I recently came across a post about gratitude. It was talking about theatre, specifically, but applies to every  career path, every artistic endeavour, and to life in general. It's about the positive impact of being thankful for what you have -- directly compared to the negativity of focusing on what you don't have or wish you had.

This is a problem for many artists. People love the arts, but often don't understand those who lend their lives to them. Support is not always forthcoming, and jobs and stability are a struggle. It's easy to let it chip away at you; to become jaded and cynical. It's easy to let it grind you down -- and when you get into that kind of mindset, you invite stress, negativity, and a host of other things that can tank your career before you get a chance to catch your stride. 

With a bit of gratitude, though, just a little change in perspective, you stand a much better chance of getting what you want and need. And of being happy. 

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This February 12, 2012, marks the beginning of yet another round of the fabulous Sunday Coffee Concerts at Terry Fox Theatre. Once again, Port Coquitlam and the Greater Vancouver area have a chance to see inspiring and eclectic performances while relaxing on select Sunday afternoons (be sure to check our Event Calendar for details).

Prepare yourself for an afternoon or two of jazz, gospel, country, or latin music -- not to mention a touch of the blues from someone who used to open for The Guess Who and The Monkees. Read on for details!

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It's almost New Year's Eve; Terry Fox Theatre is on break -- whatever are you to do for fun? Now, we're talking family fun, here, not your typical New Year's hoopla. You can get that stuff anywhere. Not to worry, though, Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area actually have a lot going on to close out the year and ring in the new. We're going to hip you (you bet I said it!) to three of them that are fun for everyone, and won't utterly destroy your wallet and hopes for financial solvency in 2012.

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The time is upon us! Most of the kids are out of school, some of us are on vacation, and many of us are dealing with the joys and stresses of our various end-December holidays. The season is in full swing and now, more than ever we have to remember how to relax, how to have fun, and how to make the most out of what we have. In the spirit of the holiday season, Terry Fox Theatre would like to wish you all happiness and joy, point you at last year's still-relevant post on how to make the most out of your holiday, and remind you to not drink and drive.

Have a happy holiday, and be safe!

A couple of weeks back, we put up a post on acting tips and excercises for eye contact. The source of the post was a great site called Theatrefolk.com, which not only has a blog containing some excellent theatre tips, but also is a source of plays that are written specifically for student performers at the High School and Middle School level. The plays are original and "age appropriate without being "kiddy" and have modest technical requirements. Theatrefolk is a great place to find plays for your school or younger acting classes, and has a number of handy resources throughout the site -- even a section for Free Stuff. 

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The Holidays are once again upon us and we've got the shows to prove it! We've already had the pleasure of being the stage for Broadway Bound's A Hillbilly Christmas, their 7th annual -- and awesome -- family Christmas show, and we've got some more music, dance, and even magic to get you and your family into the holiday spirit.

Let's start with this Friday night, where our friends the Showstoppers Academy return to us once again for their annual Christmas Showcase. If you like movies, musicals, or just a good Christmas show featuring kids from 5-20 years old singing their hearts out, you will love Showstoppers Christmas Showcase 2011. Songs run the gambit from Christmas classics to selections from Wicked, Newsies, Honk, and Thoroughly Modern Mile.

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I was reading through an excellent theatre blog -- theatrefolk.com, which I will profile in another post -- and came across some great tips for helping theatre beginners to look each other in the eye during intimate scenes. These were put together by teacher Haley Salitros of Lincoln High School (Vincennes, Indiana) as a part of a Theatrefolk contest called Write and Win. Write and Win is an opportunity for US and Canadian high school teachers and students to enter their best tips and win free plays and/or a subscription to the Script Bank. It's over now, unfortunately, but its a fantastic way to learn about theatre from the perspective of those who teach beginners or are beginners themselves.

