OLIVER COMMUNITY THEATRE SOCIETY

2016

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REPORT FOR 2015-16

In many ways this was the Society’s first real year of operating and animating the Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver BC. It wasn’t until part way through 2014-15 that we received the keys, started up basic operations, had a successful referendum, signed an operating agreement and hired a full-time theatre manager. So 2015-16 was really the first year where we could focus on operations and begin new programs and services for the Theatre.

The year has been filled with more firsts and accomplishments, as well as the usual growing pains. This report highlights the year starting July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016.

Board, membership and volunteers

Our core volunteers continue to be an important part of our operations. Volunteers take tickets at each performance, work in the lighting booth, and act as ushers helping the audience to their seats. Almost 1000 hours of volunteer times was donated this past year by our almost 20 show volunteers who have become regular faces at all the performances. In addition, the Board of Directors also volunteer their time and expertise in all aspects of the not-for-profit theatre operations. In December we held a volunteer appreciation event and in the spring brought all the volunteers together for a safety review with Fire Chief Dan Skaros and Deputy Chief Bob Graham.

The individuals making up the Board of Directors during 2015-16 include:

Andrea Gunnlaugson-Furlan Aimee Grice Patrick Hampson (to Feb’16) Wendy Newman Bob Park

Carol Sheridan Grant Storzuk (from March’16) Tom Szalay Midge Wyse

Membership development has also been on the agenda for the board and in March we began offering society memberships to the community. We tied the launch in with the on-line tickets offerings allowing us to collect dues and all information on-line. Becoming a member of the society has been promoted via the website as well our monthly e-newsletter.

Marketing and Online Tickets

An important operational goal of the theatre society is to encourage and increase our theatre rental income from a wide range of presenters but especially local and commercial presentations and touring artists. Our website venablestheare.ca promotes theatre rentals as well as audience awareness for all the events, however we realized early on that the critical issue for increasing rentals was offering on-line ticket sales.

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To succeed the theatre has to pull its audience from a broad catchment area encompassing the entire South Okanagan area. The traditional means of selling tickets through local retailers, while important to maintain, needed to be up-dated. In the fall of 2015 the theatre took on the research and selected a Canadian on-line ticketing system TixHub, launching the new service in March of this year.

Many renters were keen to use the service which provided reserved seating along with on-line accessibility. We had 10 ticketed events using the system between the launch and the end of this fiscal year (June 30) selling over $25,586.50 worth of tickets. Those user-groups not choosing to use the system were mostly children and youth groups such as the local dance schools and the SD53 schools promoting student performances.

Technical acquisitions

Again this year the Society has contributed to the improvement of the theatre equipment, storage room and furnishings including lobby sound and podium, more stage equipment and additional chairs for lobby programming. Thanks to the “adopt-a-seat” fund we also acquired portable stage risers and a Genie-lift for reaching the overhead stage lights.

Perhaps the biggest improvements has been the installation of a new Hearing Loop system which enhances the sound for those audience members with hearing aids. The system is installed but we are still testing it out before publically announcing the system later this fall.

Events, bookings and audience stats for year

The rentals and use of the theatre continued to grow each quarter of the year and once again exceeded expectation. The school and community use of the theatre far out-paced our most optimistic projections. SOSS with their last minute bookings increased theatre use by over 60%, while the greatest increase came from the various local user groups, especially groups like SOAP who undertook a week-long regional drama festival as a part of Theatre BC province wide initiative.

Rental Category 2014/15 2015/16 SD “Last Minute” blocks 36 58 SD 53 “Reserved” blocks 34 39 Local user blocks 19 36 Community Children and Youth blocks 11 16 Commercial Renter blocks 3 4 Volunteer events and Tours 3 16 Community meetings 2 3 Lobby events 2 10 Total events 110 182

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Over 60 of the 182 bookings were for public performances, community meetings or assemblies with the rest being used primarily for rehearsals and workshops. The audience for the events is recorded at just over 12,700, a 30% increase from the previous year. Of course many, many more attended over the year as volunteers, students, artists and other participants. For an illustrated list of most of the public activities taking place over the year please see attached “Live on Stage” report.

Presentations

Though we began the year with a budget indicating we would undertake up to 3 presentations, we held off until the on-line tickets were launched. Consequently we only presented one professional performance in the spring - Renaissance by the esteemed Ballet Kelowna. It was a great success which we hope to continue and expand upon in the coming year.

