Ronnie Burkett's Penny Plain receives critical and public praise! On now until Dec. 17
More $45 seats just added to every performance! Click here to buy yours today as
they won't last long.
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Penny Plain is blind, but fully aware of the desperate state of mankind. Through encounters with survivalists, a serial killer, talking dogs and mysterious strangers, this apocalyptic story shows the funny and chilling consequences as Mother Earth cleans house and reclaims her ground.
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Imagine a world where the monetary system has collapsed, banks have closed, a deadly flu pandemic is spreading, Iceland has submerged, and three million kangaroos are on a rampant killing spree. The imaginative world of Penny Plain may be marred with the trappings of an apocalyptic nightmare, but the amusing tales of its remaining inhabitants keep the story wonderfully light. From an overstuffed chair in her dilapidated boarding house, the blind, elderly Penny Plain keeps informed about the state of the world from an eccentric collection of boarders and passerby's. Since Penny Plain opened to a sold-out house on November 17, critics and audiences alike have raved about Ronnie Burkett's apocalyptic masterpiece.
 "...Moment to moment, Burkett's skills are dazzling. There's phenomenal life in his marionettes' gestures. Simple movements...become pure poetry." - The Georgia Straight
"...Your eye is always drawn down-string to the puppets into which [Burkett] has so authentically infused life. His talent is simply extraordinary." - The Globe & Mail
"Burkett's latest brilliant theatrical concoction combines complex humanity, talking animals, comic absurdity and ecological catastrophe... His skill as a puppeteer is unmatched, but his writing and acting are equally impressive." - The Province
"[The show] was amazing. Ronnie Burkett never fails to blow my mind. Everyone should see Penny Plain." - @ErinGarrity via Twitter
"I'm left in awe over Penny Plain at The Cultch - Ronnie Burkett is a Canadian theatre rockstar." - @shamelesshussy via Twitter
"Ultimate compliment for puppeteer is to disappear and let your creations take center stage. Ronnie Burkett does just that in Penny Plain." - @gayvancouver via Twitter
 Penny Plain is playing at The Cultch until December 17, 2011. (More $45 seats added to EVERY SINGLE PERFORMANCE). Tickets start at $45 and are available online at tickets.thecultch.com, by phone at 604.251.1363, or in person at 1895 Venables Street. Sponsored by BMO Financial Group.
The Christmas Carol Project returns to The Cultch - A holiday performance for the whole family!
What is on your Christmas list this year? Socks? Underwear? An iPhone? How about tickets to see and hear Juno-nominated folk musicians that make up The Christmas Carol Project at The Cultch. Complete with an original score of 14 musical pieces, The Christmas Carol Project chronicles a transformative night in the life of one Ebenezer Scrooge. The Cultch was lucky enough to catch up with John Armstrong, the man behind The Christmas Carol Project. He was kind enough to answer a few questions and give a little insight into the show's concept and talent, along with his personal insights.
 Tell us about The Christmas Carol Project - how does the show unfold?
The show is based on compositions by a collective of songwriters who have written from the perspectives of the main characters of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The songs are tied together with text from the story delivered by our narrator, Chris Humphreys who makes his debut with the project this year.
What inspired you to make a music show out of the classic story, A Christmas Carol?
When the idea came to me, I was looking for a way to showcase some of the incredible musical talent that we have in Edmonton in one show. It just made a lot of sense as a vehicle and it's a classic, timeless story with an important message for all of us.
If any, which character from the novel can you most identify with?
The Ghost of Christmas Present
What is your favourite movie rendition of A Christmas Carol?
The classic 1951 film with Alistair Sim, not colourized please - and a nod to the Muppets.
How did you feel the first time you were asked to perform The Christmas Carol Project outside of Edmonton?
Our first out of town gig was at the Yukon Arts Centre in Whitehorse. That same season we received an offer from BRAVO to create the television version of the project. It was very gratifying to receive interest, support and encouragement from such prestigious entities. Unfortunately, that spoiled us and now we only agree to perform at the finest of venues.
Celebrate the holiday season at The Cultch on December 18 to 20, 2011. Tickets are from $28 and may be purchased by visiting tickets.thecultch.com or call the Box Office at 604-251-1363. Sponsored by West Coast Reduction, Whistler Brewing and Rosedale on Robson.
In The Gallery: Prophecy by Lesley "Fireweed" Gering
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Lesley "Fireweed" Gering - Prophecy
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The Cultch Gallery is excited to present Prophecy, featuring works by Lesley "Fireweed" Gering. Gering's art explores themes of modern technology and ancient rites on canvas. She has a passion for riding motorcycles which overflows into her work, as she uses motorcycle oil and pigment as her medium. Gering also has a love of ancient Near East and Indian culture which has challenged her to realize that science and mythology are linked. This inspiration is emulated through her as an artist.
"To create the depth I felt with these themes, I worked for months creating stories under layers of paint - hidden messages that only I knew about... All the while pushing the boundaries of fabricated and body mechanics in humanity and machine."
Lesley Gering (aka Fireweed) is an award winning Emily Carr Graduate, mother, and motorcyclist who crosses the mediums with photography, film, writing, video, 2-D art and even fire performance. Her work has been published in over fifty publications worldwide and her photography and writing have been printed in over a dozen motorcycle magazines internationally.
The Prophecy exhibit is now showing until December 18, 2011. For regular gallery hours, visit our website at thecultch.com.
All art displayed in The Cultch gallery is available for sale and may be purchased through The Cultch. If interested, please contact us at gallery@thecultch.com.
The Cultch's IGNITE! Youth Program goes national
Corbin Murdoch, The Cultch's Youth Program Manager, recounts his recent trip to Toronto and the partnership with the Arts Networks for Children and Youth that came out of it.
