Archive
Job Posting: BSW/Caretaker
Organization Description
Massey Theatre Society was established in 1983 as a venue based arts organization. The Society operates two theatres and a 35,000 square foot arts complex formerly components of New Westminster Secondary School. The historic Massey Theatre (est. 1949) is a 1,260 seat proscenium theatre within the complex at the corner of Eighth and Eighth in uptown New Westminster.
POSITION TITLE: Massey Theatre Society BSW / Caretaker
General Description:
The BSW / Caretaker is responsible for providing a safe, clean environment for facility users, staff and the public. The position participates in the day-to-day operation of the facility with responsibility for the cleanliness, tidiness, and first impression readiness of the facility. Flexible hours will be required with some seasonal variation guaranteeing between twenty four to thirty hours per week year round.
Reports to: Directly: Operational and Administrative Director
Required Education, Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience:
- Current WHMIS certification
- Demonstrated knowledge of the cleaning industry including current practices.
- Demonstrated knowledge of building maintenance procedures and practices.
- Demonstrated knowledge of cleaning processes, products and equipment.
- Demonstrated knowledge in basic maintenance and tools required.
- Minimum one year’s experience in similar work.
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Ability to work as a team player.
- Ability to display a positive work attitude and contribute ideas in the areas of their work.
- Ability to deal tactfully with facility users and the public.
- Ability to execute written and oral instructions sufficient for the safe, competent use of caretaking supplies, operation of equipment and the execution of caretaking procedures.
- Ability to perform basic maintenance functions effectively.
- Ability to do medium to heavy lifting.
- Ability to plan and expedite the cleaning program as it pertains to the facility.
Supervision of Staff:
There is no direct supervision of staff within the scope of this position, however, the BSW/Caretaker will liaise with contracted or auxiliary support personnel.
Responsibilities:
Without restricting the generality of the general description above, the BSW/Caretaker shall perform such duties and responsibilities as may be assigned including but not restricted to the following:
- Be willing to engage in lifelong learning with respect to training and courses of study.
- Conduct oneself in a manner appropriate to a public facility that provides services to all ages and cultural groups.
- Deal tactfully with all users, staff and the public.
- Be knowledgeable and supportive of applicable employer policies and procedures.
- Schedule work and monitor activities and productivity in collaboration with their supervisor.
- Perform a daily inspection of the facility and grounds.
- Practice safe work habits at all times.
- Maintain a daily log book of cleaning, restocking of supplies, disposal of items, extraordinary items or incidents, and minor repairs.
- Be listed on the Alarm call list
Day to day Duties:
- Sweep and dry mop floors daily or more often if required.
- Dust and polish when necessary.
- Clean and disinfect washrooms and washroom facilities daily or more often if required.
- Empty wastebaskets and dispose of garbage daily and replace liners.
- Wash walls, windows, doors, and desks as required.
- Clean chalkboards/whiteboards and ledges.
- Vacuum carpet on regular basis; shampoo as scheduled or required.
- Change lightbulbs as required.
- Clean ceiling diffusers and light fixtures.
- Report maintenance problems Supervisor using the prescribed form(s) or by call-in if emergency.
- Report minor maintenance and repair duties as required and remedy them if action is within the scope of their abilities.
- Maintain supply inventory.
- Monitor, report on and participate in pre event grounds maintenance (i.e. snow removal, litter pickup, grass cutting).
- Lock and secure facility.
- Be cognizant of the need to be proactive in the area of energy management (i.e. turning off lights when not required).
- Facilitate scheduled external works pertaining to the performance of facility maintenance projects.
Judgement, Confidentiality:
- Confidentiality is required in all things
At no time should personnel discuss in public information pertaining to the operations, personnel matters or user details. A BSW/Caretaker is expected to respect the confidential nature of the position by avoiding discussion about any topics that are not formally communicated to the public by the administration. Breaching confidentiality is a serious violation of acceptable conduct.