Community engagement and School relations

Donations from the community were received through the year, including one from the local theatre group SOAP in honour of their much admired community volunteer, the late Jennifer Mapplebeck. Another fundraising campaign generated within the community is the purchase of a “baby grand” piano for the theatre lobby. They are almost half-way to their goal and the piano will be donated in memory of the late Agnes Sutherland, another long-time arts and culture volunteer in the region. We have also received a donation from the Oliver Kiwanis Club of a wheelchair for the Theatre and have a growing number of community organizations who have been requesting tours of the theatre. As mentioned earlier, there has been a marked increase in local groups renting more dates and events in the theatre.

The schools, especially SOSS, have also greatly increased their use of the theatre. However, in the coming year there needs to be more clarity around which bookings qualify as last-minute and which count towards their allocation of free reserved bookings. Some adjustment to the number of free reserved bookings may be negotiated in the coming year.

Financial management

Two very important streams of earned income exceeded budget expectations this past year – theatre rental income and ticket sales from presentations. In response we increased our expenditures for stage equipment and theatre furnishing resulting at the end of the year in a surplus of just over $4,000. Our accumulated surplus now rests at $17,921 in our Operating Reserve. The Society intends to build this reserve over the years into a minimum of 3 months of operating costs to cover such things as possible downturns, loss of funding or revenues. Please see attached year-end financial statements.

Wendy Newman Report from the President of the Board September 2016

List of Public Events

2015-2016 Season Oliver Community

Theatre Society

OLIVER AMBASSADOR PAGEANT Saturday August 22 - 6:30 pm

Ambassadors Simi, Kaylee and Anastasia, along with the Oliver Ambassador Committee, invite you to attend the 2015 Awards and Coronation Celebration.

The event will debut the three premier Ambassador candidates, and feature personal presentations, the coronation ceremony and more.

Come support your candidate, meet Oliver's Ambassadors and celebrate these new young leaders in our community!

All Candidates Community Meeting Wednesday September 30 - 7:00 pm Join the candidates in the South Okanagan-West Kootenay riding for a lively evening of dialogue and debate about our many shared issues and concerns. Our candidates include (l-r) Connie Denesiuk with the Liberal Party, Richard Cannings of the New Democratic Party, Marshall Neufeld representing the Conservative Party and Samantha Troy of the Green Party of Canada.

Byrd Dawg and the Vintage Electric Band

The Old Friends Tour Friday October 2nd - 7:30 pm The Ultimate Tribute to Two Iconic Duos: The Everly Brothers and Simon and Garfunkel. Byrd Dawg, starring Joel Dietrich and Wayne Rempel, showcases hits spanning the decades including - All I Have To Do Is Dream, Wake Up Little Susie, Bye Bye Love, The Boxer, Bridge Over Troubled Water,

The Sound of Silence.....

Presented by the Oliver Chronicle and Global Okanagan

South Okanagan Concert Society presents

Locarno Friday October 23 - 7:30 pm

Locarno's approach is so genuine and so welcome for audiences who enjoy great song writing with the collaboration of Juno winners, Tom Landa and Joby Baker. Their compelling blend of Mexican, Cuban and North American popular music delivered with exuberant energy is a winning combination.

Tuc el Nuit School and Missoula Theatre presents

Sleeping Beauty Friday November 20 - 7:00 pm

All this week students at Tuc el Nuit Elementary are rehearsing their parts in this original adaptation of the classic fairy tale. Tickets available through the School and at the door.

Desert Valley Hospice Society Fundraiser Celebration of Caring Hands Saturday November 21st - 7:00pm

Enjoy parings of local wines and cheeses throughout this fundraising evening showcasing a wide variety of silent auction items as well as the ever-popular home baked table. Tickets available at Beyond Bliss in Oliver and Imperial Office Pro in Osoyoos.

Okanagan Dance Studios Show Group presents

In My Life... Fri & Sat November 27 & 28 - 7:00 pm An artistic expression of life stories told through dance, set to music by the Beatles and performed by some of the finest young dancers in the Okanagan Valley.

Tickets on sale at Okanagan Dance Studios and Beyond Bliss in Oliver

Oliver Community Arts Council and the Oliver Community Theatre present

Sunday November 29 - 2:30 pm

Come and celebrate Oliver's Christmas Lights Up weekend with local choirs, dancers, hand bell ringers and many more.

