Firehall Fact #21: The Power of 3(0)

Let’s talk about the Number 3.

The number 3 is considered across the globe to be a powerful number. It represents harmony, wisdom and understanding. It represents the three stages of  life (birth, life and death) and time itself (past, present and future). The Pythagoreans taught that three was the first true number, and though I’m not entirely sure what that means, I do know that Pythagoras gave us this equation, which exemplifies my hatred for high school math.

This equation can also be applied to the route the cruise ship will take as my mother and grandmother miss my birthday. See Mrs Miller? I can do math.

But I digress.

Now 30, is a milestone.

FACT.  Not only did the Firehall turn 30 this year, but both Caitlin and I will be “celebrating” this landmark birthday in 2012.  (Um, I’m sure she doesn’t mind me telling everyone on the internet that).  And to make it better, my mother and grandmother are leaving for a cruise and will miss this EPIC birthday.

If that tugs at your heart strings, don’t cry for me. I can handle it. Transform that pity into a donation to the Firehall and I’ll make it through, somehow.

30. Divide by 3 and you get 10. Multiply by 3 and you get 90. Cube it and you get 900. Make your $30 for 30 donation in your favourite 3 or multiple thereof and help us celebrate another 30 to come.

Our $30 for 30 Campaign is nearing its end, but we still need your help!  To donate on our website, click here! To donate via Canada Helps, visit them here. To send either Caitlin or myself hilarious cards congratulating us on the imminent doom of turning 30:

The Two Old Bitties
c/o the Firehall Arts Centre
280 E. Cordova St.
Vancouver, BC
V6A 1L3

You can also mail in your donation to the same address!

Firehall Fact #20: Our Lovely Mosaic

One of the first things you see when you walk toward the Firehall, is the pebble mosaic that has been inlaid out front.

The fish on the steps outside the Firehall Lobby

 

The idea behind the public street art project came about in 2004. The Firehall would work with professional artists to create and install the work, and three Downtown Eastside community members would also come on board to be mentored in the art of pebble mosaics.

In 2005, the Firehall received and accepted a proposal from artist Glen Andersen for the project, and the journey began!

Besides the artistic work that needed to go into the mosaic, there needed to be an excavation and removal of the existing concrete sidewalk, and the area needed to be re-paved with the mosaic inlaid so as to create an even walking surface.
Over time and through discussion, the vision for the design morphed into the Dragon we see today.In addition to Glen and the community artists, many volunteers donated time to help out on the project, including Strathcona neighbours, Britannia Outreach volunteers, and a group calling themselves “Labour for Leisure” who put on mosaic parties.

The Dragon symbolizes the the passion and fire of the arts at the Firehall, as well as representing the neighbourhood we are a part of, Chinatown.

The work was kept in the Firehall’s courtyard until it was ready to be installed, which happened in sections. The mosaic was finally completed in 2010.

The whole of the mosaic is stunning, but if you take a look at the detail, you’ll be wowed. None of this work could have been done without the help and support of donors like you! To donate to our $30 for 30 Campaign on our website, click here! To donate via Canada Helps, visit them here.

Firehall Fact #19: Staff Favourites

Today, we hear from Alex Danard,
Box Office/Volunteer Coordinator!

Hello Folks! I’ve worked at the Firehall Arts Centre for 2 years now. I started off as a participant in the In-House Training program in March of 2010 and loved it! After I was hired on as the Outreach Coordinator for Dancing on the Edge and then as the Box Office/Volunteer Coordinator for the Firehall. I don’t have a hard time naming my favourite thing at the Firehall, in fact I have several.

