Spotlight on our Board Members
During the 2021/22 season, we will be introducing you to our board members, by sharing a little bit about two of them each month.
This February, get to know a little bit more about board member Dawn Doherty-Affleck!
Q. Why did you decide to become a Persephone Theatre board member?
A. I fell in love with the theatre after seeing my first show at Persephone, which was Chelsea Hotel. After being a subscriber for a number of years, I decided I wanted to get more involved and help contribute to the work the theatre is doing. My time on the board has been some of the most rewarding work I have ever done.
Q. How long have you been on the board?
A. I joined the board in the Fall of 2019, so about two and a half years so far.
Q. What is your day job?
A. I work as a scientist in a Parasitology lab for the Federal Government.
Q. What do you like most about theatre?
A. My favourite thing about theatre is the different stories I get to hear and see. It’s such an amazing way to learn about the world around you.
Q. Why do you think theatre is important to the community?
A. Theatre has such a unique way of bringing communities together. It provides work for local and not-so-local artists, it provides a platform for people to tell their stories to an audience that might not otherwise hear them, and it provides a venue for the audience to learn and engage with new ideas.
Q. Do you have a favourite production/play? What is it and why is it your favourite?
A. My favourite production is Mary’s Wedding from the 2014/2015 season. It was the production, and more specifically the performance by Jackie Block, that really spoke to my soul. I really felt like I was right there with the character, living her pain and sadness. I was a blubbering mess by the end of the show!
Q. What are you looking forward to this season?
A. I’m really just looking forward to being back in the theatre. I’ve really missed the experience of seeing performers on the stage, plus I think we have some really great shows this year!
Q. Are you also involved with the theatre outside of being a board member?
A. Persephone has some really great ways to get involved outside of attending performances or being on the board. One of the first ways that I got involved with the organization was as a billet for a visiting actor. Being a billet house meant an actor came and lived with my husband and I for the duration of his time here in Saskatoon. We were very lucky to host Mark Weatherley, who played Mr. Banks in Persephone’s production of Mary Poppins in 2016, and he stayed with us for about six weeks. It was an amazing experience and if you have a spare room, or a vacant suite I HIGHLY recommend contacting Persephone about being a billet, you won’t regret it!
A. Persephone has some really great ways to get involved outside of attending performances or being on the board. One of the first ways that I got involved with the organization was as a billet for a visiting actor. Being a billet house meant an actor came and lived with my husband and I for the duration of his time here in Saskatoon. We were very lucky to host Mark Weatherley, who played Mr. Banks in Persephone’s production of Mary Poppins in 2016, and he stayed with us for about six weeks. It was an amazing experience and if you have a spare room, or a vacant suite I HIGHLY recommend contacting Persephone about being a billet, you won’t regret it!