News
Shaping the Cultural Future of North Vancouver
April 20th, 2012Last week the Arts Office hosted the World Cafe right here at PHT. Bringing people from a range of disciplines together including city planners, tourism representatives, artists, local business owners, and leaders from local cultural organizations the event attempted to open a dialogue about what North Vancouver’s Cultural Plan for the next 10 years should include. We were extremely pleased to be involved in this event as it has the potential to affect change not only to the cultural landscape of North Van but all of it’s residents as well. After a very positive afternoon of open debate, there are still more opportunities to get your opinions heard and shape the future of North Vancouver’s Cultural Plan.
Among many of the issues discussed, the future home of PHT was on the agenda. Whether moved to the Quay, renovated where we are, or covered in knitting from controversial yarn-bombing, most people in North Van seem to have an opinion on where the future home of PHT should be, and what it should look like. We want to know what the community wants! Let the Arts Office know what you think should be done with Presentation House Theatre.
Read the full article with photos from last week’s event here courtesy of the North Shore News
To read more about the Arts Office and the new cultural plan visit their website here. Don’t forget to fill out the online survey while you’re there!
2012-2013 Teaser Announcement
April 03rd, 2012Things are changing at PHT! We know that our supporters are patiently awaiting news regarding our 2012-2013 season. And hopefully it’s worth the wait! PHT is proud to introduce a new kind of season, with new kinds of shows, for a new kind of audience. Our 2012-2013 season will be announced in 3-month seasons starting this August when tickets to our Fall Season will go on sale. For those who are curious now about what’s coming check our 2012-2013 Spoilers page to see what is confirmed and what we are working on.
An introduction to our Series Based Season
PHT has become known for bringing professional theatre to the North Shore, but this season we are very excited to offer, not only a professional theatre series, but also three new series that compliment what we are known for.
Adult Series
This series will be what we are known for; A selection of theatre gathered from all across Canada starring some of Canada’s most renowned performers. We have been working hard to find the best shows that Canada currently has to offer that fits the vision of well made, innovative shows PHT supporters love.
Family Series
With the success in 2011-2012 with Pangaea Arts‘ The Storyteller, it became clear that the North Shore is looking for family friendly theatre. We have taken that to heart and are introducing a children and family series with exciting programming for youth and the young at heart. Pangaea Arts will be back with a brand new show, the North Shore Theatre for Children will be joining us again with their latest, and Kim Selody is bringing his directorial masterwork Where the Wild Things Are. All of these productions will be offered at an accessible price point so that everyone can enjoy.
Music Series
The North Shore loves live music! PHT was once a venue for live music and we have decided it’s high time to bring it back! Working in association with Fiona Black we will be presenting artists from Capilano University’s Global Roots series. Hand picked artists with skills in jazz, roots and world music will bring a new sound to our intimate stage.
Dance Series
Here at PHT we have heard the cultural communities need for a dance venue. There is a huge amount of local talent, but no where to get their start. So we are opening up our stage to local dance companies. Working with friends of PHT, Eury Chang (creator of the Black Cat Cabaret) and Raven Spirit Dance (contemporary Aboriginal artists) dance will once again grace our theatre. This will be a new program that we hope will grow and develop with the dance community.
Tickets and a Full Fall Season schedule will be released August 3rd, 2012.
A special thanks to CN for sponsoring our 2012-2013 theatre season.
Fill The House! Fundraiser Campaign kicked off with a bang!
March 26th, 2012PHT’s Fill The House Fundraising Campaign got off to a fantastic start with a hootenanny of fun at last nights Walk Right In, Sit Right Down. Jay Brazeau’s own composition poking fun at marriage, life and even politics had the crowd in tears of laughter, while Shari’s touching ode to her mother left us in tears of sorrow. Fred reminded us all of our youth with simple songs about magic dragons and of course, cats, while Jessee silenced the room with her beautiful vocals singing a song written by a dear friend. The house was full of every gamut of emotion and everyone left in good spirits having spent the evening with some truly talented people, who just came out to have a good time. Fred put it best when exclaiming to the world who did not attend “You should have been here!”
Coming up next in our week to kick of the fundraiser is the amazing Nicola Cavendish in Shirley Valentine: Unplugged. Support for this one woman tour-de-force show has been amazing and we are very close to being sold out! Don’t miss out on this one, Nicola has said that this will be the last tour of Shirley that she performs in. Closing up in Victoria, this will be the last time Nicola and Shirley run away to Greece together.
A special thanks goes out to all the performers in our week of fundraisers for donating their time to help us Fill The House.
Live on CJSF Radio- Fred Penner chats with David Swanson
March 20th, 2012This Thursday March 22nd between 5pm and 6pm childhood legend Fred Penner will be chatting with SFU Arts Show radio host David Swanson. David was so excited to meet his childhood hero and told us this is one of the best interviews he’s ever done. Fred will be talking about his upcoming performance with PHT on March 25th Walk Right In, Sit Right Down.
