About the
Beech Street Theatre Company
Beech Street Theatre Company has been a familiar face to the Durham Region arts scene since our incorporation into it in December of 2013. Since then, we have continued to grow as a theatre; one that strives to support our community and grow as it grows! The BSTC believes that by developing art and culture we help people become confident, educated, and invested in their communities. This in turn helps people become better neighbours, employees, and customers. By contributing to the growth and development of the Durham Region’s art and culture BSTC has, and invites you to have, a part in developing a more vibrant and engaged community!
What Makes Us Different?
We're a heavily community based theatre! Our plays are always written by Canadian playwrights, and we give very special consideration to local writers. Besides our full-length plays, we also perform dinner theatre at various restaurants across the Durham Region. Often, we perform in small, intimate venues that provide just the right mood for an excellent dinner and a play.
The
BSTC
Prologue
The story of Beech Street Theatre Company begins where many great stories do; in the driver's seat of a 2004 Chevy. In early 2013, Michael Khashmanian, the Founder of BSTC, was driving south on Cochrane St. in Whitby, Ontario when he stopped at a stop sign. At the stop, he noticed a street sign he hadn't seen before, Beech St. W.
In that moment, he was reminded of Baker Street, made famous by Sherlock Holmes. Beech Street had a very Baker Street ring to it. Micheal was charmed by the Beech Street name, and not long after his discovery of it, he suggested it as a name for a theatre company to his longtime friend, Dr. Mark Terry.
Some months later, Mike & Mark launched the Beech Street Theatre Company and were the inaugural board of directors for this new & nascent theatre group. Quickly, the Beech Street spark became a flame and the board grew. This ragtag group of theatre enthusiasts, all hailing from different skill sets and backgrounds, was the foundation which built Beech Street Theatre Company.
- Board of Directors -
Michael Khashmanian
As its founding member, Michael has been on the Board of Directors since the BSTC beginning in 2013. With the help of some very talented and dedicated people over the years, he provides leadership that has helped make the BSTC a part of Whitby's rich cultural scene. Mike's commitment to inclusivity has been a driving and inspiring force within all aspects of BSTC. He leads with more why nots than no's and fosters an atmosphere of finding the BSTC way to make it happen.
President & Managing Artistic Director
Debra Paul
Debra joined the board because of BSTC's commitment to opening opportunities for everyone to be part of the theatre. In addition to assisting in maintaining the board, Debra has oversight over creative design with BSTC. Leveraging her education in Graphic Design and over 25 years of experience in the advertising/marketing sector, she brings her collaborative approach to guiding our volunteers to develop both their own growth and the visual identity of BSTC.
Vice President &
Creative Director
Sharon Morari
Sharon, amicably known as Cher, first met Beech Street at an AGM early on in BSTC's lifespan. Soon after, she was a member of the board! She found that Beech Street goes deeper than just performance. According to her, BSTC outshines other theatre groups in the context of community, as anyone is welcome no matter their skills, abilities, or age. Cher has a passion for collaboration and works hard to seek out and organize fundraising events and maintain strong ties to local businesses.
Treasurer & Secretary
Kyra Watson
For over 20 years, Kyra has worked in HR and Admin for a top advertising agency. But her nights and weekends are dedicated to her love for theatre. Kyra was naturally drawn to BSTC and is often found assisting at rehearsals and helping new actors bring their performances to life. Kyra is a strong believer in theatre's ability to maintain a positive mental health, build self-confidence, and enlighten new perspectives. Not to mention the chance to meet new people and enjoy new experiences!
Membership Coordinator
Thomas Payne
Thomas's experience with BSTC began when he was a preteen, completely new to both acting and the Durham Region arts scene. Though he started as solely an actor, over the years he has become more and more involved with BSTC both on the stage and behind it. After joining the board to contribute to BSTC's digital presence, Thomas has taken a more behind-the-scenes approach to supporting local theatre efforts. Even while away at University, Thomas continues his passionate work towards bringing youth into the world of theatre with the help of BSTC.
Director of Digital & Social Media
Kirk Raybould
After a few years acting with BSTC, Kirk has recently joined the board of directors! His professional background includes facilitation, business development, and leadership, all valuable skills he brings to his work with Beech Street. Kirk enjoys both the thrill of the stage, as well as the social storytelling he engages in behind the scenes. He is a strong advocate for creating accessibility within the arts and is working to enhance partnership opportunities through his open-door policy.
Member at Large
Aria Smithson
A talented digital artist and graphic designer, Aria inspires a splash of color and creativity to every Beech Street project they partake in. After having helped to redesign the BSTC logo and website, Aria joined the board and has since become a prominent stagehand and production designer. Assisting backstage in a number of BSTC productions, they are a familiar face to Beech Street audiences and actors alike! In Aria's latest work, they have inspired modernized and creative aesthetics to the Beech Street Theatre Company!
Design & Production Artist
Dr. Mark Terry
Having been a strong supporter of BSTC's ventures since its founding, Mark Terry, an Adjunct Professor at York University, offers insight from many years of theatre, geomedia, and climate change studies. Even while travelling the world conducting research in the field of environmental communication, Mark still calls Beech Street home. As an accomplished author and filmmaker, he shares his passion for the environment within his work with BSTC. As an educator, he strives to create inclusive spaces for youth across the globe to have their voices heard.
Director of Sustainability