Several personnel and systems changes have been implemented for the 2025 qathet Festival of the Performing Arts. The event will be held for the 81st consecutive year beginning the end of February.
The Rotary Club of Powell River has supported the festival since 2003 and several members along with community volunteers make up the organizing committee.
A new registration system will allow participants to join the festival, with information on past and new volunteers being input into a system that will streamline the process of matching them with times and duties required to run the festival.
Kathryn Hjorleifson, new volunteer coordinator, has a tote bag with "art can't hurt you" on it.
“True, but art will also bring you joy and peace and love and community, whether as the artist or the audience,” she explained. “I have been lucky in my life to have art and artists around me, and I know that I need these. I have also had a career that has left me with skills, and now time, to help deliver the arts to our community.”
To join the committee for the qathet festival, with 81 years of history, is a true honour, she added.
“I have taken on the role as volunteer coordinator, firstly because I was asked, but really as I want to work toward having as extensive and diverse a group of volunteers as possible. Through community involvement and diversity, the festival will be here 81 years from now.”
Hjorleifson invites other people to contact her at [email protected] if they wish to volunteer for the festival.
Mel Munroe is stepping in as chair of the organizing committee.
“It’s a natural extension of my commitment to Rotary's values: serving the community, fostering creativity and celebrating the arts,” said Munroe. “This festival is a testament to the power of volunteerism and the lasting impact we can all make together.”
Theresa Hargrave, festival coordinator, is excited to be a part of the festival committee because performing has been such a valuable experience in her own life.
“The festival provides an amazing opportunity for aspiring performers of all ages to practice, prepare and experience performing, while receiving supportive and constructive feedback,” explained Hargrave. “Performance allows a special connection between the performer and the audience in all the arts, and I can’t wait to help our community, especially our young people, have that experience.”
Another Rotarian, Nicki Havener, is the new treasurer.
“I attended last year’s festival and was impressed by the students' skills, not just with the dancers, but with all the performing arts,” said Havener. “After attending, I knew I wanted to be a part of this. I became treasurer as I would like to see this festival continue for many years.”
Dancing has been a big part of her life. At age three, she started taking tap and ballet lessons. After four years she switched from ballet to highland and continued to dance for an additional four years. From there she took country dance lessons with her parents, who thought this would be a good experience for her and her brother.
“Later, as an adult, I continued to take lessons, which included ballroom two-step, salsa and swing dance,” said Havener. “I have always loved dancing; I feel it is a great form of mental and physical exercise.”
Financial and in-kind assistance for the festival is provided by qathet Arts Council, City of Powell River, qathet School District and qathet Regional District.
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