Working Jointly with Other Staff on Common Assignments or Tasks
This position involves working jointly with other support staff, and the leadership team on events, projects and tasks in a dynamic and varied programming environment.
Responsibility for Quality of Assigned Work:
The employee is under routine supervision and is responsible for the quality of the assigned work. The health and safety of other employees and the users of the facility are dependent on the quality of the work. The “first impression” image of the organization is dependent upon the quality of the work.
REMUNERATION- $22/hr for an average 24 to 30 hour work week. An averaging agreement will be put in place – plus a comprehensive benefits package
- Six month probationary period
- Benefits – Extended Health, Dental, LTD, Life Insurance, Matching 3% RRSP contribution
- Vacation – starting with 3 weeks, after 5 years 4 weeks
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Eighth and Eight / Massey Theatre Society exists and operates on the unceded traditional territories of Hul’qumi’num speaking Coast Salish peoples of Qayqayt, Musqueam, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem and Katzie. We are committed to providing access to the space to those peoples and to contributing to their efforts toward cultural resurgence through our work. Consultation and direct employment of Indigenous people is a priority in these and other efforts. The Society is influenced by, and of service to, a broad range of communities, world views, ways of working and lived experiences. With conscious intention we are seeking a candidate whose identity may not have been equitably included in our organization, or the professional artistic sector historically. We encourage applicants to articulate their personal connections and perspectives, in relation to systemic barriers, so that we may advance creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants are required to submit a resume and a maximum one page letter expressing their interest. Candidates should describe their related skills, experience and special qualities and characteristics that will add to the employer’s understanding of their qualifications. References may be submitted at the time of application, or it is acceptable that they be added upon request.
Operational and Administrative Director –Minna Nikula, and associates will identify candidates to be interviewed.
We will endeavour to complete shortly thereafter. The position will start as soon as possible.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2022 at midnight
Submit Applications via email to: minna@masseytheatre.com
Read More →
CALL FOR ARTISTS: Performing Arts Collaborative Creation Residency
Title: Performing Arts Collaborative Creation Residency
Organization:
Massey Theatre Society and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
Deadline: March 4, 2022
About us:
Massey Theatre Society is a catalyst for a vibrant, expressive community and a stage where any dream is possible. The Massey Theatre has recently expanded our arts and community spaces into the complex surrounding Massey Theatre (Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces: www.eighthandeight.com). Our focus at Eighth & Eight is on serving artists and our community by offering space as well as resources and support. Artists and communities that do not have a facility to work often face inequity in securing resources for their work. We are looking to change that with Eighth & Eight as we are now working with of over 35,000 square feet of dynamic and creative spaces including the Massey Theatre, Plaskett Gallery, four Multipurpose Studios including a performance studio, dance studio and digital labs. With an expanded facility we are creating new and inclusive opportunities for artistic creation, presentation, development, community engaged and wellness practices, and workshopping. As a part of this expansion, we are launching a new performance series for artists which will take place throughout 2022 and beyond.
Performing artists are often asked to collaborate or perform in mixed bills or showcases with other artists without the resources to contemplate how they might leverage those contexts and perhaps create more developed or expanded new works. For this project we will be choosing four emerging performing artists or small ensembles from a range of performing arts such as music, dance, theatre (including sketch comedy and spoken word) and other staged literary, audio, and visual forms. All performances will take place in our 60-seat performance studio with other studios and spaces to be used during the development phase.
Call for Submissions:
Each project would be asked to leverage their existing short works to create a one-hour performance in a double bill or collaboration with an artist working in a different art form, technique, or tradition. Artists are asked to challenge themselves to create something they might not otherwise without the resources available. This can be done by either by expanding an already existing work by adding design elements to it or with a new cross-disciplinary or cross-cultural work. (Please identify if you will use the funds to engage collaborators to enhance your own work in a double bill or for a new collaborative work).
