BY JENN McGARRIGLE
The show will go on for countless Vancouver Island University technical theatre students, thanks to a generous donation from a couple who wanted to leave a lasting legacy in memory of their son.
Nanaimo residents Eldred and Joyce Classen lost their son, Brent Dana Classen, an alum of the technical theatre diploma program, unexpectedly in 2015. He was 55. To honour his memory, they have donated $175,000 to the VIU Foundation to create an endowment fund that will ensure one student in financial need will be helped every year from now on.
The Brent Classen Technical Theatre Award covers all tuition costs and other fees for a year plus a $500 cheque towards books for students enrolled in VIU’s technical theatre diploma. Starting next fall, one award will be available each year in perpetuity. The award is available to students who attended a public school on Vancouver Island, and can demonstrate both financial need and a passion for the stagecraft profession.
Brent was well-known in the Island theatre community through his company, Whole Hog Productions Ltd. Growing up in Cedar, his passion for stagecraft began in his teens when he started volunteering for the Yellow Point Theatre Group. After high school, he went on to complete the technical theatre program at VIU, then Malaspina University-College.
Over the years, Brent staged many events which touched many people on the Island. From festivals, concerts and ice shows, to conferences, award nights, weddings and fundraisers, Brent and his team at Whole Hog Productions brought the special effects, lights, sound and magic to countless events.
He also worked for the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s theatre department and was a member of both the Victoria and Vancouver International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees locals. Through the latter, he had the chance to work large shows.
Some of Brent’s proudest accomplishments included the design and technical run of the first Sunfest Country Music Festival, the Clean Air Concert, the Halloween and Christmas events at the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre, and the many years he lit up the Islands Folk Festival Stage.
The award will make a huge impact on aspiring theatre technicians going forward, says Leon Potter, theatre department chairman.
“We are so honoured that the Classen family has chosen to remember their son in this way,” Potter said. “This will ensure many, many students will be able to focus on their future careers and participate in the numerous extracurricular theatre activities available on campus. Brent Classen’s legacy will live on through this award, and his story will inspire many generations of students to pursue their passion for stagecraft.”
For more information about endowments, please visit www2.viu.ca/giving/waysofgiving.asp.
Jenn McGarrigle is a writer with Vancouver Island University’s communications department.