You have seen the list of the accomplishments that each of the EC members highlighted in their AGM reports. I am very proud of the work that the EC and Guild volunteers accomplished:

• First, supporting the work of the Shaw by providing 13,869 volunteer hours by 410 volunteers.

• In addition to our core functions (greeting, hosting, education programs, special projects, gardening, volunteer events), we continued to increase our support of additional education, community outreach and development programs.

• Second, our focus on fundraising resulted in launching two successful fundraising events: the Annual Guild Garden Tour and the Murder Mystery event that enabled us to support Shaw programs through our sponsorship of $51,300.

• Third, we focused on improving our own operations and governance practices by having a subcommittee of the EC undertake a comprehensive review of every position, committee and document that supports the organization of the Guild and the Executive Committee. This review resulted in some changes in EC positions, formalized Terms of Reference for all EC Committees, changes to the Guild’s financial year-end from October 31 to December 31 to align with the Shaw’s year-end, and some changes to our existing bylaws.

As we move ahead into 2026, the EC will continue to identify our annual priorities with a particular focus on:

• Revising our Fundraising Strategy

• Considering how we will support the education and community outreach projects as they transition into the new Shaw Artists’ Village

• Continuing to consider additional ways to increase the Guild’s Community Presence and Outreach

Speaking of outreach, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Pragna Desai and the Community Engagement and Outreach team for successfully launching an incredibly interesting presentation, “Defying Dementia,” on November 7. It’s one of many exciting initiatives to focus on the impact of the arts on positive aging.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the Shaw performances this year. I had the pleasure to attend opening night of White Christmas on November 15, and I can definitely say I left the theatre with joy in my heart. I know many of you were able to attend the special Christmas Carol dress rehearsal event held for the Guild on October 30, but if you have not yet had the opportunity to say goodbye to this performance at the Royal George, I hope you can find a way to do so. With the winter break approaching I know there will be a small gap in your volunteer opportunities, but we all need to take the time to rejuvenate so that we’ll be ready to provide our amazing Guild support to the Shaw in 2026. I also hope that you take a moment to reflect on your volunteer experience this past year and that you can continue to say you are enjoying your time as a Guild volunteer!

In closing I would like to express my personal thanks to you all and to note that it is because of the support that you ALL give to the Shaw, and to the patrons, that we are able to achieve the results we can. I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season. You will see my picture below with my six-week-old granddaughter who will be making this a very special Christmas for me and my family.

Wishing everyone the best of the holiday season.  May your days be filled with warmth, joy and peace.

Sincerely, 

Past President

Mary Mizen

Human Connection Encounters & Conversations

Special Level 1 workshop Saturday, January 24 

Whether they’re short and sweet or long and involved, most of our interactions with patrons are rewarding experiences. However, every now and again, there’s a comment or question — either said by us or to us — that can be hurtful or negative.

As the Shaw evolves into a dynamic hub for creativity, curiosity and community engagement, welcoming patrons in a variety of new ways, we must as volunteers represent the Shaw’s vision and values in what we say and do.

Beginning in the 2026 season, Human Connection Level 1 Encounters & Conversations will be required for all volunteers who interact with patrons.

For those volunteers who haven’t yet taken part in the Level 1 Human Connection workshop (either with George Webber in past years or now as part of volunteer orientations), a special one-hour session is being organized on Saturday, January 24, at 11:00 am.

The workshop is listed in MVP under Shaw Values & Human Connection.

Get ready for 2026 now and sign up.

Questions? Contact info@shawguild.ca

BACKSTAGE NEWS - ARLENE CARSON, EDUCATION PROGRAMS CHAIR

On November 25th the Docent team had their wrap up meeting to review the tours that began in January. The main season of tours from May to mid October was a very busy time for the Docents who piloted new tours in the Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre, tours in French and a number of new stops on our Festival Theatre backstage tours. The Backstage tours continue beyond the end of the main season and will run right to the end of the Holiday shows in late December. Schools are coming in the morning for tours and workshops before seeing either White Christmas or A Christmas Carol. Our newest Docents in training, Loretta Pietrobon and Steven Brammer are now ready to join the team for tours.

We say goodbye to two of the Docent team this year. Glenna Collins has been a member of the team since the program started and Grant Williams joined in 2016. Both retired teachers, Glenna and Grant used this experience to lead patrons and especially students, through a journey of discovery on backstage tours. Many thanks to Glenna and Grant for their dedication to the Docent team. 

The Docents and Facilitators got together on November 25 th for our year-end luncheon hosted by the incredible Education Department - Warren Bain, Matt Ratelle, Sabrina Merks, and Sydney Alexander. I would also like to thank Pragna Desai, Director of Community Engagement and Outreach, for her support of the volunteers who work with the Education Department. The opportunities to learn about the Shaw and the season greatly add to the delivery of tours and conversations with our patrons. This year the Improvisation workshops delivered by Shaw actor, Krystopher Bowman, were a highlight for all of us.

Many thanks to the dedicated volunteers on the Education Program teams. It is always a pleasure to work with you!

Public tours will run on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. until December 21st, so there is still time to treat yourself and a guest to an incredible look behind the scenes of the Festival Theatre.

Happy Holidays!