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Massey Theatre Announces 2024/25 Mainstage Season and Studio Series
A season of bold acts of imagination, dynamic talents and magical stories await the audience in the Massey Theatre 2024/2025 Mainstage and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces Studio Series presentations. The season’s journey unfolds with Kid Koala’s multi-disciplinary world of wonder, international guitar mastery, a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty the Ballet, a cinematic retrospective series, global music collaborations, and adventures in our dance hall styled Concert Series. This is the Massey Theatre 2024/2025 season. A season of incredible performances to bring in our 75th Anniversary of shared memories and community connections.
“The power of the arts and the energy of the audiences as they gather to experience performances never ceases to amaze me,” said Jessica Schneider, Executive Director, Massey Theatre Society, “We are passionate about bringing high quality, incredible performances to our stages. This is your chance to see something new. It is our true passion to provide so much for you to discover and make the Massey and Eighth & Eight your go-to venues for the arts.”
The Massey Presents 2024/2025 Season:
Massey Mainstage Performances:
November 15, 2024 at 7:30pm and November 16, 2024 at 4pm and 7:30 pm
Kid Koala’s Nufonia Must Fall
This production is a live multi-disciplinary stage adaptation of Kid Koala’s graphic novel Nufonia Must Fall. A team of fifteen puppeteers, musicians, cinematographers and technicians bring the story to life at each performance. The stage is set up with over 20 miniature sets and 8 cameras. Under the direction of Oscar-nominated production designer K.K. Barrett (Her, Where the Wild Things Are, Adaptation, Being John Malkovich), each scene is performed, filmed and projected in real time onto a large screen above the stage. Kid Koala, accompanied by the Afiara String Quartet, performs his original score on piano and turntable. This is a dialogue-free, timeless love story that’s fun for the whole family.
February 1, 2025 at 7:30pm
International Guitar Night
For the 25th International Guitar Night, Brian Gore has assembled a lineup of three exciting new guitarists making their IGN debuts to join one of IGN’s all-time favourites. Lulo Reinhardt is well known to IGN audiences. The grand-nephew of legendary Django Reinhardt, Lulo plays in the style of Latin Swing. Alexandra Whittingham is a dynamic classical guitarist with a repertoire ranging from the classics to contemporary composers. Niwel Tsumbu has kept his unique Congolese percussive style alive over the past twenty-five years living in Ireland. Sönke Meinen is a leading Contemporary Fingerstyle guitarist, mixing the incredible dexterity of his high-speed compositions with sensitive ballads.
February 8, 2025 at 4:00pm
Ballet Jörgen: Sleeping Beauty the Ballet
Sleeping Beauty is one of the world‘s most famous classical ballets and holds a place in the repertoire of virtually every major company. Ballet Jörgen’s interpretation tells the enchanting story of Aurora and her prince complete with its inherently magical qualities and dazzling choreography.
Artistic Director and award-winning choreographer Bengt Jörgen focuses on the magical elements and the interpretation of the ballet as a nature allegory: The young woman represents nature, the wicked fairy is winter, who deadens life with pricks of frost until a young man, spring, cuts away the brambles to allow the sun to awaken sleeping nature. Sleeping Beauty by Ballet Jörgen draws on the traditional choreography by Marius Petipa to spin a tale of nature and love that will inspire young and old alike.
The delightful story will be danced to the original 1890 score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, set to a libretto based on Charles Perrault’s story La Belle au bois dormant. In ensemble with stunning costumes and captivating lighting design, Sleeping Beauty by Ballet Jörgen is guaranteed to provide an evening of entertaining and inspiring live performance.
The Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces Studio Series
The programming team at Massey Theatre is activating the spaces in Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces with performances and events to offer artists and community a facility as well as new and inclusive opportunities for creation, presentation, development and community engagement.
The Performing Arts & Technology Festival: A Celebration of Arts, Technology, and Community- November 14-17, 2024
This November, join us at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces for a four-day celebration of creativity, culture, and community at our Performing Arts & Technology Festival. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where music, animation, dance, and film collide to create unforgettable experiences for all ages! With three events involving Kid Koala, Street Dance, PechaKucha NW and more, this festival has something for everyone.
