Archive
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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Garden/Gathering Space comes alive at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
April 11, 2024
For Immediate Release
New Westminster, BC – A new Garden/Gathering Space is taking root at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces.
The Garden / Gathering Space has been developed to support Indigenous cultural resurgence, storytelling frameworks and stories that guide and direct us from the land outward. These stories offer opportunities for connection and sharing universal wisdom to strengthen our futures together as a community.
The concepts for the project have been led by Ronnie Dean Harris, Massey Theatre’s Indigenous Cultural Developer. As the lead Artist/Researcher behind the project, he has been working closely with Jessica Schneider, Massey Theatre’s Executive Director, for several years to consider the project with other designers, community advisors and knowledge keepers.
“As our goals to create a framework for Urban Indigenous connections became grounded, we were able to secure grants from Heritage BC, Canadian Heritage and Vancouver Foundation to bring this project to life”, said Schneider.
PFS Studios was engaged to interpret Harris’ research in the landscape design and a design collective of artists with both familial and community-based connections to these lands, stories and languages was engaged in the project.
“The garden space is representative of the flow of the river and of the notion that the Transformers wrote their stories onto the land through these transformations”, said Harris. “The frame of the structure is a nod to the ancient framework of Coast Salish plank houses. This area of New Westminster does not sit on the north/south grid of the rest of the Lower Mainland but rather follows the bend in the river. So, the front of the garden faces the river and mountains and includes many native plant species, in an effort for the land to recognize itself.”
In addition to native plant species and greenery, the Garden/Gathering Space will include public art and Halkomelem language installations. A community event will be held in May to mark the opening of the space. As the space grows all are welcomed and encouraged to visit the landscape and installations. Future programming connected to and inspired by the space is in development, as well as day to day opportunities include that include chances to harvest berries, holding land-based ceremonies and more.
-more-
Kaitlyn Cunningham (Kwikwetlem/Katzie)
Language Consultant
Ronnie Dean Harris (Kwikwetlem/Kwantlen)
Ronnie Dean Harris aka Ostwelve, is a Stō:lo/St’át’imc/N’laka’pamux artist based in New Westminster, B.C. Beginning in music, he has explored various mediums such as TV, film, visual + sound design along side various research subjects including history, cosmology, genealogy and Indigenous policy.
Ronnie’s design career started in high school doing designs for local skateboard companies moving into professional design for advertising, branding and media applications. Ronnie has also had the opportunity to install murals and other physical design elements in spaces around the Lower Mainland. As a designer, his focus is on traditional and contemporary Salish design form.
Ronnie is the current Indigenous Cultural Developer at Massey Theatre in New Westminster working on various cultural + social activations through research and programming. You can also hear Ronnie as the voice of Dad/Walter on the PBS/WGBH series Molly Of Denali and seen on various other TV + film projects.
Atheana Picha (Kwantlen)
Atheana Picha is a Salish artist from the Kwantlen First Nation, and her grandmother was from Tsartlip. Atheana was given the name Nash’mene’ta’naht by Gerry Oleman from the St’at’imc First Nation, which translates to “go-getter woman”. Born in Vancouver, she grew up and works out of Richmond, BC. She is an interdisciplinary artist, working mostly in two-dimensional media. Atheana has been doing two apprenticeships learning Salish wool weaving with Musqueam weaver Debra Sparrow since 2019, and learning silver engraving, wood carving, and tool making with Squamish artist and educator Aaron Nelson-Moody since 2018. Atheana’s practice is grounded in learning more about Salish design through studying the old pieces, observing nature, and learning from her elders and teachers.
Atheana studied fine art at Langara college for three years, with a focus on ceramics, intaglio printmaking, and wood carving. Then in 2021, she focused on screen printing and drawing. She is engaged with public art through her mural work throughout the Greater Vancouver area since 2018, and more recently with banner and vinyl mural installations. Atheana is a two-time recipient of the YVR art foundation emerging artist scholarship, and has works in the collections at the Museum of Vancouver, Burnaby art gallery, Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art.
