Announcing the 2022 BCTC Award Recipients
ARTIST/ARTISTIC COMPANY AWARD: Ballet Victoria
with Jack Langenhuizen from Motus O Dance Theatre presenting. Ballet Victoria was founded in 2002 as a boutique professional ballet company with 12 dancers and four-yearly productions. Under the expert direction of its Artistic and Executive Director and Choreographer, Paul Destrooper, the company has produced nearly 100 new works and has toured Canada, the US, and Mexico. They are known to be entertaining and accessible, yet resonating with artistic depth and inspired technique.
ARTIST REPRESENTATIVE: Kim Thé, Pebble Star Artists
with Genny DeMerchant, You Will Love it Live presenting.
Their nominator said…Kim Thé from Pebble Star Artists is an amazing agent who goes above and beyond for all of their artists. I’m most grateful to them for all the extra work they put in ensuring I have ongoing work. Their expertise, integrity, intelligence, patience, and positive energy have been a blessing to me. I appreciate them and their commitment to me as one of the artists on their roster.
They deserve this award for all they do, as I know it’s far more than I’ve shared here.
PRESENTER OF THE YEAR – PROFESSIONAL: Erin Kennedy, Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre
Presented by Kirsten Schrader, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
Recognizing this presenter has been a long time coming. Not only do they often initiate tours throughout the province, but they also support artist-in-residence programs and provide space for producing companies who are rehearsing and building shows. They plan years ahead to find out what is touring in other parts of Canada and internationally, and in doing so helps support the growth and innovation of the touring sector in this province.
They always make you feel like they have time to share even though they are incredibly busy. My community has benefited greatly from their expertise, programming, and willingness to collaborate.
PRESENTER OF THE YEAR – COMMUNITY: Miriam Colvin, Bulkley Valley Concert Association, Smithers
Presented by Kirsten Schrader, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre
This new award is to offer a way to ensure that those who are volunteer-based or from smaller communities are not competing with larger presenters or those with a number of paid professional staff.
The nominator for this category said…Miriam’s programming [for the Bulkley Valley Concert Association] is original, thoughtful and inspiring. Miriam is always coming up with new ideas and ways for artists to engage meaningfully with her community.
RAISING CURTAINS AWARD: Don Parman & Will Heller, Actsafe Safety Association
Presented by Galen Olstead, BCTC’s Chair
Often a regular feature at our Town Hall meetings, Don Parman & Will Heller from Actsafe Safety Association provided support, guidance, and resources; they acted as a go-between between BCTC, other organizations, WorksafeBC and the Public Health Office. They delivered what might not always be good news with a dash of humour and lightheartedness to make us feel, even at the worst of times, just a little bit better.
TOURING AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
This award recognizes long-standing service and contribution and exemplifies excellence in the performing arts touring and presenting sector.
TOURING AWARD OF EXCELLENCE:
Bruce Halliday
with Bill Usher accepting
Over the past two years, Bruce has provided leadership in continuing to present, whether that be via online presentation, hybrid, creative use of their spaces or straightforward presenting on their venue’s stage. They have been tireless in their support of the sector and have shone as a leading example to many. A Vancouver Island native from Duncan, Bruce has spent his entire working life in the performing arts sector.
TOURING AWARD OF EXCELLENCE:
John McLachlan
Presented by Miriam Manley, BCTC’s Incoming Executive Director
John has been an integral part of BCTC for over two decades. He was responsible for BCTC’s first website and stepped into his role as Executive Director at a critical time in the late ’90’s when BCTC was facing a massive deficit. He not only helped turn things around financially, BCTC thrived under his leadership. He worked as Coordinator for the Community Presenters Assistance program for 14 years only recently retiring from his position. He has been essential in delivering support for touring artists and presenters in BC, and year upon year has championed our work.
Best Booth Award in the Contact Room: Axis Theatre Company
CONGRATULATIONS TO RECIPIENTS
BCTC wishes to extend our congratulations to all nominees and recipients.
We would also like to thank the Awards Committee: Kirsten Schrader, Genny DeMerchant and Jack Langenhuizen, as well as award presenters, Galen Olstead & Miriam Manley.