Old School Music Hall Series in Studio 1C
The Old School Music Hall series harkens back to the days of community Music Halls, filled with music, dancing and vibrancy. This series celebrates musical artistry, diversity and sharing musical experiences with friends, neighbours and friends you haven’t met yet.
October 11, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Beau Wheeler
Studio 1C
Beau Wheeler is a queer non-binary singer and songwriter based on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples known as Vancouver. Beau recently released a new album called Flying Colours and has another one produced by Jason Corbett of Actors on the way. Beau’s dynamic range can lift an audience to its feet in a moment and in the next, stop your heart so the whole room could hear a pin drop.
October 25, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Krystle Dos Santos with Marie Hui
Studio 1C
Get taken back to the glory days of music and dance the night away with Krystle Dos Santos and her three-piece band joined by guest artist Marie Hui. With classic soul, funk, R&B and much more, Krystle will get you moving and grooving to songs from Stevie Wonder to Chaka Khan. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a party!
March 21, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Krystle Dos Santos with Bradley Barkman
Studio 1C
Experience an electrifying journey down memory lane with Krystle Dos Santos and her dynamic three-piece band, joined by guest artist Bradley Barkman! Prepare to dance the night away as they deliver an irresistible mix of classic soul, funk, and R&B hits. From Sam Cooke to the Supremes, their infectious rhythms will have you moving and grooving all night long. Grab your dancing shoes and join the ultimate party!
April 12, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Ndidi O
Studio 1C
Ndidi O is an award-winning Contemporary Roots & Blues singer-songwriter. For nearly two decades she has carved out an adventurous career that deftly moves between soul, blues, contemporary roots, folk and Americana. A two-time JUNO award nominee and the 2019 Western Canadian Music Awards winner for Blues Artist of the Year, Ndidi O has released seven solo albums to date with her newest album released in April 2024 (produced by Steve Dawson, Hen House Records).
May 3, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Roots ‘N’ Wings
Studio 1C
Roots ‘n’ Wings is a 45-voice, soulful women’s choir under the direction of Dawn Pemberton who sings a collection of songs that speak to the heart, celebrate home and connectedness, and call for unity.
Roots ‘N’ Wings sings music that moves you and grooves you, from Stevie Wonder to Voco, Blues to Bach and everything in between. They explore the world’s music and experience the wonder and deep delight that comes from a community of voices soaring together. They strive to take their audiences on a musical adventure guaranteed to stir your heart, fire you up and leave you wanting more! Joining Roots ‘N’ Wings is Artistic Director Dawn Pemberton, steadfast and talented accompanist Mark Wilson, and special guests!
Michael van den Bos Film Clip Show Series in Studio 1B
This series offers a look at some of the very best in cinema, music and dance. With presenter and classic film scholar Michael van den Bos, this series of film clip shows celebrate classic movies, performers and directors, all through the lens of the movie loving host’s scholarly eye. The perfect series of events for film buffs, classic movie fanatics and fans.
September 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm
All That Bob Fosse!
Presented by Michael van den Bos
Studio 1B
Sexy, sassy and snazzy describe the dynamic dance work of choreographer, stage and film director Bob Fosse, one of the most important and influential figures in 20th century American dance. Bob Fosse’s vivacious approach to choreography on stage and in film, along with his cinematic techniques, are the topics of this presentation by classic film scholar and movie musical maven, Michael van den Bos. This entertaining evening looks at all that Fosse flash, steam heat and razzle dazzle dance from his early movie appearances, his choreography for classic film musicals and television work, and his years directing stylish, mature musical films, including the Oscar-winning Cabaret and Fosse’s own semi-autobiographical All That Jazz. Michael also shines a bright spotlight on Fosse’s wife, muse and dancer extraordinaire, the glorious Gwen Verdon.
Feb 20, 2025 at 7:00 pm
Razzle Dazzle Divas
Presented by Michael van den Bos
Studio 1B
All Singing! All Dancing! All Women Who Wow! Classic film scholar Michael van den Bos swings his spotlight onto the sensational ladies of song and dance who lit up movie screens with their powerful and breathtaking talents. From the legendary stars to the talents deserving rediscovery, Michael illuminates these wonder women of musical movies from the golden era of Hollywood to contemporary cinema with a super-charged collection of performance clips.