In addition to fees paid to both artists, we would provide a minimum of two weeks of free studio space to develop and rehearse, access to digital and theatrical equipment as well as tech support and basic training on the equipment (if needed). We would also provide technical and front of house staff for the performance as well as promotional and administrative support. In addition, each artistic group will have access to mentorship from one, or more, of our Artistic Associates.
The Massey Theatre employs a team of Artistic Associates, each responsible for reflecting and advocating distinct yet intersectional programming and engagement lenses in service of relationships with seniors, LQBTQ2+ people, black community members, Indigenous people, and the immigrant diaspora residing in our community.
We welcome applications from all BC performing artists however priority will be given to emerging artists residing in New Westminster, the Tri-Cities, and communities East of Boundary Road as well as well as IBPOC and LGBTQ2+ candidates.
How to Apply:
Please submit a one-page description of your proposed project to fleur@masseytheatre.com. Please include your bio and any other pertinent information, including links to video reels, social media, resumes, and any questions. Please also indicate if you are an emerging or established artist. Please include a detailed timeline that corresponds to our timeline below, as well as ideas for collaborators and which of the Artistic Associate(s) (if any) you are interested in connecting with (see below for names and bios of our Artistic Associates).
All projects must also include some community engagement. Please detail all resources you can bring to the project to ensure a successful community engagement plan is achievable. Examples of community engagement might include open studio, public artist talks, workshops, digital engagement or recording untold stories in our digital hub.
Fees:
Each project will receive $2000 CAD for the creative development stage. Additionally, all projects will receive $1000 CAD if the project results in a performance at Eighth & Eight. An appropriate fee commitment to all collaborators is required. Please identify in your proposal the fees you will pay your collaborator(s).
In addition, we would provide the following:
- Minimum of two weeks free studio space
- Access to digital and theatrical equipment as well as tech support and basic training on the equipment (if needed).
- Technical and front of house staff for the performance
- Promotional and administrative support
- Mentorship from one, or more, of our Artistic Associates (see below for list of names and bios)
Timeline of activities:
- March 4, 2022: Submission deadline
- April 1, 2022: Artists begin creative development of projects including workshopping and mentoring with Artistic Associates
- April -June 2022: Performances at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Fleur Sweetman, Performing Arts Programming Director
Contact Email: fleur@masseytheatre.com
Contact Phone: 604-517-5900
Artistic Associates
The Massey Theatre employs a team of Artistic Associates, each responsible for reflecting and advocating distinct yet intersectional programming and engagement lenses in service of relationships with seniors, LQBTQ2+ people, black community members, Indigenous people, and the immigrant diaspora residing in our community.
The following Artistic Associates are available to provide mentorship:
Justine A. Chambers is a dance artist and educator living and working on the ancestral and traditional Coast Salish territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Her movement-based practice considers how choreography can be an empathic practice rooted in collaborative creation, close observation, and the body as a site of a cumulative embodied archive. Privileging what is felt over what is seen, she works with dances that are already there – the social choreographies present in the everyday. Her recent choreographic projects include Steady, Waking Hours, And then this also, One hundred more, tailfeather, for all of us, it could have been like this, ten thousand times and one hundred more, Family Dinner, Family Dinner: The Lexicon, and Semi-precious: the faceting of a gemstone only appears complete and critical. Chambers’ work has been hosted by Western Front, Sophiensaele (Berlin), Contemporary Art Gallery, Vancouver Art Gallery, Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, Agora de la Danse (Montreal), Cantor Fitzgerald Gallery (Haverford College), Canada Dance Festival (Ottawa), Nanaimo Art Gallery, Artspeak, Burrard Arts Foundation, Mile Zero Dance Society, Dance in Vancouver, Festival of New Dance (St. John’s) and Art Museum at University of Toronto. Chambers is the recipient of the Lola Dance Prize (2018) and was selected for the Visiting Dance Artist Program at the National Arts Centre (2018-2020), Artist in Residence at SFU’s Community Engaged Research Initiative (CERi). Chambers is currently a Term Lecturer at the School for Contemporary Arts at Simon Fraser University. She is Max Tyler-Hite’s mother.
