Archive
Job Posting: Front of House Staff Positions
Massey Theatre Society is a not-for-profit organization established in 1983 which operates a large arts facility called Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces. We offer an array of performances and artistic and community activities. With expansion, we are now working with of over 90,000 square feet of dynamic and creative space and services including operating the Massey Theatre, a 60 seat black box, 200 seat concert space, dance, media and rehearsal studios, shops and galleries, concessions and catering. The context is to serve as a place for artists in connection with community members at many stages in the creative process. Our programming direction is based on goals to create sustainable access and inclusion for all, with additional supports available for BIPOC, LGBTQ2+ and other underserved or historically excluded.
The facility, referred to as Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces includes the 1260 seat Massey Theatre which hosts dynamic and diverse entertainment performances.
We are now accepting applications for Front of House staff (ushers, ticketing and concession staff) to help deliver the related services to the public.
Description
The Front of House positions are paid casual positions that report to the Audience Services Coordinator. They are responsible for welcoming and checking in patrons, selling tickets and
other inventories, contributing to the comfort and safety of the audience and implementing the safety plan, should that be required. An usher is generally responsible for the customer service
of the audience before, during and after a performance and is mostly situated within the auditorium. Ticketing staff greet ticket buyers and efficiently ensure audiences are served in time for performances to begin. Concession staff must deliver quick and friendly service of a food and beverage menu which includes fresh and preserved items and the service of alcohol.
Activity is seasonal from October through June with a varying volume of events. Staff are expected to accept a minimum of four shifts per month when offered them in order to maintain
an active status.
Please apply only if you are able to meet that commitment and are comfortable with a fluctuation in hours available with shift hours at all times of day, including evenings and weekends.
Qualifications
Front of House staff members are the first people that the audience sees as they enter the theatre and the last person they see as they leave. Therefore, it is necessary that you have a
personable nature, can make eye contact, feel comfortable speaking clearly with guests andnvenue users, be open to receive feedback and requests for assistance from the public, managers and event organizers. You should have an excellent customer service and interpersonal skill set, and be willing to help guests, and clients, in any way you can. The ability to manage crowds while remaining calm in stressful situations is a key requirement.
Ushering:
- Scan tickets as guests enter the theatre
- Provide a welcoming, upbeat presence for guests
- Assist guests to their seats, and answer any questions they may have about the event
- Help set up the lobby, such as setting up, moving chairs and tables, putting up and removing signages
- Monitor the activity and behavior of audience members in the theatre during performances
- Assist guests with navigation of the facility, stowing / retrieving any support equipment or providing information proactively
- Picking up the garbage, tidying up the facilities, returning equipment and furniture to storage and collecting any lost items. Generally, reset public areas to pre-event state
Ticketing Service:
- Ensure exemplary customer service is provided processing ticket orders and greeting visitors
- Identify opportunities to improve services, make recommendations for changes
- Resolve patron issues, answer questions and helps secure positive relationships
- Maintain positive, open lines of communication with promoters/internal and external clients and staff
Concession Service:
- Provide welcoming, friendly service to guests
- Make coffee and set up sales inventory in an attractive way
- Make specialty coffees and drinks. Serve food safely and alcohol responsibly
- Handle and reconcile cash and payment systems
- Count, organize and stock concession inventory
- Prepare work area for cleaning by bagging all garbage, rinsing coffee and cream pots, removing recyclables and food waste to the collection area
- Tidy up and wipe down the area and reset it to its pre-event state
Considerations for all Front of House Positions:
- Staff are required to stay standing during their shift and be able to lift at least twenty-five pounds
- Personnel with physical disabilities will face some limitations in accessing certain areas of the facilities but adaptations will be facilitated whenever possible
- Communications, dress, and conduct standards must be maintained
- Strong knowledge of theatre or event safety and operation procedures is required
- Staff should bring flexibility to necessary schedule changes staying longer if events or performances end later than anticipated. End times are not always predictable
- Food Safe, Serving it Right and First Aid certificates are an asset
Compensation
$22/hr plus 4% vacation pay.