Admission by Donation - Proceeds to the Oliver Food Bank

South Okanagan Punjabi Society presents

Harvest Celebration Thursday December 3 - 6:00 pm Singing star Balvir Boparai sent music lovers into a frenzy when his ground breaking album Hostel was first released. His songs have become some of the biggest anthems of Punjabi music. Tickets available through the T2 Market in Oliver, Mami's Pizza in Osoyoos and Samosa Gardens in Keremeos

South Okanagan Concert Society presents

Daniel Gervais Trio

Friday December 4 - 7:30 pm Back by popular demand, Daniel promises to delight audiences with another dazzling performance with the help of a couple of musician friends and a variety of music and styles that will please everyone. Tickets available at Beyond Bliss in Oliver and Imperial Office in Osoyoos.

Oliver Elementary School presents

Traditional Christmas Concert A seasonal favourite featuring our young stars of tomorrow Tuesday December 15th - 7:00 pm Tickets are available at the door with a donation to the Oliver Food Bank.

Southern Okanagan Secondary School Drama Department presents

Thursday December 17 - 7:00 pm

A rousing kick-start to the holidays – Tickets are available at the door with a donation to the Oliver Food Bank.

Global Okanagan, Oliver Chronicle and The Daily Courier present

André-Philippe Gagnon Tuesday, December 29- 7:30 pm The Legendary Man of a 1000 Voices

"Vocal Illusionist, Outstanding" Variety "Impressionist Extraordinaire!" Las Vegas Today "A Vocal Chameleon" The Gazette

Reserved seats online at On Tour Tickets, by phone at 1-855-411-7500 or in person at Oliver Chronicle or Osoyoos Times.

Slapstick comedy, slamming doors, falling trousers & flying sardines Called the funniest farce ever written, Michael Frayne's Noises Off is a high-energy, hilarious comedy...a real "must see"

January 21 - 23 - 7:30 pm nightly with a Saturday matinee 1:00 pm

Check out SOAP’s website for more information

Advance tickets at Your Dollar Store with More in Osoyoos and Sundance Video in Oliver or at the door

South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Eastlink presents

Business Excellence Awards & A.G.M.

Friday January 29 – 6:00 to 9:30pm The Business Excellence Awards is an annual event that celebrates outstanding businesses in Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos and surrounding areas. Awards to be presented in the Business Excellence Categories of Entrepreneur, Small Business, Large Business and Customer Service. Tickets online at Eventbright

Schell Shock Entertainment presents

Donny Edwards

"THE KING" Wednesday February 3 - 7:30 pm The most sought after Elvis Tribute Artist in the business, Donny Edwards is a dynamic artist and impersonator who re-creates an Elvis tribute show of remarkable authenticity. With special guest Cassandra Friskie as Marilyn Munroe and backed up by the 9-piece band, The Cadillac Kings. Tickets at the Oliver Chronicle and Beyond Bliss in Oliver or online at tcblegends.com

South Okanagan Concert Society presents Capilano University Singers

Friday February 5 - 7:30 pm

Capilano University Singers is a national and international prize-winning ensemble. Their busy schedule, which frequently takes them around the globe also includes an annual tour to smaller communities in BC.

Tickets available at Beyond Bliss in Oliver and Imperial Office in Osoyoos

South Okanagan Concert Society present

THE WOLAK DONNELY DUO Friday, March 18th at 7:30 pm Wolak is the classical expert, most recently seen in the principal clarinet chair with the Ontario Philharmonic. Donnelly is the jazz guy. Both cross musical borders to produce a concert repertoire that can include movements from Brahms’ great Clarinet Sonata, Op 120 as well as Oscar Peterson’s sparkling Hymn to Freedom or Gershwin’s famousRhapsody in Blue.

Thursday - Saturday April 21- 23, 7:30 pm Saturday April 23 - 2:00 pm Southern Okanagan Secondary School presents Footloose They dared to dance and "Everybody Cut Footloose" A classic tale of teenage rebellion and repression about a big-city teen who moves to a town that has outlawed dancing. Get set for delightful combination of dance, choreography, great tunes and touching performances by SOSS Drama students.

Musaic Vocal Ensemble

Roses I Send To You Thursday April 28 - 7:30 pm

Musical Director Tracy Stuchbery, Dennis Nordlund Piano,

Mia Harris Mezzo Soprano As the group, Musaic Vocal Ensemble has grown and changed over time, they have been fortunate to attract Okanagan

singers from Oliver to Kelowna, who without fail, bring great energy and voice.

