Ship's Company Theatre

About Us

The Theatre

History

Mainstage Production History

Reviews

Board of Directors

THE THEATRE

The physical and spiritual centre of the company is the M.V. Kipawo. In the beginning she served as our stage, and now joins metaphorically what she once did physically: people, places and ideas. In 1985 ‘the Kip’ was moved from the beach of the lower harbour to a berth prepared at extreme high tide at the upper end of the harbour. She was trimmed and secured from the daily rise and fall of the Bay of Fundy. A wharf was built around her and previously a tent was erected each summer over her foredeck to house the theatre. The 2004 season was the first in our new theatre built around the M.V. Kipawo, which serves as part of our lobby area. The theatre itself is a black box theatre equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound capabilities and modern comfortable seating. The ‘Kip’ remains as one of the most unique performance venues in Canada.

Administration
The Ship’s Company Theatre was incorporated in 1984 under the Societies Act and is governed by a Board of Directors who meet regularly to ensure consistent growth and financial security. In the early years, the administrative work was undertaken by the Co-Artistic Directors. As the company grew, the need for a General Manager became apparent; a number of qualified individuals have held that position over the years.

In 1998, year-round General Management became the responsibility of the Artistic Producer. General Management and Capital Project Consultant Bruce Klinger and Administrator Lisa Ward joined the Company in 2001. In 2006, Tina Smith joined the full-time administrative team as the Director of Fundraising and Marketing.

Current Staff
Pamela Halstead, Artistic Producer
Lisa Ward, Administrator
Rena Kossatz, Graphic Designer, Marketing/Fundraising Coordinator

Regularly Employed Artistic Personnel
Many great performing and directing talents have participated in the work produced at Ship's Company Theatre. The contribution of Designers Stephen Osler, Krista Levy, Denyse Karn, Bruce MacLennan and John Scott have established and maintain our reputation for high production values. Numerous Artists from across the country continue to choose Ship’s Company and Parrsboro as one of their favourite places to work and play. Greg Simm was named Associate Artist in 2007. The high quality of the theatre being created and the beauty and uniqueness of the surroundings make it easy to attract some of the best talent in the country.

Community Involvement
In addition to providing the Town of Parrsboro and Cumberland County with a nationally, regionally and locally recognized professional cultural enterprise, Ship’s Company Theatre contributes to our community in a number of ways.

Ship’s Company provides a major tourist draw with measurable economic spin-off to local businesses.
Ship’s Company supports Parrsboro businesses through our ‘buy local’ policy.
Through our marketing and co-marketing efforts, Ship’s Company promotes the Town of Parrsboro as a destination. We include other local attractions’ flyers in our major mail-outs,such as the Fundy Geological Museum, Ottawa House, Age of Sail Heritage Centre, Parrsboro Golf Club and Fundy Eco-Tours.
Ship’s Company promotes local businesses by co-marketing restaurants and accomodations through our theatre packages program.
Ship’s Company provides over 35 seasonal employment opportunities. A number of our positions provide valuable training to students through co-op and other student employment programs.
Ship’s Company offers annual Drama Camps for Youth, which provide an educational and recreational experience. The camps take place during our season and many of our professional Artists volunteer their time to share knowledge and skills.
Off-season fundraising events provide entertainment and an opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate.
Ship’s Company Board, Staff, and Volunteer corps produce the annual Christmas Concert and Dinner, a popular traditional event that galvanizes the community in an evening of festive presentations.
Ship’s Company assists other organizations' fundraising efforts through attendance and volunteer participation at events, as well as donation of tickets for draws and auctions.

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