Commitment to equity and inclusion
Eighth and Eight Creative Spaces / Massey Theatre Society exists and operates on the unceded traditional territories of Hul’qumi’num speaking Coast Salish peoples of Qayqayt, Musqueam, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem and Katzie. We are committed to providing access to the space to those peoples and to contributing to their efforts toward cultural resurgence through our work.
Consultation and direct employment of Indigenous people is a priority in these and other efforts. The Society is influenced by, and of service to, a broad range of communities, world views, ways of working and lived experiences. With conscious intention we are seeking candidates whose identity may not have been equitably included in our organization, or the broader professional cultural sector historically. We encourage applicants to articulate their personal connections and perspectives, in relation to systemic barriers, so that we may advance creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
Application Proccess
Applicants are required to submit a resume and a maximum one page letter expressing their interest. Candidates should describe their related skills, experience and special qualities and characteristics that will add to the our understanding of your qualifications. References may be submitted at the time of application, or it is acceptable that they be added upon request.
Only those being interviewed will be contacted. The position will start as soon as possible.
Application Deadline: October 9, 2025 at midnight
Submit Applications via email to: info@masseytheatre.com
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Call for Volunteer Board Members
Massey Theatre Society (the Society) and the artistic programming and community services it provides is undergoing an exciting transformation. In 2021, the Society signed a 25-year lease agreement, based in partnership with the City of New Westminster, for the Massey Theatre’s expanded venue of the Eighth and Eight Creative Spaces. The certainty of this lease allows the Society to affirm a long-term vision of a vibrant accessible community and cultural arts spaces for all with sustainable strategies to achieve it.
The Vision
A vibrant regional destination for creativity, arts and culture
What We Need
We are looking for skilled and committed individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. Specifically, we are interested in energized individuals of a variety of ages with one or more of the following characteristics:
- A passion for the arts and community engagement
- Understanding and interest in the not-for-profit sector and community development
- Willingness to fundraise for the arts
- Knowledge of business planning and development
- Skillful communication of social and economic impact
The Massey Theatre Society contributes to artistic and cultural activity in several dynamic ways:
- presenting professional theatre, dance, music, visual arts and multidisciplinary performances
- providing cultural facilities for the community to practice in, work in and witness the arts in
- offering a variety of participation-based arts and culture programs and experiences
The operation and programming of Massey Theatre Society is done by a diversified team of respected arts professionals while the volunteer Board of Directors is responsible for high level oversight and strategic direction to help ensure the long-term preservation and stewardship of the facility, its programs, the arts and its relationships with the community. The next two years will see the transformation of the facility through completion of a long-awaited capital renovation. The Society will be focused on continuity of services, financial sustainability and establishing its long-term programming and business models.
We endeavor to maintain a diverse array of perspectives and lived experience on the Board. The Board should be reflective of a full spectrum of heritages, ages, abilities and gender identities. If you are interested, please contact Jessica Schneider at jessica@masseytheatre.com with a resume and cover letter. Expressions of interest should be submitted by October 10, 2025.
Supporting Documents
Massey Theatre Society 2024-2030 Strategic Plan
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TicketsNW is transitioning to Ticketpro
For many years, our in-house ticketing service was just that. Recently, the software provider we used phased out, and our search for a new way forward began along with our venue peers across Canada. After a thorough search, informed by the current trade environment and customer feedback, we have landed on our next service platform. Ticketpro is a Canadian company offering a more user-friendly purchasing experience, and a number of perks for our rental producers too. We are excited to share with you all that Ticketpro has to offer.
What does this mean for you as an audience member?
- More payment methods:
- Online: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover
- In person: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Interac, Google Wallet, Apple Pay and Cash
- Add your digital tickets to Google or Apple Wallets for ease of access.
- Longer phone assistance hours: You can call the Ticketpro toll-free number at 1-888-655-9090, Monday to Saturday from 6am-6pm, and Sunday from 6am-4:30pm. Service available in both English and French. You can also email info@ticketpro.ca with your ticketing inquiries.