Ryan Leslie Fisher is a graduate of the Theatre and Drama Studies program at the University of Toronto. He is best known for his comedy TikTok character Dandy (@dandyandfriends) and is fresh off a sold-out tour in TX, LA and NYC. He worked in the immersive theatre scene in Hollywood as the devilish MC in Crimson Cabaret (Unmarked Door) and starred in his award-winning LGBT Sketch Comedy Series Enemies of Dorothy (HereTV). He’s now based in Vancouver where he teaches acting at The Laura Mac Method and partners with The Massey Theatre. TV credits include The Mentalist (CBS), American Horror Story (FOX), and The Midnight Club (Netflix).”
Ronnie Dean Harris aka Ostwelve is a Sto:lo/St’at’imc/Nlaka’pamux multimedia artist based in New Westminster, BC. He began his artistic career in graphic design at age 14 and that same year, began co-hosting the “When Spirits Whisper” radio show alongside Gunargie O’Sulllivan on Co-Op Radio 100.5 FM.
Ronnie holds the position of Indigenous Cultural Development Director with Massey Theatre Society where he examines local cosmology and histories and forges pathways and relationships with the Indigenous diaspora to inform and engage the Society’s programs and activities.
His professional artistic pursuits cover a wide range including acting and hosting in films, television and digital media including roles on PBS series and specials. He has composed music for film, designed sound for the stage and performed as a musician. His art has been shown in exhibitions from Island Mountain Arts in Wells to the Vancouver Art Gallery and on the streets in the form of murals. He has produced cultural events and programming for festivals and gatherings.
He has facilitated forums, conferences, and workshops from Regina to Parksville and received awards and recognition for aboriginal leadership and podcasting. As an independent researcher, Ronnie has worked on various portfolios that include Indigenous cosmologies, ethnography, archival audio, historiographies, and actions.
Ronnie has a passion for creating and facilitating workshop programs for youth in media arts and hip-hop as well as an interest in environmental causes. Learn more about Ronnie Dean Harris and his work at www.ronniedeanharris.com
The globally renowned Cassius Khan is a Canadian musician who plays the Tabla and simultaneously sings classical Ghazal and Thumri (poetry in Urdu and Hindi) and is the only professional musician in the world who presents his art in this way. A recipient of the 2005 Salute to Excellence Award, a 2008 Juno Award nomination, a 2011 Western Canadian Music Award nomination and a 2019 Bernie Legge Artist of the Year Award recipient, Khan’s performance will showcase the difficulty of dividing his brain into two facets of his mastery- singing Ghazal in classical form and playing complex rhythmical patterns on his tabla. His trademark “Tarannum Ang Gayaki” style coupled with his Tabla have stupefied many Indian maestros and was recognized for this unique ability. Hailed as “Canada’s Multifaceted Musician” thanks to his ground-breaking collaborations with musicians of all genres around the planet, Khan takes his audience on a wonderful journey of melody through his pitch perfect rich voice, stupendous technique of rhythm through his talented hands and with his mastery of performance onstage and comical and good-natured personality he intricately weaves his performance with funny anecdotes. Khan is also a sought-after teacher and mentor and is both a private teacher and a visiting professor for Indian music at the international school Mulgrave. The Producer of the Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance held at the Massey Theatre in New Westminster since 2012, Khan has presented over 20 artists to the Canadian audience and has performed for the Permanent India Mission to the UN and WIPO in Geneva, Switzerland in 2017/2018. Khan is also the Curator of the ‘Global Tea Series with Cassius Khan’ at the Massey Theatre and is endorsed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi award winning Tabla crafters Ustad Qasim Khan Niyazi & Sons as well as the Australian based ‘Lehra Studio’ Apps.
Allan Morgan has been a stage actor for more than thirty years. Some highlights include appearing in London, GB, Adelaide Australia, Wellington NZ and San Francisco, all with The Overcoat. He appeared for several seasons at Bard on the Beach, notably in The Tempest as Prospero, as well as King John, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado.