March 20, 2025 at 7:00 pm
The Flair of Fred Astaire
Presented by Michael van den Bos
Studio 1B
Fred Astaire—the greatest of all movie dancers—takes the spotlight in this show presented by classic film scholar Michael van den Bos. Illustrated with a rich bounty of film clips, Michael explores the distinctive diversity and invigorating inventiveness of Fred Astaire’s considerable dance work in classic Hollywood movies. Also highlighted is Astaire as a vocalist, favoured by many famous songwriters of his era as the best interpreter of their tunes, who introduced more songs that became standards than any other 20th-century musical performer. So, what do you say . . . shall we dance?
April 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm
Gene Kelly: Hollywood’s Dashing Dance Auteur
Presented by Michael van den Bos
Studio 1B
He danced with his ghostly alter-ego, with a cartoon mouse, through French impressionist paintings, on roller skates, while singing in the rain, and partnered with some of the most talented women in the movies. Hollywood musical superstar Gene Kelly did it all. Not only was he a dazzling dancer, Kelly was a charismatic actor, a spirited singer, a creative choreographer and a fine film director. Classic film scholar Michael van den Bos explores the ebullient and buoyant work of the multi-talented Gene Kelly with an abundance of astounding performances from his classic movie musicals.
Global Tea Series in Studio 1C
The always engaging and magnanimous musician and host Cassius Khan and a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists take the audience on a musical journey around the world, bringing you connection to generations past through songs and experiences that have endured for thousands of years.
Global Tea Series performances are by Pay-What-You-Can admission. Audience is encouraged to pay what they are able-there is no minimum or maximum amount-in order to keep the arts accessible for all.
December 8, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Tabla with Hari Pal
Hosted by Cassius Khan
Studio 1C
Hari Pal plays tabla in traditional North Indian as well as his own contemporary style. He has developed an unconventional style of tabla solo, where he uses seven tablas to amalgamate Eastern classical rhythms with melody and popular rhythms. His six tablas are usually tuned to a pentatonic scale and when played with a bass tabla (bayan), he creates an expression of rhythm in melody.
His exposure to the music of different continents has had a deep influence on his creative rhythmic impulses. Parallel to his proficiency in North Indian style of tabla, he also plays dumbek and djembe. He has conducted several percussion concerts in Canada and USA to emphasize inter-cultural fusion of rhythms with African, Latin American, Middle Eastern and North American drummers.
January 26, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Music and Dance with Angelique Muhorakeye and Edward Sembatya
Hosted by Cassius Khan
Studio 1C
Angelique Muhorakeye is one of the founding members of Indangamirwa traditional dance group based in Lower Mainland and is the current chairlady of the group. Born with a natural inclination towards movement and expression, Angelique began her dance journey at a young age. She explored various dance styles as a member in different dance groups, including Rwandan traditional, hip hop and afro fusion; honing her skills and cultivating a deep appreciation for the art form. Driven by a desire to share her passion for dance with others, Angelique embarked on a career in teaching dance to different community groups, children’s summer camps with African Friendship Society and university students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
Edward Sembatya is a versatile Ugandan dance practitioner, choreographer, educator, and drummer (Ugandan drums). He is currently pursuing his practice-based Ph.D. at Simon Fraser University, School for Contemporary Arts (dance major). His artistic works and research draw inspiration from contemporary everyday life and the rich knowledge and skills embedded in indigenous East African dances (Ugandan in particular), music, and narratives. He specialized in indigenous Ugandan dances, jazz dance, and African aesthetics-based contemporary dance (his styles). He has had the pleasure to perform, choreograph, and teach dance and drums in many countries, including but not limited to Norway, the UK, France, and Hungary.
March 23, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Guitar Music and Tea with Dave Martone
Hosted by Cassius Khan
Studio 1C
Dave Martone is a performer, touring musician, recording engineer, music producer and educator. His discography is large with seven studio albums out and three live concert DVD’s as well as countless compilation albums to his credit. He toured and produced music with Juno Award Winning band Bif Naked and has been on the cover of many Canadian Music Magazines as well as having major features in Guitar Player, Guitar World and Guitar One Magazine where Dave was voted one of the top four underground shredders in North America.
