“A Day in the Life” with: Vancouver Performing Artist Mindy Parfitt

January 28, 2026 Emilea Semancik Arts, Performing Arts

I first encountered the beautiful, iconoclastic creative force that is Mindy Parfitt as a blur of energy racing down our Arbutus Ridge high-school hallway, channelling a full-on 80s Madonna vibe and already radiating the confidence and individuality that continue to define her today. From those early days, Mindy has embodied a rare combination of verve and vision, a drive matched by an uncompromising commitment to building a beloved community through honest, critical, and deeply empathetic explorations of who we are and how we might heal ourselves and the world around us.

Now a Vancouver-based theatre director, Mindy is known for her bold, emotionally resonant work and her profound curiosity about people and their stories. After founding an award-winning company in Montréal, she returned home to co-found Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Theatre, and later established The Search Party, where she continues to serve as Artistic Director. A graduate of Concordia University (BFA) and UBC (MFA), Mindy has trained with renowned national and international artists, and her work has been recognized with multiple Jessie Awards.

As a mother, daughter, artist, and friend, Mindy’s life is woven through with compassion and courage. Whether directing in an urban theatre or reflecting in the remote wilderness, she leads with authenticity and a fierce love of community and connection.

Mindy Parfitt
This is me with my niece and grandson. I grew up in Vancouver and come from a large family – I have 5 brothers and sisters – so I have a lot of extended family. It’s not always this much fun – but we try!
Mindy Parfitt
I’ve taken up playing the drums in the last couple years – it’s my first time learning an instrument. I’m really loving it. Since becoming a mom, I try and push myself to learn new things. Watching my kids being constantly faced with new challenges inspired me to do the same.
Me and my kids – This is us on a trip – we love to travel and do it as much as possible. They are both such amazing people – I’m so grateful.
A family portrait
I love going to concerts, and I love Jungle! The elation of being in a crowd – dancing – feeling the music in my body – so good.
This is me with my friend, France Perras, a local actor. I’m deeply grateful to have so many incredible women in my life who inspire, support and challenge me. So much laughter. So much joy.
Mindy Parfitt
Being on the water has been part of my life since my early 20’s when I lived in Tofino and worked in a kayak shop. I lived on a tiny island in the harbour and kayaked to and from work every day. Now I spend more time on my paddleboard – which I love. Serenity, physical excertion and the slight fear of possibly falling is a fantastic combo.
Mindy Parfitt
And then there’s baseball. My younger son has played since he was 5 or 6 and has played that many days a week for the past 5 years at least. It’s a huge part of my life. He’s a Dodgers fan – I know… I know ( BUT he was sad Toronto lost). Because he’s been on teams with players from all across the Lower Mainland, I’ve met so many people whose daily lives are so much different than my own. I appreciate this opportunity to get out of my own little social/work bubble.

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Which ’hood are you in?

I live in Hastings Sunrise. It’s a great hood. Donald’s Market. So many great restaurants and New Brighton Pool in the summer.

What do you do?

I am a theatre director and producer. I am the Artistic Director of The Search Party – a Vancouver-based contemporary theatre company.

What are you currently working on?

I’ve been working on Dance Nation, which performed at The Anvil Centre in November. Written by Clare Barron, it follows a group of pre-teen competitive dancers plotting to take over the world. If their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at the Boogie Down Grand Prix in Tampa Bay. But in this raucous pageant of ambition and ferocity, these young dancers have more than choreography on their minds, because every plié and jeté is a step toward finding themselves, and a fight to unleash their power. It’s a story of female ambition, friendship and desire.

The Search Party has another show in March at The Cultch – for more information, check it out on The Cultch’s website.

Where can we find your work?

For more information about The Search Party, visit our website. See you at the show!

 

About Emilea Semancik 344 Articles
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram:
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