Community Engagement
Since 1990, CHAS has fostered ongoing partnerships that benefit Vancouver Island schools; arts, cultural, and not-for-profit organizations; seniors’ care homes; hospitals; community groups; persons with disabilities; and groups that may be ‘othered’ or face systemic discrimination. The Society provides significant access to the performing arts through collaborative productions, independent projects, and access to creation. The Society’s programs share the work that has been created by emerging artists with the community at large.
Performances
Concert of Remembrance
Filled with music and story, this moving tribute resounds ‘from the frontline to the homefront’. This theatrical reflection on service and sacrifice is shared annually at no cost with parishes, Legions, community groups, and long-term care homes. In recent years, the concert has been expanded to offer a fully-accessible community performance.
Winter Celebration
Each December, CHAS commissions young artists to create, design, and direct a winter holiday celebration made available at no cost to community groups, non-profits, and service organizations in Greater Victoria.
CHAS is committed to supporting local non-profits by making our community of artists available for appearances and performances. The Society requires four weeks notice for an appearance request, and four months notice to produce a larger presentation.
Audience Engagement Program
Viewers of select performances are invited, at no cost, to talk to the cast, director, and/or full creative team in pre-performance industry chats or post-show talkbacks. These informal interactions are facilitated to help guide and enhance audience engagement and insight into aspects of the production, its themes, impact, or behind-the-scenes elements. Recorded dialogues are also shared with secondary school theatrical creative teams or youth theatre groups within BC.
Volunteer Program
Volunteers play an essential role in the operations of CHAS. They bring talents, skills and knowledge; enrich the programs and services available to participants; and play an important role in the development of the society and our community. Our structured volunteer program supports the interactions of artists with volunteers and ensures they can actively contribute to the artistic process. CHAS also offers volunteer mentorships designed to develop specific skills.
Public Education Sessions
Professional artists offer interactive performing arts training presentations to students and the public at schools, festivals, education fairs, trade shows, and conferences.
For more information on how you or your organization can get involved in these community programs, please contact engagement@heritagearts.ca.