia & Marketing

BRITTNEY MARTENS, JESSICA BUCHANAN, and TERRI RUNNALLS in TALES FROM THE COOKIE JAR (2021)

KIRK SMITH, TRACEY POWER, TERRI RUNNALLS, and JAMES MacDONALD in TALES FROM THE STAGE (2021)

RICK MILLER in BOOM (2022)

Director RICK MILLER | Directing Associate RAVI JAIN Lighting BRUNO MATE | Projections DAVID LECLERC Set/Costumes/Props YANNIK LARIVÉE| Photo by MURRAY MITCHELL

PUSH UP BAR

Catriona Leger^ – Creator & Director

Morgan Benedict^* – Creator & Performer

Jessica Buchanan^* – Creator & Performer

Allandra Gardner^* – Creator & Performer

Brittney Martens^* – Creator & Performer

Devon More~ – Creator & Performer

Terri Runnalls^ – Stage Manager

Nathan Fadear – Choreography & Movement

Leon Schwesinger^ – Set Designer

Devon More^ – Sound Designer

OFF-BROAD’S

CLEAN/ESPEJOS

Neworld Theatre Production

Cast

Genevieve Fleming – Performer

Alexandra Lainfiesta – Performer

Manuela Sosa - Understudy

Creative

Christine Quintana – Playwright

Paula Zelaya-Cervantes – Translation & Adaptation

Daniela Atiencia – Dramaturg

Chelsea Haberlin & Daniela Atiencia – Directors

Gavan Cheema – Assistant Director

Mishelle Cuttler – Sound Designer

Shizuka Kai – Set Designer

WAY SALON

Alicia Ashcroft^ – Panel Discussion Host

Blair Kaplan Venables^ – Panelist

Kennedy Aberdeen~ – Panelist

Laura Michel^ – Panelist

Stacey Owen^ – Panelist

Tania McCartney^ – Breakout Room Host

Terri Axani^ – Breakout Room Host

A BROAD’S WAY CABARET

Morgan Benedict^* – Host

Terri Runnalls^ – Host

Summer Bogetti-Smith^* – Performer

Jessica Buchanan^* – Performer

Chioma Darah-Ani^* – Performer

Jenny Edwards^ – Performer

Megan Hanks^ – Performer

Jane Harestad^* – Performer

Tara Holmes^ – Performer

Kamloops Performance Company^ – Performers

Harmony Maher^ – Performer

Amy Newman^ – Performer

Gisella Ramsay^ – Performer

Emily Vutev^* – Performer

WRITING HERSTORY PLAYWRITING WORKSHOP

Catriona Leger^ – Playwriting Mentor

Robin Nichol^ – Playwriting Mentor

Tania McCartney^ – Featured Playwright

Corrie Shoemaker^* – Featured Playwright

Greg Brown^* – Reader

Derek Rein^ – Reader

Harmony Maher^ – Reader

Des Geddes^* – Reader

Elizabeth Nygren^* – Reader

Jessica Oostergo – Costume Designer

Harika Xu – Lighting Designer

Candelario Andrade – Projections Designer

Andie Lloyd – Surtitle Programming & Operation

Nicole Lamb – Production Manager & Technical Director

Yvonne Yip – Stage Manager

Mariana Munoz – Apprentice Stage Manager

Cultural Ambassadors

Ruth Suarez

Paula Lara

Luz de Maria Vasquez

Ana Lorena Perez

Dulce Maria Zamudio

KIM’S CONVENIENCE

Arts Club Theatre Company (Vancouver) Production

Cast

Devon Alexander – Rich/Mr. Lee/Mike/Alex

Howie Lai – Jung

Brianna Kim – Janet

James Yi – Appa

Maki Yi – Umma

Creative

Kaitlin Williams – Director

Soran Nakai – Assistant Director

Ins Choi – Playwright

Carolyn Rapanos – Set Designer

Jessica Oostergo – Costume Designer

Jonathan Kim – Lighting Designer

Chengyan Boon – Sound Designer

Mike Kovac – Fight Director

Ted Roberts – Tour Technical Director

Peter Jotkus – Stage Manager

Victoria Snashall – Apprentice Stage Manager

ALEXANDRA LAINFIESTA

in CLEAN/ESPEJOS (2022)