Haley's theatre tips for eye contact are broken down into three steps:

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There is no shortage of good theatre resources online -- though you sometimes have to look closely to find sites and theatre blogs that are regularly updated and do more than just review local shows. We've profiled several of the better resources for actors, producers, technicians, playwrights, and general theatre buffs in our ongoing Theatre Blog Profiles series -- but *gasp* not all resources come in blog form. Not even in this day and age. In the spirit of this epiphany, here are two fantastic "old world" websites that are essential for the Canadian theatre enthusiast: the Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia, and the Improv Encyclopedia.

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The title of this post may have you thinking "what the hell...?" -- but I promise you, this isn't about morbid or emo thought patterns for the jaded. This is about conducting ourselves as professionals, especially in a field like acting, where emotion is the stock and trade. This is about getting the job done (and getting it done well) in spite of ego, how we feel about the parts we're playing, whether the job will pay the rent, or how much or little talent the person opposite us has.

Nobody in the audience cares how we feel about these things. Nobody in the audience cares about actors one way or the other -- except for how well we show ourselves in the parts that we're playing. They expect us to be nothing less than the person we are committing ourselves to portray. For them, not us.

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Hallowe'en is done and the month of November is upon us. November is home to all sorts of important things: Rememberance Day, moustaches, my wife's birthday, the Christmas and Holiday season countdown -- endless trips to that place where your kids hide their candy... It also happens to be a great month here in Port Coquitlam, specifically for the Terry Fox Theatre.

Here's just a few of the things we have in store:

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Today we post our 51st blog post. Now, we only post one per week, so that's a milestone, right there! To celebrate, we've decided to post our second installment of Best of the Blog, featuring some of our favourite posts since the first installment. We've talked about all kinds of things since then: summery goings-on in our fair city of Port Coquitlam, profiles of some truly fantastic resources for theatre-lovers, how theatre transcends language, marketing tactics, superstitions that still hold, and more.

Here are the ones that made the short list:

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This weekend, the fantastic and entertaining Tiny Tots shows begin another set of interactive performances for the wee-generation. Goldyhands & the 3 Bows gives young children the opportunity to experience and be a part of the music of Antonio Vivaldi, performed on violin, cello, and string bass by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. 

Goldyhands is featured as the musical niece of the great composer, and finds herself involved in an enchanting fairytale with the talented Bow family. Children will clap, sing, and become immersed in the music, while the musicians play and the ladies of Let Your Music Shine entertain.

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We've profiled several blogs and websites that are meant for a worldwide audience, but this one is definitely for the locals. If you're at all interested in theatre -- and I'm assuming you are if your reading this -- and you live in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Port Coquitlam, or anywhere else in the lower mainland, VancouverPlays.com should be on the top of your "regular visit" list.

The site is the baby of Jerry Wasserman, professor of English and Theatre at UBC. Jerry is an author and speaker on Canadian Theatre, modern fiction and dramatic literature, theatre history, and blues music. He's reviewed over 1000 plays for the Province newspaper, CBC Radio and other venues, has a performance resume of over 200 appearances (some of his film credits include I, Robot, The Watchmen, Look Who’s Talking, for those interested), and is the editor of the Modern Canadian Plays Anthology.

VancouverPlays is a fantastic place to find out what's playing in the Lover Mainland theatre scene.

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If you are an actor or theatre aficionado -- scratch that -- If you are a person, there are two short videos on YouTube that you simply must watch. They are a combined approximate of 16 minutes, and they will impress you, tickle you, and inspire you at your very core. 

In just those few minutes, Patsy Rodenburg -- renowned teacher who has worked with some of the biggest names in both theatre and film (Helen Mirren, Ian Mckellan, and many more) -- will paint a picture of why theatre is so vital to us, as people, and open a door to a way of life -- of being -- that is both empowering and sustaining.

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You might have noticed that we have a minor obsession with theatre resources. We cover useful blogs and sites, have dropped a few tips and tricks, and have even tried to help you know what to look for in a good theatre. Looking back through the posts of these past months, however, there is a definite gap. We do some pretty cool things here, too, and dammit, it's about time we mention them!

