A Guide for Potential Board Members

Our goal is to continuously expand and deepen our board to include committed leaders from the

business and financial communities, as well as communications, social justice and

education. We believe that a thoughtful, dynamic, challenging and active board is central to our

future growth and will contribute to the long-term, sustainable vision we have for the company.

We are fortunate to have the ongoing support of our current board members, and to have

benefited from prior wonderful board members throughout our history. Their dedication and

varied talents have helped Sarasvàti to grow thus far.

Recruitment

Our Identity

Sarasvàti is the Indic goddess of inspiration and great change.

Sarasvàti Productions embodies the spirit of our namesake with a

desire to inspire artists and audiences through the use of theatre. Saras-

vàti is a place where artists can develop and showcase their skills, while

celebrating their creativity and pushing the boundaries of the theatrical

medium. In connecting with community groups,

Sarasvàti insists upon theatre that is fulfilling for both participants and

audiences alike. Our company’s vision is one of inclusion, where artists

and audiences of all backgrounds come together to experience what it

means to be human.

Vision Transformative Theatre Theatre that challenges artists, audiences and society alike, with the aim of increasing hu-

man understanding and encouraging positive change in the community.

Sarasvàti Productions is an inspiring success story; a grass-roots company that has shown

exciting growth due to a passion for the arts and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Sarasvàti Productions believes that theatre is powerful, imaginative, energizing, inspiring, life-

affirming, alive and magical; that it resonates beyond a conscious level, generating community-

building processes and fulfilling our need as human beings to connect with one another.

Board of Directors

Hope received her BFA in acting at the University of Saskatchewan. In 1996, Hope

received a full scholarship and a research award to complete her MFA in theatre

directing at the University of Victoria. The following year was spent completing an

intensive, multi-media apprenticeship in acting at ARTTS International in England.

From 1997-2000 Hope worked in Toronto, first as an associate of Rare Gem

Productions then as Director of the Muki Bahm School for the Arts.

Since arriving in Winnipeg in 2000, Hope has continued to work as an actor, director

and playwright. Hope has taught theatre at Mount Allison University, Brandon

University, the University of Manitoba, Prairie Theatre Exchange and is currently

teaching at the University of Winnipeg. In 2006 Hope was awarded the YMCA/

YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Arts & Culture. She is also the current

Past-President of the Playwrights Guild of Canada.

Leadership Hope McIntyre, Artistic Director

PRESIDENT– ROSE-ANNE HARDER (Training Coordinator, Film Training Manitoba) Rose-Anne graduated from the

University of Manitoba’s theatre program and studied with the Manitoba Arts and Cultural Management program.

Rose-Anne is also a scenic artist and has worked at PTE and MTC.

PAST PRESIDENT– CHERYL SOLUK (Business Analyst, Competitiveness, Training and Trade; Labour Market Skills

Division) Cheryl is the Manitoba Representative for Urban Rural Mission – Canada, a culturally diverse network of

community organizers. Cheryl has also performed with many local companies, and has received a MMPIA

Blizzard Award for film narration.

TREASURER– DAWN BOURBONNAIS (Communications Coordinator, Film Training Manitoba)

Dawn is a graduate of Red River College's Creative Communications program. She has worked for Manitoba

Theatre for Young People and spent four years at Manitoba Music (formerly MARIA). She has worked for the

Winnipeg Jazz Festival for over five years and has also managed volunteers for the 2005 Juno Awards, the

Western Canadian Music Awards and the Canadian Country Music Awards.

SECRETARY– PATRICK McCAULEY (Volunteer Resources Assistant, Seven Oaks Hospital)

Patrick has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Victoria and has applied his peer counselling

skills in work with several organizations, the latest being Teen Touch. He also has experience working with

people with developmental disabilities.

DIRECTORS

ANDREA GEARY (Communications/Membership Coordinator, The Manitoba Society of Seniors)

Andrea has worked in communications for 25 years; first as a reporter/editor then in public relations. She has

worked in internal and external communications for the Canadian Wheat Board, Manitoba Public Insurance and

the Canadian Grain Commission.

SIMON METHOT (Business student, Collège universitaire Saint-Boniface ) Simon brings a strong background in

business management and mandate driven program conceptualisation, development and execution with a focus

on youth integration. He has been working with Manitoba’s bilingual communities and brings to the table an

important network with Franco Manitobans. He has worked with the Economic Development Council for Mani-

toba Bilingual Municipalities, Junior Achievement of Manitoba, Winnipeg Harvest, N.E.E.D.S. and Jazz Winnipeg.