- In-person service is still available: Come to the TicketsNW Box Office at 735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster, Tuesday to Thursday at 12pm-5pm, if you still require in-person service. The venue box office will also be open an hour before every performance.
- Data security: Customer data on the old ticketing platform, Theatre Manager, will not be transferred over to Ticketpro and will be securely stored until it is time to be disposed of. Credit card records were never stored so all we have is purchasing histories. You will need to create a new customer account when you use Ticketpro for the first time.
- Purchased tickets will be honoured: If you have purchased tickets to an upcoming show on the old platform, don’t worry, we will still honour them. If your show is being migrated to Ticketpro before the show date, we will send you a new ticket.
We are most pleased to say that Ticketpro is a full-service Canadian company based out of Québec, which means all data is stored and your business is kept within Canada!
Any questions? Let us know!
As with all transitions, it can take some time to get used to the new system. We appreciate your patience and believe you will be happy with the improvements!
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Massey Theatre Renovation Project
Massey Theatre is celebrating our 75th year since its opening in December 1949. Within that celebration of community service is the added excitement of big steps in Massey’s sustainability and growth. A multi-year renovation project is underway. The project aims to modernize the Massey Theatre complex by extending its life and improving services and efficiency in a number of ways. The Complex will be 98% more energy efficient and more areas will be wheelchair accessible. There will be 22 universal bathrooms to create a better audience experience.
With much work completed and more to come, soon the community will really start to see the transformation. The construction crew is going to be busy this summer as interior and exterior work is ramping up. Please check the City of New Westminster’s website and our website and social media for updates. When we welcome you back this fall, we hope you will be as excited about the future as we are!
We thank the City of New Westminster for their investment in the future of Massey Theatre as an accessible community space through this significant commitment to the arts.
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Important Parking Updates for Massey Theatre Guests
Since last fall, exciting renovations have been underway at Massey Theatre. As a guest of Massey Theatre, your audience experience is important to us. We understand that our ongoing parking situation can be frustrating, so we are providing as much information as possible to prepare you for your upcoming visit to the theatre.
Effective until the beginning of April, some parking spaces in the parking lot immediately to the back entrance will be removed to make room for deconstruction and demolition work. Entry to this parking lot via the driveway off the roundabout has been adjusted to single-lane exit only. To access this parking lot, please enter through the parking lot north of the School District building. (See map below). A parking attendant will be present to direct traffic on show dates. We do ask those who are able to leave the available parking spaces in this lot for those with mobility challenges.
Download A Printable Version of the Temporary Parking Map Here
A variety of spaces exist throughout the site. The site is incredibly active with a variety of users so plan accordingly. A large free parking lot is available by turning into the vacant area Northbound from 8th Street or Eastbound from 10th Avenue. A short walk down 8th Street will lead you to the Massey Theatre. Street parking also exists on streets throughout the neighbourhood. Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to park and walk to the theatre.
Alternatively, our arts complex is well positioned for transit users with close proximity to Columbia, New Westminster and 22nd Street SkyTrain stations and bus stops directly adjacent to the theatre. Use the Translink Trip Planner for route planning.
With active construction, parking is limited onsite and requires more time to locate. We encourage you to use transit, park and walk, or rideshare.
We will continue to do our best in keeping our visitors informed of our parking situation. Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you!
Note: Massey Theatre, Moody Park Arena and School District 40 reserve the right to have any illegally parked vehicles towed at the owner’s expense.
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Give the Gift of Live Performance This Holiday Season!
This holiday season, give the gift of live performance and spread the love for performing arts! We have three ideas for you:
1. Tickets to a Massey Theatre or Eighth & Eight performance, or two. Do you know a ballet or guitar fanatic? In February, the Massey Theatre presents two more spectacular performances, the 25th International Guitar Night and Ballet Jörgen’s Sleeping Beauty. Then, the Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces continues its Studio Series with more film clip shows with classic film scholar Michael van den Bos, and three music performances as part of the Old School Music Hall Series. You can gift tickets to any, or all, of these performances! In addition, you will also find music tributes, international artists, and a local musical production in our winter/spring 2025 calendar, brought to you by other fabulous presenters.
