EDI Update

In the past month, work has continued through the Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access Advisory Council meetings, with a focus on respectful bridge-building opportunities with Indigenous communities, land acknowledgment details and program and policy recommendations.

In efforts to secure additional support for EDI work, multiple granting opportunities have been targeted and processed through community foundations and government bodies.

During theatre closure, interim programming was developed to animate the space and stay connected with the community through Playbill Presents. The Series will officially open on October 16 with additional performances and artists scheduled for November. Click here for more information about performers and performances.

Staff and Board engagement continues through the approval process of an updated Respectful Workplace Policy, which includes additional reporting options.

By Editor M|July 14th, 2020|Categories: Theatre News|0 Comments

The Plan for 2020

The Chemainus Theatre Festival has been performing live theatre on Vancouver Island for 28 seasons. It has grown stronger through each challenge it has faced – enduring epic snowstorms, windstorms, and economic downturns.

The Chemainus Theatre Festival has been working hard to assess the best possible plan to move forward in the 2020 Season and beyond.  We have been following the mandates of government officials, public health authorities, and medical professionals to address the health, safety, and well-being of our patrons, staff, volunteers, and artists. With social distancing measures in place and the uncertainty of when the ban on larger public gatherings will be lifted, it is more evident than ever that we must remain closed for the unforeseen future. Because of this, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of our 2020 season.   

We are so thankful to have a loyal and courageous community who care for the Chemainus Theatre Festival. This is one of the most challenging and heartbreaking decisions we have ever had to make.  We acknowledge the impact it will have on our Chemainus Theatre community. We feel the loss of the 2020 Season and all that it touches.  We are a theatre of celebration and hope.  While we hope for the best, we recognize that planning for the long-term life of the theatre society requires other measures. 

COVID-19 has closed live professional theatres and mass gatherings across Canada. While government officials and public health authorities have begun to publicly discuss plans to lessen restrictions, unfortunately, the theatre industry’s great intermission, as recently described in the Globe and Mail, seems to have only just begun.

We Need Your Help!

These are unsettling times. The Chemainus Theatre Crisis Relief Fund has been established to help us withstand this difficult time and return in 2021 when it is safe to do so.  Today more than ever, we will rely on charitable support.  If you are able to help, any donation will be an integral part of helping us build towards our next season. 

DONATE NOW

2020 Season Subscribers

If you have purchased a 2020 Season Ticket Subscription you can choose from a range of options including 2021 credits, donation opportunities and refunds.

CLICK FOR ONLINE FORM

Single Ticket Holders

If you have purchased tickets to any of our 2020 Shows you can choose from a range of options including 2021 credits, donation opportunities and refunds.

CLICK FOR ONLINE FORM

Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding and for being a part of the Chemainus Theatre Experience. Be well and stay safe. We look forward to seeing you next season when we can all share our creative energy, artistry, determination, and heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have you cancelled your entire season?

The Chemainus Theatre Festival has been working hard to assess the best possible plan moving forward in the 2020 Season and beyond. We have been following the advice of government officials, public health authorities, and medical professionals to address the health, safety, and well-being of our patrons, staff, volunteers and artists. With social distancing measures in place and the uncertainty of when the ban on larger public gatherings will be lifted, it is more evident than ever that we must remain closed for the unforeseen future.

How do I contact the Chemainus Theatre?

The Chemainus Theatre offices are closed until further notice. Box Office staff are working remotely and can be reached via email. We are unable to accept incoming phone calls at this time.

If you have purchased tickets, we ask that you please submit the Ticket & Subscription Options form on our website.

For other inquiries, please email boxoffice@chemainustheatre.ca. Email volume is currently high, so we thank you for your patience as we respond to your inquiries.

Which shows are cancelled?

The Chemainus Theatre has suspended the remainder of its 2020 Season. The theatre will reopen when health officials declare that it is safe to do so.

The following shows have been cancelled for the 2020 season:

THE 39 STEPS
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
GLORY
JOYFUL NOISE
ELF: THE MUSICAL
HOUSE ON POOH CORNER

Will these shows come back next season?

At this time we are unable to confirm whether or not these shows will come back next season. Our team will be diligently working on the 2021 Season during this closure and look forward to sharing an update when possible.

What happens to my tickets?

If you have purchased tickets this this season, you can choose from a range of options including 2021 credits, donation opportunities and refund. We ask that patrons please fill out and submit the Ticket & Subscription Options form, indicating your preference.

