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What Does Supporting Massey Theatre Mean?
As we enter the final week of the Great Canadian Giving Challenge, we want to talk about the Massey Theatre itself. The heart of our arts centre.
The Massey Theatre was built 75 years ago. The Massey Theatre Society has been its steward for over 40 years, and during that time has weathered many a storm — from impending closures to recessions to a global pandemic.
The Theatre is home to hundreds of events per year, ranging from community celebrations to large scale musicals, to dance recitals, rock concerts and everything in between. Indigenous artists as well as touring artists from across the globe practice in our spaces. It is the home for many organizations. The birthplace of the arts for young audience members and performers. A place where all are welcome to share. Together.
As a charitable organization, the Society presents large performances and also facilitates the use of the space by many user groups. We provide free tickets to our shows to organizations who support individuals overcoming barriers that would otherwise prevent them from going to the theatre. Recently, we offered two free tickets to every resident moving into the new affordable housing development at 861 6th street. We believe the arts should be accessible for all and we fund this program through our own revenues.
A 75-year-old theatre needs love and attention. Upgrades and reimagining. The City of New Westminster will be undertaking a large capital project to address many of these upgrades, but there is more to be done to help us lift Massey Theatre and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces to the Arts Centre the growing community needs and deserves.
We are fundraising for a bright and dynamic future for Massey Theatre and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces. A space where the arts and the spaces are accessible and vibrant. A space where professional artists share and create and emerging artists reach for the stars. A place where creativity shines.
If you have the means, please consider donating today as part of the Great Canadian Giving Challenge and join the global giving movement. If not, share with your friends and tell them what the Massey Theatre means to you.
The Great Canadian Giving Challenge is designed to help charities fundraise during the slow summer months when donations tend to decline and people are out enjoying the summer sun.
As it is the 10th anniversary of the challenge, from June 1st to 30th, every $1 donated to the Massey Theatre Society through CanadaHelps gives us the chance to win $10,000. Additionally, every $10 donation that you make gets you an entry to win incredible adventure-themed prizes!
During this challenge (and always) we’re fundraising for community, as community is the heart of who we are. From our Community Kitchen to our Garden/Gathering Space. From Artist Access to Artistic Collaborations. From Audience Members to Performers and Crew. These funds will help us connect more with our community as we enter our 75th year.
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Help Our Garden/Gathering Space Grow
Today, we want to take you outside to the Garden/Gathering Space.
The Garden/Gathering Space has been designed to support Indigenous cultural resurgence, storytelling frameworks and stories that guide and direct us from the land outward. A space to gather and offer opportunities for connection and sharing to strengthen our futures together as a community. Led by Ronnie Dean Harris, our Indigenous Cultural Developer, six artists and community members were engaged in the design and interpretation of the Garden/Gathering Space. Atheana Picha, Diamond Point, Raine Pierre, Hailee Stogan, Kaitlyn Cunningham and Ronnie Dean Harris — their familial and community-based connections to these lands, stories and languages have helped tremendously in conceptualizing this work.
“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.
This project has been generously funded by Canadian Heritage, Heritage BC and Vancouver Foundation for a combined grant support of $808,000. But in order for the space to grow to its full potential, we are looking to community support, which will go towards enhanced public art, indigenous plant and language installations, interpretive panels and displays, and more.
If you have the means, please consider donating today and directing your funds to the Garden/Gathering Space as part of the Great Canadian Giving Challenge. Until June 30th, every $1 donated to the Massey Theatre Society through CanadaHelps gives us the chance to win $10,000. Additionally, every $10 donation that you make gets you an entry to win incredible adventure-themed prizes!
During this challenge (and always) we’re fundraising for community, as community is the heart of who we are. From our Community Kitchen to our Garden/Gathering Space. From Artist Access to Artistic Collaborations. From Audience Members to Performers and Crew. These funds will help us connect more with our community as we enter our 75th year.
Read More →
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.
Read More →
Cut Loose! Fame, Flashdance, Footloose & The Musicals of The 1980s
PRESENTED BY MICHAEL VAN DEN BOS
Like an awesome ‘80s mixtape, the movie musicals of that era exploded with an energized blast of eclectic styles. From provocative new spins on the traditional musical form, adaptations of Broadway shows and comic strips, to the kinetically punchy images and infectious pop sounds of MTV’s music video influence, classic film scholar Michael van den Bos goes back to the eighties for a retro revue clip show of that decade’s big screen song and dance. Get ready to cut loose for foot loose fun! What a feeling…you’ll have the time of your life!
Guests can purchase two signature cocktails, “Dirty Dancing Martini” and “T. Cruise ‘Cocktail’ Cosmo,” created just for the event, in addition to other beverages and treats. Food and drinks are permitted in Studio 1B so feel free to enjoy your drink during the show.
Pre-order now as supplies are limited to ensure freshness and ultimate deliciousness.
THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE IN STUDIO THEATRE 1B.
Like Buttah: The Barbra Streisand Tribute Show
PRESENTED BY MICHAEL VAN DEN BOS
Few figures in today’s world of entertainment have earned the hallmark of “living legend.” However, one performer virtually owns that label, whose remarkable award-winning career spans six decades of stage, screen, and recording work: singer, actress, and film director Barbra Streisand.