His latest rock record “Clean” has been signed to New York record company Magna Carta and finds some of the most talented guitarists of our time on it as special guests including Joe Satriani and Jennifer Batten who has performed with Michael Jackson for over a decade.
Dave’s work goes far also as a session guitarist for major record companies such as Island Def Jam as well as owning his own production facility in Vancouver Canada “Brainworks”.
Tickets and more information available at www.masseytheatre.com and www.eighthandeight.com
The Massey Theatre Mainstage and Small Stage Series presentations are made possible with funding support from the Province of British Columbia and the City of New Westminster.
About Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces comprises over 75,000 square feet of dynamic and creative spaces in the Massey Theatre Arts Complex which includes the Massey Theatre, Plaskett Gallery, two multipurpose studios, two performance studios, a dance studio, digital labs and the Garden/Gathering Space. The expanded spaces are programmed, operated and powered by the Massey Theatre Society in an effort to offer artists and community a facility as well as resources and support for their work, creating new and inclusive opportunities for artistic creation, presentation, development, community engagement, wellness practices, and workshopping. Within Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, the Massey Theatre activates the Massey Theatre Mainstage season, Studio 1B and 1C Performance Series, Gallery programming, Community Nights, Artist Access and more.
About Massey Theatre Society
The Massey Theatre opened in 1949 as British Columbia’s largest theatre, at the time, with 1,260 seats. Since then, its lights have shone on thousands of performances and has become a cherished space to experience the arts. The Massey hosts large scale musicals, international music and dance performances, symphonies, choirs, ballets and more. With a commitment to the cultural life of the community, it supports programs for emerging artists and community groups as well as new creation and production residencies. The theatre is a key gathering place with over 100,000 visitors and hosting over 200 events/performances each year. The Massey Theatre Society operates Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces and is a catalyst for a vibrant, expressive community and a stage where any dream is possible.
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Eighth & Eight Community Nights Returns!
Eighth & Eight Community Nights
Tuesdays from October 4 – November 29, 2022 and January 10 – May 30, 2023
4:00 pm-10:00 pm
Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces is hosting Community Nights every Tuesday from October 4 – November 29 & January 10 – May 30, from 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm. (Schedule subject to change)
Community Nights provide artists, creators, activators and more the opportunity to access space, social and networking time between community groups and share the wonderful community spaces now available at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces at the Massey Theatre Complex for free*.
There will be no charges to book space, however all groups will be asked to participate in two free public events at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces (one per session). Details to be confirmed. Additionally, all participating groups may be asked to participate in up to two other forms of public engagement such as a workshop or talk. Details to be confirmed.
There are spaces available ranging from small meeting areas to 1220 sf studios to 3000 square foot studios and spaces in between.
We are offering maximum two-hour blocks for groups in need of space to reconnect and restart their activities and new groups a place to get started in a supportive, barrier free environment. What’s your cultural aspiration? What is your creative and artistic expression? Bring it to Eighth & Eight and reignite your practice!
Please email your interests or any ideas to hello@eighthandeight.com
We will get back to you and help connect you to the right space and time at Eighth & Eight.
It’s time to create, inspire and connect at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces.
*space access does not include the theatre, technical support or equipment.
*Schedule is subject to change with notice.
*All participants will be asked to sign a participation contract.
Presented with the support of the City of New Westminster, Province of BC,BC Arts Council and Metro Vancouver
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Massey Theatre & Eighth & Eight Community Nights
Eighth & Eight Community Nights
Tuesdays from April 19-May 17
3:30 pm-10:00 pm
Massey Theatre & Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces are hosting Community Nights every Tuesday from April 19-May 17 from 3:30 pm -10:00 pm.
Community Nights provide artists, creators, activators and more the opportunity to access space, social and networking time between community groups and share the wonderful community spaces now available at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces at the Massey Theatre Complex for free*.
There are ten spaces available ranging from small meeting areas to 1220 sf studios to 3000 square foot studios and spaces in between.
We are offering maximum two-hour blocks for groups in need of space to reconnect and restart their activities and new groups a place to get started in a supportive, barrier free environment. What’s your cultural aspiration? What is your creative and artistic expression? Bring it to Eighth & Eight and reignite your practice!
