1990
Playwrights Union of Canada held an Atlantic Regional Meeting and playwrights Cabaret in Halifax. A remarkable turn out of Atlantic writers, 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 PUC National Council). Wanda crossed the country gathering information on play development centres. An administrator was hired in Halifax 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 became administrator and introduced a regular newsletter; programs were developed and memberships multiplied.
1993 – 1997
Over the next five years, PARC proceeded on a project to project basis. Without an administrator on staff, the volunteer Board members carried the organization forward, 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 programming and activities, all events continued to achieve recognition and PARC was able to proceed with our main annual event, the MOVEABLE FEAST Playwrights’ Colony.
1997
An Administrator, Jenny Munday, was hired on a part-time basis. An office was established in Guysborough, Nova Scotia.
1997 – 2001
PARC re-instated the Home Delivery Program and created new programs and opportunities, including a regular e-bulletin, and a readings series.
2002 – 2003
PARC embarked on a Resource Development strategy. PARC’s Three Year Strategic Plan was adopted and put into effect. PARC was instrumental in initiating the National Network of Playwrights’ Development Centres.
Fall 2004
PARC was granted Charitable Status. The Kitchen Table Reading Series and Script Development workshops were introduced.
2004 – 2006
The organization’s staff structure evolved to two part-time employees: an Artistic Director and a General Management service provider. Job Creation Project through HRSDC allowed PARC to hire additional temporary 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 awarded life time memberships to: Wanda Graham, Wendy Lill, Charlie Rhindress, Kent Stetson and Anne Chislett.
2006 – 2007
Mount Allison University in Sackville New Brunswick provided PARC with space on the campus for a library of Atlantic Canadian plays. The JEA Crake Foundation funded a student intern position at the PARC Library. Artistic Director, Jenny Munday, was 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. Bruce Klinger Arts Management and Consulting contracted to supply General Management services for PARC. PARC now Halifax based, with a library on the campus of Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, where the annual Playwrights’ Colony now held.
2008 – 2010
Operational funding from the Canada Council, Provinces of NB and NS now support most of the on-going core programs and services of the organization, though the Colony and other major programs still require additional project funding.
Artistic Director now employed full time for nine months of the year. Membership, Communications and Promotional Services, including e-bulletin, are now provided by independent contractor, Karen Chung. A New Handbook for New Board Members is developed. A new three year Strategic Plan is developed.