Listen to the interview live this Thursday between 5 and 6 here.
If memories of Fred are making you feel nostalgic for the simpler days stop by PHT this Sunday at 8pm and join Fred as he sings some of his favourite tunes with Jay Brazeau, Shari Ulrich and Jessee Havey. The Vancouver Sun called Fred and Jay one of Entertainment’s greatest duos since Abbott and Costello. This twosome is sure to keep you entertained, as this fantastic four fill our stage with music and laughter.
Plus, students can get in for just $20! Just bring your student ID (High School, College or University) and we’ll give you the discount.
Fred Penner Still Confirmed at PHT
March 13th, 2012In light of recent events surrounding the Vancouver Playhouse, PHT wanted to assure our patrons that Fred Penner and Jay Brazeau are still confirmed to come to Presentation House Theatre on March 25th. We understand there is uncertainty surrounding The Cat Came Back, and we truly hope that our friends are still able to bring this wonderful children’s show to Vancouver audiences.
PHT was extremely saddened to hear of the Vancouver Playhouse’s decision to close their doors, and our thoughts and support are with all of those who have called the Playhouse home.
Nicola Cavendish comes to PHT as Shirley Valentine!
February 06th, 2012This March our stage will be warmed by the lovely and talented Nicola Cavendish. Reprising her role as Liverpool housewife Shirley Valentine, Nicola has agreed to a two-night special fundraising run before she retires the character with final performances in Victoria. We are especially lucky to have an intimate dressed down version of the performance which allows Nicola’s amazing acting talent to really shine. Minimal costumes and sets give the performance room to breathe and really allows the audience a personal relationship with Shirley.
Nicola recently talked with CBC about her Manitoba run of Shirley Valentine. Watch the interview here.
Performances are March 29th and 30th at 8pm
Click here for tickets
Trolls Invade PHT!
January 27th, 2012The 10am show on Friday February 3rd is completely SOLD OUT!
Don’t miss out on some good old-fashioned Troll Trouble! Tickets to our all-ages family show are still available for February 3rd at 1pm, Saturday 4th at 2pm and Sunday 5th at 1pm and 4pm.
Check us out on Facebook to watch the Trollsons in their natural habitat….
North Shore News Interviews Kim Selody
January 13th, 2012Artistic Director Kim Selody sat down with the North Shore News to discuss the changes to our 2011/2012 season.
PHT announces changes to 2011/2012 Professional Theatre Season
December 22nd, 2011Effective immediately, Presentation House Theatre has announced changes to its 2011/12 professional theatre season. These changes have been made to ensure the ongoing financial stability of Presentation House Theatre and to allow the Theatre to continue to meet its financial obligations to artists, staff, suppliers and contractors.
The following changes will take effect immediately:
- Presentation House Theatre’s January production of In the Wake, a Downstage Creation Ensemble production has been cancelled. This cancellation is due to very slow ticket sales. The performance has not been rescheduled.
- Presentation House Theatre’s March production of My Mother’s Story: North Vancouver has been moved to September/October 2012, and will open the 2012/13 theatre season.
All other 2011/12 season programming will continue as scheduled.
“Presentation House Theatre is taking these actions to ensure we can continue to present professional theatre, and provide a first class North Shore arts experience to the many community organizations and individuals,” said Kim Selody, Artistic Director of Presentation House Theatre. “My Mother’s Story: North Vancouver is a project close to our hearts, and the community of North Vancouver. With an amazing design and creative team, this move to our 2012/13 season will ensure that its high quality production values can be realized with fiscal responsibility.”
Jack Hughes, Chair of the Presentation House Theatre Board of Directors said, “The Theatre recently presented our 2010/11 audit and completed the fiscal year with an $8,000 operating surplus. This is good news. However, in 2011/12 our season projections were extremely ambitious, and although sales are better than last year, our box office revenues have been lower than projected. By tightening our belts now we can ensure another successful year at Presentation House Theatre and remain viable for the future.”
Presentation House Theatre has received tremendous support from many individuals and funders, local government and the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and we look forward to our on-going partnerships.
What began in response to a community call for a place to belong, and as a focal point for arts and culture on the North Shore, Presentation House Theatre has grown into the home of professional theatre and community arts in North Vancouver.
Presentation House Theatre will announce their 2012/13 season in February 2012, presenting a season of “All kinds of shows, for all kinds of people.”
Happy Holidays from PHT!
December 21st, 2011Presentation House Theatre will be closed for the Holidays from December 23rd until January 3rd.
Our thanks to everyone who supported us through the first half of our professional season. We wish all of our supporters a very happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!
