2012-2013 | annual report

green thumb theatre

Photo by Cornerstone Architecture

256 Performances37,895 Kilometers

78, 938 Audience Members

2 States in the US8 Communities in 2 other Canadian Provinces

2012 - 2013 By The Numbers

Where we spent our year

Briti

sh C

olum

bia Abbotsford

AldergroveAnmoreAshcroftBarriereBrentwood BayBurnabyCawstonCharlie LakeChilliwackCobble HillComoxCoquitlamCourtenayCranbrookCumberlandDeltaDewdneyDuncanFort St JohnGaribaldi HighlandsGoldenGreenvilleHazeltonHopeKamloops

KelownaKeremeosKimberleyKitimatLangleyLillooetLions BayLyttonMaple RidgeMerrittMissionNanaimoNew AiyanshNew WestminsterNorth VancouverOkanagan FallsOliverOsoyoosPort CoquitlamPowell RiverPrince GeorgePrince RupertPrincetonQuesnelRichmondSaanich

Shawnigan LakeSidneySookeSquamishSurreyTerraceTrailVancouverVernonVictoriaWest KelownaWest VancouverWhite Rock

Cana

da Burlington, ON

Kingston, ONKitchener, ONMarkham, ONMississauga, ONOttawa, ONSt Catharines, ONSaskatoon, SK

United StatesModesto, CANashville, TN

Table of Contents

President’s Report oneArtistic Director’s Report twoGeneral Manager’s Report threeFinances at a Glance fourPeople Like Vince fiveNight Light sixOut in the Open sevenCranked eightThe Edge Project nineWorkshop-tagged tenPartners & Supporters elevenSchool House Supporters twelve

A special thanks to our Season Supporter

Welcome to the first AGM to be held in Green Thumb Theatre’s fantastic new Production Centre. This facility is the culmination of many years of research, meetings, budgeting, strategic planning, fundraising, and fortunate opportunity. Special thanks to Lesley Jones for her vision when she first viewed the burned-out ruin this building was 3 years ago; and also to her husband and our AD, Patrick McDonald, who energized the board, the VSB and the politicians to bring us to this new reality. The Production Centre is a turning point for GT. The future is uncharted, but exciting, as there are now many more possibilities for artistic expansion and financial growth.

The past season put unusual demands on the expertise of board members as we negotiated with the VSB, evaluated our insurance liabilities, worked on budgets, and collaborated with architects and contractors. Thanks to everyone who contributed their time and knowledge. We’re particularly grateful to resigning directors Nick Stroumev, Sarah Hudson, and Emma Su.

Thank you all for coming and thanks for your support.

Victoria Henderson | Board Report

Victoria Henderson PresidentMaureen McEvoy Past PresidentPaula Rosehart Vice PresidentNick Stromev TreasurerLisa Anderson DirectorCheryle Beaumont DirectorEmma Su DirectorManveet Virk Director

2012 - 2013 Board of Directors

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Patrick McDonald | Artistic Director

It was an historic season for the company as we took up residence at our two - building campus on the grounds of Sir Guy Carleton Elementary. This is a magnificent accomplishment for the organization and provides operating stability for the next 20 years.

Throughout the capital fundraising campaign and construction we somehow produced a full season of work. I would like to thank the entire staff for their major contribution in making this happen.

Our two high school shows were a second production of Dave Deveau’s OUT IN THE OPEN, a look at one teen’s response to his best friend’s “coming out”, and a re-visit of CRANKED by Michael P. Northey. After a year and a half off, CRANKED, which follows the struggles of a young DJ and his battle with crystal meth addiction, continued to wow teen audiences.

Both productions were very strong but I am most pleased that we are continuing to develop new work of intelligence for teens and young audiences. To that end it was great to be recognized in a new collection of plays for teens:Elissa Adams writes in the introduction to FIERCE AND TRUE- (a collection of plays for teens/young adults):

Our elementary school tours were a third tour of PEOPLE LIKE VINCE by C.E. Gatchalian and a smart, fresh production of a Canadian classic—NIGHT LIGHT by John Lazarus.

Artistic Associate Shawn Macdonald was the driving force in the fourth version of THE EDGE PROJECT. This year’s show was a part of the PUSH Festival and featured the talents of over 80 teens from three local high schools.

In closing the company is extremely well - positioned to expand our programming now that we reside in a beautifully renovated office with two rehearsal halls metres away. It really is fantastic.

Honestly.

“Great work is being done (for teens/young adults) by companies like Zeal Theatre in Australia, Canada’s Green Thumb Theatre, Ontroerend Goed in the Netherlands, the Young Vic in the United Kingdom and the Coterie theatre here in the United States.”

Nadine Carew | General Manager

It seems hardly possible that at this time last year the construction fencing was just going up around the whole of this site, and Panther was installing themselves here for the work that begun in October of 2012.Here we are, a year later, home at last.