Directors CHELSEA HABERLIN & DANIELA ATIENCIA

Set Design SHIZUKA KAI

Costume Design JESSICA OOSTERGO

Original Lighting Design HARIKA XU

Tour Lighting Design NICOLE LAMB

Projections Design CANDELARIO ANDRADE

Surtitles Design ANDIE LLOYD |

HEY VIOLA! VIOLA DESMOND –THE SOUNDTRACK OF A LIFE

Performers

Krystle Dos Santos – Viola Desmond

Steve Charles – Guitar/Upright Bass

Jen Lewin – Piano

Chris Davis – Drums/Trumpet

Creative Team

Krystle Dos Santos – Creator

Tracey Power^ – Creator & Director

Sereana Malani – Associate Director

Steve Charles – Musical Director

Drew Facey – Set Designer

CS Fergusson-Vaux – Costume Designer

Jillian White – Lighting Designer

Angela Beaulieu – Stage Manager

Oluwatobi Akinwumi – Wig Creator

Donny Tejani – Wig Stylist

Greg Klohn^ – Paradise Sign Construction

Tegan Klancnik – Scenic Painter

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Cast

Julien Arnold – Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard

Kevin Owen Clarke – Ensemble/Understudy: Scarecrow/ Hunk

Andrew Cownden – Cowardly Lion/Zeke

Cecilly Day – Glinda/Aunt Em

Jen Fong* – Ensemble/Understudy: Dorothy

Becky Frohlinger – Ensemble/Understudy: Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gulch

Jake Kopytko~* – Ensemble/Understudy: Cowardly Lion/Zeke

Stephanie McLean^ - Ensemble/Understudy: Glinda/Aunt Em

Rem Murray^* - Ensemble/Understudy: Tinman/Hickory

Emma Slipp – Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gulch

Kirk Smith^ - Tinman/Hickory

Robbie Towns – Scarecrow/Hunk

Mandisa Volo^* – Dorothy

Christopher Weddell^ – The Wizard of Oz/Professor Marvel

Macy^* - Toto

Youth Ensemble

Kaitlyn Brain^*

Brynn Collins^*

Brielle Ernst^*

Adam Fields^*

Eva-Marie Fox^*

Anna Hahn^*

Anna MacFarlane^*

William McKay^*

Adison Thompson^*

Alya Van Laer^*

Lukas Woods^*

Musicians

Jarred Albright – Violin/Fiddle

Jason Staruiala^ – Percussion

Mark Van Ziegler – Bass

Creative

James MacDonald^ – Director

Ashley Ball – Musical Director/Arranger

Tracey Power^ – Choreographer

Narda McCarroll – Set Designer

Stephanie Kong – Costume Designer

John Webber – Lighting Designer

Doug Perry^ - Sound Designer

Hans Saefkow – Scenic Painter

Laurel Oneil – Stage Manager

Madison Henry^ - Assistant Stage Manager

Victoria Snashall – Apprentice Stage Manager

ECHOES OF THE HOMESICK HEART

Cast

Chris Bose^* – Abe

Issiah Bull Bear* – Sunec

Merewyn Comeau* – Emily

Gloria May Eshkibok – Bernadette

Lori Marchand~ – Bernadette Understudy

Creative Team

Laura Michel^* - Playwright

Eric Coates – Director

Andrew Kushnir – Dramaturge

Hailey Verbonac – Set, Lighting, and Projection Designer

Bonnie Acko~ – Costume Designer

Jeremy Kneeshaw^* – Sound Designer

Kelsey Rae – Stage Manager

Donna Sharpe – Assistant Stage Manager

Photo by MURRAY MITCHELL

JAMES YI & BRIANNA KIM in KIM’S CONVENIENCE (2022)

Director KAITLIN WILLIAMS | Assistant Director SORAN NAKAI Set Design CAROLYN RAPANOS | Costume Design JESSICA OOSTERGO Lighting Design JONATHAN KIM | Photo By MOONRIDER PRODUCTIONS

EDUCATION & OUTREACH

The Education program at Western Canada Theatre had an exciting year! While many avenues of theatre were still shut down during the pandemic, our Education and Outreach department maintained the majority of their annual programming, established a new education umbrella, continued to have successful growth in particular endeavours, and began a new and exciting initiative!

