Westben Arts Festival Theatre - Donna Bennett - soprano, pianist/composer

Donna Bennett & Brian Finley
Westben Arts Festival Theatre

I will continue with THE INSIDE SCOOP, with Scoop from the Westben Arts Festival Theatre. Here I have the privilege of interviewing Donna Bennett Marketing Director, soprano, pianist/composer.

  “In 1999, The Westben Arts Festival Theatre was formed as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating, enriching and integrating professionals and amateurs in musical projects and educational activities. Run by a Board of Directors, Westben received its charitable status in 2000.” My question to Donna … “As Westben has it's 'Charitable Status", does it have fundraising events, and if so, can you describe what you choose to do and why. Perhaps discuss the pitfalls and successes here.” … Ms. Bennett’s reply here … “We have an annual fundraiser – the last concert in August (this year is August 5th called The Big Band Theory celebrating Gershwin with pianist and AD of Westben – Brian Finley and the Brian Barlow Big Band. We also do 2 small fundraisers through out the year and sell Fundscript cards.”

Many times I like to find the SCOOP about how festivals/events “keep things fresh” for the patrons and actors? I know many festivals/events offer visitors/participants alike things like new fresh healthy choice foods, shaded rest areas, cool water sources and such. Donna tells us … “This is always a challenge. We try to do something new – an upgrade on site every season – this year we have a new trailer of flush washrooms – thanks to Celebrate Ontario and Brian always keeps the programming fresh and interesting.” A comforting and welcomed new upgrade indeed!

“Co–founders, Brian Finley (Artistic Director) and Donna Bennett (Marketing Director), lead Westben’s wonderfully energetic full-time staff of five. The 12-member Board of Directors heads up a huge support team of volunteers, sponsors, donors and members. Westben also appreciates the support from all levels of government and several foundations.” I was able to ask Ms. Bennett what are her duties/roles prior to and during a production? She states … “This is a huge topic. We have a year round box office organizing sales, marketing, grants, memberships, sponsorships, production. The day of each concert there is a production ritual of getting the on site box office ready and grounds prepped and Barn prepared.” This led me to my next question … “What are some of the challenges that the “audience” does not see?” Behind the scenes as it were. Often, event/festival organizers reply is about lighting issues, timing, choreography, weather conditions and so on. Donna simply replies … “Funding”.
(To Be Continued)