He has toured across Canada with the Electric Company in Studies in Motion. He has appeared at The Belfry, notably in The Drawer Boy, Dirty Blonde, and I am My Own Wife for which he received the Victoria Critic’s Award for best performance. Other favourites include Red, Thinking of Yu, and Abraham Lincoln Goes to the Theatre for ATP in Calgary.
Allan has two solo plays: I Walked the Line; and Pride: for the young gay, the ungay and the jaded queen in all of us.
Presented with the support of the City of New Westminster, Province of BC, BC Arts Council, Metro Vancouver and BC Touring Council.
Read More → LOLGBT Comedy Workshop for Youth
The Massey Theatre & Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces is presenting a FREE weekend workshop for youth (ages 12-19) led by Ryan Leslie Fisher, a local LGBTQ2+ comedian and actor.
This four-day comedy workshop that takes place over two weekends. The students will play around with sketch comedy the first weekend and start writing their own script and then continue developing the script and characters the 2nd weekend. If they are not available all four it is ok, but they will have the best experience if they attend all the days
The sessions will have a focus on queer themed sketch comedy, meaning every joke is a gay joke where the punchline isn’t being gay. These workshops will cover every step of the process from inspiration to script writing to performance, allowing the participants to develop their voice, and take a critical look at short form comedy that can be used on digital platforms such as TikTok.
Ryan Fisher is also Dandy ,an LGBT Tiktok sensation with almost half a million followers. As a leader of The Lavender Society, a “secret” organization of queer folks, Dandy’s comedy supports a safe space for LGBTQ2+ on the social media platform and promotes a shared community.
Dates and Times:
Saturday, February 5: 1:00-5:00pm
Saturday, February 6: 1:00-5:00pm
Saturday, February 12: 1:00-5:00pm
Sunday, February 13: 1:00-5:00pm
Registration:
Please email Fleur Sweetman (fleur at masseytheatre.com), Performing Arts Programming Director by Friday, January 28 to reserve your spot in the workshop or for any questions.
This workshop is free to attend.
Read More →
It’s time for a show of appreciation
These really are unprecedented times. Times of great loss and lack of connection with friends, loved ones and community.
It’s hard. For everyone. Some of life’s luster is definitely missing.
We’ve been witnessing the difficult work of healthcare and frontline workers (teachers, administrators and support staff, police officers, firefighters, retail workers, hospitality staff, delivery people, grocery clerks, and more), you know who you are!
For two years now they have given of themselves more than they knew they could. And it isn’t over yet. Our community members in the performing arts have lost work, motivation and wellbeing by not being able to practice, perform and bring art to everyday life.
To these amazing individuals, we offer a giant THANK YOU. We appreciate you and see you.
From Jan. 20 – February 3, we’re offering Healthcare and Frontline workers and Performing Arts Workers and Artists 50% off tickets to see The Arts Club Theatre Company’s Noises Off at Massey Theatre running from February 15-27.
It is a show filled with laughter, lightness and energy and is sure to bring a spark of joy and that feeling of celebration we need.
We all need connection. While we can’t gather in all the ways that we may want to, we can celebrate through the shared experience of the arts.
Frontline workers can get tickets for 50% off using the code FRONTLINE at point of purchase
Performing arts workers can get tickets for 50% off using the code PERFORMINGARTS at point of purchase
Spread the word. Share with your friends and loved ones in these industries. Perhaps buy them tickets so you can all go to the show. Together.
Read More →
The shows will go on
Job Posting: Senior Audio Development Technician
Organization Description
Massey Theatre Society was established in 1983 as a venue based arts organization. The Society now operates two theatres and a 35,000 square foot arts complex formerly components of New Westminster Secondary School. The historic Massey Theatre (est. 1949) is a 1,260 seat proscenium theatre within the complex at the corner of Eighth and Eighth in uptown New Westminster. The Anvil Centre Theatre (est. 2014) is a 360 seat, flexible, contemporary theatre within the multi-functional Anvil Centre on Columbia Street in downtown New Westminster.
