About
About Us
Peninsula Productions
Peninsula Productions produces high quality theatre for South Surrey and White Rock.
We deliver extraordinary performances, from full scale theatrical productions and breathtaking works of musical theatre to intimate staged readings and concerts.
Since our inception in 2010 as a not-for-profit society with a mere handful of dedicated members, we have become a vibrant organization with charitable status, an active board and over one hundred volunteers.
Our Initiatives
Youth Theatre Training
Know a young person interested in a career in theatre?
Peninsula Productions has a youth theatre company called NextGen. Each summer, NextGen forms a new cohort of full-time students between the ages of 15 and 30 to work alongside professional theatre artists, experienced directors, producers, and technicians.
NextGen participants learn the ins and outs of producing and performing theatre, culminating in a showcase of their own original work.
Our Initiatives
Giving Back
Peninsula Productions believes in giving back. We regularly donate tickets to those whose financial barriers may prevent them from experiencing live theatre. We also believe in sharing knowledge and expertise, which means we facilitate affordable workshops for members of the theatre community.
PENINSULA PRODUCTIONS
Team Members
Janet Ellis
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Janet has been in the arts/theatre field for 15 years. Her introduction to and ongoing involvement in the performing arts was initiated by her son Harrison, who is an actor. Her organizational skillset was honed working with a variety of business sectors over the past several decades, and as a member of the tour and advance team for three former Prime Ministers. She has worked for the Surrey School District for the past 11 years in the Career Department. Starting as a volunteer with Peninsula Productions in 2014, she has volunteered in every facet of the organization, and recently accepted the position of Executive Director.
She has lived with her family in South Surrey for the past 12 years, after moving from Ontario. She holds a BA from the University of Western Ontario, is a Certified Master Hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner.
Spencer MacDonald
THEATRE MANAGER/PRODUCER
Spencer brings a wonderfully calm and competent vibe to all our theatre functions. His talents range from organizing front of house, designing posters and marketing material to assisting Directors create wonderful shows with light and sound tech.
PENINSULA PRODUCTIONS
Board Members
Keith Costelloe
PRESIDENT
Keith has spent almost all of his working life abroad. He completed a BA in Drama from Manchester University followed by a teaching qualification and finally an MA in Applied Linguistics. He has been involved in ESL teaching and management for over 30 years in many different countries: Europe, North Africa, the UK, Canada, South East Asia, and the Middle East. In his last position, he was the overall manager of a Military Academy responsible for over 120 staff and for the training of officer cadets. In this position, he developed an in-depth perspective of engaging young learners and established an effective
working relationship between the Air Force officers, civilian employees and the company he was employed by. Keith retired and relocated to White Rock in 2016. He feels that his experience of being an ex-pat in many different countries has given him a wider appreciation of different lifestyles and cultures. He has always had a love and interest for the theatre and joining Peninsula Productions as a board member has given him the opportunity to continue to expand and develop his love of theatre. In his free-time he has developed a love for writing and is completing his third book.
Anthony Manning
VICE PRESIDENT
Anthony Manning believes a vibrant arts scene is essential to building community. He’s enjoyed Peninsula Productions’ performances since moving to White Rock in 2014. Anthony has over three decades’ experience in commercial aviation, working with Air Canada Express since 2006 as a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) and previously in a variety of roles with United Airlines in San Francisco, where he lived for 20 years. Before joining United Airlines, Anthony managed several San Francisco art house cinemas and organised several film festivals there. The child of a military family, Anthony grew up in Germany, Washington, DC and Southern California. He earned a Bachelors in journalism from Humboldt State University and a Masters in history from American Military University.
Sharon Johnson
SECRETARY
Born in Vancouver and raised in Richmond, Sharon attended BCIT for Business Administration before entering into the Hospitality Industry. She was a member of the opening team of the Delta Mountain Inn, Whistler and went on to further her Hotel Operations experience in Penticton, Richmond and Downtown Vancouver, including Expo86 and beyond in Management Roles. Sharon and her husband, Gordon, lived and working in 7 Different cities before settling in South Surrey in 2005 with their 2 sons, Christopher and Connor. Sharon was involved with school and sports volunteer activities.
She is an active Board Member with The Semiahmoo Community Safety Society, acting as their event planner for the annual Red Serge Fundraising Gala and actively involved in all
other SCSS Board initiatives. Sharon is excited and honoured to be sitting on the executive Board of Peninsula Productions. Her long time interest in the performing arts and the positive impact the Theatre has on the community makes serving as a Board Member both inspiring and rewarding. She looks forward to being involved with helping move Peninsula Productions on to the next level in the coming years.
Nan Miller
BOARD DIRECTOR
Nan Miller has been a long-time resident of South Surrey—while raising her children, running a successful business, and now relishing her retirement. She owned and operated her Vancouver-based fashion showroom for 40 years as a wholesaler, sales agent, and international importer. During that time, Nan participated in trade shows throughout Western Canada and attended related fashion events and marketing productions. She also served as President of Western Apparel Markets and was a board
member of both the Alberta Fashion Market and the Canadian Association of Wholesale Sales.
Nan holds a BA in History and English from the University of British Columbia. A past practitioner of martial arts and an aficionado of fitness, she strives to maintain a healthy mind-body balance. She enjoys books and movies, live theatre and art galleries, as well as people, travel, and politics.
“I love the intimacy of this theatre group, and I welcome the opportunity to help raise funds, expand productions, and increase membership.”
Jan Chadburn
BOARD DIRECTOR
Phone
Address
14600 North Bluff Road
White Rock BC
V4B 3C9
(right beside Centennial Arena)
Contact Us
Dialogue is an essential part of any script.
Complete the form below or email us at [email protected].
