Stories
Backstage at the BlueShore Theatre
“Our first big show sold out,” says Fiona Black, longtime director and programmer of Capilano University’s BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts.
“It was with Dee Daniels, a local legend and world-recognized jazz singer,” Black says, recalling the 1997 show. “It was chaos, our students were put to the test. The box office was very rudimentary, cash only. There was no online, virtually no email. People still phoned the box office to reserve tickets. Selling out was beyond our wildest expectations, but we pulled off a great event.”
CapU’s theatre was originally built as a performance and experiential learning space for students. Black was hired in 1997 to launch the theatre, then called the Capilano College Performing Arts Theatre, and to help establish the first arts management program in the province.
The Theatre department’s resident production company, Exit 22, stages three major shows a year with costumes designed by Costuming for Stage and Screen students. And, students in the Jazz Studies and Music programs have the unique opportunity to perform with established artists from around the world.
Today, the BlueShore hosts more than 400 events per year—a seemingly impossible number at one venue. They’ve been able to do this by bringing shows to other venues like the Kay Meek Arts Centre, York Theatre and the Electric Owl.
“I love collaborating with other arts organizations. It increases our profile and keeps us on the map,” says Black.
This fall, the BlueShore presented jazz legend, Pat Methany at the Vogue Theatre to a sold out audience. It was quite a coup to get an artist of his stature, but not surprising as Capilano University has firmly established itself as a major player for performing arts in the city.
While she’s proud of the high profile shows, Black also enjoys welcoming new artists to the BlueShore stage.
“I love the discovery of new talent,” says Black. “It’s an incredible rush. I get really excited when I see a band that is really fresh. If something isn’t special, it doesn’t get a passing grade. Artistic excellence is first and foremost for me.”
Photo credit: Tae Hoon Kim