In This Issue
Powerhouse Victories
Lifetime Membership Honors
This year, we proudly honoured four Lifetime Members for their outstanding contributions spanning over 25 years: John Ravensbergen, Darlene Mussenden, Jean Given, and Lesley McCoy. Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you to these exceptional members!
OZONE Festival Submission

We’re excited to announce that Radium Girls will be entered into this year’s OZONE Festival in Salmon Arm!
Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients: Ali Balloun and Zac Friesen.
Administrative Updates
- Criminal record checks are now processed through a new platform, and our registration is up to date.
- September’s Director’s Workshops were cancelled due to insufficient planning and miscommunication.
Play Approval Process Update
The Board is adopting a more collaborative approach for approving plays and directors. Once the Artistic Committee (AC) presents a play and it’s approved, the Production Team, including the Director, Administrative Producer, and Technical Producer, will present their vision to the Board. For plays with critical roles that may be challenging to fill, the AC will include these roles in the presentation. This process aims to benefit both Directors and the Board, ensuring Directors can choose Producers they work well with while providing the Board confidence that key roles are secured.
Document Management
Board documents are being compiled into a cloud-based storage system for easy access and preservation.
Exploring New Venues
To diversify our productions and audiences, we’re exploring new venues, including dinner theatres and small black box spaces. Excitingly, the Board has approved a dinner theatre event at the Vernon Lodge in January 2026. The AC will soon seek comedy submissions for this slot.
Collaborations & Donations
- We hosted Studio Sisplk’s film Horsewoman, attended by about 70 people. A great success! We look forward to future collaborations.
- Eugene Leveque has generously donated the Building Envelope Project, set to begin in the new year.
- Barbara Keith has contributed to the Mural Restoration Project, scheduled for spring with work by James Postill.
Website and Protocol Updates
- We now control powerhousetheatre.ca, which redirects to our .net site.
- A new booking protocol has been approved to improve communication and efficiency among theatre users. It will be posted online soon.
Generous Contributions
We received an anonymous donation of $45,000. Thank you for this incredible support!
Rental Updates
Rental rates and related documents (contracts, price sheets, invoices) have been updated.
Seeking Input
- We’re looking for ideas for a Powerhouse Vision Statement. Please submit yours!
- We aim to increase community presence and collaborations. If you have ideas or connections, let us know!
Media Highlights
- A promotional video was shot at Powerhouse Theatre, initiated by ACNO.
- A podcast episode for On Location with Bowen and Mimi was also recorded at Powerhouse.
Licensing Insight
Due to the OZONE Festival’s additional nights, we faced challenges with our bar license limit (24 nights/year). Thanks to Maureen Ruscheinsky’s efforts, we secured additional permits despite the tight deadline. It’s an important consideration for future planning.
Youth Engagement
A Grade 1 class from Vernon Christian School visited in December, enjoying mini-scenes from A Christmas Story, a theatre tour, and a movement class led by Will Cullen.
Facilities
- Solar lights with security cameras were installed in the loading bay and west alcove for enhanced security.
- Two wheeled dollies were added to the scene shop.
- HVAC system training was provided by a technician.
- Graffiti was removed from the alcove and mural walls.
- Three projectors were purchased from Rusty Gahr, who also provided installation and training.
Productions

A Christmas Story was a resounding success!
- The relaxed performance on November 17 was warmly received, with actors engaging with the audience afterward.
- The final dress rehearsal on November 22 had a lively, supportive full house, perfect for show preparation.
- We added two performances, both of which sold out quickly, resulting in an extra 266 tickets sold compared to last year.
Future Performance Plans:
For next year’s November and February shows:
Three weekends of performances:
- Friday evening, Saturday matinee & evening, Sunday matinee (2 weeks)
- Final week: Thursday evening, Friday evening, Saturday matinee & evening This schedule received positive feedback from cast and crew, offering more rest days and reducing school disruptions for child actors.
Marketing
- We donated two season tickets to the Rotary Dream Auction, a long-time Powerhouse supporter.
- We’ve hired Yenin.art Studio as our new marketing firm. Please be patient as we navigate this transition.
Social Events


- October Dance & Sip: Small but impactful, with 9 attendees, 3 of whom were guests interested in Powerhouse; 2 joined in December. Thanks, Will, for leading!
- November Post-Halloween Spooktacular: A family-friendly event with 15 participants. Thanks to Sharon, Eileen, and Arlene for organizing!
- December Square Dancing: A well-attended event with the Vernon Square Dancing Club, resulting in 10 new members, 2 of whom will join our next production. Thanks, Will, for coordinating!
Workshops
- With Yenin.art Studio on board, Emily MacArthur has transitioned from Social Media Director to Workshops Director. She’s planning a Director’s Workshop. Stay tuned for details!
Membership
- We now have 218 members!
- A new online calendar is available when you log into your Powerhouse account, detailing all upcoming shows, events, and rentals.
- Please update your account with your training and interests to help us develop mentorship opportunities.
- A Playwrights Group, led by Heather Leask, will launch in the new year!
Youth Committee
- Workshops Recap:
- Stage Fighting (Sept): 6 participants. Thanks, Koenraad Beugelink!
- Dancing for Actors & Acting for Dancers (Oct): 6 participants. Thanks, Will Cullen!
- Set Design & Musical Theatre (Nov): 1 and 3 attendees, respectively. Thanks, Emily MacArthur and Cara Nunn!
- How to Audition (Dec): One very dedicated teen attended. Thanks again, Will!
- New Leadership: Lana O’Brien is our new Youth Committee Head, with exciting events planned!
- Upcoming: Shakesfest, an annual high school Shakespeare festival, will now be hosted under the Powerhouse banner, bringing hundreds of young performers to our stage. Stay tuned for details!