Rain Pierre (Katzie)
Rain Pierre (sɬə́məxʷ), creator of Rain Awakens, is an artist from Katzie First Nation. In 2016, he shifted from a career in civil engineering to pursue art and to follow a path more aligned with his spirit. He makes artworks in a variety of mediums and has partnered with the school districts of Surrey, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows to inspire young students.
Diamond Point (Musqueam)
Diamond Point is a Contemporary Coast Salish Artist and proud member of Musqueam Indian Band. Over the last few years, Point has built up her public art experience and portfolio with many different opportunities and artistic achievements, with her artwork being showcased through Vancouver Mural Festival, Vancouver Coastal Health, Patagonia Vancouver, Translink, Delta School District, UBC; or having been on display at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery, and the Museum of Anthropology. Point firmly believes that her body of work demonstrates who she is as not only a contemporary artist, but also as a proud Musqueam and Coast Salish person. As an artist, Point intends to create artwork that connects contemporary experiences, styles and contexts to traditional understandings, knowledge and teachings.
Hailee Stogan (Musqueam)
Hailee has loved art from a young age, from doodling on the pages of her note book to taking classes at Emily Carr. It wasn’t until a couple years ago that she started taking art seriously and became interested in her culture’s art style. In September 2022 she had her first mural installed with Translink about Truth and Reconciliation and is now an emerging Musqueam Artist.
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.
Media Contact
Erin Jeffery
Director, Marketing and Communications, Massey Theatre
erin@masseytheatre.com | 604.517.5900
Rotary Club of New Westminster makes $10,000 donation to Developing a Community Kitchen
New Westminster, BC – Massey Theatre Society is celebrating a $10,000 donation by the Rotary Club of New Westminster. This donation will be directed towards the Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces Community Kitchen in the Massey Theatre Complex.
Showing their continued commitment to community service and support, the Rotary Club of New Westminster made the decision to direct these funds to the Community Kitchen project as it will fill a need in the community.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support this fantastic initiative,” said Rotary Club of New Westminster Co-President Gabor Gasztonyi, “We challenge other local business organizations to match our donation so this kitchen can serve our community.”
The Community Kitchen will be used to enhance the day-to-day life of the facility in addition to enabling a whole new variety of social, cultural and artistic activations. There is currently no appropriate kitchen space in the facility. The facility would be used to feed artists, activate community programs, service fundraisers, meetings, cultural celebrations, awards ceremonies, as well as performances and arts programs. Eighth & Eight will look to participate in food sustainability programs, local food and beverage markets, educational and community cooking programs, streaming cooking shows and coffee talks and more . These will all be able to be programmed in the Community Kitchen once the space is complete.
“The Rotary Club has supported Massey Theatre Society several times over the years,” said Jessica Schneider, Executive Director of Massey Theatre Society, “Their support is always a reminder of how strong our community is and gives us a boost of confidence that what we do is relevant and valued.”
This $10,000 donation is one quarter of the funding needed to ensure this kitchen is completed. Massey Theatre society is currently fundraising to complete this kitchen and get started with community activation, connection and creation. For more information, please contact the Massey Theatre.
About Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces comprises over 57,000 square feet of dynamic and creative spaces in the Massey Theatre Arts Complex which includes the Massey Theatre, Plaskett Gallery, four multipurpose studios including a performance studio and dance studio and digital labs. The expanded spaces at the Massey Theatre Complex and operated by Massey Theatre Society aim 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.
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 is a catalyst for a vibrant, expressive community and a stage where any dream is possible.
Media Contact
Erin Jeffery
Director, Marketing and Communications, Massey Theatre
erin@masseytheatre.com | 604.517.5900
Cameron Peal: Emerging Artist in Residence
Cameron Peal is an emerging Indigenous playwright who participated in a residency at Eighth & Eight to develop a new play for youth in grades 10-12, called “Hold on to the Question”. The play is about a journey towards learning to celebrate the intersectional nature of contemporary indigenous life, especially for younger indigenous folks — the intersection at which modern life and its luxuries collide with the multi-layered history of indigenous peoples on turtle island, and in the country we call Canada. During this residency, Cameron shared a reading of his play with young Indigenous students and participated in a feedback session with these youth.
