New ACT Theatre Director Brings Extensive Experience Along with Great New Energy
By CATHOLINE BUTLER
MAPLE RIDGE - The 2006 season at the ACT Theatre in Maple Ridge is off to an exciting start with a number of exclusive appearances by some top flight acts, including Dr. Hook and A Theatrical Tribute to Hank Williams.
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| MARK TAYLOR (R), the new director of The ACT Theatre in Maple Ridge is shown above with Scott Fraser, the new marketing manager. Taylor brings a wealth of experience to his position having worked in both London and Dublin theatre. |
Among the Celtic entertainers confirmed at the ACT are the Irish Descendants who will headline a huge St. Patrick’s Party, and the Barra McNeills who have just been confirmed for a Christmas concert.
I recently stopped in to this entertainment hot spot to speak with Mark Taylor, the new Director of the ACT Theatre. He has an extensive background in theatre and his enthusiasm and energy bring a new dimension to the ACT since he joined in April 2005.
A native of Victoria, B.C., Mark began working in local theatre at a very young age. He began backstage until he moved to Vancouver where he worked for dance companies as a technician and then went on to tour across Canada and up North.
He then made his way over to London, England, where he worked for 20 odd years as a technician and a technical manager, until moving into operations management. More recently, Mark worked for three years as deputy director at the fabulous new Helix Art Centre in Dublin.
By this time, he had a desire to return to Canada since his family is based here. He said, “when I saw that the ACT Theatre in Maple Ridge was looking for a director, it seemed like an exciting opportunity.”
“My wife Susan, who is English-born, loves Canada and was keen for us to move back to British Columbia,” he said. “We also have a three year old daughter and we were hoping she would grow up in beautiful British Columbia.”
Speaking about his position at the ACT, Mark said, “I’ve come along at a very exciting time. There was a lot of programming for this year that was coming straight upon us and there was some recruitment that needed to be done right away.” To fill those gaps, Mark recruited Scott Fraser as the new marketing manager and Philip Hartwick as the new finance manager.
He said, “with some new personalities involved, there is a lot of new energy. We’re really excited about our St. Patrick’s party with the fabulous Irish Descendants. Having lived in Ireland for three years, I know how great St. Patrick’s night can be if properly handled.
“Some people go into town and go to the bars, which is not always the best experience. But, I think what we are going to have here will be a great experience for the whole family. There will be the music and the dancing and the full flavor of St. Patrick’s.”
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The ACT Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Maple Ridge at 11944 Haney Place. For tickets and information call (604) 476-2787, or book on line at: www.theactmapleridge.org.
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