The past five years have brought significant growth in venue activities, organizational capacity and programming development. The organization is now a significant generator of artistic and community engagement programs. It holds a long term lease of the Massey Theatre and Complex and a programming and operating service agreement at the Anvil Centre Theatre. A new digital hub is being launched and the MTS is poised to grow and increase its impact which is broad and inclusive of all communities.
The Senior Audio Development Technician is a one-year contract position that will provide highly specialized audio work for a broad range of performing arts and special events for the Massey Theatre Society and its diverse rental clients. Will develop internal and external training programs and maintain and develop audio systems throughout the facility.
CLIENT RELATED DUTIES
- Act as a representative for the Massey Theatre Society in all their work.
- Ensure that external clientele’s needs are met in a safe and timely manner.
VENUE/OTHER RELATED DUTIES
- Set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, equipment to record, edit and reproduce sound input or feed of pre-recorded material from tapes, records, compact discs, digital audio devices, and input from live microphones, for live events of or video recordings
- Operate audio consoles or computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment to mix, combine and edit music and sound at concerts and live events
- May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other audio and video recording technicians.
- Aid and supervise in the maintenance cycle for the theatres and auxiliary spaces.
- Develop and implement audio training for theatre and other venue facilities as required.
- Other Duties as Determined and Assigned by the Technical Directors and/or Operational and Administrative Director.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- This position typically operates in the active program spaces indoor and outdoor.
- Hours of work: On average, 30 hours per week, but periods of higher than normal work volume should be expected during the season.
- Evening and weekend work required, particularly when during the runs of performances, festivals, celebrations and other events. An averaging agreement will be put in place.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Two (2) years of post-secondary training in audio production or equivalent live audio production experience.
- A minimum of two (2) years’ experience as an Audio Technician in a “Road House”.
- A minimum of two (2) years’ experience as an Audio Engineer in a recording environment.
- Knowledge of multiple theatre/concert needs, Yamaha QL5 & QL1, Dante Audio & QLab.
- Must be able to demonstrate superior audio system trouble shooting skills.
- Effective delegation skills and ability to hold staff accountable to high standards of professionalism.
- Mix Audio for events as required at either the Front of House or Monitor position.
- Ability to represent Massey Theatre Society professionally, competently and with respect to all clients and colleagues.
- Familiarity with current OH&S standards and regulations.
- The following Certificates or skills are advantageous:
- Current OFA Level 1 First Aid Certificate.
- Ability in the maintenance of audio systems.
- Proficiency in QLab, and Audio Recording Software.
REMUNERATION
- Salary – $25 hour
- Hours – 30 per week on an averaging agreement
- Benefits – Extended Health, Dental, LTD, Life Insurance, Matching 3% RRSP contribution
Vacation – starting with 3 weeks, Deadline for applicants: December 31, 2021.
To apply, please email info@masseytheatre.com with the subject line Senior Audio Development Technician.
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Massey Theatre Society exists and operates on the unceded traditional territories of Hul’qumi’num speaking Coast Salish peoples including the Qayqayt, Musqueam, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem and Katzie. We are committed to providing access to the space to those peoples and to contributing to their efforts toward cultural resurgence through our work. Consultation and direct employment of Indigenous people is a priority in these and other efforts.
The Society is influenced by, and of service to, a broad range of communities, world views, ways of working and lived experiences. With conscious intention we are seeking a candidate whose identity may not have been equitably included in our organization, or the professional artistic sector historically. We encourage applicants to articulate their personal connections and perspectives, in relation to systemic barriers, so that we may advance creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
Read More →
Giving Tuesday 2021
Today is Giving Tuesday
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, taking place each year after Black Friday. The “Opening day of the giving season’ when charities, business and individuals come together to celebrate giving as a community
And community is who we are.
