Our Company
An Award-Winning, World-Class Theatre Company
Axis’ productions are performed in theatres and schools, enriching curriculum, drawing children into stories and giving them access to ideas in new ways. Their 59 original works have earned 21 Jessie Richardson Awards, A Betty Mitchell Award and a Drama Desk Nomination for Unique Theatrical Experience.
Lin Bennett, Wendy Gorling, Elizabeth Murray-Byers and Wayne Specht, who became the founding Artistic Director, came together as a group in 1973-74. Each member trained at either Étienne Decroux or L’École Lecoq and were eager to promote their chosen art form. The Axis Mime Theatre Society incorporated in May 1975 as the next step to access financial support to create the structure needed to administer their activities on a consistent, professional level. Over 45 years later, Axis Theatre Company continues to create original physical theatre productions for the young and young at heart.
Meet the Axis Team
Chris McGregor (he/him)
Artistic Director
Chris is a third generation Settler from Scotland and England. He has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Drama from Bishop’s University and a Masters in Theatre (MFA) in Directing from the University of British Columbia. He has taught physical theatre, Commedia dell’arte, mask and Red Nose Clown at the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Bishop’s University and Studio 58. He has directed more than 60 productions across Canada, has won four Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards and been nominated for three Ovation Awards for directing. Chris has adapted the children’s books: THE LITTLE OLD MAN, SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH, FROG BELLY RAT BONE and CRY, HEART, BUT NEVER BREAK into puppets plays for the stage. He has directed several plays for Axis Theatre, HAMELIN: A NEW FABLE, RAVEN MEETS THE MONKEY KING, ROBINSON CRUSOE AND FRIDAY, SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH, QUELQU’UN T’AIME M.HATCH, TH’OWXIYA: THE HUNGRY FEAST DISH, KWI’AH: THE GIRL WHO HEALS (FILM), THE TROLL GRANDFATHER, FROG BELLY RAT BONE and WHERE HAVE ALL THE BUFFALO GONE?
Daune Campbell (she/her)
Managing Producer
Daune (and her alter ego Duane) became the Tour Coordinator at Axis Theatre in 2011. Since, she has blossomed into the Managing Producer she is today. Daune continues to pursue an administrative and performance career. She was formerly the Managing Co-Artistic Director of Shameless Hussy Productions for ten seasons and is currently back as a performer, touring in the acclaimed production of Love Bomb.
A graduate of Studio 58, Daune has performed in many venues across Canada and the USA and is an avid supporter of theatre for young audiences. She is thrilled to be a guiding force for the Axis Theatre team and is grateful for all the help along the way.
Petrice Brett (she/they)
Booking & Marketing Coordinator
After 30+ years of work in the Arts, Petrice has managed a few good deeds for more than a few great organizations. She has tried her hand a just about everything there is to try and working with Axis Theatre as the Booking & Marketing Coordinator is just about as good as it gets. Her love for community, clowning, & kids are all combined. Plus, she gets to meet new people and diversify her interests regularly. What more could she want?
Jillian Perry (she/her)
Tour & Production Coordinator
Jillian has been touring with Axis Theatre since 2018 and is thrilled to be their new Tour and Production Coordinator! She is a Jesse Richardson award winning Artist for Significant Artistic Achievement: Outstanding Stage Management in Theatre for Young Audiences.
She holds a BA from the University of the Fraser Valley.
Axis Theatre: Touring Canada, the USA and China with Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch; Touring BC with Th'owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish and across Canada and the USA with Robinson Crusoe and Friday.
Past job highlights include touring across Canada with 5 seasons of Chelsea Hotel, The Songs of Leonard Cohen, Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth, Dead Metaphor, Proud, Urinetown: The Musical, Circle Game (Firehall Arts Centre and Tour with Arts Club). Terminus and Visions of Vancouver (Pi Theatre) Elbow Room Café (Zee Zee Theatre, The Cultch), 5@50 (Zee Zee Theatre, Ruby Slippers), My Funny Valentine, Nelly Boy and Whale Riding Weather (Zee Zee Theatre).
The Originals
Wayne Specht
Through the vision of Wayne Specht, Artistic Director for 38 years, the company developed into a world-class, original theatre company. Axis relies heavily on his support and feedback in our transition of artistic leadership - one of a kind, Wayne will always be known as the 'mime' upon which Axis was built.
Grant Tufts
Grant Tufts spent many years with Axis Theatre, holding the place together. Technical savvy, graphics magic and acute accounting combined with his knowledge and humour have left us with very large boots to fill. All the best in your retirement, Grant!
Memberships
Alliance for Arts and Culture (AAC)
Artstarts in Schools
BC Touring Council (BCTC)
Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) UNIMA West
NAPAMA
Axis Theatre engages, under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement, professional artists who are members of Canadian Actors' Equity Association.
Awards
The BC Touring Council 2017
Artistic Company of the Year
24 Jessie Richardson Awards
Theatre for Young Audiences and Adult Theatre
The Betty Mitchell Awards 2003
Outstanding Choreography or Fight Direction
New York Drama Desk nomination 1998
Unique Theatrical Experience
Board of Directors
Welcome our newest Board Member Tonya Frizelle
Janice Beley President
Liz McLaughlin Vice President
Keith Elliott Treasurer
Debby Meyer Secretary
Ann Alexander Director
Susanna Chan Director Carmen Watson Director
Have a question? Want to book a show?
Please contact the Tour coordinator by email at tours@axistheatre.com or call 604 669 0631 for more information.
