THE LAUNCH OF THE

THE LAUNCH OF THE
INDUS
•
A COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF
INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE PACIFIC LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY IN VANCOUVER
CPRS ACCREDITATION WORK SAMPLE
SUBMITIED BY ANGELA KOULYRAS
MEMBER # 5468
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
MARCH 2006
•
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CASE STUDY
ApPENDIX I: BRANDING PROGRAM
a. List of branding and sponsorship benefits for lAP
b. Old and new logos
c. Images of new logo implementation
ApPENDIX
II: MEDIA RELATIONS PROGRAM
a. News release
.'
b. Photos from news conference
c. Summary of media coverage
d. Copies of print coverage
ApPENDIX
III:
KEY INFLUENCERS PROGRAM
a. Photos from reception and donor wall unveiling
ApPENDIX IV: PROGRAM BUDGET
a. Detailed budget of entire program
•
•
•
•
•
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
From May 2004 to June 2005, I developed and implemented acommunications program to increase
awareness of the Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company (lAP) in Vancouver. Here is a
summary of the research, analysis, communication and evaluation I undertook to achieve this goal.
Research:
My first step was to understand my client's situation. My research included client meetings and questions, a
communications audit, a media scan and a public opinion survey. Among other things, I found that lAP
faced great industry competition, lacked a dedicated and targeted communications program, received little
coverage in the media and had the lowest public recognition among its competitors.
•
Analysis:
To increase awareness of lAP, I recommended that the company become a long-term, lead sponsor of a
high-profile property. In September 2004, lAP entered into discussions with the Arts Club to become a
naming sponsor for its venue, The Stanley Theatre, for $1.5 million. This was one of the largest corporate
donations to a Vancouver arts organization in recent history and the largest donation ever received by the
Arts Club. Most importantly, it provided many branding and recognition opportunities for lAP, and reached
lAP's target market. By March 2005, lAP and the Arts Club were ready to announce this sponsorship and
the renaming of The Stanley Theatre to The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.
The communications plan I prepared to launch The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage included the following
•
goal, objectives and audiences. Our goal was to increase awareness of lAP in Vancouver. Our objectives
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
1
•
were to develop a public presence for the company, ensure the adoption of the new name by media,
increase lAP's coverage in local media, and build stronger relationships with key influencers and
employees. Our key audiences were lAP's target market, the media, key influencers and employees.
Communications:
Recommended communications strategies and tactics included a branding program (developing and
launching the new name and logo); media relations program (a news conference in April 2005); a key
influencers program (a reception, performance and sign unveiling in May 2005), and an employee program.
Total fees and expenses including taxes for the entire program were approximately $134,000.
•
Evaluation:
I evaluated our communications objectives by ensuring lAP received appropriate recognition for its
sponsorship, monitoring the use of the new name, analyzing media coverage, and tracking event
attendance and feedback from key influencers.
The end result? lAP received branding and recognition benefits reaching 125,000 plus potential customers
for the next 20 years. Media adopted the new name and, in one month, featured lAP in 26 stories reaching
more than 2.5 million Canadians, the majority in Vancouver. lAP also successfully celebrated the
announcement with approximately 500 of its key influencers. In summary, this sponsorship has helped lAP
meet its communications objectives, and ultimately increase its visibility in Vancouver for the long term.
Word Count of Executive Summary: 310
•
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
2
r
•
( .
\.
)
•
CASE STUDY
INTRODUCTION
Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company (lAP) is the only full-service life insurance company with
headquarters in Vancouver. Although it has operated here since 1951 (albeit under a different name until
1999), it has a relatively low public profile in Vancouver, one of its largest potential markets.
From May 2004 to June 2005, I worked with lAP to increase its visibility in Vancouver by launching The
Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. I conducted the research and analysis, prepared the communications plan
,
and budget, impiemented the strategies and tactics, and evaluated the program. I worked closely with lAP,
its sponsorship partner and suppliers to organize, implement and manage the program. This case study
•
describes the research, analysis, communication and evaluation of my communications program for lAP.
RESEARCH
When I began working with lAP, and before I made any communications recommendations, I needed to
understand lAP's current situation; specifically its industry and company, communication efforts, media
presence, and public awareness levels.
