From limbo to lift off: Calgary’s Betty Mitchell Awards find new momentum

This is a good news story.

Just weeks ago, the Betty Mitchell Awards were staring down a possible collapse. The already lean board is losing two members this year, which would bring final numbers below the threshold necessary to remain a society in Alberta. No board, no Bettys. 

When the board went public with the risk of not meeting quorum, Calgary showed up.

Ryan Wesley Gray, who sits on the Bettys board, says the response has been nothing short of overwhelming.

“I almost had to take time off work because I was getting so many calls and text messages and emails from people who either wanted to apply, recommend someone, or just help in any way. It went from kind of sad and anxiety tears to these very happy tears,” he said.

Gray admits that the crisis underscored something many don’t see: the invisible work of arts governance.

“When a board or a production team is functioning well, no news is good news. It’s not something people intentionally dismiss, it’s just not publicly facing. But when people realized how much we were really looking to grow our board and maintain the level of professional output to put together this show, the investment came pouring in,” he said.

Bettys are now sorting through a stack of applications.

“We’ll actually be able to have a full board and focus fully on growing and making this board thrive,” Gray explained.

And it’s not just theatre folk wanting to get involved — Gray says musicians, poets, and visual artists have all reached out too.

“It shows how interconnected our arts community is. It’s been extremely touching. We’re so grateful for all these people that have reached out. We’re so happy to serve this community and all these wonderful people,” Gray said.

The society’s AGM is set for Sept. 22, where new board members will be officially voted in. Gray calls it “a big transformation kind of stage, but very exciting, to say the least”.

The Bettys are also relaunching their passport program, which gives theatre-goers a direct role in nominations. Passports will soon be available at participating theatre box offices, or by emailing info@bettymitchellawards.com. The board is considering lowering the attendance threshold (previously 70 per cent of shows) to make it more accessible in a time of rising costs.

For more information visit bettymitchellawards.com/