NOREEN MIAN (Program Manager, Volunteer Manitoba) Through her work, Noreen has traveled to remote corners

of the province promoting volunteerism and teaching young people how to create community projects. She

holds a BA in Art History from McGill University and also works as a freelance writer.

JANET TAYLOR (Retired Educator) An educator for 35 years, Janet received her Pre-masters and Post

Baccalaureate of Education from the University of Manitoba. She was a classroom and resource teacher, a school

principal and an instructor in the Faculty of Education.

FemFest: Winnipeg’s Annual Festival of Plays by Women for Everyone FemFest: Sarasvàti’s Productions’ signature festival has been alive and kicking

since 2003! The goal of FemFest is to showcase women theatre artists and

provide them with the opportunity to develop their work.

In its history, FemFest has supported dozens of women theatre artists, premiered twenty new

plays, presented work that inspired important dialogue on issues of relevance to women, and

brought in artists who have provided development opportunities to local emerging artists and

the community at large.

What we do

Currently still in the developmental stage,

EDEN is an exciting interdisciplinary theatre

experience exploring truth and justice

through three generations of characters in a

futuristic dystopia.

The truth can only remain buried for so long...

It has a habit of coming back to haunt us.

International Women’s Week Cabaret Features monologues from playwrights across

Canada. The goal is to provide a broad range

of voices, issues and styles that relate to

women’s experiences.

In the fall of 2008, Sarasvàti toured Ripple

Effect across Manitoba, exploring the link

between violence on a personal level with

larger, more global violence. Over 3,000

students saw the show and participated in

post-show talk backs concerning bullying and

school violence.

EDEN Ripple Effect

“FemFest not only celebrates plays by women, but artistic endeavours well

beyond the parameters of theatre.” Uptown Magazine, 2008

The concept of Sarasvàti Productions began in 1996. It was founded in Winnipeg in October

2000 with full charitable status received in May 2003. Some of our projects include:

- REVISIONING, three women travel to Canada on a convict ship from England. (1999)

- HUNGER, one woman's struggle against political and emotional turmoil. (2001)

- FIRE VISIONS, performances of poems by Bertolt Brecht. (2002)

- YOU WHORE! a collective creation piece exploring women in the virtual age. (2003)

- JILL’S WAR, based on the true story of a children’s rights worker in Iraq. (2004)

- THE IMPROMPTU OF OUTREMONT by Michael Tremblay. (2005)

Current projects and recent tours

Previous work

One Night Stand A play reading event hosted by Sarasvàti

Productions, supports new play

development. Playwrights get the chance to

share excerpts from works in progress with a

supportive audience.

Balanced steps for future growth Sarasvàti Productions’ Bold Steps in Balance: A Five Year Strategic and Implementation Plan

(May 2006) was written by Toronto-based Arts Consultant Michael Du Maresq. After extensive

consultation with Artistic Director Hope McIntyre, diverse representatives from the local

community, associated artists and the Board of Directors; Mr. Du Maresq produced a

comprehensive study of where we have been and where we want to go.

Our next step in a larger capacity building process was a Revenue Generation Strategy

facilitated by consultants Mayer Marketing Inc in 2007/2008. Most recently, Sarasvàti

Productions has undertaken the creation of an Marketing and Audience Development Strategy

with consultant Louise Stevens of ArtsMarket Inc. This focus on planning reinforces our vision

and mission, as well as increasing Sarasvàti

Productions ability to undertake larger projects,

serve a greater scope of patrons and community

groups while assuring long-term stability.

This work allowed us to attract a major donor in

2007 and establish an endowment fund through

the Winnipeg Foundation. This provides us with an

on-going, stable source of revenue.

Mentorship opportunities After ten years of working with emerging artists, we are excited to be developing a formal

mentorship program in 2009/2010.

“Performers are welcomed and nurtured with trust which makes for a very

enjoyable experience. The work stays with you for a long time and the

community benefits from the thought-provoking images.” Jane Burpee, International Women’s Week Performer

Sarasvàti Productions has developed ongoing

relationships with diverse community groups in an

effort to strengthen dialogue, offer outreach, invite

new audiences and promote understanding.