In 2021, WCT established The Hub for Creative Learning, an umbrella created to inform the public of all of the opportunities we provide in our educational programming. Five pillars were established to account for all of our endeavours under Education and Outreach: Theatre Classes, Creative Development, Audience Enrichment, Educator Resources, and Community Engagement. These pillars, built on a foundation of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, emphasize the important role theatre has in the education and enrichment of our community.

Stage One Theatre School and The Next Stage Theatre School had a successful year once again. At Stage One Theatre School for young people, Acting Adventures, Acting Essentials, Teen Workshop Week, and Musical Theatre were well attended in all four quadrants: summer camps, after-school fall programs, after-school winter programs, and Spring Break camps. We were overjoyed to bring back the Performance Class in spring 2022 to allow students to once again perform for their families, their communities, and themselves. The Next Stage acting programs for adults—including Intro One Acting, Scene Study, and Play Reading—were added again this year with COVID protocols still in place. Though the adult classes were smaller, the attendees were appreciative and excited to participate.

School matinee programming started back up again this season, with four sold out school matinees for The Wizard of Oz. Attendance at the popular tea matinees continued to grow despite its previous year hiatus. Our 2021/22 Season also saw the return of audience enrichment activities such as actor talkbacks, pizza nights, study guides, and backstage tours.

This season’s special activities included a new Halloween video for families to create theatre in their homes with Tales from the Cookie Jar, dramatic readings at the library, participating in outdoor festivals, workshops in classrooms, and engagement opportunities with community partners.

In 2022, WCT proudly introduced Kamloops audiences to Relaxed Performances during select matinees at two of our Sagebrush shows, BOOM and Kim’s Convenience. Relaxed Performances adapt plays without compromising the artistic integrity of the piece, while allowing patrons more flexibility. Patrons on the Autism spectrum, those with sensory sensibilities or mobility concerns, parents with young children, as well as anyone who wants to be involved in a highly inclusive environment, could feel more welcome at our performances. This endeavour allowed us to discover, grow, and learn more about our entire community. It led to the wonderful development of our online venue guide, accessibility webpage, special accessibility pricing, and the incredible connections we have made in our own community. We are excited to expand our offerings as we continue to learn in seasons to come.

TERRI RUNNALLS, Education & Outreach Director

JESSICA BUCHANAN and WCT VOLUNTEERS in the SAGEBRUSH THEATRE VENUE GUIDE

Stage One students were featured in TALES FROM THE COOKIE JAR

Young Kamloopsians enjoy a Stage One class (above), and the popular Performance Class finally returns (below).

Photos by Chioma Darah-Ani @sheshootsstreet

BOARD

BEVERLY DeSANTIS - President

CHRYSTIE STEWART - Vice President

SHARON FRISSELL - Secretary

TIM RODGERS - Treasurer, Past President

LORI BREGOLISS

GRANT CHU

DR. PAUL DAGG

TARA HOLMES

NENA JOCIC-ANDREJEVIC

JESSE MCCORMICK

PETER TER WEEME

CARMELINA WOODS

David Ross †

Tom Kerr ‡

Judge T.W. Shupe §

D. Michael Dobbin *

Francis Barnett *

Peggy Gilmour *

Mike Latta *

Anne Manson *

Maureen Marshall *

Lanni Shupe *

§

Honorary Life Chairman

* Honorary Life Member

†Honorary Life Artistic Producer

‡ Founding Artistic Director

WCT STAFF

JAMES MACDONALD Artistic Director

EVAN KLASSEN Managing Director‡

FINANCE

RON THOMPSON Finance Director

OLGA KILINNIK Accounting Officer

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

CHELSEA ISENOR Marketing & Communications Director*

KIRK SMITH Interim Marketing & Communications Director & Manager of Marketing, Digital & Special Projects†

