1990
Playwrights Union of Canada (PUC) held an Atlantic Regional Meeting in Halifax which coincided with a playwrights' Cabaret. Many Atlantic writers attended. A remarkable turn out, representing a cross section of PUC members, emerging playwrights and seasoned professionals, indicated a need for exchange and dialogue among playwrights in the Atlantic Region. It inspired lengthy discussion around the need for development, support and profile.
1991
Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre was founded by Wanda Graham (then Atlantic Representative on the PUC National Council).Wanda crossed the country gathering information on play development centres. An administrator, Cindy Wallace Littlefair of Halifax, was hired and the organization was born. The membership was organized and the first MOVEABLE FEAST Playwrights Colony took place in Parrsboro. The Home Delivery Project was initiated.
1992
Derek Martin of Charlottetown, PEI was hired as PARC's second administrator. A regular newsletter was established, programs were developed and memberships multiplied.
1992-1997
For the next five years, after initial project funding to pay an administrator ran out, PARC proceeded on a project to project basis. Without an administrator on staff, the volunteer membership and Board members carried the organization forward on their own, under the leadership of several Presidents, including Charlie Rhindress, Krista Wells and Paula Danckert. Despite the burn out factor for volunteers and the necessary reduction in activities, all of our events continued to achieve success and recognition and we were able to proceed with our main annual event, the MOVEABLE FEAST Playwrights Colony.
1997
An Executive Director, Jenny Munday, was hired on a part time basis. An office was established in Guysborough, Nova Scotia.
1997-2001
PARC re-instates and continues with programming and creates new programs and opportunities for Atlantic playwrights. A regular newsletter is re-introduced and eventually replaced by a weekly e-bulletin. With the Manitoba Association of Playwrights, PARC initiates the development of the National Network of Playwrights' Development Centres (PDCC).
2002-2003
PARC focuses on the development of a new strategic plan
PARC embarks on a Resource Development strategy
PARC's Three Year Strategic Plan adopted and in effect
New membership categories and benefits are put into place
New Program guidelines are developed.
Fall 2004
New Staff Structure is adopted, with three part time employees, working from three locations - in a 'virtual office' arrangement. PARC becomes a partner in THE SPACE - a new rehearsal, workshop, presentation space on Agricola Street in Halifax - with PARC members Christian Murray, Mary Ellen MacLean and Mary Colin Chisholm. PARC is granted Charitable Status.
2004-2006
PARC continues with programming and continues to create new programs and opportunities for Atlantic playwrights. The organization's staff structure evolves to two part-time employees, an Artistic Director and General Manager. A job creation project through HRSDC allows PARC to hire additional staff.
New Board Governance Manual on Policies and Practices adopted. New Three Year Strategic Plan put into place. PARC Archival records collected, recorded and donated to Dalhousie University Theatre Archive. PARC awards life time memberships to: Wanda Graham, Wendy Lill, Charlie Rhindress, Kent Stetson and Anne Chislett.
2007
Mount Allison University in Sackville New Brunswick provides PARC with space on the campus for a library of Atlantic Canadian Plays. Artistic Director, Jenny Munday is awarded both a Special Achievement Award by Theatre Nova Scotia for her outstanding contribution to theatre in that province and the inaugural Mallory Gilbert Award from PACT and Tarragon Theatre for sustained, creative and inspired leadership in Canadian Theatre. PARC contracts Bruce Klinger Arts Management and Consulting to provide General Management Services.