The Jessies
As GVPTA entered its second decade in the 1980s, an initiative was undertaken to produce an awards ceremony that would highlight and enhance the value of the local professional theatre scene. The Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards, named for one of Vancouver’s theatre pioneers, were first presented by GVPTA in 1983 at the Arts Club Theatre, celebrating the season’s accomplishments with fourteen awards.
The Jessie Richardson Theatre Award Society, a non-profit charitable organization, was formed in 1997 to take over the production of the awards, however the GVPTA remains involved through the administration of the GVPTA Career Achievement Award and the Patron of the Arts Award.
Past Recipients
Patron of the Arts Award
The Patron of the Arts Award recognizes outstanding contribution to theatre, not as a practitioner but as an integral supporter that advances the ecology through their dedicated support and contribution of expertise or resources. Nominee could be an individual, organization or business
2020 - Ken Gracie & Phillip Waddell
2019 - Grant Burnyeat
2018 - Bonnie Mah
2017 - Bryan Searle and Patrice Savoie
2016 - Wendy Orvig
2015 - Stan Hamilton
2014 - Darlene Howard
2013 - BMO
2012 - Jim Green
2011 - Jane Penistan
2010 - Lionel Johnston
2009 – Granville Island Hotel
2008 - Tony DuMoulin and DuMoulin Boskovich
2007 – Marlie Oden
2006 – Industrial Alliance Pacific
2005 – Woodhouse and Assoc Inc
2004 – Alice Niwinski
2003 – Gram
2002 – CMHC
2001 – Telus
2000 – Alcan
1999 – DuMaurier Arts
1998 - WaaZuBee Cafe and Subeez Café
1997 – Vancity
1996 – Don Atkins, Benwell Atkins