ELIZABETH NYGREN Social Media & Marketing Coordinator*

DEVELOPMENT

SUZAN GOGUEN Growth & Engagement Director

STEPHANIE MCLEAN Development Manager*

JENNY EDWARDS Development & Administrative Assistant*

EDUCATION & OUTREACH

TERRI RUNNALLS Education & Outreach Director

JESSICA BUCHANAN Education & Outreach Assistant ‡

RADHIKA TABREZ Community Engagement Assistant*

PRODUCTION

DAWN BERGSTROM Producer ‡

CHRISTINE LEROUX Associate Producer*

BILL CHABASSOL Director of Production

JAMES THURMEIER Technical Director*‡

PAUL CUTHBERT Associate Technical Director‡

LIAM BEFURT Associate Technical Director

SELENA “TWITCH” TOBIN Associate Technical Director, Pavilion Theatre†

BRITTNEY MARTENS Head of Properties†

SABRINA STACE Head of Wardrobe*

EMILY THIBERT Stitcher*

CHARLOTTE WAGNER Stitcher*‡

JAMES BEFURT Scenic Carpenter*†

KENDRA MARTIN Theatre Technician*‡

ADRIAN HARLAND Theatre Technician*

ASHLEY HIIBNER Theatre Technician*

DANI FOISY Production Assistant*

DANIEL JEWISON Carpentry & Production Assistant*

VENUE SERVICES

MICHELLE CHABASSOL Manager of Ticketing & Patron Services

MORGAN BENEDICT Manager of House & Volunteers

JANE HARESTAD Telemarketing & Group Sales Coordinator†

HOUSE STAFF

DIANE AKERS*, LEO BARRAGAN*, BEX BINDER‡, AMANDA BREUER, JESSICA BUCHANAN, DENISE CLEVELAND*, NATALIE DEWING, SOPHIA DIMOPOULOS*, STEPHEN FINLAY*, ASHLEY HIIBNER*, LINDA KASSIS, ELIZABETH NYGREN* KAMLOOPS

THANK YOU TO OUR 2021/22 VOLUNTEERS!

JOY ANTONIA

PETER ASELSTYNE

SHERYL ASELSTYNE

JOHN ATKINSON

CLARE AUDET

MARY AULIN

BEVERLEY BARTLETT

MORGAN BENEDICT

NORA BENNETT

CAROLYN BENOIT

MARY BENTLEY

HEATHER BEPPLE

FEARON BLAIR

CINDY BONDAROFF

JACKIE BONN

MARG BOSTROM

RAY BOSTROM

LINDA BYMOEN

YVETTE CAMPBELL

SHARON CARRELL

GAYLE CARRIÈRE

LAURIE CHAPMAN

JO CHIPPERFIELD

JOAN CHOW

OLGA COLLINS

HELEN COLLINS

LORRAINE CORRIGAN

MARJORIE CROSSLEY

GAIL CROSSLEY

SUSAN CULLUM

WENDY CUMMER

HOLLY CURRAH DOREEN CZERKAWSKI

JOANNE DENNSTEDT

ELIZABETH DEWHIRST

ROGER DOWNIE BARB DUBOIS-PAYNTER

BEV EGAN

JENNIFER ELLIS LORETTA ELLISON

KAREN FERGUSON

CAROLYN FISHER

DONNA FLEURY

KAREN FOLK

BARBARA FORSTER

DEBBIE FRANSEN

DENISE GAVIN

TRUDY GOOLD

ANNE GRUBE

SUSAN HELGASON

WENDY HILL

CATHERINE HOLMAN

DANITA HOWARD

CAROLA HUGHES

LISA JACOBSON KELLY JEFFERY DEAN JESKE DONNA JESKE

EDDY JUNG NICOLE JUNG

MARIE KING

MARLY KRUEGER

LINDA KUPP

MARG LARSEN

MARYANN LEACH LAURA LEADBETTER-FUOCO

LORRAINE LEVITT MIKE LEVITT

MODESTA LUCA MONICA MACAULAY

JANICE MACDONALD

CHRISTA MAGUIRE TINA MAJCHER

WENDY MATHESON

JEAN MCGAUCHIE BRAD MCGUIRE WENDY MCLEAN

MURIEL MILLER

SHARON MOORE KATHY MOORE

KEISHA MORONG

CAROL-LYNN MORRIS

LYNNE MUGFORD

BEV MUNRO

SHELLEY O’GRADY SANDY OSBORNE AURORA PAZMANONGDO

LULU PHILLIPS

HEATHER PICHE MELODIE PIKE SHEILA POWELL GRANT REED MARIE REED JOAN REISWIG INDIRA REMPEL BRANDON RENNIE PETER RENNIE DONNA RHEAULT CLAUDE RICHARD KATHERINE RICHARD

