On Sunday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. the Fredericton Playhouse presents a solo performance by famed Cape Breton artist Heather Rankin.
After more than 25 years of performing with her siblings as part of The Rankin Family, Heather Rankin has come into her own with A Fine Line, her debut solo album released in 2016. This is Rankin like you’ve never heard her before, forging her own musical legacy with her poetic, intimate original songs, and an eclectic mix of others. The album showcases a graceful sense of balance between her own musical past, present and future.
In concert, Rankin will perform her own music as well as some of the beloved music she performed with The Rankin Family. This is the latest development in an exciting musical career – Rankin sold more than a million records as part of her family band, sang backup on Carly Simon’s album The Bedroom Tapes and has been featured on the recordings of such artists as The Chieftains, Johnny Reid and Will Ackerman.
Rankin’s music harkens back to her childhood in Mabou, N.S. and honours her roots in that community, and in her family, using her own authentic voice, shaped by the Gaelic traditions of her home. Proving eloquent songwriting runs in the family, Rankin takes audiences to more private places in her lyrics, and this mixture of vulnerability and exhilaration makes for a powerfully compelling concert experience.
Tickets for Heather Rankin are available through the Fredericton Playhouse box office by calling 458-8344 or online at www.theplayhouse.ca.
Fredericton Playhouse Inc., a charitable non-profit organization that manages and develops a 709-seat performance venue, has an exciting opportunity for a permanent full-time marketing/communications professional to join our team.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Director is responsible for the development of the Fredericton Playhouse’s brand and the management and distribution of its external communications. Specifically, they work collaboratively with executive and senior management to develop content, messages, materials, target audiences, and distribution channels and opportunities for Fredericton Playhouse’s programs and services.
A creative force, the successful candidate will have a combination of experience and training in marketing, communications, traditional and emerging media, or content development. Bilingualism is considered a definite asset.
Working in a collaborative, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, they can demonstrate superior organizational and interpersonal skills, manage a budget, and work well under pressure. They can demonstrate advanced competencies in media and copy writing/editing, developing and executing strategies and campaigns across a variety of platforms; and have a knack for design and presentation. They will enjoy the challenge of developing audiences and support for the Fredericton Playhouse and will have an appreciation of the public value of the performing arts (music, theatre, dance, etc.).
Salary and benefits will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and training. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, the starting salary range for this position is $41,750 to $52,952 annually.
Apply by e-mail correspondence to:
Executive Director
Fredericton Playhouse Inc.
686 Queen Street
Fredericton, NB, E3B 1C2
e-mail: tim@theplayhouse.ca
Deadline for applications is Monday, April 23, 2018.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Fredericton Playhouse Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
On Wednesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m., Motus O Dance Theatre will perform Prisoner of Tehran at the Fredericton Playhouse.
Prisoner of Tehran is a synthesis of dance, theatre and storytelling, exploring themes of social justice, oppression and freedom. The show is a multidisciplinary performance, featuring a spoken word component by Marina Nemat, who describes the two years she spent as a political prisoner in Iran as a teenager. The performance is based on her bestselling memoir, Prisoner of Tehran.
Motus O Dance Theatre, under the artistic direction of James and Cynthia Croker and Jack Langenhuizen, creates and performs works that have inspired and engaged communities of all ages and backgrounds. With 21 full-length productions, Motus O has been touring Canada, the US, England and Australia since 1990.
Please be advised this performance contains mature themes or subject matter.
Tickets for Prisoner of Tehran are available through the Fredericton Playhouse box office by calling 458-8344 or online at www.theplayhouse.ca.
At the Fredericton Playhouse, we depend on the involvement of our local business community as partners in our performance series and other programs.
We are always looking to connect with local business managers and owners to discuss partnership opportunities, particularly with our flagship Spotlight and Kidstage Series. Over the years, we’ve formed a number of wonderful long-term relationships in our local business community thanks to our mutually beneficial sponsorship program.