2. Gift now, so they can decide later. Don’t know which performance to gift? Simply purchase a TicketsNW gift certificate at any dollar amount, and the recipient can decide later. The gift certificate can be used towards any show at Massey Theatre, Eighth & Eight and Anvil Theatre that are sold through TicketsNW. Come by the box office at 735 Eighth Avenue, New Westminster and pick up a voucher, or simply go online to buy an e-gift certificate.
3. Gift the future of performing arts and live entertainment. 75 years ago, Massey Theatre was opened as the largest production theatre in the Lower Mainland. A 75-year-old theatre needs love, life, and reimagining. Long-needed upgrades are just around the corner. As a charity, the Massey Theatre Society is fundraising to lift Massey Theatre and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces into the dynamic arts centre of a rapidly growing community. Please consider donating to Massey Theatre Society from yourself, your business or in the name of a loved one. Your generosity will help ensure there are shows that delight you, showcase artists of many talents, and provide a space where everyone can gather, witness, create and express themselves. All contributions over $20 will be issued a tax receipt.
We thank you for your ongoing support of Massey Theatre and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, our artists, and the performing arts industry!
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Massey Theatre Announces 2024/25 Mainstage Season and Studio Series
A season of bold acts of imagination, dynamic talents and magical stories await the audience in the Massey Theatre 2024/2025 Mainstage and Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces Studio Series presentations. The season’s journey unfolds with Kid Koala’s multi-disciplinary world of wonder, international guitar mastery, a reimagining of Sleeping Beauty the Ballet, a cinematic retrospective series, global music collaborations, and adventures in our dance hall styled Concert Series. This is the Massey Theatre 2024/2025 season. A season of incredible performances to bring in our 75th Anniversary of shared memories and community connections.
“The power of the arts and the energy of the audiences as they gather to experience performances never ceases to amaze me,” said Jessica Schneider, Executive Director, Massey Theatre Society, “We are passionate about bringing high quality, incredible performances to our stages. This is your chance to see something new. It is our true passion to provide so much for you to discover and make the Massey and Eighth & Eight your go-to venues for the arts.”
The Massey Presents 2024/2025 Season:
Massey Mainstage Performances:
November 15, 2024 at 7:30pm and November 16, 2024 at 4pm and 7:30 pm
Kid Koala’s Nufonia Must Fall
This production is a live multi-disciplinary stage adaptation of Kid Koala’s graphic novel Nufonia Must Fall. A team of fifteen puppeteers, musicians, cinematographers and technicians bring the story to life at each performance. The stage is set up with over 20 miniature sets and 8 cameras. Under the direction of Oscar-nominated production designer K.K. Barrett (Her, Where the Wild Things Are, Adaptation, Being John Malkovich), each scene is performed, filmed and projected in real time onto a large screen above the stage. Kid Koala, accompanied by the Afiara String Quartet, performs his original score on piano and turntable. This is a dialogue-free, timeless love story that’s fun for the whole family.
February 1, 2025 at 7:30pm
International Guitar Night
For the 25th International Guitar Night, Brian Gore has assembled a lineup of three exciting new guitarists making their IGN debuts to join one of IGN’s all-time favourites. Lulo Reinhardt is well known to IGN audiences. The grand-nephew of legendary Django Reinhardt, Lulo plays in the style of Latin Swing. Alexandra Whittingham is a dynamic classical guitarist with a repertoire ranging from the classics to contemporary composers. Niwel Tsumbu has kept his unique Congolese percussive style alive over the past twenty-five years living in Ireland. Sönke Meinen is a leading Contemporary Fingerstyle guitarist, mixing the incredible dexterity of his high-speed compositions with sensitive ballads.