My research included client meetings and questions, a communications audit, a media scan, and a public
opinion survey. Following is an in-depth description of my research and what I found.
Understanding the Industry and lAP
From my client meetings and industry research, I found that the Canadian insurance industry is dominated
•
by a few major companies, namely Manulife, Sun Life and Great-West Life. lAP markets its investment and
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
1
•
insurance products primarily through independent brokers, so its relationships with brokers are very
important. I also found that lAP differentiates itself from its competitors by targeting the underserved
"kitchen table" market: the average Joe, typically over 40 years old with some savings. While its competitors
sell $200,000 policies, lAP sells $50,000 policies.
Auditing Communications Activities and Materials
Having reviewed lAP's communications activities and materials, I found that it lacked a dedicated
communications program. Communications were sporadic and done when absolutely necessary. As there
was no in-house communications department, the company relied on consultants. Although the company
did not generate "breaking news," it frequently neglected or missed potential communication opportunities.
•
The area with the greatest potential in communications was lAP's sponsorships. lAP spent thousands of
dollars each year supporting arts, cultural and health initiatives, but had little to show for it. Although most
sponsorships were with high-profile organizations, lAP was not focusing its dollars to be the lead or title
sponsor and was not leveraging sponsorships to increase its visibility.
Scanning Media
In terms of coverage, I found that lAP had very little profile in local media since 2000, when the company
took on its new name. The brief coverage it did receive focused on company appointments and sponsorship
announcements.
Gauging Public Awareness Levels
'.
To determine recognition levels of lAP, we conducted an Ipsos Reid survey and found:
20% of British Columbians had heard of lAP, the lowest recognition level among its major competitors
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
2
•
There were no statistically significant differences in awareness levels across the province, or between
males and females
The youngest age group (18-34) was more likely to have heard of the company, in comparison to the
oldest age group (55+)
Individuals with some post-secondary education, and earning less than $60,000, were more likely to
have heard of the company.
Key Research Findings
In summary, I found the following through my research:
lAP is in a very competitive industry, dominated by very large players
lAP's relationships with independent brokers are critical to its success
•
lAP targets the underserved kitchen table market
lAP did not have a dedicated, proactive communications program
lAP was not leveraging its sponsorships to increase its profile
lAP's media presence was almost non-existent
lAP had the lowest public recognition among its major competitors.
ANALYSIS
Based on my research, it was clear that both internal and external factors were the cause of lAP's low
visibility. Internally, the company lacked proactive and dedicated communications, lacked major news, and
was not leveraging its sponsorship dollars. Externally, lAP competed in a crowded marketplace with wellknown and large companies.
'.
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
3
•
In order to increase lAP's visibility in this environment, the company needed a major announcement with a
long-lasting impact. I recommended that one of the best ways this could be done was for lAP to "own" or be
the lead sponsor of a high-profile property. We would leverage this sponsorship to increase the company's
visibility in the community and media, and with its key influencers.
In terms of criteria, the high-profile property had to be:
In the arts, culture, education or health sectors
A long-term strategic partnership
Relevant to the lAP brand, target market, and business strategy
Cost effective (i.e. sponsorship costs had to be in line with the benefits)
Sponsorship savvy and open to new marketing ideas.
•
After a few months of seeking out such an opportunity, we found one through lAP's existing sponsorship of
The Stanley Theatre, owned by the Arts Club Theatre Company. lAP had sponsored a Stanley Theatre
musical each year since 2000, and the theatre needed help in paying down its large mortgage.
In September 2004, lAP entered into discussions with the Arts Club to become a 20-year naming sponsor of
The Stanley Theatre for $1.5 million. This would be one of the largest corporate donations to a Vancouver
arts organization in recent history and the largest donation ever received by the Arts Club.
Most importantly, this opportunity fit our criteria. It was a high-profile property in the arts with significant
branding opportunities that would give lAP a dominant public presence for a 20-year period. As the
'.
demographic profile of the average theatre-goer matched lAP's kitchen table market, the company would
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
4
•
reach 125,000 potential customers each year. Finally, sponsorship costs were in line with the benefits and
the Arts Club was open to leveraging the sponsorship.
After six months of negotiations, internal discussions and approvals, finalizing recognition and branding
benefits, and preparing the legal paperwork, lAP and the Arts Club were ready to announce this major
sponsorship and the renaming of The Stanley Theatre to The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.