For example: Terry Fox Theatre is a non-profit theatre run by the Port Coquitlam Theatre Society. It just so happens that our benevolent managing body is, as the name implies, interested in fostering the arts. As such, they offer a chance for you to take your production to that ever-elusive "next level" of theatre awesome -- which is to say that they offer a grant that gives you access to Terry Fox Theatre at reduced rates. 

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Like any culture -- especially those that have so much riding on display of their craft -- theatre is awash in superstition. There are so many things that can and do go wrong with each show, from the minuscule to the devastating, and even deadly. Some of these things would occur seemingly without rhyme or reason, and many seemed to happen as a direct result to some common trigger. People needed to find ways to counteract them. And so they did -- perhaps in strange ways at times, but who cared, as long as the bad didn't happen?

It's important to be aware of these superstitions when working in theatre. If you're not, you could find yourself on the wrong side of some very unhappy people. Here are three of the most common: 

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I can't think of a better way to kick off the theatre season than a festival that showcases theatre in all of its many extremes. The annual Vancouver Fringe Festival, or simply The Fringe, is a crazy collective of artistry that inspires, explodes the senses, and is beautifully awesome even when shows fall flat on their imaginary faces.

It starts tomorrow. You should go.

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The summer's coming to a close and Terry Fox Theatre is gearing up for the new season. One of the first shows this year is set to rock the house with Lombard, a Polish pop-rock band that has been doing what they do best since 1981, and featuring a group of local rockers by the name of Black Powder Toys. The show, which plays our theatre on September 17th, is presented by Radio IKS, a Polish-focused radio show on RED 93.1 FM.

Dig a bit of world rock do you? You're going to want to keep reading...

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There are many theatre blogs out there, but few get it right. What I mean by that is, while the content is often good, the lion's share of them are, shall we say, a bit light on visual appeal. Or search engine appeal. Or any sort of social connection whatsoever. In the grand scheme of the modern web: they suck. This is unfortunate, because, if these blogs and their owners took the time to truly embrace the power of the web, they could do nothing but elevate the theatre community -- and theatre in general.

Don't despair! Like I said... There are a few out there who get it right. They find that sweet spot of great content, social connectivity, and visual appeal (easy navigation!). We've covered some of them on this blog already, and Dennis Baker's personal website and blog is the latest and one of the most well-rounded additions to that list.

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Special effects are not something unique to movies, or even our time. Sure, they have gotten a lot more spectacular over the years (I remember Phantom of the Opera having flame throwers back in 1990), but there are several "tried and true" effects that have been around since ancient times -- some since the very inception of theatre. They may not have the flash-bang-singe-your-eyebrows effect that we expect today, but they get the job done, often cost next to nothing to accomplish, and add nuance and magic to the telling of tales.

Here are five of the best, as outlined by About.com:

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You remember print? That ancient method of turning trees into those age-old things called "books"? They're still out there, still comfortable to hold in your hands, fold over the page-corners, and generally get your read on -- and though the small, specialized book store is a dying breed, there are still a few great ones left.

One of those great specialized stores is entirely dedicated to books on theatre, film, dance and opera, and is an internationally known Canadian treasure that's been around since 1975. It's simply known as TheatreBooks. And yes, they ship.

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Let's face it: the days of the flyer are numbered. Yes, yes, there is still merit in posting playbills and other paper ads on every telephone pole, bulletin board, and blank piece of wall you can find, but the social media takeover and the rise of hyperlocal online advertising has put a lasting dent in that model. Why? Even guerilla tactics can be costly when they're paper-based (other than time, social media can be done for free), and the rise of social + the smartphone has pushed even the average "Joe" to go digital. And why wouldn't they? Since the beginning of trade, people have relied on word of mouth recommendations from their networks to establish trust in products and the people that sell them -- social media is essentially a worldwide, but also extremely local, word of mouth engine.

Yes, the flyer is approaching the end -- at least in its traditional form -- but it's not dead yet. In fact, there are several ways that you can utilize offline marketing tactics to help you build and grow your social, online community. 

