[e-drive][EQUIFLASH: EQUITY 2002 AWARDS]

[Kaethe Yanovsky]

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For immediate release
Monday, October 21, 2002
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Tony Van Bridge, Andis Celms & John Mac Master Honoured by Equity &
Inaugural Winner of the Stage West Emerging Artist Award Announced
October 27th

Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA) will honour John Mac Master,
Tony Van Bridge and Andis Celms with an awards presentation and
luncheon, Sunday, October 27th,  2:30 pm in Toronto.

"Each year Equity presents an Honorary Membership, Life Membership, and
Larry McCance Award to celebrate those individuals who have made
outstanding contributions to the performing arts, to our members and to
our association. In addition, this year we have the privilege for the
first time of recognizing an emerging artist who has shown exceptional
promise in their craft with the Stage West Emerging Equity Artist Award.
It is with pride and appreciation that we announce this year's
recipients."
-- Victor A. Young, president, Canadian Actors' Equity Association

Equity president Victor A. Young will present Tony Van Bridge with a
Life Membership in recognition of his distinguished career in the
performing arts. British-born actor and director, Mr. Van Bridge has
worked in theatre for nearly six decades, including Stratford and the
Shaw Festival, where he eventually became artistic director in 1974-75.
In 2000 Mr. Van Bridge was appointed a member of the Order of Canada and
in 2001 he celebrated his 22nd season at Shaw, marking nearly a quarter
century of acclaimed performances, such as his roles in Candida, Thark,
Eden's End, The Six of Calias and many touring productions throughout
Canada and the US. 

Equity past-president Sandy Webster will present Andis Celms with an
Honorary Membership in recognition of his significant contributions to
the performing arts in Canada. As a central member of numerous boards,
such as the Canadian Conference of the Arts, The Professional
Association of Canadian Theatres and The National Theatre School, Mr.
Celms has devoted countless hours to the preservation and growth of the
arts in Canada. His professional work as artistic director and producer
with the National Arts Centre and as stage manager, technical director
and production manager with dozens of major companies throughout Canada,
including the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet and Toronto's
Crest Theatre, illustrates his diversity and the wide scope of his
artistry.

John Mac Master will be awarded with the Larry McCance Award, to be
presented by Equity controller Douglas Irons in recognition of his
service to the members of Canadian Actors' Equity Association. Tenor
John Mac Master is well-known in North America as a resident artist with
New York's AmorArtis Orchestra and Choir with which he performed
numerous solos, such as in the US premiere of the Donizetti Miserere,
and throughout Europe touring with the Brno Philharmonic.  Mr. Mac
Master's significant benevolent work on behalf of the association
include his service on CAEA's national council, as treasurer from
1992-94, and as the leading officer behind the creation and
implementation of a sustainable dues structure that would go on to
stabilize the association.

The inaugural winner of the Stage West Emerging Equity Theatre Artist
Award will be announced on October 27th at an awards ceremony and
presented with a cash prize of $2,000 by Stage West executive producer
Howard Pechet. The Stage West Award, generously initiated by Stage West
Theatre Restaurant in honour of Equity's silver anniversary in 2001,
will recognize an Equity member each year for the next decade.

"This award recognizes the valuable asset this country has in young
talent. We feel, as one of Canada's largest employers of performers and
backstage crew, Stage West has a responsibility to assist and encourage
the development of that talent"
-- Howard Pechet, Executive Producer of Stage West Theatre Restaurants.

CAEA is the professional association representing over 5,000 performers,
directors, choreographers and stage managers in Canada, who are engaged
in English-language live performance, including the stage, opera, ballet
and dance.

Media are invited to attend the presentation of these awards, to take
place at a luncheon on:
Sunday, October 27th, at 4:30 - 5:00 pm
Media please RSVP: Patricia Joyce 416.867.9165

Interviews and media contact: 
Patricia Joyce, Communications Director: (416) 867-9165 or
1-800-387-1856.
E-mail: commdir at caea.com