The School House Project is a testament to the capabilities of Green Thumb as an organization and to Green Thumb as an institution, with National reach and respect.

We are beyond pleased to be operating out of our buildings on the site of Sir Guy Carleton Elementary. We have already begun to establish our relationship with the school and the neighborhood and look forward to many more years of being located in the Renfrew - Collingwood area.

Despite the enormity of the building project and capital campaign, we still managed to produce an outstanding season of theatre. We toured four shows, produced the 4th edition of The Edge Project, and commissioned several new plays in our ongoing development work.

Administratively, we were able to finally upgrade our database with the help of the BC Arts Council Capacity & Sustainability grant. This new information system is allowing us to keep more accurate records and reduce the amount human resources required to manage the information.

I am pleased to say that we have ended the season with a healthy surplus, which will allow us to continue to invest in our facility and our play development program.

In closing, I would like to express my deepest thanks to all the partners, funders, staff and volunteers who made our permanent home a reality. I would also like to thank our outgoing Board members for all their work and I would like to welcome our new Board members who are joining for the 2013/14 season.Here’s to the first of many wonderful years at Carleton!

Green Thumb Theatre Staff

Artistic Director Patrick McDonaldGeneral Manager Nadine CarewProduction Manager Rachael KingTour & Rentals Coordinator Michele FrazerSales & Marketing Coordinator Robyn LambArtistic Associate Shawn MacdonaldFundraising & Development Coordinator Jessica ChoiBookkeeper Susan Cai

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Finances at a Glance

Government Grant: $552,330 | Earned Revenue: $232, 259 | Corporate: $70,649 | Foundations: $15,700 | Individuals: $ 5,795

Program Expenses: $ 465, 078 | Administrative Expenses: $283, 738 | Facility & Deprecation: $64,090

2012 - 2013 REVENUES

Corporate Support8%Foundations

2%

Individuals1%

Earned Revenue26%

Government Grants

63%Earned RevenueGovernment GrantsCorporate SupportFoundationsIndividuals

2012 - 2013 EXPENSES

Facility & Amortization 8%

Program Expenses 57%

Administrative 35%

Program ExpensesAdministrativeFacility & Amortization

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People Like Vince | C.E. Gatchalian

Fall BC Tour, Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon, SK, & Showcase in Kitchener, Ont.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

PLAYWRIGHT: C.E.GatchalianDIRECTOR: Patrick McDonaldMYRTLE: Jennica GrienkeUNCLE VINCE: Stephen AberleSTAGE MANAGER: Shannon MacelliSCENERY & PROPS DESIGN: Kevin McAllisterCOSTUME DESIGN: Connie HosiePROPS BUILDER: Jill WhiteSCENIC PAINTER: Omanie Elias

SYNOPSIS | Myrtle is having a hard time making friends at her new school. Then, her Uncle Vince shows up in town and she finally feels like she has someone who understands her and with whom she can really be herself. Her friendship with her Uncle Vince becomes the closest and most important relationship in her life, but sometimes his behaviour confuses her and even causes the other kids at school make fun of her. When Uncle Vince suddenly stops coming to see her, Myrtle learns how to deal with and accept his lifelong struggle with mental illness. People Like Vince is a compassionate look at a serious subject that affects us all.

No. of Performances

76No. of Audience

22,704No. of KM Travelled

10, 816Tour Supported by:

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Night Light | John Lazarus

PRODUCTION CREDITS

PLAYWRIGHT: John LazarusDIRECTOR: Patrick McDonaldVICTOR: Scott ButtonFARLEY: Curtis TweedieTARA: Agnes TongSTAGE MANAGER: Susan MiyagishimaSET DESIGN: Kate KingSCENIC PAINTER: Louise DeGagneCOSTUME DESIGN: Sydney Cavanaugh

SYNOPSIS | There is a MONSTER in Tara’s dresser! Her big brother Victor says it’s just socks and pyjamas, but Tara knows better. Whenever she wants to play in her room or tries to go to sleep, that big scary “thing” shows up again. And if that’s not enough to worry about, Tara’s dad is in the hospital and he’s really sick. Victor wants to help his little sister feel brave, but he’s got trouble of his own: namely Farley, the school bully. How can Victor teach his little sister about courage when he’s so scared himself? In this Green Thumb classic, Tara and Victor hold their own against monsters and bullies with hilarious –and very effective– results.