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I recently read an article on the Theatre Blog of the Manchester Guardian (guardian.co.uk) talking of writer Laura Barnett's experience watching plays in other languages. She was at the Avignon Festival in the south of France, and, while one of the four plays she took in had English surtitles, and another was in Italian, which she understands, the other two were in Flemish and French, respectively -- and without English surtitles or translations.

For her, the experience was both enlightening and spellbinding, as it drew her attention more toward the other aspects of the performances, such as movement and dance, visual appeal, and the music and audio intricacies. The languages and the plots and dialogue they painted were still important, and missed, but the overall production was illuminated in ways she hadn't considered.

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Theatre tips and tricks are a broad topic and can cover everything from acting tips to stage lighting. In our blog profiles, we try our best to find sites that help you quickly discover tips in every aspect. So far, we've been light on the more practical visual elements of theatre like set design, make-up, props, and other production and staging techniques. Today's post is the first of several that will focus solely on those oh-so-important aspects of a great show, starting with a site that is all about community theatre:

Community Theater Green Room  

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If you're looking for a fantastic and comprehensive resource to get started in or navigate the Vancouver acting world (and the Greater Vancouver Area, by extension), then you are going to want to want to take a look at the Vancouver Actor's Guide. The Guide is a free website that has been around since 1998, has a ton of great information, links, and is home to an active, near-2300 member community forum that can help you get your questions answered.

Check out the highlights of the site, below:

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Most community artistic facilities -- ourselves included -- either close down or go into standby mode during the summer. Due to the transient nature of people in the months of July and August, it's difficult to maintain a steady program. Don't fret though! If you are jonesing from some culture over the next 6-8 weeks, Vancouver area, our very own city of Port Coquitlam has stepped up to save the day -- without costing you a dime!

Port Coquitlam may be a smaller city in the Lower Mainland, but we like our culture and there is strong support for the performing arts here. Every summer, the city puts on a weekly set of shows for your viewing pleasure, which is great for both tourists and "staycationers" alike.

This year, Port Coquitlam's Summer in the City presents three weekly (free!) cultural events: 

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Normally, in our blog profiles, we stick to teaching resources that provide tips on acting, production, lighting, etc. However, it wouldn't do to ignore the review sites -- especially blogs that cover shows in our lovely home country, Canada. It's easy enough to come across these blogs, and you can even get reviews from the website of your local paper, but there are a few in particular that stand out above the rest for their writing style and their passion. 

One such blog is TWISI, or, The Way I See It, by Amanda Campbell.

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We started blogging back in September of 2010 and have been posting regularly for seven months, now. Our purpose? To become a resource for those who love and work in the performing arts, as well as to highlight some of the fantastic shows that grace our beautiful Port Coquitlam community theatre. Over our 33 previous posts, we've covered tips on stage fright and owning the stage, why the performing arts are so vital for children and life in general, and more; as well as connected you with several other great theatre blogs and websites.

Here are just a few of our favourite posts so far:

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A few weeks ago, we told you all about the fantastic line-up of dance, music, and variety shows at our theatre in June. Well, there's been a late entry -- and it deserves a bit of extra notice too! After all, it's not every day you have a chance to see the Young People's Opera Society in action, and our Port Coquitlam stage will be their venue for four days surrounding the Canada Day long weekend.

So put on your maple leafs and come check out a bit of opera to the theme of the Greek myth, Pandora's Box. Click the jump to read more about the Young People's Opera Society.

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Little things often affect what we do in large ways. It's not because they have any innate power of their own, or even that they (often) combine to shake the earth that you walk on. It’s because small things are always indicative of larger works in progress, and we are actively looking for those indications. They resonate with us.

Take, for example, a previously happy married couple who are now bitterly angry over backward toilet paper rolls and improperly squeezed toothpaste. Are these things truly the cause of their unhappiness with each other, or are they simply indicators that show a larger lack of respect for each other's feelings, and an inability to effectively communicate?

What about that small twitch of the mouth or subtle way of moving that seems to signify a character? Obviously, the affectation doesn't really define that character -- there's no detail there, no meat -- but it is a strong indication of who he is and what he's about. There’s a story there, and it gives us gut feeling about what to expect from that person; it makes us want to know more. The simple fact that the quirk stands out hits our body language translators like a fist, turning that small, potentially insignificant thing into a beacon that can make for a truly electrifying performance.