The communications plan I prepared to launch The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage included the following
goal, objectives and audiences.
Communications Goal
•
Our goal was to increase awareness of lAP in Vancouver, specifically amongst the kitchen table market.
Communications Objectives
To meet our goal, our objectives were to:
1. Develop a permanent public presence of lAP at the theatre
2. Ensure the adoption of the new name by media
3. Increase lAP's coverage in local media
4. Build stronger relationships with local key influencers and employees
Our Key Audiences
Public (kitchen table market): 125,000 theatre patrons per year
•
Media: print, radio and TV; regional and national; arts and general reporters
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
5
•
Key influencers: lAP agents, brokers, and associated companies; local community, government and
business leaders
Employees: lAP staff, company directors, and senior management
COMMUNICATION
I worked closely with all parties involved from the start to approve the communications plan, budget and
timeline, and assign responsibilities. The communications plan included the following strategies and tactics.
Branding Program
As part of this sponsorship, lAP received ongoing branding opportunities and recognition benefits for the
next 20 years. The Stanley Theatre is now known as The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, and theatre
•
patrons are welcomed to The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage before each performance.
In addition, the new name and logo were incorporated by the theatre company into new exterior and interior
signage, and all promotional, marketing and corporate materials including advertising, posters, programs,
invitations, website, newsletters, and annual reports. I worked with a graphic designer to design and
implement the new logo.
Media Relations Program
I also worked with the Arts Club public relations manager to prepare the news conference and media
materials for the sponsorship announcement on AprilS, 2005. Our theme was "Taking the Stanley Theatre
to the Next Stage." Media and guests received invitations for a "major announcement" at the theatre.
•
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
6
•
The news conference was a theatrical event. We arranged for entertainment, red carpet, cake cutting and
refreshments. A videographer and photographer were present to capture the speeches, cheque
presentation and logo unveiling.
I had also planned to unveil the external sign as a media photo opportunity with Vancouver's mayor a few
weeks after the news conference, but this was postponed because the sign was not ready in time. Instead,
we unveiled the theatre's new donor wall at the key influencers event on May 31,2005.
Key Influencers Program
To build stronger relationships with lAP's key influencers, I organized a gala event for May 31,2005,
celebrating the announcement of The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Almost 500 key influencers, lAP
•
directors and senior managers attended the event, which featured a cocktail reception, followed by the
performance of Miss Saigon, and the unveiling of the new donor wall at the theatre.
Employee Communications Program
The plan also included tactics to engage lAP staff in the announcement. However, due to the lack of internal
resources, lAP did not pursue these recommendations.
Positioning and Messaging
No sooner had the ink dried on lAP's sponsorship contract, when another local corporation was publicly
criticized for "buying out" a Vancouver landmark. Because of this we were extremely sensitive about our
logo/signage design, positioning and messaging. It was important for us to be tasteful and not blatantly
commercial. We positioned it as an Arts Club announcement, acknowledging lAP for its generous
•
contribution.
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
7
•
In terms of messaging, we focused on lAP's history of community involvement, its long-standing relationship
with the theatre company and the benefits of the sponsorship to the community.
Budget
Actual fees and expenses including taxes for the entire program were $134,111.60. This included
$52,266.12 (before taxes) for the research and analysis stages, which spanned 10 months. Of this
$6,117.80 was for the public opinion survey.
Actual fees and expenses, before taxes, for the communications tactics were as follows:
Branding program (logo design and management):
•
$3,500.00
Media relations program (news conference):
$11,219.57
Key influencer program (gala reception):
$52,733.10
In terms of the evaluation stage, we had budgeted $9,000, but actual costs came in at $2,975.00 because
the client did not proceed with the recommended survey to measure awareness levels in Vancouver.
EVALUATION
Our four communications objectives were evaluated as follows.
Objective #1: Develop a permanent public presence of lAP at the theatre
As described in the sponsorship contract, lAP will be publicly recognized for the next 20 years, which is a
•
significant step towards increasing its public awareness. On average, more than 20,000 people per day will
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
8
•
see the new exterior signage as they drive or walk by the theatre. Approximately 125,000 theatre patrons
(lAP's kitchen table market) will hear or see the new name each year when attending a performance or
reading theatre collateral materials. In addition, the new name will reach a wider audience in neighbouring
cities through the theatre's advertising and promotional initiatives.