KATHY ROBERTS

PATRICIA ROBERTS

GREG SAWATZKY

LIL SELMAN

CATHY SHETHER

ELEANOR SHOOK

ELAINE SKINNER

LES SKINNER LOUISE SMIT BONNI SMITH

MARILYN STEPHENS

ELEANOR SUMMERS BARB TEXMO CATHERINE THOMPSON JEAN TILT

PATTI TOURAND PAT VARNEY DIAN VERWEY IRENE YOUNG JANET ZIEBART

Throughout 2021/22, as we moved from a digital format to finally welcoming in-person audiences back through our doors, the support of our donors has enabled us to adapt quickly, ensuring our work continues to inspire and entertain our audiences in Kamloops, throughout the TNRD, and beyond. This support has also facilitated continued work at community level which is an important element of our strategy as a regional theatre.

Our donors are fundamental to our ability to achieve our aims and mission. Their support gave us the will and strength to continue through another hard-fought season. We truly would have faced a deficit without their generosity and their desire to ensure this local theatre company continues to remain vibrant in the community.

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 provides opportunities to actors, designers, and technicians both locally and across the country.

Thank you to the following community of supporters, sponsors, partners, and funders. Your unwavering commitment and generosity make our work possible.

SUZAN GOGUEN, Growth & Engagement Director

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, 2021 – June 30, 2022.

Diamond Companions – $10,000 +

Michael E. Black and the Late Denise Fortier

Fearon Ruth Blair

Platinum Patrons – $5,000 - $9,999

Rae Nixon

Silver Patrons – $2,000 - $3,499

Hugh & Marilyn Fallis

Anonymous Jane & Russell Reid

Copper Patrons – $750 - $1999

Bill Adams & Katie McCormack

Ingrid Valarie Aylward

Lori Bonertz

Geoff & Kathy Collier

Dr. Paul Dagg & Dr. Carol Ward

Shirlee Ezowski

Jessie & James Fedorak

Mirella & Bob Holden

Alan Kerr

Len & Laurie Marchand

Robert McDiarmid, QC Sharon Moore

Roland & Anne Neave

Heather Pullan & Tom Frohlinger

Valerie Darlene Rampone

Tacey Ruffner

Peter TerWeeme

James & Barbara W. Wentworth

Patrons $500 - $749

Anonymous

Evelyn Baziuk

Ed & Patti Bruzzese

Norm & Heidi Bryson

Grant & Nancy Chu

Valerie Fitger

John Helvoigt: In Memory of Helen Helvoigt

Hope Hyslop

Anonymous

James MacDonald & Tracey Power

Neil & Mary Jane MacDonald

June McClure

Middleton Energy Services: in Honour of Kelson Group / Red Brick Salvage

Tanya Mihura

Guy & Jeanine Parker

Laura Paula Piva-Babcock

Denis & Niki Scallon

Bud & Daphne Smith @ Meija Property Inc.

Mary Colleen Stainton: In Honor Of All Western Canada staff!!