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In my search to discover and share great theatre and performing arts related blogs, I have often been surprised at the lack of well maintained resources out there. This is especially true of sites that focus on techniques and other tips, as opposed to the more common show-review sites. I was pleasantly surprised, then, when I discovered Mark Westbrook's The Acting Blog.

Mark Westbrook is a professional acting coach who works out of Glasgow, Scotland. To paraphrase his bio on his site, he has been educated at the universities of Kent, Urecht, and Nottingham, did his post grad at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, trained at the Atlantic Theatre Company Acting School in New York. He's been around for a while now and he knows his stuff. 

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The next 30 days -- 33 days if you care to be technical -- are going to be a blast in Port Coquitlam as dance and music schools bring in the summer at Terry Fox Theatre. We've got several fantastic year-end recitals, another fabulous visit by kid-favourites Lisa and Linda (Tiny Tots), and even a magical, juggling-filled variety show that will leave you giggling.

Is the Tri-Cities ready for this much fun and culture? Of course! Hit the jump for the details.

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People love quotes. It's the flash of truth, the insight those little groups of words give us into the minds and perspectives of the people who coin them. They catalyze us toward thought and action, debate, or even extreme ranges of emotion. Quotes give us a high level of empathic identification with our world and its peoples, especially those that have gained some level of status in our eyes -- and you can quote me on that. You know... if you want.

In any case, this is a theatre blog, and we do theatre tips, performance enhancing techniques of the non-chemical variety, applications of theatre in life, and even a bit of what to look for when renting a theatre. So, since we're talking about quotes, here are 30 of them -- all about acting, by actors, or somehow relating the world to the stage. Enjoy!

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One of your most precious resources as an actor, singer, or presenter is your voice. It must be protected at all costs, and properly maintained -- otherwise, you may find yourself taking a backseat to your understudy, or worse, unable to properly connect with your audience. Like any other part of your body, the voice can be devastated by improper and extended use, and it is often the most natural of activities, like talking, that will cause the most strain. 

To make sure you are always able to get the most out of your voice, follow the principles and techniques below. 

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Stage lighting, when done right, can set the mood and tone throughout the theatre, playing on your audience's emotions, and powerfully driving your show or event forward. When done right. Lighting is not something you can play by ear if you plan on going for the maximum effect. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a lighting technician -- and even if you can, do you know enough about how lighting works to understand what it is that technician is doing, at least from a high level? Can you direct him or her? Maybe not.

If you want to learn about stage lighting techniques, the On Stage Lighting blog is one of the best resources out there.

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Finding the right venue for your event is crucial to success. This holds true whether it's a family get-together, theatre production, recital, wedding, conference, or anything else you want to result in a gathering of people. Much of the time, a good stage is exactly the home you need -- which is why, in January, we talked about five of the most important things you need to look for when you rent a theatre. That list was just the beginning, however.

Here are five more things to look for: 

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It may sound a bit trite, but the statement "Theatre is many things to many people," also brings with it a great big bucket of truth. Nothing proves that sentiment more than the series of posts on the Praxis Theatre blog, titled 101 Sentences About Theatre. The posts, which were themselves inspired by writer George Hunka's 95 Sentences About Theatre, features the thoughts of the Praxis Theatre's creative team; in no particular order, and with no names attached. It is a manifesto about what the theatre is, what it can be, and how it resonates in the people who it inspires.

Praxis Theatre is a non-profit theatre in Toronto, Canada, that focuses its efforts on creating original theatre productions. They focus on their local area and like to challenge people on a socio-political level, without getting overbearing about it. This post is also a bit of a blog profile for them, as their site is a good read for anyone interested in the theatre scene. Check out some of their sentences on theatre, below -- and don't be afraid to add your own in the comments!