Objective #2: Ensure the adoption of the new name by media
After the news conference, I monitored media for use of the new name. Most media began using it right
away. The ones that didn't received friendly reminders of the name change. The new name is now included
in theatre production reviews and theatre listings on an ongoing basis.
Objective #3: Increase lAP's coverage in local media
•
Our news conference had an excellent media turnout, with radio, television and print reporters covering the
announcement. Over the course of one month, we tracked 26 media stories, reaching an audience of more
than 2,500,000 locally and across Canada. lAP continued to receive the odd interview request months after
the announcement. The announcement only generated one negative letter to the editor. Although lAP is not
pursuing an ongoing media relations program, it continues to see its name in the media as a result of the
Arts Club's dedicated and ongoing media relations.
Objective #4: Build stronger relationships with key influencers and employees
Approximately 500 key influencers attended the gala event. This was above and beyond my client's
expectations. Our initial budget was for a maximum 400-person reception. We had such an incredible
response that we had to turn people away, and ended up allocating staff tickets to lAP guests. lAP received
•
positive feedback, including congratulations letters from members of government. People thoroughly
enjoyed the event. lAP has continued to host well-attended key influencer events at the theatre.
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
9
•
Please note that lAP did not pursue employee activities to celebrate the announcement, so the employee
part of the objective was not measured.
Finally, I was not able to evaluate whether we had achieved our communications goal of increased
awareness of lAP in Vancouver. Although I had recommended we conduct another public opinion survey at
the completion of our communications program, this was not carried out because my client contact was
transferred to another part of the company.
CONCLUSION
•
The launch of The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, a long-term and high-profile community partnership,
has helped lAP achieve its communications objectives. It increased the visibility of lAP with its kitchen table
market, in the community and media, and with its key influencers.
Although measurement of the communications goal did not take place, one can assume that based on
these accomplished objectives we have and will continue to increase awareness of lAP in Vancouver for the
next 20 years. Increased awareness will help this local insurance company compete more effectively in its
industry and increase its share of the kitchen table market.
Word Count of Case Study: 1920
•
CPRS Accreditation Work Sample, Submitted by Angela Koulyras, March 2006
10
•
•
(
•
List of Branding and Sponsorship Benefits for lAP
•
Branding and Sponsorship Benefits for
Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company
The new name or logo is included on the theatre's outdoor and indoor signage,
and all collateral materials.
Outdoor Signage
left and right sides of the marquee
poster window
Indoor Signage
donor wall
bar sign
- wall projections
•
Promotional, Marketing and Corporate Materials
advertising
posters
- flyers
rack cards
subscription brochures
programmes
invitations
Arts Club website
House program Encore
Arts Club subscriber newsletter, Backstage View
Arts Club annual reports
Other
Patrons are welcomed to The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage before the
start of each performance
In addition, Industrial Alliance Pacific received the following sponsorship benefits.
Complimentary tickets to Stanley productions
The right to hold private receptions at the theatre
Membership to the Arts Club's Artistic Directors Circle
Half-page advertisements in house programs
•
•
Old and New Logos
•
Old Logo - The Stanley Theatre
•
New Logo - The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE STAGE
•
'.
Images of New Logo Implementation
•
•
•
APPENDIX 1 - 0
•
•
TDOOR SlGNAGE
Marquee (left and right sides)
V26361 IVAN_LA W\ 18295012
-4-
•
•
•
Poster Window Oeft side (north) of the building)
V26361 \VAN_LA W\ 182950\2
•
APPE DIX 2-
DOOR SIGNAGE
5
TRUCTURf. FUNOING IJ!tOVIOtiJ i3Y
fbe redcJ31 (jo>,1nmen l of Canada
TIle ProI1l1Ct of JJtflhh ColumlJi,
me C~J of I/anCOUVCr
Il
·1.