Having the audiences return over the past few months has been magical. We’ve safely held live performances, rehearsals, meetings and more in our space and launched our most ambitious presentation season ever including a full professional run of the Arts Club Theatre’s production of Noises Off. Moments of connection and joy for audiences and community members, and a return to creation and employment for artists and technicians.
We are proud to be playing such a huge part of the recovery of the arts in British Columbia.
In addition to welcoming back audiences and creators in our space, we moved into a new era for the Massey Theatre and ancillary spaces with the transfer of ownership of our building to the City of New Westminster. This has triggered an incredible partnership that promises to impact the community greatly over the coming years, and the expansion of the venue has created Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces. These spaces will make a significant contribution to arts in the region, providing a new home and infrastructure for the arts of the future. There is much work to be done, and this work requires funding.
Funding for renovations, artist fees, upgrades of equipment, new state of the art digital production equipment, training, programming, outreach and more.
Our goals are high, but necessary and ones that we’re committed to hitting.
As we kick off giving season and our donation drive, please consider supporting us this Giving Tuesday with a tax deductible donation. This Giving Tuesday, Canada Helps will be adding $2 to every donation over $20. If we recieve 100 donations over $20, that means an extra $200. $200 that could go to artist fees for programming to marginalized youth. $200 that can provide access to the arts for seniors. $200 towards the arts centre of our future.
Support us in our commitment to a vibrant future and consider giving a donation to the Massey Theatre Society from yourself, your business or in the name of a loved one.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love and support you’ve given to Massey Theatre. We do this with you and for you, and if you have the means, we hope you’ll share with us, or share our message.
Read More →
Save the Date: Eighth & Eight Open House
Saturday, November 6th
1:00 pm-5:30 pm
Eighth & Eight
735 Eighth Ave, New Westminster, BC
The Massey Theatre Society invites you to join us when we open the doors to the new Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces!
Come and see the theatre, studios, labs and exhibitions. Learn about new capabilities and plans for this major community facility. Throughout the event we will have free hands-on activities, performances, demonstrations and more. This event is for all ages and abilities!
Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces is the transitional name for the arts and community spaces surrounding the historic Massey Theatre at 735 Eighth St., New Westminster. Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces is comprised of over 35,000 square feet of dynamic and creative spaces including the Massey Theatre, Plaskett Gallery, Multipurpose Studios and more. We are looking to community members to tell us what you want to see. As we continue to gather feedback about how artists, activators, community members, audiences, and more want to work, discover, and play in the space; we are ready to open our doors widely and welcome the public inside so that we can all being imagining the future of the space together.
Want to know more about Eighth & Eight? Stay tuned to our social media and website as we provide more updates closer to the date. Or send us an email at hello@eighthandeight.com
Please note: In accordance with the current orders from the Provincial Health Officer, showing proof of vaccination by way of the BC Vaccine Passport with your name or equivalent from your region plus picture ID is required to attend events and productions in the spaces.
This requirement is in place until January 31, 2022 and may be extended. We ask that people wear masks when exploring the spaces.
Read More → Call for Members of the Board: Massey Theatre Society
Vision THE MASSEY THEATRE SOCIETY is a catalyst for a vibrant, expressive community and a stage where any dream is possible.
Mission We are committed to nurturing and supporting the performing arts with respect & integrity.
Established in 1983 as a venue based arts organization, the Society now operates two theatres and a 35,000 square foot arts complex formerly components of New Westminster Secondary School. The historic Massey Theatre (est. 1949) is a 1,260 seat proscenium theatre within the complex at the corner of Eighth and Eighth in uptown New Westminster. The MTS also programs and operates the Anvil Centre Theatre (est. 2014) on behalf of the City of New Westminster. Anvil Centre Theatre is a 360 seat, flexible, contemporary theatre within the multi-functional Anvil Centre on Columbia Street in downtown New Westminster.