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We love kids in the performing arts at Terry Fox Theatre -- and theatre companies, theatre schools, and shows just for children seem to love us too! And why not? Community theatre is one of the best ways to help children build confidence and self-esteem, as well as develop leadership qualities, keep fit, and have a whole lot of serious fun! It's always a pleasure for us when a company or school chooses to display their talents on our stage, and this month's Featured Event -- which is actually comprised of three shows running from the end of April into the middle of May -- is no different.

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In the Owning the Stage series, our aim is to bring you tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you to increase your confidence, power, and presence when performing. The very best tips, however, are the ones that can be applied not only to theatre performances or presentations, but to life in general. After all, when Shakespeare wrote the famous line "All the world's a stage," various versions of the phrase, all with the same meaning and connotations, had already seen wide use. We are all actors, presenting a different face or aspect of ourselves to different people, and are often put into positions where we need to perform for fun, profit, or necessity. We strive to put forth the best face that we can, and there has been many a self-help book written to help us do just that.

All we really need, though, is a few acting lessons and the willingness to broaden our scope of vision, applying the transferable skills we learn there to increase our confidence, ability to articulate, and overall performance in life, the theatre, and everything. In this particular instalment of Owning the Stage, we address how to keep your audience listening, especially in the face of lengthy monologues and speeches -- such as the one you just read...

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Continuing in our quest to provide a most excellent resource for all things theatre and the performing arts, we present our latest Blog Profile:  the Playwrights Foundation Blog. The Playwrights Foundation is a US organization that offers support in "the inception and development of new plays." Their programs are, unfortunately, for US-based playwrights, but the information on their blog is open to all -- and is often surprisingly funny and all 'round entertaining to read.

While the Playwrights Foundation Blog is not the how-to resource one might hope for, it is a fantastic depository of musings, experiences, and anecdotes from the minds and lives of many, many playwrights; many of whom are also instructors. It is also home to several years worth of interviews with playwrights that are/were up and coming and well-established, both. There is much to be gained from reading between the lines of the posts, not the least of which is inspiration.

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Volunteering is more than just a way to gain experience for the career you want, or look good on a university application. It is more than just a gift of your time, as well, and if approached with right attitude, volunteering can yield benefits that can echo throughout your entire life.

Many non-profit organizations are dominated by volunteers, from board members and decision makers to those who help keep venues clean and presentable. For many, the organization they are a part of represents an overriding passion in their lives, or simply a way to help make their community -- or even the world -- a better place. The people you meet as a volunteer, the things you are a part of, are experiences that can affect you in ways you might not expect.

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Forgetting your lines during an audition or a theatre performance is a sure step toward extended bouts of self-recrimination. It's a horrible feeling, and one that brings with it enough stress that it can compound on itself, causing even the words you were sure you would remember to melt from your mind as you slowly spiral into nose dive that ends with your performance crashing and burning -- sometimes quite impressively. 

Thankfully, there are techniques that you can apply to help you ingrain those elusive words into your very being.

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Taking photographs of a theatre performance can be a challenge. The lighting is dark and meant to create a mood for a live audience, not your camera -- and flash photography is disruptive to performers, whether they be community theatre up-and-comers, or seasoned professionals of stage and song. There is also a lot of area to cover, and the subjects of your photographs are often in motion. Like I said... a challenge. The good news is that the techniques that professionals use to catch that perfect, clear shot -- the kind that defines a performance and graces portfolios -- can be boiled down to a some best practice tips.

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We're fans of kids at Terry Fox Theatre, and we believe in the power that music and the performing arts have on children and their development. We often have the pleasure of hosting events that feature or are specifically for children, ranging from recitals, to full productions, to series like Tiny Tots that bring interactive, educational play together with classical music.

Lisa and Linda, the magic behind Tiny Tots, have been working with symphony orchestras throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alberta -- including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra -- to make classical music accessible and interesting to the minds of toddlers to four and five year olds, blending string quartets and more with engaging stories and games that invite the child to participate. The most recent installment of the four-part series took place over the Christmas holidays, featuring selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and other sounds of the season. Kids were able to join in with the March of the Toys and play imaginary drums during the 1812 Overture. It was a blast!