•
.._It....·
V26361WAN _ LAWI 182950\2
I
Cl"Kj >!.\GI1X)\O'"
s'i[ CI TtN llUU [1"\ n
<.•
Donor Wall
•
\' ~
-2-
•
•
•
Bar
V2636J\VAN_LAW\ 182950\2
-4 -
•
•
Wall Projections
•
V26361 \VAN_LA W\ 182950\2
•
APPE DlX 3-PROMOTIONAL, MARKETING
ND CORPORATE MATERIALS
•
Examples of application of Word Mark, Logo and IA
Corporate Logo (As Season Sponsor) to promotional,
marketing and corporate materials.
•
V263611VAN_LA WI 18295012
•
•
••
/
News Release
•
•
••••
.
i
INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE PACIFIC
1M
INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
ARTSCLUB
THEATRE
COMPANY
MEDIA RELEASE
The Stanley Theatre moves to the next stage
with $1.5 million donation
April 5, 2005, Vancouver, Be ~ The Stanley Theatre today received a
$1.5 million donation from Vancouver-based Industrial Alliance Pacific
Life Insurance Company. This is the largest donation ever received by
The Stanley Theatre and the Arts Club Theatre Company. It is also one
of the largest corporate donations to a Vancouver arts organization in
recent history. In recognition of such a significant donation, The
Stanley Theatre will become The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.
John Gill, President of Industrial Alliance Pacific, said, "Arts
organizations make important contributions to our communities. They
need our support. We are delighted to continue supporting The Stanley
Theatre. Our donation will ensure its financial stability for years to
come."
•
This announcement marks the start of a 20-year partnership between
Industrial Alliance Pacific, the Arts Club Theatre Company and The
Stanley Theatre Society. The Company's donation will support the
repayment of The Stanley Theatre's mortgage. New signage for the
theatre will be unveiled in May 2005.
Arts Club Theatre Company General Manager Howard R. Jang stated, "This
is a very exciting day for the Stanley Theatre Society and the Arts
Club Theatre Company.
We have entered into a partnership with a longtime supporter. Industrial Alliance Pacific is showing tremendous
leadership, and sincerely cares about the arts."
Long-time Artistic Managing Director Bill Millerd, said, "This is a
major development for our theatre company in ensuring our future. A big
thank you to Industrial Alliance Pacific for its belief in the power of
the arts."
Industrial Alliance Pacific has been a sponsor of the Arts Club Theatre
Company since the 2000-2001 Season when they sponsored Ain't
Misbehavin' at The Stanley Theatre.
The Company has sponsored a
Stanley Theatre production in every year since then, including: The
Mousetrap (2001-2002), Dial M for Murder (2002-2003), Evita (2003-2004)
and Miss Saigon (2004-2005).
-30-
•
•
About Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company
Industrial Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Company is part of the
Industrial Alliance Group, the fifth largest life and health insurance
organization in Canada. The Industrial Alliance Group insures over 1.7
million Canadians, employs more than 2,600 people and manages and
administers $28.5 billion in assets. Industrial Alliance Pacific is
committed to ensuring the financial security of the individuals it
serves and contributing to the communities in which they live.
About The Stanley Theatre
After an intensive Save the Stanley Campaign in the mid nineties, The
Stanley Theatre re-opened to the public with Dean Regan's recordsetting production of Swing in October 1998, and it is now the Arts
Club Theatre Company's main venue. An intimate version of a Broadway or
London classic theatre, this elegant venue has permitted the company to
move into the exciting arena of producing larger musicals, 20th-century
classics, and acclaimed productions from around the world.
Media Contacts:
•
•
For the Arts Club Theatre
Company:
Sarah Durno
Public Relations Manager
604-687-5315 x 244
oublicitv~artsclub.com
For Industrial Alliance Pacific:
Koulyras
Contemporary Communications
604-637-3041
akoulyras@ccpr.com
~ngela
•
Photos from News Conference
•
•
The Announcement of The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Images from the News Conference, April 5, 2005
On April 5, 2005, Industrial Alliance Pacific presented a cheque of $1.5 million to The
Stanley Theatre. The new name and logo for the theatre were also announced.
