GETTING TO KNOW RAY MARSHALL
A recent interview with Ray Marshall after he joined us on the Kawartha Lakes Arts Council:
Why is the arts council important to you to join and give your time?
The arts council is very important to me as I have a desire to contribute to the community in the City of Kawartha Lakes. I really appreciate the work that has taken place, and staying 'in touch' with fellow members of the City who engage, work, and celebrate the Arts.
Are the Kawartha Lakes part of your personal history or have you had a longer connection?
My first real work experience in the art world was being involved in the Kawartha Summer Theatre at the Academy Theatre in Lindsay, as a lighting and sound technician. I spent eight summers there involved in all aspects of the theatre. In 1985, I became the Academy Theatre Manager until 2006. It was a very important time for me to be in Lindsay and enjoy family life and it formed the basis of my very interesting and rewarding career.
Where did you grow up and spend your youth?
I grew up in Stouffville, Ontario and was involved with drama all throughout high school and also enjoyed four years playing in a rock band. I played the drums and did some vocals. It was great fun!
What were the strongest cultural influences on you growing up?
Bill Glassco, (from Tarragon Theatre in Toronto ) Dennis Sweeting, ( Kawartha Summer Theatre.) were my two mentors when I was a young” techie''. They were important to me because of their Canadian Artistic Vision, their ability to do quality plays for their audiences, their organizational skills, always respectful to their actors, designers, writers and staff.
What do you believe, is your “genius” the one thing that you do the best and are proud of?
I am proud of working in a “live theatre” of day to day experiences. I know I have strengths in connecting and working with people involved with all aspects of live theatre in the performance arena. I am able to connect with the audience, performers, the crew, volunteers as well as board members and supporters in my community.
What do you believe is the role of an Arts Council in a community?
I believe that an Arts Council needs to be active and play a significant role in the community. This can be in support of a major project or bringing artists together to showcase their work and gain prominence in the community. It also serves to develop a membership base that will have an impact and offer a focus for the community both economically and philosophically. It is important for the Council to encourage and communicate with all ages of artists in as many disciplines as possible.
