Having just returned from the annual Professional Association of Canadian Theatres conference held in Victoria last week, I am pleased and encouraged that theatre is still high on the list of many Canadians when making their choices about what to do with their diminishing spare time and much in demand disposable income. Is any income really “disposable” and can time really “diminish”? But not to get off track here – one hundred and sixty plus theatre professionals representing theatres of all shapes and sizes producing work for Canadians from a broad range of demographics convened to discuss topics as far ranging as getting your head in the clouds (Cloud computing) to connecting the dots with our audiences and community partners; from working sustainably to recognizing the early warning signs of when your organization is in trouble to discussions on labour agreements and human resources. It was great to share with colleagues the successes and challenges of the Firehall’s past season and to speak proudly about what a great audience we have here, about what talented and passionate artists we have had the privilege to work with and about how our generous donors and volunteers help make it all happen. We were, also, pretty excited to tell them about the Firehall’s 2013-2014 season when we will bring back some favorites from last season and introduce some works to Vancouver. Early Bird Passes for the season will go on sale on June 3rd. We hope you will join us – going to the theatre is a great way to use your “disposable income” and your “diminishing spare time”!!
-Donna Spencer, Artistic Producer