Please email your interests or any ideas to hello@eighthandeight.com
We will get back to you and help connect you to the right space and time at Eighth & Eight.
It’s time to create, inspire and connect at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces.
*space access does not include the theatre, technical support or equipment.
Presented with the support of the City of New Westminster, Province of BC,BC Arts Council and Metro Vancouver
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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.
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The shows will go on
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.
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Open Space Saturdays
Summer is a time for relaxation and celebration. And often in New Westminster, a time filled with incredible community festivals. Many of these festivals won’t be able to happen this year.
We present Open Space Saturdays. An outdoor arts and community space activating the outdoor areas around Massey Theatre.
The program has been designed by our Indigenous Cultural Development Director Ronnie Dean Harris who, together with the whole Massey team and Community Partners, will develop a casual, eclectic program for all ages filled with arts, artisans, food and most of all fun.
Open Space Saturdays will run every summer Saturday from 11am to 10pm with programs for all ages starting July 10th.
On Site Activities may include:
- Indigenous and cultural arts and crafts
- Visual Arts and Video projections
- Literary Arts
- Dance, Music and Movement sessions
- Children’s Activities
- Outdoor Mainstage Performances
- Storytelling
- Arts and Artisan Market
- And more…
On Site Food and Beverage options may include:
- Rotating Food Trucks
- Community Food activations
Special pop-up events such as plant sales, seed exchange, positive advocacy, food, dialogue and other community priorities will be incorporated through partnerships with community organizations and groups.
Community groups are encouraged and welcomed to think about getting involved and thinking of good ways of being together in small groups and activities.
This is a time to heal and celebrate together safely and supportively. Open Space is the place to do it.
Interested in becoming involved or putting forward an actvity? Please contact Ronnie at ronnie@masseytheatre.com
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Massey Theatre 2021/2022 Season
We are more than excited. We are overjoyed to be able to announce that the theatre will be opening its doors this fall with a dynamic season! As the Province reopens in a safe and responsible way, audiences will be welcomed to the theatre to come and enjoy theatrical performances, as they are meant to be. Live and in person
The Massey Theatre season reflects the diverse lenses and interests of the community with a variety of exceptional performances. Included are iconic musical performers of contemporary Indigenous, pop, folk, rock and guitar jazz. The range of artists is incredible-from Martha Wainwright to Bill Henderson to International Guitar Night. Folk rock powerhouse band The Fugitives explore the realities and lore of Vimy Ridge in a multi-disciplinary concert with the dancers of Ballet BC and spoken word of Brendan McLeod. Musical artist and storyteller, iskwē, shares her impactful artistry with music, movement, images, poetry and prose.
The return season also promises to brighten our hearts with laughter. Comedy will take centre stage with the former “This Hour has 22 Minutes” star Shaun Majumder and his new show, The LOVE tour. A special two week run of Arts Club Theatre Company’s hit show Noises Off offers one of the largest and most fun productions we will see in the coming season. Massey Theatre has been working with Arts Club for over a year to bring back the 2020 hit to delight audiences in the way only live theatre can do.
Here is the list of the seasons’ performances:
Nov. 16, 2021
Martha Wainwright
Love Will Be Reborn
Martha Wainwright is beginning again. The beguiling performer and songwriter graces the Massey stage as part of the tour of her new album Love Will Be Reborn. Wainwright’s fifth studio album follows recent years of loneliness and clarity in search of optimism and joy. PRESALE for this show starts June 10, sale for general public on June 11
November 2021
Bill Henderson, Solo Tour
In his solo tour, Canadian Rock Icon Bill Henderson of Chilliwack takes the stage like the legend he is. Guitar at the ready. Iconic voice filling the theatre. For those of you who are ready to revisit Henderson’s distinct style of rock…the Massey is ready for you. Tickets on sale soon
January 28, 2022
International Guitar Night 2022
The always exceptional International Guitar Night returns to the Massey Theatre with a dynamic and eclectic lineup of international acoustic guitarists. The next tour features: Lulo Reinhardt, Germany’s Latin Swing master, contemporary classical guitarist Stephanie Jones from Australia, two-hand “tapper” Alexandr Misko from Russia, and Italian jazz guitarist and vocalist Eleanora “Lele” Strino. This show is a celebration of guitar music for new beginnings. Tickets on sale now.