The past five years have brought significant growth in venue activities, organizational capacity and program development. The organization is a significant generator of artistic and community programs. It holds a long term lease of the Massey Theatre and Complex and a programming and operating service agreement at the Anvil Centre Theatre. MTS is poised to grow and increase its impact.
WHAT WE NEED
We are looking for skilled and committed individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. Specifically we are interested in individuals with one or more of the following characteristics:
- A PASSION FOR THE ARTS
- AN UNDERSTANDING AND INTEREST IN THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT SECTOR AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
- EXPERIENCE WITH CAPITAL FUNDRAISING OR WITH A MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECT
- AN INTEREST AND UNDERSTANDING IN STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OR FINANCIAL PLANNING
- AN UNDERSTANDING OF AND COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
THE MASSEY THEATRE SOCIETY contributes to artistic and cultural activity in a number of dynamic ways –by presenting professional theatre, dance, music, visual arts and multidisciplinary performances, and also by serving the community through a variety of cultural development and participation-based arts and culture and social programs. A number of ancillary spaces and services are available to expand and enhance the programming available and increase participation.
The Massey Theatre Society programming and facility operations are carried out by a diversified team of respected arts professionals with the volunteer Board taking a Governance role to support the long term preservation and stewardship of the artistic facilities and relevance of programs in support of artists, the arts and its community service mandate. The next two years will see advancement in a long awaited capital renewal and expansion into the Massey Theatre and complex.
We endeavor to develop a diverse Board reflective of the full spectrum of heritages, ages, abilities and gender identities present in the community. If you are interested please contact Jessica Schneider at jessica@masseytheatre.com with a resume and cover letter. Applications are due by September 24, 2021.
Read More →
New Programming Leadership Announced for Massey Theatre Society
The Massey Theatre Society has hired two acclaimed arts leaders to join the staff team for Massey Theatre, Anvil Centre Theatre and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces. These new hires are filling the roles of Programming Director and Performing Arts Programming Coordinator.
Jillian Christmas will be the new Programming Director. Jillian is a queer, Afro-Caribbean writer who worked as long-time spoken word coordinator at the Vancouver International Writers Fest. She has built a vibrant legacy of arts-organizing and curation, including six fruitful seasons as former Artistic Director of Versəs Festival of Words, as well as serving as a founding member and People and Talent Coordinator for Bakau Consulting’s (formerly Cicely Blain Consulting) acclaimed Stratagem conferences. Her organizing work focuses on a desire and duty to uplift underrepresented voices and distribute resources into marginalized and underserved communities. These talents and abilities will be activated towards the expanded creative facilities, uplifting community through the arts.
The Performing Arts Programming Coordinator position will be filled by Fleur Sweetman. Fleur worked as long time General Manager for both Turning Point Ensemble and Vancouver Pro Musica. A trained oboist holding her Masters of Music Performance from UBC, Fleur has an intimate connection and knowledge of the classical and contemporary music communities which will allow her to build local capacity and develop new relationships in the performing arts. She’s also an experienced community programmer and activator having worked at Place Des Arts as Fine and Performing Arts Programmer.
‘We are truly proud to have attracted these two phenomenal individuals. The support of a Pivot Grant from BC Arts Council allowed us to work with programming consultant Gary Cristall to review our needs and support us in our search. These roles and the increased capacity they bring are vital as we expand the Massey Theatre, Anvil Centre Theatre and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces programs and relationships,” said Jessica Schneider, Executive Director, Massey Theatre Society, “As our capacity grows, so does our ability to serve and inspire the community and provide a home for people to create, celebrate and connect.”
The pair join Schneider, Indigenous Cultural Development Director Ronnie Dean Harris and the Operational Leadership Team as key voices in resourcing and guiding the artistic, social and cultural contributions of the Society.
As the summer continues, activities will continue with the Open Space Saturday series and planning for reopening the facilities to audiences. Schneider promises further announcements about public and artistic programs, staffing and more.
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