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There are many, many, MANY resources online that are meant to help you become better at your craft, whether that craft is acting, writing for the stage, public speaking, dancing, orchestra and theatre management, directing, or any other facet of the world of stage performance. In our quest to become one of those resources, we have been scouring the web and our bookmarks for some of the more interesting and specific blogs and sites that we think may benefit both our general readers and those who rent our theatre. To that end, we present the Blog Profile series, where we will provide you with links to, impressions of, and information on some of those sites. Opinions and ideas are welcomed and encouraged!

For the first in this series, we profile a good read for theatre directors and all others involved in Arts Management: Butts In the Seats.

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Confidence is a lot of smoke and mirrors when it comes right down to it. Everyone gets nervous. Everyone cares, at least to some degree, about what others think; how others see them -- especially when performing something that is truly important to them. When you see someone on stage, in the midst of the performance of their life, you can make a safe bet that person is -- or at least was -- afraid. It's entirely natural, and the best performers are no less human than you are.

How do they do it, then? How do they appear so calm, so cool? How, exactly, is it that they can command such attention from their audience, captivating them sometimes to the point of awe? Can it be learned? Is there some sort of trick to it?

The answer to both questions is yes -- and where tricks are concerned, there are many. Here are five of the most important of them:

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This month is a month of great things: Valentine's Day, Super Bowl XLV, Year of the Metal Rabbit. Oh, and Family Day, too -- not in BC, yet, but they say it's coming. There are also several great things happening at the Terry Fox Theatre in beautiful Port Coquitlam!

We ended off January with a bang, hosting country music star and former professional hockey player Chad Brownlee as a part of the Sunday Coffee Concert series. The series, presented by the City of Port Coquitlam, continues to represent refined vocal talent throughout the month of February, featuring the Felice Women's Choir and The Gospel Experience. We've got a few other things in store for you as well, in the form of some great music, dance, and some fun for the kids. Check out the full list below:

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10 days ago, one of the most influential voices in Canadian theatre -- in theatre in general -- passed away. Michael Langham, the man who made the Stratford Shakespeare Festival into the theatrical force it has become, died at his home in Cranbrook, Kent, England, on Saturday the 15th of January, 2011, from a chest infection. He was 91 years old, and is survived by his wife, actress Helen Burns, his son, daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren.

Michael Langham was a native of England, born in 1919. He lived a rich and varied life that took him from study of law, to a five year stint as a prisoner of war in World War II, and finally to the Theatre. He ran several theatres in Great Britain, and was eventually brought to Canada by Tyrone Guthrie to be a part of the Stratford Festival. He served as the Stratford Festival's second Artistic Director, and carved out its permanent home. He is also credited with establishing the Stratford Music Festival, being a founder of the National Theatre School of Canada, and was instrumental in the creation of the Canada Council for the Arts.

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If you are putting together a show or conference, you already know to look for a rental venue that is accessible to your core audience -- but when renting a theatre for your production, how do you narrow down all of the local possibilities? You know you can't just take a shot in the dark; you've put too much work into your performance or presentation to have it blow up in your face by choosing the wrong venue. This is important!

Thankfully, no matter how many personalized specifics you may have for your stage event, there are five core things you can look for that will help you find the right theatre rental for you.

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Starting at the end of this month and running every other Sunday until the end of March, Terry Fox Theatre plays host to some of the best performances you'll find in Port Coquitlam or the surrounding area -- and each one costs $10 or less!

Presented by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Port Coquitlam, the line-up this year features everything from country and classical, to flamenco and gospel. Some of the acts are well known performers in the Lower Mainland, and we even have former professional hockey player who's hit the Top 20 charts.

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In so many ways, the stage is a microcosm of life. Things are amplified there, which is why even the most seemingly confident person can drown in their own insecurities. Stage fright -- also known as performance anxiety -- is one of the most common conditions in our society. It can be utterly debilitating, and can occur outside of traditional theatre, in any situation that requires you to give something personal of yourself in front of others.