Favourite thing #1: The building itself! Everything about it. I have a tender fondness for anything old, particularly architecture. I enjoy character and history and personality, from the creaking doors/floors to the ripples in the windows.
Favourite thing #2: The staff! Everyone here works so hard at their job and with such a small core staff it has the intimate feel of a family where each person is here to support each other. I’m continually inspired and motivated by each person’s enthusiasm and dedication.
Favourite thing #3: The Firehall’s mission and mandate. Who the Firehall is as an organization. Not only does the Firehall produce and present quality theatre and dance, but it doesn’t shy away from cutting edge and challenging pieces. I think this is crucial in the Arts.

I could go on, but I will stop myself now.

To donate to our $30 for 30 Campaign on our website,click here! To donate via Canada Helps, visit them here.

Firehall Fact #18: Robert LePage

Renowned director, creator and performer Robert LePage of Ex Machina was in the audience this weekend for the closing night of Sylvain Émard Danse’s performance of Fragments – Volume I at the Firehall.  M. LePage first visited the Firehall in 1984-85 Season with his award-winning production Circulations, which was at the beginning of his amazing career and the beginning of his love affair with Vancouver.

He returns to Vancouver regularly and always visits the Firehall to check out what is happening when he is in town.   M. Page was last seen on stage in Vancouver in his remarkable Blue Dragon, part of the Cultural Olympiad in 2010.

In 1984, Robert LePage joined host Peter Gzowski on the CBC Radio show Morningside to discuss the unique method behind Circulations. To hear this clip from the CBC Digital Archives, click here.

To donate to our $30 for 30 Campaign on our website,click here! To donate via Canada Helps, visit them here.

Firehall Fact #17: Staff Favourites

Today, we hear from Gabriela De Lucca, Marketing and Communications Director!

Hi! It’s hard to choose one thing that makes this place great, but I love that we celebrate Canada’s diversity. One of the first things I noticed about the Firehall was how culturally diverse and varied our productions have been, and I recently learned that the Firehall was the first theatre company in Canada to make cultural diversity a priority. We live in a country comprised of people from all over the world and from every background imaginable, and I’m so proud and happy to be part of a theatre company that embraces and celebrates that.   

To donate to our $30 for 30 Campaign on our website,click here! To donate via Canada Helps, visit them here.

 

Firehall Fact #16: Staff Favourites

Today we hear from Associate Producer/Operations, Caitlin McKee. She has an abnormal obsession with Hello Kitty. It’s scary.

My name is Caitlin and I am the Associate Producer/Operations for the Firehall Arts Centre.  My position here is actually split part time with the Firehall’s sister organization the Dancing on the Edge Festival, where I also function as the Associate Producer.  I’ve been working with the Firehall for just over two years, but actually first began here 10 years ago in my first arts job as a Box Office and Front of House representative.  After spending two years working here as well as completing a summer internship, I knew I loved what I was doing and everything that was happening within the Firehall and was encouraged to think about making it a career.  Long story short, it led me to my passion as an Arts Administrator and took me to the University of Toronto’s Arts Management program until I was approached 6 years later to return to the Firehall to my current position.

It is incredibly difficult to name my favourite thing about the Firehall.  From the “Firehall Family” that works so hard to make sure everything runs smoothly, to the history and stories that have developed and been retold over the years, to the fact that I get to come to work every day to a job I care deeply about, it’s hard to pick one thing that sticks out from the others.  But if I had to pick one of my top ten things it would be the Firehall’s Youth Training Program.  I’ve been involved with the Training Program from its beginning in 2010.  Since that time we have completed three successful programs and started our fourth earlier this month.  The training program has seen so many successes with all of its participants.  We have seen them go on to the Stage Craft program at Douglas College, continue on to Capilano University in the Acting program, return to school to complete their GEDs, transfer their newly attained skills to full time employment, and continue to work with the Firehall in all sorts of capacities.  Best of all, they continue to come back as volunteers, patrons and supporters of the Firehall, making them some of our strongest advocates.

None of this would be possible without the Firehall’s amazing team who take time out of their already busy days to mentor individuals and help train them in positions like Technical Production, Customer Services, and Marketing.  The training program itself receives a very small amount of funding, and was extremely fortunate this year to receive extra funding from the Vancity Community Foundation, but we continue to look for new means to support the program to ensure we can keep it running for years to come. 