No. of Performances

104No. of KM Travelled

8,866 Tour Supported by:

Spring BC Tour

No. of Audience

32,054

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Out in the Open | Dave Deveau

Fall BC Tour & Ontario Tour

PRODUCTION CREDITS

PLAYWRIGHT: Dave DeveauDIRECTOR: Patrick McDonaldADAM: Joel BallardSTEPHEN: Alex RoseSTAGE MANAGER: Nicole LambSET DESIGN: Marshall McMahenCOSTUME DESIGN: Connie Hosie

SYNOPSIS | Adam convinces Stephen, his best friend, to go on a camping trip for the long weekend, even though Stephen can think of nothing worse than being cold, dirty and bored (not to mention the lack of indoor plumbing)! When the two boys get lost in the woods, their lighthearted banter turns serious and Adam reveals a secret that he has been hiding from Stephen. How will Stephen react to Adam’s news? What will this mean for their friendship? How do we deal with our own fears and issues when faced with a shift in what we thought we knew?

No. of Performances

29No. of Audience

8,725No. of KM Travelled

7,847 Tour Supported by:

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Cranked | Michael P. Northey

PRODUCTION CREDITS

PLAYWRIGHT: Michael P. NortheyDIRECTOR: Patrick McDonaldSTAN: Graeme McCombDJ DRIVE: Jordan WatkinsSTAGE MANAGER: Nicole LambLYRICS: Kyprios & Michael P. NortheyMUSIC: Kyprios & StylustSET DESIGN: Justus HayesSCENIC PAINTER: Amaan Merali

SYNOPSIS | Stan a.ka. “definition” was a rising freestyle MC who loses it all because of his meth habit. He confronts his demons as he preps for an upcoming competition without the ‘fix’ that has dominated his life. Memories of the highs and the rush of the music all collide as he struggles to recapture what he lost.

No. of Performances

43No. of KM Travelled

10,366 Tour Supported by:

Spring BC Tour, USA Tour: Modesto, CA & Nashville, TN

No. of Audience

15,000

Chilliwack RCMPChilliwack Addiction and Prevention Services

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The Edge Project:

Good to Go3 High Schools

1 Hero’s Journey

80 Students

Cariboo Hill Secondary • Lord Byng Secondary • North Delta SecondaryThe EDGE Project is a multi-community outreach project for secondary school students. The program brings

together students from four very different lower mainland schools between September and December to create, write, direct and perform in a play that is an expression of who they are and what they believe.

The Edge is supported by:

Photo by Mark Halliday

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Workshop-tagged

The workshop of tagged would not have been possible without the BC Arts Council’sSpecial Project Assistance - Innovations Grant

Green Thumb Theatre , with the assitance of the BCAC Innovations Grant, commissioned a new play by Dave Deveau, that explores social media, online safety and the digital citizenship and accountability of young people, specifically teenagers, on - line. We were able to do extensive play development through a two week workshop with the playwright, high school students, professional actors and the directorial and dramatrugical work of Patrick McDonald. The first week of workshops was held at Pinetree Secondary School, in Port Coquitlam. Patrick and Dave spoke with the students about their experience with social media - what platforms they used, how often they were online, if they had ever experienced any online bullying, etc. The following week, we had two simultaneous workshops take place. One with the actors, which culminated in a staged reading for all of the students we had worked with the previous week. The other workshop took place at our production centre with our Production Manager and Craig Alfredson, who is a video and lighting designer with vast technological expertise. The tech workshop allowed us to test different equipment and software, which we were then able to purchase for the production of tagged.

Green Thumb is the main provider of theatre to the teenagers of British Columbia. We have always sought to meet them on their terms—language, dress, outlook and technology. tagged continues this history by making use of, and examining, the latest trends in technology.

This was the first time that we conducted this type of workshop and play development, and it has proven to be invalauble. To be able to have the time and resources to explore the play and it’s audience before going into full production has been extremely helpful for Green Thumb as the producer and for Dave as the playwright. In the future, we will use this model of play development as it is sympatico with the type of work we create.

Lindsay Winch, Scott Button, Photo by Ryan McDonald

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Season and Program

Partners + SupportersO

pera

ting

Project

Chilliwack RCMPChilliwack Addiction and Prevention Services

Supporters

The Mesuline Foundation

The Goal Family Foundation

Elementary Programming Support

A very special thank you to Lymon Henderson and the Henderson Family for their contribution and support.

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School House Project Support

Government Partners

Foundation Partners

Morris and Helen Belkin Foundation

Beech Foundation | Danbe Foundation | Kaatza Foundation | Lohn Foundation | MacLean Foundation

Project Partners

Corporate SupportB.B. Dhanji & Co. Inc.Collingwood BIACollingwood LegionConstruction & Specialized Workers UnionKnotty Toys - donation boxWestcoast Bins Ltd.

CORNERSTONE architecture www.cornerarch.com

Sir Guy Carleton Elementary

Green Thumb Players Society (dba Green Thumb Theatre)5522 McKinnon Street, Vancouver, BC, V5R 0B6P: 604-254-4055 | F: 604-251-7002 | E: info@greenthumb.bc.caRegistered Charity No. 11894 7662 RR0001