Here are a few tips to help you deal with stage fright:

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Theatre is more than just a medium for entertainment. It's an expression of life, of self, of everything that makes us human. It's not always pretty, certainly, nor is it always happy -- but it is always inspiring.

What is it about theatre that captivates us? Why, in this era of home theatres, video games, and the internet, do we even bother to leave the house, let alone rub shoulders with strangers in the dark, watching people speak, sing, and dance on a stage? Why? Because theatre fulfils us in a way that none of those other things can -- even with next to no budget, no special and flashy effects, and nothing more than a single person and a chair on the stage, we can be inspired. Would you sit through a movie like that? Not likely. But a live show... you just might.

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The holiday season flies by quicker than you think. It's a time for fun, giving, family and food -- but all that can often be overshadowed by the stress of just how busy things get at this time of year. With that in mind, we've prepared a short list to help you make the most of your holiday.

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Looking for something a bit different this holiday season? How about something in the realm of a full orchestra and chorus, jammin' out Christmas tunes to the flavour of some 60's swing, rock 'n roll, beautiful ballads, and full on production numbers? What if there were some great dancers in the mix as well, and a splash of musical star power? Sounds like a good show, yes? Well then, grab some tickets to James Productions' Christmas Pops! 2010, and be at the Terry Fox Theatre in Port Coquitlam this Thursday-Sunday -- it just might rock your socks off! 

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If you're a fan of the hit TV show, Glee, or like seeing kids perform showtunes, you'll want to come visit Terry Fox Theatre this weekend. We've got two great shows lined up, one of which will blow your socks off with Glee-style performances of "Don't Stop Believing", "Lean On Me", the "Halo/Walking On Sunshine" mashup, and more, and the other will have you dancing in your seat to a costume-filled variety show. Picture that, some kids, a little bit of Broadway, and a lot of Christmas mixed in and you've got yourself an exciting, fun musical weekend that makes for great holiday outings for all ages.

You heard it here, first -- Port Coquitlam's got all the fun this Christmas!

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The performing arts are not a ticket to fame, and they're most definitely not an easy ticket to fortune. They're not just for girls and gay males, and they're not going to turn your kid into a "slacker hippie." What the performing arts are is a surefire way to make your kid just a little bit smarter, a little bit more confident, a little stronger, and a whole lot more capable of dealing with what life throws his or her way. 

By way of example, here are five reasons kids need the performing arts:

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Looking for something special to do this holiday season? If you live in or around the Tri-Cities, or are up for a visit to Port Coquitlam, then why not take in a show? 

Terry Fox Theatre is home to some spectacular community productions in the next month that feature everything from Shriners, to (Winter) Wonderland, to some fantastic musical numbers. Catch us on the right day and you might even get to see a little Glee. 

Check out the details after the jump.

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Terry Fox Theatre was proud to be a part of Dancing with OUR Stars, a local event that not only raised money for Port Moody's Crossroads Hospice Society, but pitted some of our local celebs against one another in serious dance competition! 

What a night to remember! It was a great time for everyone concerned and raised a significant amount of money for Crossroads Hospice Society. 

In fact, it looks like we'll be doing it again next year...

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The theatre stage is one of the most important elements of a professional performing arts venue next to the performers themselves.

So when Port Coquitlam Theatre Society, who manages the Terry Fox Theatre, was advised that the original stage floor (constructed in 1999) had outlived its best days, they didn’t hesitate to replace the old stage with a superior product -- for the show must go on!

Completion of a brand-new stage floor for Terry Fox Theatre was completed in July 2010. Made from a wonderful product used in world class theatres, Hardboard is the perfect stage flooring...

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Welcome! We are pleased to present you with a new website and blog for Terry Fox Theatre!

The last several months have been a journey to create a fresh new look and feel for our website that captures our mission to inspire, educate and entertain members of our community. We hope that you will find this new site easy to navigate and rich with information on everything from how to rent our theatre, to getting involved as a supporter or becoming a volunteer, to what’s playing now at the Terry Fox Theatre in Port Coquitlam.

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