February 8, 2025 at 4:00pm
Ballet Jörgen: Sleeping Beauty the Ballet
Sleeping Beauty is one of the world‘s most famous classical ballets and holds a place in the repertoire of virtually every major company. Ballet Jörgen’s interpretation tells the enchanting story of Aurora and her prince complete with its inherently magical qualities and dazzling choreography.
Artistic Director and award-winning choreographer Bengt Jörgen focuses on the magical elements and the interpretation of the ballet as a nature allegory: The young woman represents nature, the wicked fairy is winter, who deadens life with pricks of frost until a young man, spring, cuts away the brambles to allow the sun to awaken sleeping nature. Sleeping Beauty by Ballet Jörgen draws on the traditional choreography by Marius Petipa to spin a tale of nature and love that will inspire young and old alike.
The delightful story will be danced to the original 1890 score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, set to a libretto based on Charles Perrault’s story La Belle au bois dormant. In ensemble with stunning costumes and captivating lighting design, Sleeping Beauty by Ballet Jörgen is guaranteed to provide an evening of entertaining and inspiring live performance.
The Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces Studio Series
The programming team at Massey Theatre is activating the spaces in Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces with performances and events to offer artists and community a facility as well as new and inclusive opportunities for creation, presentation, development and community engagement.
The Performing Arts & Technology Festival: A Celebration of Arts, Technology, and Community- November 14-17, 2024
This November, join us at Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces for a four-day celebration of creativity, culture, and community at our Performing Arts & Technology Festival. Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere where music, animation, dance, and film collide to create unforgettable experiences for all ages! With three events involving Kid Koala, Street Dance, PechaKucha NW and more, this festival has something for everyone.
Old School Music Hall Series in Studio 1C
The Old School Music Hall series harkens back to the days of community Music Halls, filled with music, dancing and vibrancy. This series celebrates musical artistry, diversity and sharing musical experiences with friends, neighbours and friends you haven’t met yet.
October 11, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Beau Wheeler
Studio 1C
Beau Wheeler is a queer non-binary singer and songwriter based on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples known as Vancouver. Beau recently released a new album called Flying Colours and has another one produced by Jason Corbett of Actors on the way. Beau’s dynamic range can lift an audience to its feet in a moment and in the next, stop your heart so the whole room could hear a pin drop.
October 25, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Krystle Dos Santos with Marie Hui
Studio 1C
Get taken back to the glory days of music and dance the night away with Krystle Dos Santos and her three-piece band joined by guest artist Marie Hui. With classic soul, funk, R&B and much more, Krystle will get you moving and grooving to songs from Stevie Wonder to Chaka Khan. Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for a party!
March 21, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Krystle Dos Santos with Bradley Barkman
Studio 1C
Experience an electrifying journey down memory lane with Krystle Dos Santos and her dynamic three-piece band, joined by guest artist Bradley Barkman! Prepare to dance the night away as they deliver an irresistible mix of classic soul, funk, and R&B hits. From Sam Cooke to the Supremes, their infectious rhythms will have you moving and grooving all night long. Grab your dancing shoes and join the ultimate party!
April 12, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Ndidi O
Studio 1C
Ndidi O is an award-winning Contemporary Roots & Blues singer-songwriter. For nearly two decades she has carved out an adventurous career that deftly moves between soul, blues, contemporary roots, folk and Americana. A two-time JUNO award nominee and the 2019 Western Canadian Music Awards winner for Blues Artist of the Year, Ndidi O has released seven solo albums to date with her newest album released in April 2024 (produced by Steve Dawson, Hen House Records).
May 3, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Roots ‘N’ Wings
Studio 1C
Roots ‘n’ Wings is a 45-voice, soulful women’s choir under the direction of Dawn Pemberton who sings a collection of songs that speak to the heart, celebrate home and connectedness, and call for unity.
Roots ‘N’ Wings sings music that moves you and grooves you, from Stevie Wonder to Voco, Blues to Bach and everything in between. They explore the world’s music and experience the wonder and deep delight that comes from a community of voices soaring together. They strive to take their audiences on a musical adventure guaranteed to stir your heart, fire you up and leave you wanting more! Joining Roots ‘N’ Wings is Artistic Director Dawn Pemberton, steadfast and talented accompanist Mark Wilson, and special guests!
