The Citizen, 2003-06-25, Page 28BLYTH FESTIVAL SALUTE, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2003. PAGE 3.
GM John Shaw finds Festival job a learning experience
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
John Shaw, general manager of
Blyth Festival used to help people
make beautiful music.
For 14 years Shaw, who lived in
England until 1970, was manager of
the Calgary Philharmonic. Making
the transition to theatre last year has
been both rewarding and
challenging.
“It’s been a very interesting year,”
smiles Shaw. “This is a great
organization, totally different from
orchestras. A lot less stressful. I
personally would not go back to that
field.”
Shaw had already left his position
with the Philharmonic and was
operating his own business when he
applied for the Blyth Festival job. “I
basically thought I wanted to get
back into mainstream something, so
there was Blyth.”
“A Festival like this I can get so
excited about. The work this
company does is interesting and
imaginative. The fact that it
develops hew material makes us, if
not unique, then a front runner.”
Learning about the industry is also
something Shaw has enjoyed. “I
have to understand what’s
happening. It’s important to have a
close working relationship with the
artistic director.”
Working in theatre is different on
many levels than with orchestras.
While the principles of management
are similar there are many unique
aspects, Shaw says. “I just jumped
into the deep end. It’s interesting to
do something so totally different.”
While with orchestras there is a
“resident” group of people, Shaw
finds the transience of theatre
companies a notable difference
between the two businesses.
“I picked up (actor) Bob Nasmith
from the train station yesterday. It’s
nice to see these people again. You
get to know them as individuals.”
The stability of the staff has also
made the transition easier. “The
people have been here for a few
years and that makes a lot of
difference. They are great people.
■hm
A different side of the arts
John Shaw likes the switch from managing orchestras to
helping artists at the Festival produce their quality work.
We have a good time, but take life
seriously.”
For his part Shaw has made a
number of changes in his time thus
far. Physically, he saw to the
sprucing up of parts of Memorial
Hall, making it a better place for •
people to work.
“The dressing rooms and green
rooms have been painted. We tried to
make them more reflective of the
nature of the place.”
Shaw also had the floor of the June
Hill Room resurfaced after seeing
the dust flying off the floor while
watching the actors during
rehearsals there one day. “I feel very
strongly about the fact that the
people we bring in are professionals
just
the
and deserve the best possible
environment. It doesn’t have to be
luxury, but clean and safe.”
With regard to the latter, Shaw
instituted a proper health and safety
program for the company.
Another thing that is
beginning is romancing
volunteers. “We couldn’t survive
without them and we are trying to
make them feel appreciated. And
they’re wonderful. One brings us
muffins.”
A recent volunteer orientation
brought out close to 70 people. “I
don’t know about other years but
that was certainly not the case last
Grand View Restaurant
Owned & operated by Randy & Eleanor Babcock along with
daughters Kim & Kerry, since February 15,1986. Well known for
good coffee and delicious homemade pies and cheesecakes made by Eleanor and
her parents in the restaurant kitchen. Daily specials include a choice of large or
small portions, (You'll want to save room for dessert). Fast, friendly service. Eat in
or take out. Open 7 days a week.
Mon. - Sat. 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. & Sun. 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
523-4471 Comer of London Rd. and Blyth Rd., 39977 Blyth Rd., Blyth
A Salute to the Blyth Festival
is published by
NH
| NORTH HURON PUBLISHING COMPANY INC |
P.O. Box 429,
BLYTH, Ont.
NOM 1H0
Phone 523-4792
FAX 523-9140
E-mail norhuron@scsinternet.com
P.O. Box 152,
BRUSSELS, Ont.
NOG 1H0
Phone 887-9114
FAX 887-9021
year.”
Another change has been more
personal. Shaw, who was residing in
Goderich and his wife, who had
remained at their former home in
Dundas, recently moved to
Stratford. “Now we can live together
like the long-married couple that we
are.”
A busy year behind him, Shaw is
already looking ahead. With Artistic
Director Eric Coates he is working
on bringing together the Blyth
Centre for the Arts, which involves
the Blyth Festival Singers and
Orchestra and the Blyth Festival Art
Gallery. “Eric’s leadership will take
us in a new direction. I am looking
forward to working with these
groups as we plan for the 30th
season. It is so amazing to me that a
small village can sustain something
like this for that length of time.”
As general manager Shaw will
work to keep the Festival on that
solid footing. His long-term goal
sounds simple but requires the
patience, commitment and humility
of a true team player.
“My long-term goal is to support
Eric’s long-term goal.
Administration is here to support
what goes on on stage. Eric has a
vision and our job as staff is to try
and create
environment
fulfilled.”
“I am not
administrator, but to accept the
artistic side. That’s why theatre
exists. It doesn’t exist because of
general managers.”
ta tAe fSlptA froAtiu-al
&n tliei* 29u aeaaari
Luann's
Country Flowers
& Gifts
Fresh and Silk
Flowers & Plants
an
so
administrative
that it can be
• Garden Accessories
• Home Decor
• Country to Victorian
• Christmas Galore
(starts mid Aus.J
A FULL SERVICE FLORIST
Open 6 Days a week 9-5:30
Before Theatre on Thurs., Fri. & Sat.
open 'til 8
409 Queen St., Blyth
519-523-4440
to be the superhere
OLDE
OilLAGE
CangjiattdatiMA Sttyth, o-n
youi 291A
Visit our century-old building brimming with all lines of wicker, area rugs, porcelain
dolls and accents for your home. Check out our back room for specials.
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 8 pm; closed Sunday & Monday
Directly across from the Theatre
I
I
r y
Chauncey's Hairstyling
olytil Established in 1982
atefcamcA Slitcfue,
to- oua Ataff
Watch or call for special promotions on
children's and men's cuts and perms
1
1
1
1
If you're ready for a change, come visit our salon. After all
our customers are the best reflection of our success.
Chauncey's Hairstyling
The Suntanning Parlour
Chances are...you'll love it