•
•
•
Summary of Media Coverage
•
•
•
•
•
COlltemporaryl Communications
The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage Announcement, April 5, 2005
Media Coverage
COMPANY:
CBC Radio One
CKWX News 1130
CTV News Live at Five
CTV News at Six
CTV News at 11 :30
CityPulse News at Six
CityPulse Tonight
Spirit of Vancouver
Globe and Mail
The Province
Vancouver Sun
24 Hours
Charity Channel (E-news)
WestEnder
Georgia Straight
Vancouver Sun
Vancouver Sun
Vancouver Sun
Village Vibes (E-news)
The Commentary
Vancouver Courier
Vancouver Magazine
Shared Vision Magazine
Shaw TV-Art Jones & Co.
,*CIT¥!
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
National
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
National
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver
TOTAL AUDIENCE REACH:
Prepared by Contemporary Communications
AU.DIENCEREACH
48,000
390,000
25,000
56,000
68,000
22,000
22,000
unknown
337,288
154,590
172,486
145,000
unknown
47,930
340,000
172,486
172,486
172,486
3,200
unknown
136,000
65,000
40,000
unknown
2,589,952
~..
>t
.'.!.
e:.' . ",.....
COVERAGEiDETAIL~,
d%.
April 5, 2005: story aired at 12pm, 12:30pm and 4:30pm
April 5, 2005: story aired throughout the day
April 5, 2005: story aired at 5:30pm
April 5, 2005: story aired at 6:16pm
April 5, 2005: story aired at 11 :58pm
April 5, 2005: story aired at 6:50pm
April 5, 2005: story aired at 11 :50pm
April 5, 2005: copy of news release on Vancouver Board of Trade Web site
April 6, 2005: news brief on page R2
April 6, 2005: news brief on page B6
April 6, 2005: article plus images on pages C1 and C2
April 6, 2005: article plus image on page 4
April 6, 2005: reprint of Globe & Mail news brief
April 7, 2005: news briefs on pages 7 and 14
April 7, 2005: news brief on page 49
April 8, 2005: mention as part of play review
April 9, 2005: news brief on page B4
April 11, 2005: Kudos news brief on page F5
April 11, 2005: news brief with link to Arts Club Web site
April 12, 2005: mention as part of play review
April 13, 2005: news brief and photo caption on page 17
May 2005: news brief in event listing
May 2005: news brief
June 7, 2005: Peter Birnie mentions donation
,.
•
Copies of Print Coverage
•
•
.... ~~ ......... J .v1I9
sarfu
•
TOl-onto.
McLacWan is about
. to pUll another disappearing act.
:
First, the folk-pop songstress
; with the famously ethereal voice
will play the final leg of her current
concert tour. But after that, she insists she's going underground.
"This is it folks," McLacWan said
with a laugh over the phone from
, Vancouver Island, where she was
enjoying a few days off this week.
"There are no more tours
booked for the next couple of
years. , .. I'm going to just go home
, and have some time off."
The new slate of shows is set to
kick off in Victoria next week, with
dates scheduled across the United
States and Canada.
McLacWan has been out on the
road for almost two years now promoting her Grammy-nominated
albumAfterglow. CP
Ian Tyson to tip his hat
: to the Queen next month
, Edmonton. Country singer Ian Tyson will headline a showcase of
musical talent for the Queen on
" her visit to Alberta next month.
I
•
siriger's ageht, Paul Mascioli, 'from
his office in Orlando, Fla. "He was
invited to perform as part ofAlberta centennial celebrations."
Joining Tyson at Commonwealth
Stadium in Edmonton on May 23
will be the Corb Lund Band, Oscar
Lopez, Maren Ord and Carolyn
Dawn Johnson - all artists with
strong connections to Alberta. CP
Historic Vancouver theatre
renamed and refinanced
Vancouver. Vancouver's historic
Stanley Theatre, a handsome Granville Street landmark since it
opened as a vaudeville house in
1930, is being renamed the Stanley
Industrial Alliance Stage.
Arts Club Theatre Co., which restored and reopened the theatre as
its main venue seven years ago,
yesterday announced that it had
received a $1.5-million donation
from Vancouver-based Industrial
Alliance Pacific Life Insurance Co.
The donation is the largest received to date by the non-profit
company and will support repayment of the theatre's mortgage
through a 20-year partnership.
President Woodrow Wilson and
General Doilglas MacArthur and
songs byAl Jolson, Muddy Waters
and Nirvana are among 50 recordings being set aside for special
preservation.