Relationships

“Many of the students at my school have witnessed or been victims of

violence and so after the play, the ideas that were raised about how

violence begets violence were powerful. They were able to see these

connections in Ripple Effect as well as in their own school

and community at large.” Angela Robbie (St. John’s High School) after a touring performance of Ripple Effect

Past Funders Canada Council for the Arts

Manitoba Arts Council

Toronto Arts Council

Winnipeg Arts Council

Manitoba Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Tourism

Department of Canadian Heritage

Service Canada (HRSDC)

Status of Women Canada

Manitoba Community Services Council

The Marjorie Young Bell Music and Fine Arts Fund

Leadership Mount Allison

The Gail Asper Family Foundation

Richardson Foundation

Siobhan Richardson Foundation

Thomas Sill Foundation

The Winnipeg Foundation

The Weinberg Foundation

Numerous private and small business donors

Past Sponsors Q-94, CTV, CKUW, Uptown Magazine, UMFM,

Winnipeg Free Press, Film Training Manitoba

and HOT 103

Partners/Supporters Alliance Française

Amnesty International

Brandon YWCA Women’s Shelter

CancerCare Manitoba

Eating Disorders Association of Manitoba

Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba

Klinic Women’s Health Clinic

Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council Inc.

Manitoba Theatre Centre Manitoba Theatre for Young People

Prairie Theatre Exchange

RAY (Resource Assistance for Youth)

RespectEd (Canadian Red Cross)

Sage House

The Pas Committee for Women in Crisis

TERF (Transition, Education & Resources for Females)

University of Manitoba

University of Winnipeg

Why should you get involved? Sarasvàti Productions presents a unique and valuable opportunity for anyone wanting to

volunteer their efforts in the cultural and social sectors. We offer the combined reward of

contributing to artistic achievement while acting of behalf of current social and community

issues. Your affiliation as a board member or volunteer with our company can offer you a

creative outlet and enable you to make a difference in your community and in the world around

us. This is a desire many of us share but don’t know how to bring it to life.

Sarasvàti Productions celebrates life through the exploration of invigorating theatrical forms and

stories which humor and challenge us, thrill us and connect to our own essentially artistic inner

lives. As a Sarasvàti Productions’ board member, you can play a vital role in the

governance and management of the organization, with responsibilities including:

Leadership and guidance through attending monthly Board meetings;

Providing advice, guidance and ideas to the Artistic Director;

Supporting the general activities of the company, this may include attending

productions, getting involved with specific projects, or building visibility and partnerships;

Helping recruit others to support and follow Sarasvàti Productions;

Participating in fundraising for the organization;

Ensuring that we reach our goals, evaluate our progress and set new targets.

Does our purpose match your interests?

The diverse nature of our productions means

that we delve deeply into themes that are

important to many people. The inclusive

nature of our work sets us apart. We have

tackled projects dealing with bullying, street

youth, racism, violence against women and

aging, in productions meant to stimulate

dialogue and build community awareness.

Are we producing artistic work considered valid and relevant by our peers?

Many of Winnipeg’s most sought after artists have chosen to work with Sarasvàti due to the

multi-disciplinary nature of our work and unique process-based methods we employ. Our artistic

excellence has been awarded by arts funders with regular grant contributions over our eleven

year history.

Are we well-known in the community and do we address an existing need?

Sarasvàti Productions is known by theatre artists and community groups alike. As the only

Winnipeg theatre company with a mission to serve social change, we have managed to use our

art to positively impact the lives of thousands of individuals over the years. Through ongoing

partnerships we provide a voice to the disenfranchised. Through community outreach we have

brought theatre to communities lacking positive outlets for expression, including corrections

centres, women’s shelters and high schools.

“Ground-breaking local and international artists come together to celebrate

emerging talent and honour established veterans of theatre.” Where Magazine, 2008

CONTACT US AT:

242 Cathedral Avenue

Winnipeg, MB

R2W 0X3

(204) 586-2236

info@sarasvati.ca

www.sarasvati.ca

Join Us! Sarasvàti Productions offers board members and

volunteers the combined reward of supporting and

guiding artistic achievement while acting on behalf

of current social and community issues.

We do active outreach, donate to diverse

community groups, and host post-show events that

provide opportunities for dialogue. We form

collaborative partnerships with social agencies and

other nonprofit organizations to jointly address

pressing issues and illuminate solutions.

We encourage you to contact us if you would

like to join the Board of this exciting

organization or to become a volunteer and support

us in ways that suit your talents.