Feb 3, 2022
Shaun Majumder The LOVE Tour
In 2019, beloved comedian and performer Shaun Majumder brought his complex tour de force HATE to Massey Theatre, much of it in response to living amid rampant Trumpism and the rise of hate he was witnessing in the US and Canada. Now, the new dad flips the narrative in with his new show LOVE. Majumder is an absolute comedy star, riveting and hilarious. This show is co-presented with Laughter Zone 101. Tickets on sale now.
February 15-27, 2022
Arts Club Theatre Company’s Noises Off by Michael Frayn
The pre-pandemic hit show is being remounted on the Massey Stage. Noises Off, hailed as the funniest farce ever written, treats audiences to a hilarious peek at a second-tier acting troupe performing a show. With egos, insecurities, and tempers flaring backstage—and forgotten lines, missed cues, and misplaced sardines onstage—this cast threatens to strike the old adage “the show must go on.” Michael Frayn’s dizzying play-within-a-play classic is sure to leave you doubled over with laughter. This is sure to be one of the largest and most fun productions to be staged in the coming season. Tickets on sale now.
March 12, 2022
iskwē
iskwē | ᐃᐢᑫᐧᐤ (short for waseskwan iskwew, meaning “blue sky woman”) is, among many other things, an artist – a creator and communicator of music and of movement, of pictures, poetry and prose. And through it all, she’s a teller of stories that have impacted our past and will inform our future. Her solo tour brings timely magic and light to the Massey. Tickets on sale now.
Spring 2022
Over The Ridge
Often called the “battle that made Canada,” Vimy Ridge resulted in over 10,000 Canadian casualties. Through direct storytelling, verbatim theatre, live music and dance, Brendan McLeod, folk rock powerhouse band The Fugitives, choreographer Jacob Williams and the dancers of Ballet BC examine misconceptions, personal accounts by the actual young soldiers from the battle. This multi-disciplinary concert is an emotional, powerful and evocative look at our Nation’s past. Tickets on sale soon
Fall 2022
Hot Brown Honey
Hot Brown Honey, the smash-hit, genre defying, firecracker of a show from Australia, that’s taken the world by storm is coming to the Massey Theatre.
Steeped in the Word of the Mother and packing a potent punch of Hip-Hop Politics, the show is equal parts theatrical masterpiece and social activism with a posse of phenomenal women who smash stereotypes in a celebration of our similarities and differences. From dance to spoken word, hip hop to performance art, Hot Brown Honey will make you laugh until you cry, clap until your hands bleed and shake every part of what your mama gave you. Tickets on sale soon
Ticket are on sale for some of these shows already, so don’t wait to be entertained. Not only will you be supporting the arts and artists, you will lift your spirits with the unique joy that only culture can provide.
All safety protocols will be in place and guidelines followed. Less than 50% of seats are being sold until reopening guidelines are in place for each date.
All shows are presented with support of the City of New Westminster and the Province of British Columbia. Additionally, iskwē and Hot Brown Honey are posted with the support of the Vancouver Foundation.
We can’t wait to welcome you back.
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Plaskett Gallery: Art from Apart
As a first step in re-opening the Massey to public activity, the Plaskett Gallery will be opened on a by-appointment basis. In order to maintain pandemic health and safety measures while maximizing the number of people able to experience the program.
You may now book 30 minute visits at the Plaskett Gallery with your bubble! Book conveniently ONLINE or by phoning our box office at 604.521.5050
Visits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A maximum of 10 people will be allowed at a time. Your party will be asked to state that you have assessed yourself for Covid 19 symptoms before entering. You will all be required to provide contact information for the purposes of contact tracing by the government if that is needed for any reason.
The current exhibit open for viewing is Liminal Space
Liminal Space is where transformation takes place.
It is the time between what was and what will be next. When one has the potential to act, but has not yet done so.
This process of waiting, not knowing what will become, is part of the process that we must patiently embrace – letting it form us.
This state of mind inspired the pieces in this collection. It chronicles the journey from the first steps to the other side, a new beginning…the anticipation of what is to come.
Show runs from June 9-June 30 Tuesday to Saturday from 1-5 pm by appointment only.
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