Staff
“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not’?” – George Bernard Shaw
With over 30 years of experience steering arts organizations, Patrick is thrilled to be bringing his experience to the Arts and Culture Manager position. After 4 years at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, Patrick has built rewarding relationships with many local arts organizations, and is looking forward to now assisting all of the talented and wonderful artists and Arts Groups in our Region to prosper and grow.
“The theater is so endlessly fascinating because it’s so accidental. It’s so much like life.”– Arthur Miller
Charlotte has spent her entire life in the theatre. A performer through and through, she has spent the last 10 years splitting her time between appearing on Vancouver’s stages and working as an arts administrator. Charlotte has lent her skills and enthusiasm to multiple arts organizations including Bard on The Beach, The Cultch and Rifflandia Music Festival. She is so thrilled to be back on Vancouver Island and can’t wait to use her experience to foster and facilitate all the wonderful local arts groups, as well as to help bring some incredible performance to the valley.
“I really appreciate everything the beautiful Cowichan Valley offers and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play a part in promoting the arts and cultivating community here.”
Janelle got her start in arts and culture in Edmonton as a marketing specialist and editorial writer for travel and entertainment magazines, including Where Edmonton, Edmonton City Guide, VUE Weekly and more. She has worked in communications and community engagement for over six years and has been organizing and promoting events in the Interior and on Vancouver Island. She’s currently completing her MA of Professional Communications at Royal Roads University.
“Pulling all the details together to ensure the best possible guest experience is my most rewarding role at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre.”
Laura, an accomplished editor and writer from the Cowichan Valley, offers a detail-orientated approach to her role at CPAC. She provides administrative support to all departments of the theatre. After a successful career in hospitality management, Laura brings her passion for Vancouver Island products to the theatre’s concession and artist hospitality. By using her community connections as a long-standing arts advocate and volunteer, she also finds varied and original shows for the Lobby Gallery.
This is truly a great venue. From loading dock to lobby this is unquestionably one of the finest theatre venues on Vancouver Island. With the biggest stage, the best equipment, and the most professional crew you can leave your PA gear and consoles on the truck, Cowichan Performing Arts Centre has everything you need – and it keeps getting better!
New in 2023:
- Quantum 338 main mixing console!
- Beautiful lobby expansion including new bar / concession and washrooms!
- 730 all-new seats with cup-holders at every location!
- Hearing assistance loop working automatically with hearing aids!
New for 2024:
- ETC APEX lighting console!
- Genie self-propelled platform-lift for stage!
- Improved video networking to screens!
The Technical Information page has all the details.
Whether you are coming here as a solo artist or with a 40 person group the Technical Director is the main contact to send your technical requirements. Roland has a 20-year career as a Roadhouse TD and is dedicated to fostering excellence in a safe and creative workspace. Let’s talk soon!
“I do this because I love music and getting the right sound takes art and soul to get it right.”
A musician at heart, Richard has a lengthy career as a touring guitarist (in his 20’s) and then as a road manager and sound engineer touring with Trooper, Michael Kaeshammer, Jill Barber, Royal Wood and master illusionist Murray Hatfield. He has travelled the globe working in sound production and has eclectic and unique talents in stringed instrument restoration and repair. Richard has worked all over Vancouver Island as a sound technician for theatres, music festivals and large venue concerts and now heads up the sound department as an ATD for the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Richard is meticulous and dedicated to ensuring each show has the highest audio production possible for every type of performance from local theatre productions to international touring productions.
“With over thirty years of performing arts experience as stage manager, performer, designer, producer and production coordinator, my role is to facilitate and support the creative visions of performers and directors. As LD at CPAC, I highlight relationships between performers; as ATD, I strive for maintaining an autonomous relationship between performers and audiences.”
While working in a recording studio, Don began an accidental career in theatre at the Yukon Arts Centre in Whitehorse. He has since designed lighting for productions at Chemainus Theatre Festival, Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet, Theatre Skam, Pacific Opera, and Brentwood College School over the past 20 years. As a proud resident of the Cowichan Valley, he is very pleased to be sharing his skills and experience with the community at CPAC, the second largest stage in British Columbia!
“I have worked in other theatres over the years, but this is my favourite place to be.”
Our main crew chief, Dave Barton, has a contagious enthusiasm for all things theatre. The ultimate professional, it is quite evident when talking with him that he not only loves his job, but the clients and the theatre itself. Dave began working here in 1982 and expects to be part of the technical team for many years to come. This news is welcome relief to the many clients who have worked with Dave and have come to rely on his extensive experience in expertly handling the intricate details that are required behind the scenes.
“I love seeing people’s smiling faces going into a performance.”
Leah grew up in the Cowichan Valley and her passion for working with the public has led to a career with the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre. Starting out in the Ticket Centre as a Cashier Receptionist in 2017, Leah is now the Ticket Centre Supervisor. She has many years of experience working and dealing with user groups, promoters and the public to make sure their needs are met.