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The Cultch's IGNITE! Youth Festival takes place May 13 - 19, 2012
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For over four years I have been working to expand the reach of The Cultch's Youth Program throughout the Lower Mainland. Every year, hundreds of young artists descend on The Cultch for the IGNITE! Festival, a week of unmediated youth-driven arts performance and exhibition. One of the best things about my job is witnessing relationships developing between young artists. Without fail, every IGNITE! becomes a catalytic event. New bands, theatre companies and dance troupes are formed, friendships blossom, and collaborations are propelled forward. The formula is simple: bring youth together and give them the resources to create new work, and strange, wonderful things will happen.
We now have the opportunity to reach beyond Greater Vancouver and connect The Cultch's Youth Program to a national youth arts initiative. This year, Arts Networks for Children and Youth (ANCY), a youth-arts organization based out of Toronto, are working to generate excitement and activity around National Youth Arts Week, which takes place across the country May 1-7, 2012. The Cultch has been invited to partner with ANCY as the Vancouver coordinating body. Having seen what is possible connecting youth from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, I can only imagine what might happen when connections are made across provinces.
Read More>>
To get involved in The Cultch's Youth Program please contact Youth Program Manager Corbin Murdoch at corbin@thecultch.com. The IGNITE! Mentorship program - Inspiring the youth of our community The IGNITE! Mentorship Program offers a series of one-on-one mentorship opportunities in specific media to youth who want to pursue a career in the arts. This year, we are offering mentorships in Dance, Directing, Play Writing, Songwriting, and Spoken Word.
In each of these areas, promising young artists will be paired with a mentor in their chosen media. The Cultch presents some of the most accomplished artists from across Canada and around the world. The Intensive program is designed to allow emerging artists in the community to access and learn from this incredible pool of talent.
For further information about IGNITE! please visit ignitementorships.wordpress.com 
Exciting Volunteer Opportunities Ushers
Looking for an opportunity to fill a free evening with some innovative and dynamic entertainment? How about meeting some potential new friends and getting involved in the arts community? Then why not volunteer for The Cultch! The Cultch is always looking for outgoing, reliable & friendly people with an interest in the arts to join our volunteer team as ushers. Our ushers are the first point of contact for guests as they enter the building and play a crucial role in creating a welcoming atmosphere at The Cultch. No experience is required as we provide you with full training, but previous ushering or customer service experience is always an asset. For more details and info on how to apply, click here.
Administration/Reception
Looking to gain experience in administration and receptionist duties? Interested in receiving free tickets to upcoming Cultch shows, learning new and transferable skills, meeting new people and receiving recognition for your efforts? The Cultch is currently looking for a volunteer receptionist with a great sense of humour to assist in a wide range of administrative services. Hours for this position are day time, week days. For more details and info on how to apply, please contact Cindy Reid, Managing Director (cindy@thecultch.com). 
NOW OPEN: Founder's Lounge at The Cultch, in partnership with Two Chefs and a Table
 The Cultch is thrilled to announce the opening of our very own Founder's Lounge! We've partnered with East Vancouver's highly respected Two Chefs and a Table to now offer full food service for every performance. This exciting new addition will feature the same fresh, locally-sourced and sustainable approach that Two Chefs developed. For more information please visit our website. We can't wait to see you there!
The 38-seat Founders' Lounge is open six nights a week from 5:30-11pm serving tapas, wine, craft beer and cocktails to event attendees and the public alike. It's also available for private bookings on non-event nights. Reservations are now being accepted at 604-340-3445.
We need your help now! Make a difference in the lives of local, young, and developing artists - Donate by Dec. 9
 What happens on The Cultch stage touches thousands of audience members every season, but that is only the beginning - We are so much more than a presenter of performances. The Cultch is also home to free community events, residencies in theatre, music and dance, commissions of new performances like Penny Plain, and a flourishing youth program. We are able to offer these programs because of generous individuals like you, which is why we need your help! You are essential to balancing the cost of delivering these exceptional and free programs to our community.
Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to The Cultch by December 9, 2011 and you'll also be entered to win two tickets for Ronnie Burkett's show Penny Plain! With your financial support you are helping to cultivate and inspire artists and individuals in our community. Simply click here and follow the easy steps to donate online or call us at 604-251-1363. For a list of donor benefits, visit our website.
On behalf of all of The Cultch's staff, artists-in-residence, commissioned artists, and youth program participants, thank you for your support of The Cultch.
Blue Box's Carmen Aguirre was selected for CBC Canada Reads 2012  The Cultch is presenting Blue Box in May 2012, produced by Nightswimming in association with Neworld Theatre, and we're excited to announce that playwright and performer Carmen Aguirre's memoir Something Fierce has been selected for CBC Canada Reads 2012!
Hosted by Jian Ghomeshi, Canada Reads will air on CBC Radio in February 2012. Tune in as Canadian rapper Shad defends Something Fierce! Congratulations, Carmen!
 Bah! Humbug! An SFU Woodward's and Vancouver Moving Theatre presentation The Cultch is happy to support our community and share with you another exciting holiday treat coming soon. Bah! Humbug! is a seasonal benefit for the Downtown Eastside Community Arts presented by SFU Woodward's and Vancouver Moving Theatre. This staged reading is a contemporary adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol,' where Victorian England meets the Downtown Eastside. Starring Jay Brazeau, Jim Byrnes, and Margo Kane, directed by Max Reimer, and featuring over 20 musical arrangements, this is a show that you won't want to miss! Bah! Humbug! is showing from December 14-17, 2011 at 7:30 pm; and Dec. 17-18, 2011 at 2 pm. General tickets are $29 and Students/Seniors are $19. For tickets visit the Vancouver Playhouse or www.sfuwoodwards.ca |