When can I expect my request to be processed?

We will be working as quickly as we can to process ticket forms. The initial volume will be very high and we appreciate your patience and understanding. It is our goal to process all requests by June 5.

What happens to my Best Western hotel booking?

If you booked hotel accommodations through the Chemainus Theatre as part of a Getaway Package, your hotel reservation will automatically be cancelled by us. You do not need to contact the hotel separately.

What is a Chemainus Theatre Account Credit?

A Chemainus Theatre account credit offers ticketholders the most flexibility. It is a secure and efficient way to deal with tickets to cancelled performances.

Credits live in each patron’s Chemainus Theatre account. It is yours to use however you want, whenever you want.
If you are unable to attend the new show dates, you can use your credit towards any future show booking, including theatre tickets, dining, hotel and subscription packages.
You can convert your credit into a Gift Certificate at any time.
Credits can be used in one transaction or spread across multiple transactions.
Credits do not expire.

How do I use my account credit for another booking?

Once regular operations resume, you can call the Box Office at 1-800-565-7738 or book online. You can access your credit from your shopping cart.

How can I help?

As a not-for-profit organization, the Chemainus Theatre Festival relies on the generous support of our patrons and sponsors. The Chemainus Theatre Crisis Relief Fund has been established to help us withstand this difficult time and emerge strong when it is safe to do so. Today more than ever, we will rely on the charitable support of our community to help bring the quality entertainment you’ve come to expect. If you are able to help, any donation will be an integral part of helping us build towards our next season. Click to donate here.

I booked with a 2 for 1 Coupon. Will my coupon be honoured next season?

Coupons from the 2020 coupon books are valid for the 2020 calendar year, in accordance with each coupon book publisher. The amount credited to you is the total amount paid in the original transaction.

By Editor M|May 21st, 2020|Categories: Theatre News|0 Comments

Meet the Author – The Marvelous Wonderettes

ROGER BEAN created the long-running hit The Marvelous Wonderettes (over 1,200 performances Off-Broadway), along with the sequels Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns, Winter Wonderettes, Wonderettes: Dream On, and the new large-cast Wonderettes: Glee Club Edition. Original cast albums for all Wonderettes shows are available from iTunes and Amazon. The Marvelous Wonderettes received the 2007 LA Ovation Award for Best Musical for its record-breaking Los Angeles run and continues to be an audience favorite in theatre companies throughout the country. Mr. Bean’s do-wop hit Life Could Be A Dream had a record-breaking 12-month run in Los Angeles, receiving the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award, the LA Weekly Theatre Award, and the Backstage Garland Award for Outstanding Musical.

Other popular musicals created by Mr. Bean include The Andrews Brothers, Summer of Love, Route 66, Honky Tonk Laundry, and Why Do Fools Fall In Love?, all published by Stage Rights. More info at www.rogerbean.com

By Editor M|February 27th, 2020|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments

Directors Notes – The Marvelous Wonderettes

Who were you in high school? Were you that person ten years later? Did you revert back to that person at your high school reunion? Why?

These are the questions I had the cast think about at the start of our process. Obviously, none of us attended high school in the 50s – so content and subject matter are at times, very different. But high school relationships haven’t changed – the tensions, the alliances, the gossip, the break-up-make-up cycles – all of that high school ‘stuff’ – we could relate to.

High school is a tumultuous time of discovery, confusion, hormones, and growing up. At least for me it was. I wanted to be my own person, but I also wanted to be accepted and fit in. If only we could look back and tell our younger selves ‘everything is going to work out just fine’. But at the time I wouldn’t have believed it anyway. Everything is just so IMPORTANT.

I didn’t go to my high school reunion because I was doing exactly what I said I would be doing in my yearbook write up under future goals: Julie is going to be rich and famous and living in New York. I was for sure living in New York at the time. Rich and famous? Well, everything is relative.

My hope is that you see yourself in one (or many) of these characters and that you have a great time reminiscing!

I want to thank Mark for giving me the opportunity to direct at Chemainus. This theatre holds a special place in my heart and having a chance to be at the helm of a show has been awesome. Thanks also to my collaborators – designers, heads of departments, marketing, stage management, crew, band – everyone who helped us get to this moment. Special shout out to my favourite MD, Chris King, and the four girls on stage.

Julie Tomaino

By Editor M|January 28th, 2020|Categories: Uncategorized|0 Comments