“My time with Massey Theatre was extremely valuable for my process, as it’s not often that a company is able to provide generous space for exploration, especially in the early stages of theatre development,” said Cameron. “Having a creative space where I could experiment with process deeply informed the work, and that is something that I am always interested in trying out, as often as possible.”
Cameron Peal (he/him/his) is a Vancouver based (Musqueam, Squamish, and TseilWaututh territories) theatre artist, from the Nisga’a Nation of Northwest BC. His current passion is in exploring the abstract: “how can I express something beyond the boundaries of what’s literal, what’s already clear?” His work looks to blur the boundaries between art forms and genres.
Recent credits: Assistant Director – White Noise (Firehall Arts Centre, Savage Society), Writer/Performer – 4 Directions Cabaret (Rumble Theatre), Ensemble – In My Day (Zee Zee Theatre), Director – enough is enough is enough (Studio 58), Producer/Creator – Where Is This Going (Butcher Shop Collective), Assistant Director – Bunk #7 (The Raven Collective), Co-Director – Cerulean Blue (Studio 58), Writer/Performer – Gather: Stories in Nature (Pacific Theatre, and Neworld Theatre), Production Coordinator – Indigenous Cities (Savage Society), Assistant to the Director – She Sells Seashells (United Players), Ensemble – Reframed (Electric Company Theatre), MC – Backyard Sessions (Savage Society), and Writer – The Transformation Project (National Arts Centre, and Pi Theatre). Actor/director/writer, Studio 58 graduate.
This program has been made possible thanks to funding by the Province of British Columbia, BC Arts Council, BC Touring Council, and the City of New Westminster.
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City of New Westminster invests 20.1 Million in Massey Theatre
New Westminster, BC – Massey Theatre Society (MTS) is pleased to announce the City of New Westminster’s 20.1 Million dollar investment in renovations and accessibility in to the Massey Theatre Arts Complex (Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces).
On June 12th, 2023, City Council voted unanimously to approve the 20.1 million dollar budget as part of their phase one investment in the theatre and ancillary spaces. “The City has further committed to the preservation of the historic Massey Theatre through this $20.1M investment in repairs, structural upgrades, and accessibility improvements,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone, City of New Westminster. “We are fortunate to have a partner in the Massey Theatre Society dedicated to not just programming a grand theatre, but in making the space an arts hub that serves the entire community.”
These repairs, upgrades and accessibility improvements include:
- replacing roofs and the exterior wall system,
- removal of the North Wing gymnasium,
- enhanced accessibility with new elevators and accessible universal washrooms.
“A significant investment in the structure by the City of New Westminster is essential for our charitable organization to raise the funds necessary to make our own investments in the arts and our specialised infrastructure,” said Jessica Schneider, Executive Director, Massey Theatre Society. “This partnership brings tremendous renewal that will benefit the entire community locally and regionally.”
With this decision by Council, the Massey Theatre Society can focus on its key priorities of professional arts presentation, community engagement, and, access to arts for all. With numerous established programs and exciting initiatives in development, the society is raising funds towards these initiatives and programs while the City ensures the modernization, renovation and improved physical access to the building.
Current Massey Theatre Society Programs
Mainstage Presentations
Studio Theatre Presentations
Community Nights (free use)
Artist Access Program (reduced rates for artists)
Coming Home Program (2SLGBTQ+ social programs)
Artistic Creation Residencies
Gallery Programs
Massey Helps Grants
Innovative Food and Beverage Program
Programs and Initiatives In Development
Community Kitchen
Present Yourself Studio Theatre Series
Old School Music Hall Series
Immersive and Interactive Digital Exhibition
Art and Makers Shop
Art Based Camps and Registered Programs
Landscape and Public Art Installations
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. The theatre is a key gathering place with over 100,000 visitors and hosting over 200 events/performances each year.