Michael van den Bos Film Clip Show Series in Studio 1B
This series offers a look at some of the very best in cinema, music and dance. With presenter and classic film scholar Michael van den Bos, this series of film clip shows celebrate classic movies, performers and directors, all through the lens of the movie loving host’s scholarly eye. The perfect series of events for film buffs, classic movie fanatics and fans.
September 26, 2024 at 7:00 pm
All That Bob Fosse!
Presented by Michael van den Bos
Studio 1B
Sexy, sassy and snazzy describe the dynamic dance work of choreographer, stage and film director Bob Fosse, one of the most important and influential figures in 20th century American dance. Bob Fosse’s vivacious approach to choreography on stage and in film, along with his cinematic techniques, are the topics of this presentation by classic film scholar and movie musical maven, Michael van den Bos. This entertaining evening looks at all that Fosse flash, steam heat and razzle dazzle dance from his early movie appearances, his choreography for classic film musicals and television work, and his years directing stylish, mature musical films, including the Oscar-winning Cabaret and Fosse’s own semi-autobiographical All That Jazz. Michael also shines a bright spotlight on Fosse’s wife, muse and dancer extraordinaire, the glorious Gwen Verdon.
Feb 20, 2025 at 7:00 pm
Razzle Dazzle Divas
Presented by Michael van den Bos
Studio 1B
All Singing! All Dancing! All Women Who Wow! Classic film scholar Michael van den Bos swings his spotlight onto the sensational ladies of song and dance who lit up movie screens with their powerful and breathtaking talents. From the legendary stars to the talents deserving rediscovery, Michael illuminates these wonder women of musical movies from the golden era of Hollywood to contemporary cinema with a super-charged collection of performance clips.
March 20, 2025 at 7:00 pm
The Flair of Fred Astaire
Presented by Michael van den Bos
Studio 1B
Fred Astaire—the greatest of all movie dancers—takes the spotlight in this show presented by classic film scholar Michael van den Bos. Illustrated with a rich bounty of film clips, Michael explores the distinctive diversity and invigorating inventiveness of Fred Astaire’s considerable dance work in classic Hollywood movies. Also highlighted is Astaire as a vocalist, favoured by many famous songwriters of his era as the best interpreter of their tunes, who introduced more songs that became standards than any other 20th-century musical performer. So, what do you say . . . shall we dance?
April 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm
Gene Kelly: Hollywood’s Dashing Dance Auteur
Presented by Michael van den Bos
Studio 1B
He danced with his ghostly alter-ego, with a cartoon mouse, through French impressionist paintings, on roller skates, while singing in the rain, and partnered with some of the most talented women in the movies. Hollywood musical superstar Gene Kelly did it all. Not only was he a dazzling dancer, Kelly was a charismatic actor, a spirited singer, a creative choreographer and a fine film director. Classic film scholar Michael van den Bos explores the ebullient and buoyant work of the multi-talented Gene Kelly with an abundance of astounding performances from his classic movie musicals.
Global Tea Series in Studio 1C
The always engaging and magnanimous musician and host Cassius Khan and a variety of highly accomplished musicians and tea specialists take the audience on a musical journey around the world, bringing you connection to generations past through songs and experiences that have endured for thousands of years.
Global Tea Series performances are by Pay-What-You-Can admission. Audience is encouraged to pay what they are able-there is no minimum or maximum amount-in order to keep the arts accessible for all.
December 8, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Tabla with Hari Pal
Hosted by Cassius Khan
Studio 1C
Hari Pal plays tabla in traditional North Indian as well as his own contemporary style. He has developed an unconventional style of tabla solo, where he uses seven tablas to amalgamate Eastern classical rhythms with melody and popular rhythms. His six tablas are usually tuned to a pentatonic scale and when played with a bass tabla (bayan), he creates an expression of rhythm in melody.
