The month of June was fairly notable for Arden Theatre audiences. First, the International Children’s Festival took place followed by a soft announcement that professional programming presenter Caitlin North was moving to Victoria.
North, whose last day at the Arden is Friday, June 30, spent 11 seasons programming, nurturing and developing artists of every discipline. What is remarkable about the Edmonton resident is her uncanny knack for putting bums in seats in an age of multiple streaming platforms and short attention spans.
She was originally hired to program the Arden season and the children's festival. Aware that not everyone could attend evening performances, North programmed matinee concerts showcasing local artists. And when COVID hit, she created summer’s open-air Plaza Series.
“The community has been so welcoming and supportive of the work I’ve done. You’re only as good as the support team you have. I’m only one piece of a bigger machine and nothing would happen without all the staff, the partners and the city. It’s been a dream to spend 11 years here,” said North whose encyclopedic knowledge of the Canadian performing network and warm personality has attracted big names such as Jann Arden.
The move west occurred after her husband, Warrant Officer Paul Richey, a musician with Royal Canadian Artillery Band was transferred to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. She explained he was promoted in 2022 and once promoted soldiers are posted at different bases.
North was raised in Edmonton, the daughter of Peter North, a promoter involved in the local, regional and national roots music scene. In addition, he was a journalist in print, radio and television.
“I grew up coming to the Arden with my dad. I knew the quality of performances. I thought I might make this my last job just before I retired. It would have been a feather in my cap,” said North recalling thoughts of her younger self.
After graduating from MacEwan College’s Arts and Cultural Management Program, she moved to Toronto to work at Bumstead Productions for five years.
“It was an artist management and independent record label. I supported artists with touring and grant writing and other duties as required. I often worked in advance of tours with agents to build the tour so it could move seamlessly.”
When word surfaced the Arden was searching for a theatre programmer, North applied.
“I applied, but I had no expectation of getting the job. I was only 29. I just wanted to practice my interview skills,“ she said laughing
Once the good news sunk in, North realized this was an opportunity to employ her vision and amplify the music scene on all levels.
“I wanted to have a role in developing the cultural eco-system, not only with community partners, but artists love coming here. And we have an incredible technical staff that makes them feel welcome. The Arden is an important venue in the Canadian eco-touring system.”
As a Bumstead employee, she cut her teeth negotiating with artists and writing grants – two qualifications needed in addition to programming shows and working with marketing and technical staff to curate a season.
“I was lucky. I was familiar with artists I grew up with and I had a sense of what the community would like and what was new. I felt confident I could build something the community would need and like. Part of my job was knowing the trends and what’s touring in other parts of the country and staying ahead of the curve.”
Troy Funk, currently the International Children's Festival sponsorship development coordinator, was the Arden's marketing and communications supervisor when North first arrived.
"Her knowledge was impressive. Just growing up around Peter she developed such a solid foundation. She knew agents and how to curate a season and bring in different genres in music. Sometimes it takes many years to get an artist to a theatre. Then she blossomed into an all-around festival programmer. She's become a go-to person in curating good work," said Funk.
In an industry riddled with big egos, North remains one of his favourite people.
"She has a great spirit. She's creative, fun, witty and smart. She's well-rounded and a has a great personality. She'll be afar, but hopefully we won't lose sight of her."
The talent
One of North's most memorable finds was hosting The Paco de Lucia Project in 2019. The virtuosic Spaniard was considered to be the world's premier flamenco guitarist before his passing in 2014.
“I cried happy tears backstage. Not only was the music incredible, but they brought two world-class flamenco dancers. I was so moved it made me cry. I loved the show. I’ve never forgotten it.”
Another performer on her bucket list was Steve Polz.
“He came in February 2019. He’s hysterically funny, a great songwriter and so genuine when he brings his audience into his world.”
In 2014, North wanted to give the audience a gift of a special one-off concert. She brought together four individual performers: Rose Cousins, Mary Gauthier, Lori McKenna and Chloe Albert.
“It was great to have these four funny personalities together, and it was nice to create a special moment for our audience.”
For the most part, concerts roll out smoothly. But occasionally backstage glitches occur that the audience never hears about.
“One year, The SteelDrivers’ bass player’s passport expired. He couldn’t come and I called Mike Lent. He came in the day before, had a quick rehearsal and the show went on as planned.”
At another concert, Matt Anderson’s guitar was stuck at the airport.
“I remember standing in the airport waiting for his guitar. I hoped I wouldn’t be late. I was like walking in the stage door, handing him his guitar and watching him walk on stage. Mostly you roll with it and learn to be patient.”
On another occasion, Altan was slated to perform on St. Patrick’s Day.
“A water main broke and we had to cancel the concert. Fortunately, they had a break in their tour and we kept them in St. Albert. I remember having dinner at Luisa’s with them. The performed the next night and most of the audience came back.”
During North's tenure, she has always shared a positive vision of the future, something we need in these uncertain times.
“What we do for a living is fun. There are some crazy moments, but generally we are here to provide an escape, to feel something. And I don’t think you can take yourself too seriously. That takes the fun out of it.”
