For Unique Talents and Potential for Excellence

Lokki Ma Honoured with Pauline McGibbon Award

Toronto, June 28, 2010 – Production Craftsperson Lokki Ma is the 2010 recipient of the Pauline McGibbon Award. The announcement was made by the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture at the 31st Dora Mavor Moore Awards. The Awards were presented today at Toronto’s St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in the Bluma Appel Theatre.

About the recipient:
Lokki Ma is a builder, buyer and coordinator of props who started her theatre career in Toronto with Metcalf Foundation support for a props internship with The Canadian Stage Company during its 2007/2008 season. In three years, Lokki has collaborated on several projects with Ontario theatre companies and cultural organizations:

• She was head of props for Blyth Festival’s 2007 and 2009 seasons, as well as for Theatre Direct’s Binti’s Journey and Walking the Tightrope.
• At Tarragon Theatre, her build credits also include If We Were Birds, Molière, Mimi and Ubuntu.
• Most recently, Lokki worked with Native Earth Performing Arts as head of props for the company’s first opera, Giiwedin. She has also built costume props for Video Cabaret’s remount of The Great War and the Art Gallery of Ontario’s King Tut Gala.

Lokki earned her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Theatre at Dalhousie University. She volunteers her time with a local high school, helping students plan and troubleshoot the build process for their show.

Quotes:
The 2010 jury noted: “Lokki’s strong interest as a crafts artist and contributor to the art of storytelling in theatre is evident, as is her desire to share her passion for the industry and craft with others, especially young students.”

“Lokki Ma’s creativity takes theatre in Ontario to new heights. Her contributions are making a significant difference in the lives of the next generation of artists and craftspersons. Congratulations to Lokki Ma on this important achievement,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Michael Chan.

Past recipients of the Pauline McGibbon Award include the following production craftspersons: Lindsay Anne Black (2007); Alexandra (Alex) Gilbert (2004); and Bruce Derek (2001). Access the full list here.

This year’s jurors were: Lindsay Anne Black (Toronto); Douglas Lemcke (Stratford) and Julia Tribe (Toronto).

The Ontario Arts Council (OAC) is the province of Ontario’s primary funding body for professional arts activity. Since 1963, the OAC has played a vital role in promoting and assisting the development of the arts and artists for the enjoyment and benefit of Ontarians.

About the Pauline McGibbon Award

Established in 1981 in honour of the former Lieutenant-Governor’s support and patronage of the arts, the Pauline McGibbon Award administered by the Ontario Arts Council, consists of $7,000 from the Ministry of Culture for the province of Ontario and a medal, designed by Dora de Pedry Hunt.

The award is intended to assist a member of Ontario’s theatre community who has displayed a unique talent, a potential for excellence and who is in the early stages of his or her career. The Award rotates in a three-year cycle, honouring a director, a production craft person, or a designer. The recipient is selected by a jury through the Ontario Arts Council of theatre professionals, including actors, directors, and designers. The winner is announced at the Dora Mavor Moore Award ceremony.

Past Pauline McGibbon Award Winners

• 2009 – Brendan Healy, director PDF
• 2008 – Michelle Ramsay, designer PDF
• 2007 – Lindsay Anne Black, scenic artist PDF
• 2006 – Jennifer Tarver, director PDF
• 2005 – Kimberly Purtell, designer PDF
• 2004 – Alexandra Gilbert, production craftsperson
• 2003 – Kelly Thornton, director
• 2002 – Andjelija Djuric, designer
• 2001 – Derek Bruce, production craftsperson
• 2000 – Darren O’Donnell, director
• 1999 – Richard Ferren, designer
• 1998 – Mattea Goldstein, production craftsperson
• 1997 – Edward Roy, director
• 1996 – Cecile Belec, designer
• 1995 – Leslie Norgate, production craftsperson
• 1994 – Daniel Brooks, director
• 1993 – Glenn Davidson, designer
• 1992 – Karen Rodd, production craftsperson
• 1991 – Leah Cherniak, director
• 1990 – Kevin Lamotte, designer
• 1989 – Grace Nakatsu, production craftsperson
• 1988 – Jo Ann McIntyre, director
• 1987 – Adam Kolodziej, designer
• 1986 – Fina Khan, production craftsperson
• 1985 – Sky Gilbert, director
• 1984 – Debra Hanson, designer
• 1983 – Colleen Blake, production technician
• 1982 – William Lane, director
• 1981 – Murray Laufer, designer