There's plenty of music, from
Victor Herbert's Gypsy Love Song of
1898, through Glenn Miller's In the
Mood in 1939, to Nirvana's 1991 album Nevermind. Performances
must be 10 years old to qualify.
This is the third group of recordings to be added to the registry. AP
Kidman and Downey
confirmed for Arbus biopic
New York. Nicole Kidman and
Robert Downey Jr. are to star in a
film about photographer Diane AIbus to be shot at Brooklyn's new
Steiner Studios. Douglas C. Steiner,
chairman of the Hollywood-style
complex, announced yesterday
that Fur is t-o be directed by Steven
Shainberg. Based on Patricia Bosworth's biography, the screenplay
by Erin Cressida Wilson presents
an imaginary portrait of the life of
the late New York fashion photographer.AP
Art Canada
Advertisers please call: Toronto (416) 585-5592/5567; Montreal (5141 982-3050; Vancouver (604) 631-6627
~~'P';':~:7 tr'-::?~:
Starting April 6, we're open three
_ ,_ _ _._
_
, ',.'_',' _,
evenings
0 week'tihtiI9:0',:.
..
·,i.;",.
And ,new lower p~ices f(n general admission.
'f',
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 am to 9 pm
FREE Wednesday evenings 6 to 9 pm (except Massive Change)
•
Saturday and Sunday 10 am ta 5:30 pm
Closed Monday and Tuesday
,....
A
r.t Ga II.el¥.~~ri~~~t",
317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
www.ago.
,~~,,~~.~;;
a
f
•
:m!llM
I v,,"nT-~
86 I E-TODAY
WEDNESDAY. APRil 6. 2005
THE PROVINCE
Britney to do reality series
THE DISH:
UPN has signed Britney and Kevin for a new TV series
Brimey Spears and hubby
Kevin Federllne have said "r
do" to starring in a UPN real-
ity series that documents
their courtship, engagemen!
and wedding.
Featuring what UPN bills
of their "personal love story," the six-episode series is
scheduled to premiere later
this year. It picks up shortly
after the pair mel in Los
erline performed as a backup dancer for Spears.
UPN is also shooting new
[ootage and commentary
with the couple. who wed in
tion machine called a I..ektor, lillIe knowing that the
enLire aITair is a trap "ict by
evil crime cartel SPFCTRE
as revenge
the death of
Dr. No.
Federllne. -
Stanley renamed
AP
That marriage was annulled
55 hours later.
Bond, James Bond
Amidst the speculation
about who the next Agent
months for the 23-year-old
007 will be, the folks at Electronic Arts have returned to
one of the most beloved
der in a surprise wt..-dding in
Las Vegas in January 2004.
fUf
Britney Spears and Kevin
September. It was the second marriage in nine
Spears, who married childhood friend Jason Alexan-
New signagc for the mouthful will be unveiled next
t963 ftlm's plot, in which the
super spy nies to gel his
hands on a Soviet encryp-
as "exclusive, never-beforeseen private home videos"
Angeles and headed to
Europe on lOUT, where Fed-
Sean Connery will lend hi'
voice and his (more youth[u1) likeness to the upcoming video-game version of
From Russia with LotI(!,
The game will follow the
actors ever to sip the signalure martini.
The Stanley Theatre is no
marc.
Thl' Cranville Street land·
mark has heen renamed
after receiving as I.S-million
donation from Vancouverbased Industrial Alliance
Pacific J.iff' Insurance COI11-
pany.
The new name? The Stan-
momh.
Carol Shields' play Ullless
open-s tonight allhe Slanlc}.
Itemizing • ..
David Hallon, the rocksteady Washingwn curre-
spondent for CBC-1V News,
is retiring aftcr fOllr decades
on the job. Ilis father,
Matthew lIalton, was a
famous corrc5.pondent for
CBe Badio during and after
the SCcond World War ... In
her first gig since Once and
Again was cancelled three
years ago, F.mmy winner
Sela Ward will join Fox's hit
lIotisp for the final Iwo
episodes this season and
may relurn for 1110rc. \Vard
will playa former ho~pilal
lawyer and ex·girlfripnd of
curmudgeonly Dr. Gregorv
Ilouse (Hugh Lauric).
ley Industrial Alliance Stage.
IlfJiP5'.' _""WSlC
- News Services
uc,_,,:::::::L