In The Zone - Zone Reports & News

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CIZ / FVZ / NIZ / NSZ / OKZ / SIZ / SKZ / VAZ / YKZ

This marks the start of a regular feature providing news from each of Theatre BC’s eleven Zones. We would hope that this will inspire the Zone Reps and Members to provide, on a regular basis, items of interest for our readers. In fact, we would like to expand this to a two-page spread for future issues.

Central Interior Zone (CIZ)
Williams Lake Studio Theatre hosted a Regional Workshop on October 2-3, featuring Victoria’s Ross Desprez (Scene Development Director at M99) leading a two-day session on ‘Acting & Script Analysis’.

We do not have confirmed dates for this year’s CIZ Festival, although Prince George Theatre Workshop will be hosting the event at their recently renovated facility.

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/CIZ
email: ciz@theatrebc.org

Fraser Valley Zone (FVZ)
Although we are waiting for an announcement of dates and location for the FVZ Festival next Spring, we have heard strong rumours that new Member Club, Opening Nite Theatre Society are going to bring the event to Mission. Watch the FVZ website for updates.

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/FVZ
email: fvz@theatrebc.org

Kootenay Zone (KOZ)
The Kootenay Zone is back and getting active in a hurry. The Zone Festival, to be hosted by Footlighters in Creston, May 8-13, 2000, could very well fill a whole week. It looks like Zone Chair/Festival Chair, Frank Goodsir, could have at least six productions lined up already. This following two years with no Festival taking place.

The KOZ is also working towards a Regional Workshop next spring, primarily focused on Directing. At a Zone meeting on September 25, attended by TBC President, Carroll Lefebvre and Executive Director, Robb Mowbray, it was noted that for some KOZ Clubs, there simply is not anyone available to direct. Cranbrook Community Theatre, particularly, is looking for available directors.

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/KOZ
email: koz@theatrebc.org

North Island Zone (NIZ)
The North Island Zone Festival will take place in Qualicum Beach at the Village Theatre, May 19-27, 2000. The event is hosted by
E.C.H.O. Players, as part of their year-long celebration of 25 years at the Village Theatre.

NIZ will also be the new home of Theatre BC’s office, as the administrative headquarters for TBC will be moving to Nanaimo for the start of the new millennium. There will be much more news on the office move in the next issue.

TBC welcomes new Zone Chair,Denise Comeau of Rivercity Players in Campbell River to the Board of Directors.

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/NIZ
email: niz@theatrebc.org

North Shore Zone (NSZ)
The NSZ is not only hosting BACKSTAGE ‘99, which is already well on its way to being the most successful workshop weekend in the event’s history, but is also bringing TBC favourite, Martin Kinch to Squamish on November 7th for a one-day Regional Workshop on Scene Development for Actors.

The NSZ Festival will be at Presentation House in North Vancouver, May 8-13, 2000. There has been interest in the Zone Festival from new Clubs in the NSZ, as well.

It is with regret that we report that long-time NSZ member, Moyra Turner, sadly lost her battle with cancer on October 5, 1999. She died peacefully at home with her husband David and friends at her side. Our deepest sympathy to you, Dave.

TBC welcomes new Zone Co-Chairs, Kathy Daniels and Gordon McInnis of Between Shifts Theatre in Squamish to the Board of Directors.

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/NSZ
email: nsz@theatrebc.org

Okanagan Zone (OKZ)
The OKZ started the season on a very positive note. The ‘Offstage’ weekend of workshops, held in the fabulous Powerhouse Theatre in Vernon, September 10-11, sold very well, with over sixty registrants for six workshops. The Host Committee can be very proud of themselves for putting together a fine event. Kudos for the hospitality!

Theatre BC’s New Play Festival will be moving to the Okanagan Zone next Spring. Festival partner, Western Canada Theatre will provide the venue, The Pavilion Theatre in Kamloops, April 7-9, 2000. Watch for Registration info in the next issue.

Summerland Singers & Players will be hosting the OKZ Festival, May 18-27, 2000.

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/OKZ
email: okz@theatrebc.org

South Island Zone (SIZ)
The SIZ Festival will be moving to Lake Cowichan next Spring. Host Club, Kaatza Lakeside Players are planning a MAINSTAGE-type Zone Festival with Coffee Critiques and workshops to compliment the performances. New Zone Chair, Garry McPhee and Festival Chair, Anne Turner have big plans in the works and hope to build on the growth in the Zone over the past two years. The SIZ Festival will take place May 13-20, 2000.

TBC welcomes new SIZ Chair, Garry McPhee of Kaatza Lakeside Players, Lake Cowichan to the Board of Directors.

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/SIZ
email: siz@theatrebc.org

Skeena Zone (SKZ)
The SKZ Festival will be hosted by Harbour Theatre Society in Prince Rupert, May 19-27, 2000. The Skeena Zone, which perennially provides its Member Clubs with a Theatre Instructor Tour each Spring, looks forward to the financial support that TBC’s new provincial Direct Charitable Access to Gaming Funds license will provide to Zones in support of these theatrically educational activities.

Bulkley Valley Players of Smithers are planning a workshop on technical aspects of theatre to help members learn how to operate lighting and sound equipment in their theatre.

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/SKZ
email: skz@theatrebc.org

Peace River Zone (PRZ)
The Peace River Zone is also up and running again, after a period of relative dormancy. New Zone Chair, June Ainsworth and Member Club, Stage North of Fort St. John recently hosted a Regional Workshop weekend featuring Kathleen Weiss of Vancouver leading a two-day session on ‘A Flash Course on Directing’. Zone Festival dates are March 29 – April 2, 2000 in Fort St. John.

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/PRZ
email: prz@theatrebc.org

Vancouver Zone (VAZ)
Vancouver Zone is to be the site of next Summer’s MAINSTAGE 2000, as Delta’s Sidekick Players Club bring the annual provincial theatre festival to the Genesis Theatre in Ladner. This the first MAINSTAGE Festival to be hosted within the Vancouver Zone since 1967 (Canada‘s Centennial Year).

VAZ Festival dates are March 27 – April 1, 2000. The Zone Festival will be hosted by Vagabond Players at the Bernie Legge Theatre in New Westminster.

TBC welcomes new VAZ Chair, Jane Hyslop to the Board of Directors.
Website: www.TheatreBC.org/VAZ
email: vaz@theatrebc.org

Yukon Zone (YKZ)
YKZ Chair, Anne Caulfield and TBC VP, Ken Hutchinson are presently looking for new Reps for the Zone to help carry on the development within the Region. It is hoped that some new Clubs can be enticed to join the ranks. Community Theatre groups exist all over the Territory, including Dawson City, Faro and Watson Lake.

The YKZ Festival will take place at The Guild Hall in Whitehorse during late April – early May (dates to be confirmed).

Website: www.TheatreBC.org/YKZ
email: ykz@theatrebc.org

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