Nancy Stewart

David & Rosemarie Stoltze

Nicole Tougas

Dr. Robert Walter & Dr. Jill Calder

Investors – $200 - $499

Peter & Debra Allik-Petersenn

Francis & Helen Barnett

Christine Bilbey

Jake Ootes @ Celista Estate Winery

Mavis Chalmers

Todd Collier

John Corbishley

Joan Cummings

Fred & Helen R. Cunningham

Joanne Dennstedt

Joan Denton

Larry Dixon

Dan & Denise C. Douglas

Marvyn Fitzpatrick

Allen & Sharon E. Frissell

Jack & Linda Fulton

Louella Garner

Jim & Joan Rosemary Gordon

Anonymous

Kathleen Haywood-Farmer

Catherine & Jordan Marie Henry

Dave Hilton: in Memory of Dorothy Iris E. Hodson

Lois K. Hollstedt

Debbie & Jack Isenor

Nena Jocic-Andrejevic C.A. Jones

Margaret Jones

Kats & June Kitamura

Richard & Karin Klassen

Chris & Tara Larouche-Holmes

Fred & Nancy Leake

Anonymous

Donna Marchand

Jesse McCormick

Judy and Jon McCormick

John & Ellen McCurrach

Elspeth M. McDougall

Vic & Sally Mowbray

Colene Roberta Palmer

Diana Porter

Ginny R. Ratsoy

Dennis & Sue Reedman

Tim Rodgers

Susie Safford

Anonymous

Terry Shupe Jerry Stack

Don & Sandy Staff

Susan Elizabeth Stokes

Al & Marijke Stott

Telus Communication

Thompson Nicola Cariboo United Way

Susan Turner

Niki & Steve Remesz

Trisha Watkinson

Barb & Mike Webber

Ann Weller

David Whiting

Lois & David M. Williams

Benefactors – $100 - $199

Dianne Almond Jordan Amon

Bryan R. Ardiel & Noelle Lamoureux

Wendy Bainbridge

CONTINUED ON NEXT TWO PAGES

As a new and exciting initiative, starting in January, 2022, we began the “GO EMERALD” Recycling Drive. The idea was to source materials for the spring production of The Wizard of Oz in a more environmentally conscious fashion, while involving our community.

Over a couple of months, supporters donated hundreds of requested items, including bikes, umbrellas, farm equipment, tin cans, and more, which were then repurposed and incorporated into the stunning set, props, and costumes for one of WCT’s biggest productions to date.

This project was a huge undertaking, and thanks to the donors, WCT staff and volunteers, it was a big success. We also had some help promoting the initiative from Our Footprints Co., and large donations from some businesses, including Home Depot, Peak Landscaping, The Bicycle Cafe, Our Community Bikes, and UmbraCity from Vancouver.

Joan Bernard

Kathleen Biagioni

Maryanne E. Bower

Jim & Evelyn Bowersock

Anonymous

Margaret Brown

Patrick & Jeanne Callahan

Richard & Chris Carney

Brenda & Ken Lorne Christian

Margaret Chrumka

Jean Crowe

Lois Crown

Jeffrey Cummings

Linnea Davies

Jim & Martina Duncan

Tim & Gail Dundas

Sandy Elizabeth Eastwood

Jenny Edwards

Nancy Eld

Bob & Pat Esdale

Reno & Marie Fabbro

Doreen Fairhurst

Faye Fike

Chet & Pri Flanagan

J. Forgie

Blake & Linda Fox

Cara Gates

David W. Gilmour

Trudy Goold

Ina & David Gory

Elsie Griffiths

Katherine Gulley Cathy Hall-Patch

William Heese

Dian Henderson

Laura Kym Hoffman

Ken & Marylyne House

Leah Hubensky

Anonymous

Bill & Sally Jennejohn

Valerie & John Kemp Sharon Kika

Bob & Pat King

Ted & Maryanne Kowalsky

Janet L. Kusler

Aleece Laird

Catriona Leger

Evan & Wendy Lichlyter

Ron & Marilyn MacKenzie

Terri L. MacLennan

Katheen McArthur

Kirsten Juliette McDougall

Robert & Marian McLaren

Daniel Mills

Stephanie Moen

Dennis & Maxine Mucha Kathleen Nadler

Lori Marchand

Kerry Ness

Michelle Theresa New

Wendy Nielsen & Tony Stobie

Barrie Ogden

Sheila Park

Carl Pentilchuk

Anita Phillpotts

Mark Power

Anonymous

Teresa Arline Prehara

Valentina Putoto

Karl & Debbie Rainer

S. Cookie Reimer

Ali Floyd Jay Rilkoff

Lory (Lawrence) Rodrigue

Terry & Susanne Rogers

Lynn Rutherford

Ethel Sheremeta

Kathy Sinclair

Rob & Diane Stenner

Tanis Stewart

Sean Sutherland Shirley Sze Elizabeth Templeman

Lynne Totten

Judith Treherne

Mike & Margot Waithe Ann & Rick Wallin

Diane Mary Webb

Pat & Dave White

Elaine Woods

Contributors – $25 - $99

Dianne Almond

Jordan Amon

Bryan R. Ardiel & Noelle Lamoureux

KRYSTLE DOS SANTOS in HEY VIOLA! VIOLA DESMOND–THE SOUNDTRACK OF A LIFE (2022)

