For Arts Administrators

Natasha Parsons Honoured with Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award

(L-R) John McHardy, Natasha Parsons and Leonard Harvey

Toronto, June 2, 2010 – The Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award (LMJH Award) was inaugurated in 2008 and recognizes the important work of theatre, dance and opera administrators. Recipients of the LMJH Award have at least 10 years of demonstrated commitment to the performing arts, in addition to having made an impact on the industry in Toronto. The Award is named after Leonard McHardy and John Harvey, the
celebrated owners of Toronto’s Theatrebooks, which they co-founded in 1975, and now stands as one of the longest surviving independent bookstores in the country.

This year’s recipient is Natasha Parsons, a diligent, warm-hearted individual who, in her 16 years working in the Box Office and Front of House at Tarragon Theatre, has become a beloved staple of both Tarragon and Toronto’s theatre scene, leaving her mark on casts, crews and audiences alike.

Natasha Parsons began working at Tarragon Theatre as as co-op student in 1994, and immediately surpassed all expectations. The following summer, she was hired as Assistant Manager of the Box Office and Front of House, and was promoted to full-time manager shortly thereafter. She hasn’t written a resume since.

Throughout her career with Tarragon, Natasha has managed two leadership transitions, installed a new ticketing system, boosted the theatre’s presence on the web and social media, trained countless part-time staff and provided guidance to everyone lucky enough to ask. Producers, casts and crews across Toronto have warm memories of
their dealings with Natasha.

But it’s in her relationships with audiences that Natasha truly shines. Since she began at Tarragon, Natasha has served as the theatre’s well-known friendly face. She takes the time to develop personal relationships with each and every subscriber, treating them with respect, politeness and professionalism. And it shows: Subscribers
always stop to say hello to Natasha before a show, often ask for her advice when purchasing tickets, and aren’t afraid to tell her what they think of the show afterwards. As such, Natasha has become an earpiece for the theatre, helping administrators make producing decisions based on audience reactions. Natasha has built a level of trust with audience members that has benefitted not only Tarragon, but the entire theatre community.

Download the media release

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals eligible for the LMJH award must have demonstrated a minimum 10 year commitment and impact to Toronto’s theatre, dance and opera community.

In order to nominate an individual for the LMJH Award, please supply the following information:

• Nominator’s Name, Title, Company, Phone and Email Address
• Name of Nominee
• Bio and Resume of Nominee
• Why you feel that the nominee should be awarded the LMJH Award (up to 3 pages)
• Letters/Paragraphs in support of the nominee (up to 3 pages)
• Headshot or Photograph of Nominee (if possible)

About

The Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award (LMJH Award) is a new annual award that recognizes the important work of theatre, dance and opera administrators. Recipients of the LMJH Award have at least 10 years of demonstrated commitment to the performing arts, in addition to having made an impact on the industry in Toronto.

The Award is named after Leonard McHardy and John Harvey, the celebrated owners of Toronto’s Theatrebooks which they co-founded over 30 years ago in 1975. A bookstore specializing in theatre, it is one of the longest surviving independent bookstores in the country. The award winner receives a plaque and a cheque for $1,000 through the generous sponsorship of Elizabeth Comper. In naming the award after Leonard McHardy and John Harvey, Ms Comper noted, “Leonard and John are role models in their support of the arts and in particular the theatre community. I wanted them to be recognized for everything they do and for everything they stand for.”

The winner will be chosen by the Selection Committee from nominations received from the TAPA membership and will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and a plaque awarded by TAPA through the generous sponsorship of Elizabeth Comper.

Past Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award Winners

• 2009 – Naomi Campbell PDF
• 2008 – Jim LeFrancois PDF