His exposure to the music of different continents has had a deep influence on his creative rhythmic impulses. Parallel to his proficiency in North Indian style of tabla, he also plays dumbek and djembe. He has conducted several percussion concerts in Canada and USA to emphasize inter-cultural fusion of rhythms with African, Latin American, Middle Eastern and North American drummers.
January 26, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Music and Dance with Angelique Muhorakeye and Edward Sembatya
Hosted by Cassius Khan
Studio 1C
Angelique Muhorakeye is one of the founding members of Indangamirwa traditional dance group based in Lower Mainland and is the current chairlady of the group. Born with a natural inclination towards movement and expression, Angelique began her dance journey at a young age. She explored various dance styles as a member in different dance groups, including Rwandan traditional, hip hop and afro fusion; honing her skills and cultivating a deep appreciation for the art form. Driven by a desire to share her passion for dance with others, Angelique embarked on a career in teaching dance to different community groups, children’s summer camps with African Friendship Society and university students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
Edward Sembatya is a versatile Ugandan dance practitioner, choreographer, educator, and drummer (Ugandan drums). He is currently pursuing his practice-based Ph.D. at Simon Fraser University, School for Contemporary Arts (dance major). His artistic works and research draw inspiration from contemporary everyday life and the rich knowledge and skills embedded in indigenous East African dances (Ugandan in particular), music, and narratives. He specialized in indigenous Ugandan dances, jazz dance, and African aesthetics-based contemporary dance (his styles). He has had the pleasure to perform, choreograph, and teach dance and drums in many countries, including but not limited to Norway, the UK, France, and Hungary.
March 23, 2025 at 3:00 pm
Guitar Music and Tea with Dave Martone
Hosted by Cassius Khan
Studio 1C
Dave Martone is a performer, touring musician, recording engineer, music producer and educator. His discography is large with seven studio albums out and three live concert DVD’s as well as countless compilation albums to his credit. He toured and produced music with Juno Award Winning band Bif Naked and has been on the cover of many Canadian Music Magazines as well as having major features in Guitar Player, Guitar World and Guitar One Magazine where Dave was voted one of the top four underground shredders in North America.
His latest rock record “Clean” has been signed to New York record company Magna Carta and finds some of the most talented guitarists of our time on it as special guests including Joe Satriani and Jennifer Batten who has performed with Michael Jackson for over a decade.
Dave’s work goes far also as a session guitarist for major record companies such as Island Def Jam as well as owning his own production facility in Vancouver Canada “Brainworks”.
Tickets and more information available at www.masseytheatre.com and www.eighthandeight.com
The Massey Theatre Mainstage and Small Stage Series presentations are made possible with funding support from the Province of British Columbia and the City of New Westminster.
About Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces
Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces comprises over 75,000 square feet of dynamic and creative spaces in the Massey Theatre Arts Complex which includes the Massey Theatre, Plaskett Gallery, two multipurpose studios, two performance studios, a dance studio, digital labs and the Garden/Gathering Space. The expanded spaces are programmed, operated and powered by the Massey Theatre Society in an effort to offer artists and community a facility as well as resources and support for their work, creating new and inclusive opportunities for artistic creation, presentation, development, community engagement, wellness practices, and workshopping. Within Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, the Massey Theatre activates the Massey Theatre Mainstage season, Studio 1B and 1C Performance Series, Gallery programming, Community Nights, Artist Access and more.
About Massey Theatre Society
The Massey Theatre opened in 1949 as British Columbia’s largest theatre, at the time, with 1,260 seats. Since then, its lights have shone on thousands of performances and has become a cherished space to experience the arts. The Massey hosts large scale musicals, international music and dance performances, symphonies, choirs, ballets and more. With a commitment to the cultural life of the community, it supports programs for emerging artists and community groups as well as new creation and production residencies. The theatre is a key gathering place with over 100,000 visitors and hosting over 200 events/performances each year. The Massey Theatre Society operates Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces and is a catalyst for a vibrant, expressive community and a stage where any dream is possible.
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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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