The support of Playhouse partners allows us to present Spotlight Series shows like Ivan Coyote.
Some of our key partnerships include season partners, who sponsor our entire Spotlight or Kidstage Series; performance partners, who may sponsor one or several shows each year in the Spotlight and Kidstage Series; and several local restaurants who participate as dining partners.
We’re extremely proud to have maintained the same Spotlight Series season partners – Downtown Fredericton Inc. and the Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook – for 17 years now. We appreciate the loyalty of these organizations, as well as the many other businesses we have worked with on a long-term basis as performance partners.
We also work to seek out new relationships with local businesses each year, and we’re always excited to expand our partnerships and develop new connections. We view our sponsorship opportunities as a valuable tool to connect local businesses with the magic of the performing arts.
It’s important to us that our partners benefit when they choose to sponsor a series or performance. We aim to provide platforms for our partners to raise their profile and visibility; to reach out to Playhouse patrons; and to enjoy exclusive offers for their staff, customers and other stakeholders.
By becoming a Playhouse partner, businesses are able to demonstrate a commitment of civic leadership to our audience, while also gaining opportunities for brand exposure, client entertainment and employee engagement.
The benefits vary depending on the level of sponsorship, but they can include recognition in Playhouse marketing materials and ad space in our house program; tickets to performances, and the opportunity to purchase additional tickets at a substantial discount; recognition through Playhouse social media channels, our weekly e-news, and from the stage before performances; and the opportunity to set up an onsite display or address the audience from the stage.
Once a business has offered to sponsor a performance, our development director works with them closely to ensure they’re paired with a show that aligns with their sponsorship goals.
A few years ago we introduced our dining partner program as a way to connect with and highlight some of Fredericton’s great local restaurants. Dining partners receive a number of benefits, but in particular, these businesses have the opportunity to offer special deals and discounts to Playhouse patrons, with coupons available on our website, in our house program, and in the ticket wallets at the box office. It’s a great opportunity for us to offer a bonus to our audience members, many of whom dine out before or after attending a Playhouse show, while also drawing attention to downtown dining establishments.
Just like donations, fundraising events and the money we earn through ticket sales, the funds we receive through sponsorships play a critical role in delivering the Playhouse’s programs and performances. We simply wouldn’t be able to provide the professional theatre, music and dance performances in our Spotlight and Kidstage Series without the generous involvement of our local business community.
Our development director has already begun the process of reaching out to partners to discuss sponsorship opportunities in our 2018-2019 season. Business owners and managers interested in getting involved and learning more about our partnership program can visit www.theplayhouse.ca/become-a-partner.
Tim Yerxa is the Executive Director of the Fredericton Playhouse
Coming to the Playhouse on Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m., the Kidstage Series presents a Pay What You Will performance of Manxmouse: The Mouse Who Knew No Fear by Theatergroep Kwatta.
The brave little Manxmouse is the strangest mouse you’ll ever see. But Manxmouse doesn’t mind being different; he knows that destiny awaits him, and so he sets out on an exciting adventure. He meets fearsome foxes, tigers and hawks, terrified elephants, and dastardly pet shop owners along the way. But there’s someone he dreads and desires to meet more than anyone else, someone who has been waiting for him all along: the Manx Cat.
Based in the Netherlands, Theatergroep Kwatta was established as a professional youth theatre company in 2002. Under the direction of Artistic Manager and Director Josee Hussaarts, Kwatta puts on productions that are both light-hearted and light-footed with a serious undertone. Kwatta’s mission is to create room for amazement and admiration.
This performance is a Pay What You Will show, a pricing idea offered on select Playhouse performances. This initiative was introduced with a goal of increasing access to Playhouse programs, and encouraging patrons to take a chance on new and exciting performances. For more information about how Pay What You Will works, please click here.