Massey Theatre Society contributes to artistic and cultural vibrancy in many ways. From presenting professional theatre, dance, music and original interdisciplinary performances; to engaging community through artist led creative and cultural development programs. With the recent expansion, MTS supports professional practitioners with funds and facility resources, offer technical residencies on their stages and engage artists with community in innovative ways.
Media Contact:
Erin Jeffery
Director, Marketing and Communications, Massey Theatre
erin@masseytheatre.com | 604.517.5900
Call for Submissions
The Plaskett Gallery and North Wing Gallery, part of the Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces/ Massey Theatre complex in New Westminster, are now accepting submissions from visual artists in any media for exhibitions from April to December 2023, with the option of doing a one- or two-month exhibition, pending on availability.
Please submit samples of your work by post or email in photographic format, a minimum of six photographs, the framed size of each work, an artist’s statement about the proposed exhibition, a curriculum vitae and your website address if applicable.
The minimum size is 16”x20” includes the frame, i.e. twenty five 16”x20” are needed to mount an exhibition. If you like your submission returned by mail please include a self-addressed envelope and sufficient postage.
The North Wing Gallery is able to accommodate freestanding sculptures. The North Wing has 25 glass display cases measuring 44” wide by 39” high and 10” deep.
The proposed exhibition submission must not have been showcased in New Westminster in the preceding 12 months, nor (upon acceptance) be displayed in any other New Westminster galleries during the exhibiting year.
Deadline for submissions is February 28, 2023.
Please send submission via post, email or hand deliver to:
Massey Theatre/Plaskett Gallery Exhibition Committee
735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 2R2
Via email: qiuli@masseytheatre.com
For more information please contact the Massey Theatre by phone, 604-517-5900 extension 6124, or by email.
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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.
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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.
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We want to hear from you!
We’re missing all the artists, community activators, producers and audience members that come through our doors every day, sharing experiences, thoughts and joy in our space. We know that we’ll all be able to be together again eventually, but we’re adapting so we can still engage our audiences and support the people who create and produce on our stage.
We’ve begun programming small activities in our spaces as well as working with local producers on the filming of events that will be live-streamed. However, we want to ensure that we are providing and supporting what the audience and community wants.
We’ve collaborated with the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance on a short survey for our patrons, partners, artists and collaborators.
The purpose of this survey is to help us and other arts and cultural organizations plan for reopening and to understand your needs as we plan for the future. The survey focuses on your arts and cultural activities and how you feel about options for a safe return to these activities.
Your responses will be kept confidential and anonymous. You will not be asked for your name, contact details, or any other information that could identify you. Only aggregated data will be publicly disclosed.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know how you want to experience arts, events and programming at Massey Theatre. We look forward to welcoming you back very soon in an environment where we can collectively enjoy the magic of the performing arts and community.
To fill out the survey, click on this LINK
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email us at info@masseytheatre.com!
There is also a similar survey running for the Anvil Centre Theatre if you’d like to fill that out as well.
This is #JustAnIntermission
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Our commitment to do more
Participation in the arts is dominated by communities who have historically received access and inclusion. The Massey Theatre is committed to increasing access and inclusion for Black community members and artists.
Seeing one’s self reflected in art, in story, in music; being empowered and applauded, particularly for youth and children, builds an important sense of belonging and of being valued.
Currently, violent acts against Black bodies circulate and dominate our view. In response, we offer the use of our physical and human resources to Black community members. Strengthen yourselves and these global social movements with these supports. Facilitate, connect, restore, speak your truths and be heard, we will assist you.
This week we are reengaging with members of BC’s Black artistic community to co-create opportunities which elevate Black voices and inter-connect communities. We invite Black community members and organizations to feed and inform this programming and we call on the community at large to learn and take action toward social change.
Please contact jessica@masseytheatre.com if you wish to be involved in supporting or developing these activities or if you have any questions or concerns.
Black Canadian artists embody the resilience and achievements of their ancestors, survivors of a brutal legacy and their work offers valuable perspectives. This collection of National Film Board of Canada films by award winning Black filmmakers, creators and allies is a mere tip of the iceberg of work created by Black artists in Canada. We invite you to watch and learn.