EQUIFLASH - [2011 HONOURS AWARDS]

[CAEA e-drive]

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EQUIFLASH - 2011 HONOURS AWARDS
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CANADIAN ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION HONOURS JOYCE DOOLITTLE, THOMAS
PEACOCKE, SANDY WINSBY, DON AND DELLA GREER AND JUDY WENSEL  
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"In 2011 Equity's Council once again faced the challenging task of
selecting award recipients from a pool of many talented and deserving
candidates." reports Allan Teichman, Equity President. 

Thomas Peacocke, O.C., C.M. (Edmonton, AB) and Joyce Doolittle (Calgary,
AB) will both be presented with Life Membership in Equity in recognition
of their extraordinary careers in the performing arts. 

Thomas Peacocke's distinguished career as a director, actor and mentor
includes over 30 years teaching in the drama department at the
University of Alberta while directing and acting in numerous
professional productions. His devotion to mentoring young actors in his
community is renowned.

Joyce Doolittle, often referred to as Calgary's doyenne of theatre, has
devoted her life to the arts. Arriving in Calgary in 1960, she has
inspired a community of actors, directors, and playwrights, teaching at
the University of Calgary for 25 years, directing over 100 shows, and
acting in countless others in theatres big and small. 

"It is, in fact, Equity's honour to recognize and celebrate the special
individuals who have given so selflessly of their skill and enthusiasm."
continued Teichman. "Joyce's work has provided inspiration to almost
every actor in Calgary for over 30 years. Thomas' generosity of time and
expertise has encouraged several generations of Equity artists in
Edmonton."

This year's recipient of the Larry McCance Award is former Equity
Councillor Sandy Winsby (Stratford, ON) in recognition of his
distinguished service to the Association and its members. Sandy has been
a tireless advocate of the Association as an elected representative in
the service of Equity and its membership, beyond consideration of
personal benefit. He was first elected as Western Opera Councillor in
1979, and served in the position as Equity treasurer for three terms
treasurer. His participation on numerous negotiating teams has made a
tremendous contribution to the working life and conditions of Equity
members coast-to-coast.
 
Dedicated arts supporters Don and Della Greer (Saskatoon, SK) are this
year's recipients of Honorary Membership in Equity. Beloved patrons of
theatre in their home town, together they have made an outstanding
contribution to theatre life in Saskatoon. From planting gardens on the
site of Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, to billeting visiting artists
and volunteering at the various professional theatres in and around
town, they have donated of their time year after year.

2011 marks the presentation of the inaugural CAEA Award of Distinction.
For the past 22 years, the Dancer Transition Resource Centre has been a
saviour to many dancers across the country. This national service
organization assists dancers at every stage of their career, from career
counselling when they graduate into the dance world, to academic,
financial, legal, and personal counselling in the middle of their dance
career, to helping them find a new career when they leave dance behind. 

The 2011 Stage West - Equity Emerging Theatre Artist Award winner is
Judy Wensel (Saskatoon, SK). This Award and its $2,000 cash prize was
initiated in celebration of Equity's silver anniversary in 2001, and
recognizes an Equity member of three years or less who has already made
a significant contribution and impression as an artist. Judy is a
multitalented director, performer and theatre creator with considerable
energy and drive for artistic exploration. Her work in Saskatchewan has
already distinguished her as a hard-working and devoted young actor.

Equity is the voice of professional artists working in live performance
in English Canada. It is a  national artists' association representing
more than 5,500 performers, directors, choreographers, fight directors
and stage managers working in theatre, opera and dance from coast to
coast.
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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
44 Victoria St., 12th floor
Toronto, ON  M5C 3C4
www.caea.com



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