Frank Venables Theatre presents

Renaissance Sunday May 1 - 7:00 pm Featuring Ballet Kelowna and Continuum Contemporary Music and special guest artists from National Ballet of Canada Renaissance is a collaboration between Ballet Kelowna and Continuum, Toronto's renowned contemporary chamber music ensemble in a program that showcases some of Canada's finest choreographers, dancers, composers and musicians. A rare opportunity to see dance paired with live music. Renaissance features new works inspired by early music and choreographed by Ballet Kelowna's artistic director Simone Orlando, along with Heather Myers, James Kudelka and John Alleyne. Rising stars from The National Ballet of Canada, Hannah Fischer and Ethan Watts, will make a special guest appearance to perform a new duet choreographer Robert Binet.

Oliver Elementary Fine Arts Club presents

The Lion King Jr Disney's The Lion King Jr. tells the story of the epic adventures of a curious cub named Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of adulthood and his destiny as king. Enjoy singing, acting and energy of the OES students in this musical theatre favourite filled with The Lion King JR. classic songs such as "Hakuna Matata" & "Can You Feel the Love Tonight". Directed by Lori Martine

Thursday May 5 and Friday May 6 - 7:00 pm

School District 53 Music Department presents:

Music Monday Monday May 9 – 9:30am Music students show their stuff An annual event featuring the school bands from the three towns in the district: Oliver, Osoyoos, and Keremeos. All of the students get together the weekend before Music Monday to prepare for the concert, and then do a tour of the schools across the district playing three separate concerts during the day under the direction of Lisa Ante, Matthew Falk and Lisa Man. Kootenay Concert Connection and SoCountry.Ca present: The Lonely - A Tribute to Roy Orbison

Saturday May 14 - 7:30 pm Roy Orbison, the Big O, was unmistakable with his trademark sunglasses, his distinctive, powerful voice, complex compositions and the dark emotional ballads we all love. From 1960 to '64 Roy Orbison landed 22 songs on the Billboard Top 40, including "Only The Lonely", "Crying", and "Oh, Pretty Woman. THE LONELY - A Tribute to ROY ORBISON approaches the music with a humble spirit and sincere desire to recreate the sounds and feel of the original recordings. The band has been

selling out shows right from their debut.

The Town of Oliver presents: Spirit of Oliver Awards Sunday, May 15 - 3:00 pm Community members making a difference Join in celebrating the many individuals and groups who give of their own free time to fund-raise, improve health, support local business, enhance events and provide positive experiences for residents and visitors to the Oliver area. Awards ceremony and refreshments held in the Frank Venables Theatre Lobby. No admission. All Welcome.

May 21 - 27- all shows 7:30 pm South Okanagan Amateur Players present

2016 OZone Festival Seven nights, seven shows at the Okanagan Zone Theatre Festival Each year BC's 10 regional community

theatre zones hold festivals in order to determine a 'best of the best' performance. The winners of these Zone Festivals then proceed onto Mainstage, the Annual Provincial Theatre Festival. This year’s festival will feature seven plays from Theatre groups in Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm, Armstrong, Princeton and Oliver/Osoyoos and it's all happening at the Frank Venables Theatre. A Gala Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday May 28th. For online tickets and further details on the seven shows and the Gala Dinner check out www.venablestheatre.ca or the SOAP site at www.soplayers.ca

Friday June 3rd - 7:00 pm and

Saturday June 4th - 3:00 pm Balance School of Performing Arts

Starting Here! Located in the heart of Penticton, Balance School of Performing Arts offers training in voice, acting, and dance disciplines ages 4yrs and up. Come and enjoy this group's year-end performances Friday June 3rd - 7pm Limited seats left for the evening performance Saturday June 4 - SOLD OUT

Tuesday June 14th - 7:00 pm

Graduation Awards Night 2016 An annual event for the Southern Okanagan Secondary School with awards and scholarships presented to this year's graduating class.

An event for students and their families Saturday June 18th at 6:00 pm Sunday June 19th at 2:00 pm. The Dance Studio in Oliver

A Night at the Movies 2 Last year's show was such a hit they decided to do it again! Celebrating 4 years of success, this year-end performance is jam packed with exciting routines from your favourite movies! Tickets are available at The Dance Studio, 6237 Main Street, Oliver or at the door. Phone (778) 439-3332 or email thedancestudio@hotmail.com