Director TRACEY POWER | Associate Director SEREANA MALANI | Set Design DREW FACEY Costume Design CS FERGUSSON-VAUX | Lighting Design JILLIAN WHITE Wig Builder OLUWATOBI AKINWUMI | Wig Stylist DONNY TEJANI | Photo by MURRAY MITCHELL

Wendy Bainbridge

Joan Bernard

Kathleen Biagioni

Maryanne E. Bower

Jim & Evelyn Bowersock

Anonymous

Margaret Brown

Patrick & Jeanne Callahan

Richard & Chris Carney

Brenda & Ken Lorne Christian

Margaret Chrumka

Jean Crowe

Lois Crown

Jeffrey Cummings

Linnea Davies

Jim & Martina Duncan

Tim & Gail Dundas

Sandy Elizabeth Eastwood

Jenny Edwards

Nancy Eld

Bob & Pat Esdale

Reno & Marie Fabbro

Doreen Fairhurst

Faye Fike

Chet & Pri Flanagan

J. Forgie

Blake & Linda Fox

Cara Gates

David W. Gilmour

Trudy Goold

Ina & David Gory

Elsie Griffiths

Katherine Gulley

Cathy Hall-Patch

William Heese

Dian Henderson

Laura Kym Hoffman

Ken & Marylyne House

Leah Hubensky

Anonymous

Bill & Sally Jennejohn

Valerie & John Kemp

Sharon Kika

Bob & Pat King

Ted & Maryanne Kowalsky

Janet L. Kusler

Aleece Laird

Catriona Leger

Evan & Wendy Lichlyter

Ron & Marilyn MacKenzie

Terri L. MacLennan

Katheen McArthur

Kirsten Juliette McDougall

Robert & Marian McLaren

Daniel Mills

Stephanie Moen

Dennis & Maxine Mucha

Kathleen Nadler

Lori Marchand

Kerry Ness Michelle Theresa New

Wendy Nielsen & Tony Stobie

Barrie Ogden

Sheila Park

Carl Pentilchuk

Anita Phillpotts

Mark Power Anonymous

Teresa Arline Prehara

Valentina Putoto

Karl & Debbie Rainer

S. Cookie Reimer

Ali Floyd Jay Rilkoff

Lory (Lawrence) Rodrigue

Terry & Susanne Rogers

Lynn Rutherford

Ethel Sheremeta

Kathy Sinclair

Rob & Diane Stenner

Tanis Stewart

Sean Sutherland

Shirley Sze

Elizabeth Templeman

Lynne Totten

Judith Treherne

Mike & Margot Waithe

Ann & Rick Wallin

Diane Mary Webb

Pat & Dave White Elaine Woods

THANK YOU!

The cast of THE WIZARD OF OZ (2022) | Director JAMES MacDONALD Choreographer TRACEY POWER | Set Design NARDA McCARROLL

Costume Design STEPHANIE KONG | Lighting Design JOHN WEBBER Scenic Painter HANS SAEFKOW | Photo by BARBARA ZIMONICK

FINANCIALS

The introduction of relaxed performances has allowed even more audience members to experience live theatre in a welcoming and comfortable environment. These performances are great for everyone, but they are also designed with the needs of people with sensory sensitivities in mind, including people living with autism, and anxiety. It can also include people who live with Tourette’s, parents with children, and many other groups of people who may have access requirements, or simply like the inclusive environment. This program has been a great success, and we continue to further develop and enrich it each season.

A new program introduced this season by our development team was the online 50/50. Three different draws happened throughout the season, with funds from each draw accruing over several weeks. The winner of the draw took home half of the total funds, with the other half of the funds allocated to WCT’s youth education programs. This has been a great opportunity to both fundraise and engage with our audience through creative marketing that celebrates previous Western Canada Theatre productions. The program is continuing in the 2022/23 Season.

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 250-372-3216 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.

ISSIAH BULL BEAR in ECHOES OF THE HOMESICK HEART (2022)

Director ERIC COATES | Set, Lighting, and Projection Designer HAILEY VERBONA

Costume Design BONNIE ACKO | Photo by MURRAY MITCHELL