Louise Campeau Honoured

Set Designer Louise Campeau (Scenography, 1984) was awarded the Elinore and Lou Siminovitch Prize in Theatre last October. Created in 2001, it is given in alternate years to playwrights, designers, and directors in mid-career who have made a significant contribution to theatre in Canada. The prize embodies dedication to excellence and mentorship. Accordingly, Louise Campeau received $75,000 of the $100,000 prize and $25,000 went to her protégées, Magalie Amyot (Scenography, 1997) and Michèle Magnan. In October 2002, playwright Carole Fréchette (French Acting program, 1973) received the same prize and shared it with Geneviève Billette (French Playwriting Program, 1998).

Congratulations!

Staging the Future!

The “Staging the future!” fundraising campaign ended October 2003 with its $2-million goal realized and surpassed! The total raised was $2,009,149 - with almost $300,000 of this in pledges. As a result of this successful three-year campaign, thirty-three new Bursary Funds were created bringing the total number of bursary funds to 125. As well, many of the existing bursary funds were increased. Finally, the Directing Chair became a reality. Permanent funds attributed to that chair now exceed $1 million.

In retrospect, “Staging the future” clearly identified realistic objectives to ensure sustainable development of the National Theatre School. Sixty percent of the money raised came from outside of Quebec. This phenomenon reflects the dynamic vision of the members of the Board of Governors from across the country and the ever-growing reputation of the National Theatre School.

Play a Supporting Role!

“Play A Supporting Role!”, a three-year campaign that started in November 2003, focuses on fundraising as well as “image raising.” With a goal of $2.2 million, the campaign offers various options for supporting the National Theatre School.

The Bursary Funds provide direct dollars to our students who are experiencing financial difficulties. Succeeding at the National Theatre School is a journey of commitment and hard work – and students must focus on their craft. The Bursary Funds ensure that students have reduced financial burdens so that they can participate fully and nurture their creativity.

The Directing Chair, created in 2001, provides both for the production of the year-end shows as well as the cost of visiting directors. Four students are admitted every two years. They are given access to well-equipped performance spaces, leading directoral talent as well as professional actors. This innovative program, though costly, trains the theatre leaders of tomorrow.

Technical Equipment for Training is an urgent need. In order to enable students to learn as well as to be competitive after graduation, technology must be upgraded. As in other areas of our society, the NTS relies on state-of-the-art technology. It is what assists us in creating the magic that is theatre.

Through the generous support of Hydro-Québec, Powercorp, and TD Bank, we have already realized 11% of our goal, but there is much left to accomplish. Across the country, regional events will celebrate the achievements of the National Theatre School and promote the possibility for other individuals and companies to Play a Supporting Role!

Top of article