 

We need your help to maintain the high level of work we do! To donate to our $30 for 30 Campaign on our website,click here! To donate via Canada Helps, visit them here.

Firehall Fact #15: Staff Favourites

Today’s focus: The Firehall’s newest member, Terri!

My name is Terri Le Gear and I am the Administrative Coordinator for the Firehall Arts Centre. I have been with the Firehall since November 2011, and as the newest member of the Firehall family I’d like to say I am thrilled to be here!   

It’s wonderful to be a part of the small group of individuals who are so lovely and who are genuinely passionate and dedicated to keeping the Firehall the respected cultural institution that it is. There are many positive things about the Firehall, which makes it difficult to pick just one aspect that makes working here enjoyable, or that makes the Firehall a special venue for performing and visual arts. However, I value how the Firehall is supportive of the communities it is a part of by supporting emerging artists and by having initiatives that make going to the theatre affordable and accessible to the greater public.

Located in possibly what are Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods (Chinatown and Gastown) I love how the Firehall has a vintage, timeless, as well as edgy quality that is reflected in our programming, and reflective of the two neighbourhoods with which we are connected. I have lived in Vancouver for the last seven years and have been fortunate enough to work in several of Vancouver’s heritage buildings from the Europe Hotel (1909), to the Marine Building (1929), and now the Firehall (1906).   From the beautiful brick work and tile mosaic work to the creaky steps, working at the Firehall makes me feel like I am a part of the greater art history of Vancouver.

To donate to our $30 for 30 Campaign on our website,click here! To donate via Canada Helps, visit them here.

Firehall Fact #14: Staff Favourites

Today we pick on (er, feature) Susan, our Bookkeeper!

Susan is wonderful and keeps us on track financially.  She also likes to bake cakes into unusual shapes, like Storm Trooper helmets and Pikachu. She said she will make one in the shape of the Firehall soon! Wait, would that just be a square?

My name is Susan Shank Day I have been the Bookkeeper at The Firehall Arts Centre for a year and a half.  Physically, I love the intimacy of the theatre space.  Emotionally, I love the fabulous and create staff I get to work  with.  For my eyes and ears I get the amazing experience of both dance and theatre.  I feel very lucky to get to absorb such wonderful art!

To donate to our $30 for 30 Campaign on our website,click here! To donate via Canada Helps, visit them here.

Firehall Fact #13: Staff Favourites

The Firehall has a wonderful, talented and inventive staff. We love this place, not only for its wonderful history and good looks, but each staff member has special reasons as to why we cherish being here.

Today, we spotlight Jamie Burns, the Technical Director here at the Firehall.

Jamie has been with the Firehall for six years, and has been TD for the past two. He’s the go-to guy for anything having to do with the theatre and the building, and he’s a sucker for bubble tea.

My name is Jamie Burns and I am the Technical Director here at the Firehall Arts Centre. I have many favourite things about the Firehall: from the huge stone block foundation to the fire pole in the the theatre to the friendly Firehall ghost. But, I have to say my favourite thing is the variety of the shows we put on: from rocking musicals like Chelsea Hotel to dramas like The Blue Light, East of Berlin and Where the Blood Mixes, the shows we produce and present here always bring something new to the table. You never see the same show twice.

To donate to our $30 for 30 Campaign on our website, click here! To donate via Canada Helps, visit them here.

 

 

 

 

Firehall Fact #12 – V6A Pass

Did you know the Firehall offers a discounted ticket program for residents living in the V6A postal code area?

The V6A Pass is a program designed to provide residents of the Downtown Eastside with the opportunity to attend presentations and productions here at the Firehall Arts Centre at discounted rates.

Remember, we need your help! Donate to our $30 for 30 Campaign through our website or Canada Helps!