Since 1997, the Jessie Richardson Award Society has celebrated and promoted the outstanding achievements of the Vancouver Professional Theatre community. Most significantly, they honour local performers with their annual Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards. This year’s ceremony is coming up on November 3rd at the Granville Island Stage, and promises to be a star-studded lineup. We spoke with David C. Jones, one of the co-producers of the upcoming ceremony and Jesse Richardson, board member, to learn more.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Personally, I have worked as a charity auctioneer and raised millions of dollars for charities. In terms of the Jessie Richardson Awards, we help raise the profile of performing artists in Vancouver, and in some cases, we have offered monetary prizes in recognition of work in the community.
What problem does it aim to solve?
The Vancouver artistic community is often some of the lowest income earners in Vancouver, and the recognition with a nomination for their work lets them a) know they have been seen. AND b) sometimes leads to more and sometimes better-paying work opportunities.
Our vision is to uplift, strengthen, and celebrate the professional theatre community of the Greater Vancouver Regional District.
Our mission is to produce the Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards in order to recognize excellent, impactful, and evocative works of professional theatre in the Greater Vancouver Regional District.
Our values as a society are:
- Inclusivity
- Transparency
- Receptiveness
- Community
- Joy
When did you start/join it?
The society was formed in 1997, and took over the production of the Awards Ceremony from the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance, who had presented it since its beginning in the 1982-83 season.
What made you want to get involved?
I love to act, and I love the awards. They are always so entertaining, and the joy in the room is infectious.
What was the situation like when you started?
The arts was devastated during the pandemic, and then we took a lon,g hard look at the structure of the adjudication and what systems are based on colonialism and privilege. After coming back in 2022, we took another break. Please read the attached release for more accurate information.
What more needs to be done?
We are always growing, learning and celebrating.
How can our readers help?
We need more diversity, different perspectives and backgrounds on our Board.
We are also a registered charity and always seek donations to support the awards presentation.
Do you have any events coming up?
On Monday, November 3rd, the 40th Annual Jessie Richardson Awards will take place on the Granville Island Stage at 7 pm.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram | Facebook | Website
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
The Actor’s Fund at CAEA. (Canadian Actors’ Equity Association).