In addition to this performance, the Playhouse is pleased to offer a free Experience More! activity for families at the Fredericton Public Library on Saturday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a Storytime and Make Your Own Manxmouse event. This will include a reading of an excerpt from the children’s novel by Paul Gallico, Manxmouse: The Mouse Who Knew No Fear. After the reading, kids will have the opportunity to create their own unique mouse sculptures. Pre-registration is required by calling 460-2806.
Tickets for Manxmouse: The Mouse Who Knew No Fear are available through the Fredericton Playhouse box office by calling 458-8344 or online at www.theplayhouse.ca.
On Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m., perennial Playhouse favourite Classic Albums Live returns with Supertramp: Breakfast in America.
Classic Albums Live presents skilled musicians who recreate the greatest albums of the ’60s and ’70s live on stage – note for note, cut for cut. Don’t look for costumes and look-alike theatrics at these rock recitals; just pure musicianship and songs that shaped a generation.
Supertramp’s sixth studio album Breakfast in America was released in 1979, and won two Grammy Awards the following year. The quadruple platinum record featured a number of hit singles including the title track, as well as “The Logical Song,” “Goodbye Stranger” and “Take the Long Way Home.” Breakfast in America is Supertramp’s best-selling album of all time.
Tickets for Classic Albums Live performs Supertramp: Breakfast in America are available through the Fredericton Playhouse box office by calling 458-8344 or online at www.theplayhouse.ca.
The Fredericton Playhouse is asking the public for nominations for The Playhouse Honours 2018.
Since 2008, the Fredericton Playhouse board of directors has awarded The Playhouse Honours annually. The recognition honours individuals’ involvement in the performing arts in Fredericton, fostering a deeper appreciation of the value that people can make to community life through their work in music, theatre, dance, spoken word, and multidisciplinary performing arts. A permanent display in the west gallery of the Playhouse recognizes the honourees.
“The Playhouse Honours award is a meaningful way to thank community leaders who have made important contributions to Fredericton through their involvement in the performing arts,” says Greg MacFarlane, vice-president of the Fredericton Playhouse board of directors. “This initiative recognizes a deserving individual each year, and it’s also an opportunity to celebrate with the many community members whose lives have been significantly impacted by the recipient.”
Nominations can be made by any person or organization. Underscoring the personal investment that they have made in the community, recipients must be individuals, not companies or organizations. Recipients may be a professional or amateur artist, administrator, volunteer, educator, philanthropist, advocate, organizer, etc. A selection committee (jury) comprised of members of the local arts community will review the submissions and recommend an honouree to the Fredericton Playhouse board of directors.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 27, 2018. Past recipients include Ilkay Silk (2008), Brent Staeben (2009), Philip Sexsmith (2010), Walter Learning (2011), Mabel Doak (2012), Bonnie Kilburn (2013), Michael Doherty (2014), Hrvoje and Aida Tisler (2015), Peter Pacey (2016) and Lynn Addleman (2017). The Playhouse Honours is proudly presented by Atlantic Mediaworks.
To nominate a candidate for The Playhouse Honours award, please fill in the following information and complete a written submission of no more than two (2) pages describing the reasons you feel that your nominee should be considered for The Playhouse Honours.
An emphasis should be placed on the accumulated contributions of individuals over a period of time and consideration should be given to the local legacy and impact of the nominee on community life and the performing arts.
To the selection committee:
I/we hereby nominate [name(s)]
to receive The Playhouse Honours.
Nominator:
Address:
Telephone: Email:
Signature:
You may attach additional information such as letters of support, materials, testimonials, etc. to your submission.
Nominations may be sent to:
The Playhouse Honours Committee
Fredericton Playhouse
686 Queen Street
Fredericton, NB
E3B 1C2
Fax: 506‐459‐6206
Email: valerie@theplayhouse.ca
For more information please contact Valerie Hillier at 459‐6209 or visit www.theplayhouse.ca/the-playhouse-honours.
