EQUIFLASH [Equity to honour Martha Henry, Nora Polley, Barbara Gordon, Susan Benson and the Stage West-Equity Emerging Theatre Artist Award winner on November 30th]

[CAEA e-drive]

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Equity to honour Martha Henry, Nora Polley, Barbara Gordon, Susan Benson
and the Stage West-Equity Emerging Theatre Artist Award winner on
November 30th
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association (Equity) will honour director Martha
Henry, stage manager Nora Polley, actor Barbara Gordon and scenographer
Susan Benson on November 30th in Toronto, Ontario at the Gladstone
Hotel. 

"Once again Equity's Council faced the challenging task of selecting
award recipients from a pool of many talented and deserving candidates."
said Allan Teichman, Equity President. Director and performer Martha
Henry and stage manager Nora Polley will both be presented with Life
Membership in Equity in recognition of their distinguished careers in
the performing arts. 

Martha Henry's (Stratford, Ontario) distinguished career includes tenure
as the former artistic director of The Grand Theatre and as the current
director of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival's Birmingham Conservatory
for Classical Theatre Training. She is an accomplished stage and film
actress and a Companion of the Order of Canada. Nora Polley (Stratford,
Ontario) was a stage manger at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for 37
years, and the close of the 2009 season marked Nora's retirement from
the Festival. 

"These two extraordinary women exemplify artistic excellence and
achievement in their chosen crafts." continued Teichman. "Martha's
accomplishments as a leading actor and director continue to be an
inspiration to the members of Equity. Nora is regarded as the
cornerstone of the stage management department at Stratford - her
dedication to the art of making theatre and her passion and
encouragement are legendary."

The recipient of the prestigious Larry McCance Award is Equity member
Barbara Gordon (Toronto, Ontario) in recognition of her outstanding
contribution to the Association and its membership. Barbara is an active
member of Equity having served as an Advisory Committee member, mentor,
and dedicated volunteer. Barbara's commitment to the Association and
generosity of spirit make her an ideal recipient for recognition. 

Premier theatre, opera and ballet designer Susan Benson (Stratford,
Ontario) is this year's recipient of Honorary Membership in Equity.
Susan was the head of design at Stratford Shakespeare Festival under
John Hirsch, and designed for the Festival from 1974 to 2006. Countless
Equity members have had the pleasure of performing on her remarkable
sets and acting in her beautiful and detailed costumes. She is a winner
of multiple honours including eight Dora Mavor Moore Awards (Toronto),
and a Jessie Award (Vancouver). 

The 2009 Stage West - Equity Emerging Theatre Artist Award, recognizing
an Equity member of three years or less who has already made a
significant contribution and impression as an artist, will also be
presented at The Gladstone Hotel Ballroom, 1214 Queen Street West,
Toronto, ON.
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association 
44 Victoria Street, 12th floor 
Toronto, ON  M5C 3C4 
tel: 416-867-9165 
fax: 416-867-9246 
communications at caea.com 
www.caea.com




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