Classic film scholar Michael Van Den Bos returns to the Eighth and Eight Creative Spaces to present an all-Streisand spectacular special event. In his presentation, Michael showcases Barbra’s buttery vocals and charismatic performances from her film and television appearances, all projected on the big screen with big sound as her big and timeless talent deserves.
Guests can purchase two signature cocktails, “Don’t Rain on my Parade” and “Send in the Clowns,” created just for the event, in addition to other beverages and treats. Food and drinks are permitted in Studio 1B so feel free to enjoy your drink during the show.
Pre-order now as supplies are limited to ensure freshness and ultimate deliciousness.
THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE IN STUDIO THEATRE 1B.
Read More →
Autochthonous / Allochthonous
Photographer Amie Le Blanc and multidisciplinary artist Keith Randall present an exhibition delving into the profound connection to land and the nuanced sense of belonging. Amie’s authentic vision captures shared joy in appreciating nature’s fleeting moments, while Keith’s layered artworks, influenced by Post Minimalism and Pop Art, explore the complex interplay of human behavior across cultures. United by their roles as educators at New Westminster Secondary School, Amie and Keith’s collaboration reflects a shared passion for art, education, and the evolving journey of self-discovery. Join us on a visual odyssey where the autochthonous and allochthonous converge, inviting contemplation on identity and place.
The gallery is open on Tuesdays to Fridays at 1-4pm, during performances, or by appointment. To make an appointment, call 604.517.5900.
Artist Statements:
Amie Le Blanc
As artists and educators of similar mind and values, Keith Randall and I have come together for a collaborative exhibition of our most personal works. Keith has been a mentor of mine since I began teaching in 2017, and I’ve come to admire his approach to engaging with the world and staying true to his artistic practice. In having the opportunity to work alongside Keith, I’ve come to realise the incredible importance of staying authentic to one’s purpose and core values. This exhibition is an opportunity for me to ‘show off’ the simple moments in nature that bring me the purest form of joy – something I often hid in art school and later as a freelancer because it didn’t fit the clean, sophisticated typecast of ‘photographer’ that I thought I needed to be.
Growing up in Pemberton, I was obsessed with horses. My childhood bedroom was covered in unicorn and horse posters. I lucked out when my mom gifted me a handful of riding lessons, but horses always came with a warning tag for being ‘dangerous’ and ‘expensive’ – so I quietly envied friends who had horses in their backyards and I loved them from afar. As I grew older, I ditched the country aesthetic because I felt like an imposter. Many of the people leaning into the country vibe actually grew up on farms or barrel raced, and I didn’t. I loved computers, skiing and art – I didn’t fit the mould for country living, so I tucked it away and focused on becoming a freelance photographer.
One summer though, I took up a spontaneous offer from a friend to photograph a free-roaming herd of horses behind his house on the unceded territory of the Lílwat nation. It was pure magic climbing through ditches and running away from bulls, to pet the noses of foals and stay cautiously back from the head of the hierarchy. I felt like I’d gotten to experience the environment of Lìlwat Nation, of Mount Currie and Pemberton, in a way I hadn’t experienced since I was little – being completely immersed in the moment and all my senses at once.
The work I’m showing in this exhibition showcases those magically simplistic moments I wish I could sink into and never leave. It’s a casual drive down the road or cut through a field, watching horses galloping at golden hour – with that specific evening breeze and fresh scent of grass and horse sweat. It’s the horse snorts as they see you coming, and the flick of a tail to ward off flies. The sting on your bare legs after walking through tall grass. I’m hoping my work ignites those memories from childhood, whether you lived in the countryside or not, when you paused to absorb as much of the evening magic into your body as you could.
Keith Randall
I work in layers, using a range of mediums that interest me. The layers are significant to the meaning in the artwork. The choice of medium, most recently pencils, is connected to lived experiences in my work as an educator and my personal life.
The themes in my artwork stem from my own life lessons and observations of our mutual behaviour as humans, regardless of our background and culture. The eternal question of nature and nurture, which prevails throughout time and governs our past present and future, fascinates me. Humans impact on each other, as many societies try to find an equitable way to exist as one race, urges me to be creative and react artistically to this complicated and multi layered political puzzle.
My influences in art history are varied, but the physical form my work currently takes is steeped in the work of Post Minimalism, Pop Art and Conceptual Text Based Art. I am excited to share the exhibition with my colleague and friend Amie Le Blanc, who continues to inspire me as we collaborate on educational work for our students at the High School and for her passion and professional integrity as a photographer.
Read More →
Elvis and The Rise of Rock & Roll
PRESENTED BY MICHAEL VAN DEN BOS
Inspired by the enormously popular multi-Academy Award nominated 2022 biopic Elvis directed by Baz Lurhmann and starring Austin Butler, classic film scholar Michael Van Den Bos presents an epic exploration of Elvis Presley’s comet-streaking musical career by way of film and vintage T.V. clips. Elvis’s emergence at the forefront of a new shake, rattle and roll music genre as its “King” is complimented with a look at the dynamic dawn of rock and roll in the mid-1950s through its evolution into the 1960s.
Guests can purchase three signature cocktails, “My Way,” “Jailhouse on the Rocks,” and “All Shook Up,” created just for the event, in addition to other beverages and treats. Food and drinks are permitted in Studio 1B so feel free to enjoy your drink during the show.
Pre-order now as supplies are limited to ensure freshness and ultimate deliciousness.
THIS EVENT IS TAKING PLACE IN STUDIO THEATRE 1B.
Read More →
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
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