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What do Motown classics, a folk-horror musical, contemporary dance, and breathtaking aerial acrobatics have in common?

They're all part of the Anvil Theatre Presents Series, a collection of seven performances bringing an extraordinary variety of live entertainment to New Westminster.

But how does such an eclectic lineup come together? As it turns out, there's much more to the process than simply booking talented performers.

Jessica Schneider, who has curated much of Anvil Theatre's programming since it opened, shared the thought, passion, and occasional calculated risk that goes into creating a season designed to surprise, entertain, and connect audiences.

A Little Something for Everyone

Unlike traditional performing arts series built around a single genre, Anvil Theatre Presents embraces variety.

Schneider compares the approach to curating an art exhibition featuring numerous artists rather than focusing on just one.

Her goal is to offer something that speaks to different ages, interests, and artistic tastes while introducing audiences to performances they might never have considered attending.

That sometimes means bringing back a proven favourite. Other times, it means taking a chance on something wonderfully unexpected.

And the theatre itself helps shape those decisions.

With approximately 360 seats, excellent sightlines, and an intimate atmosphere, Anvil offers something larger venues often can't: the opportunity to feel genuinely connected to the performers.

From Murder Ballads to Motown

The season opens October 17 with Bury the Hatchet, a UK theatrical production that combines the infamous Lizzie Borden murder case with folk music, dark humour, and theatrical horror.

Schneider is particularly excited about introducing audiences to the bold, energetic style of this production.

Then comes a complete change of pace.

Canadian performer Terrell Edwards returns October 24 with A Night of Motown, following an enthusiastic reception during his previous Anvil appearance.

November brings Ballet BC Annex, a contemporary dance performance that Schneider hopes will also spark conversations about creating more opportunities for dance in New Westminster.

And in January, audiences can experience something quite different when Corpo Imago's Imago/Obsidian brings aerial dance to the stage.

Imagine witnessing the extraordinary strength, athleticism, and artistry of performers with Cirque du Soleil experience from the close perspective of an intimate theatre.

For Schneider, that closeness is part of what makes the experience special.

The series continues into spring with Gershwin music and film, pianist and entertainer Michael Kaeshammer, and Juno Award-winning roots musicians Pharis & Jason Romero.

Each performance offers something different, but there's a common thread: artists who know how to connect with an audience.

The Magic of Sharing an Experience

Perhaps the most revealing moment of our conversation came when Schneider was asked what makes attending a live performance different from watching entertainment at home.

Her answer had little to do with the performers themselves.

It was about the audience.

For an hour or two, strangers share something remarkable. They laugh together, feel emotional together, and become caught up in an experience that takes them away from their everyday lives.

"You actually now have a community at the end of it of people who shared that energy and all those feelings."

And that connection doesn't necessarily end when the curtain falls.

People leave talking about what they've seen, sharing their favourite moments, and sometimes discovering something new about themselves or their neighbours. Schneider believes those shared experiences are among the greatest gifts of live performance.

There’s More Happening Than You Think

Beyond the performances themselves, Schneider hopes the series will encourage more residents to explore the arts right here in New Westminster.

She regularly attends the shows, listens to audience feedback, and welcomes suggestions about what people would love to experience next.

The benefits also extend into the community. Performances attract visitors from across the region, many of whom visit local restaurants and other businesses while they're here.

Most importantly, Schneider wants New Westies to recognize just how much is happening in their own city.

Her invitation is simple: explore the possibilities, take a chance on something unfamiliar, and perhaps bring a friend along.

Because sometimes the most memorable evening begins with a performance you never expected to enjoy.

The Anvil Theatre Presents Series opens October 17 with Bury the Hatchet.

Explore the full Anvil Theatre Presents Series and discover what catches your curiosity.

Anvil Theatre

📍 Address: 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6
📞 Phone: 604-636-4448
🌐 Website: https://anviltheatre.ca/

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🗣 English Conversation Circles at the Welcome Centre – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🧒 Toddler Time (1-3 years) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

📱 Bring Your Own Device Tech Café! – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

📚 BYO Book Club – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

📝 Work BC Employment Services Drop-In (Queensborough) – 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

🎷 Everyone Can Jazz Jam – 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM

🍺 Steel & Oak Beer and Board Games – 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Hot B*tch Rock & Roll Bingo – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎭 Notorious Grey Fox Trivia Tuesdays – 7:00 PM

🎸 Georgie's Local Tuesday Night Jam Session – 7:00 PM

🎙 Quayside Tiki Tuesday Karaoke Nights – 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM

🗳 Advance Voting Day - General Local Election – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

💰 Financial Aid (Welfare) Worker at NWPL – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 CaRT Peer Navigators – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🎒 After-School Kids Club (8-11 years) – 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM

📚 Reading Buddies (6-9 years) – 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

🗣 Famous Last Words: Sunshine – 6:30 PM

📖 Pyjama Storytime (all ages) – 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM

❓ Georgie's Local Trivia Night – 7:00 PM

🎲 Howe Sound Drag Bingo & Trivia – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🏃 Steel & Oak Run Club – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🗣 English Conversation Circles at the Welcome Centre – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM

👶 Babytime (0-12 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

💼 New Westminster - Women In Business Networking – 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

🎥 Midday Movie: Portrait of a Lady on Fire – 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

🍅 New West Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

👻 Halloween Costume Swap – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

✨ City Hall Illumination - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day – 5:00 PM

🗣 Share Your Story at You N Me' Cafe – 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🎙 Rock Room Karaoke Nights at The Legion – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM

📚 Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🌿 Gardening: All-Season Herbal Garden – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🖼 Floodlines Exhibition Opening – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎙 Georgie's Local Karaoke Night – 7:00 PM

🎭 Howe Sound New West Bingpot! Thursday Trivia – 7:00 PM

❓ Steel & Oak Thursday Trivia Night – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎭 Bee's Knees Burlesque at The Flapper Lounge – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🎙 The Terminal Pub Colossal Thursdays Karaoke – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎤 Notorious Grey Fox Open Mic Jam – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Get ready for a little Halloween fun, local shopping and community spirit! Markets with a Purpose: Spooky Edition is coming to downtown New Westminster on Saturday, October 24, bringing together local makers, small businesses and festive entertainment for a special indoor market.

Running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free event will take place at Purpose Independent School, formerly the Army & Navy department store, at 502 Columbia Street. Visitors can browse an indoor market featuring more than 50 vendors, offering a chance to discover local creativity and support independent artists and businesses.

Organized by DBJ Markets in partnership with Purpose Secondary School, Markets with a Purpose is designed to be more than a shopping experience. The community-focused event gives students opportunities to help plan and run the market, gain hands-on experience and connect with local small businesses.

Entertainment will add to the lively atmosphere, with live music from the Cat Murphy Band and two sets by Mechanics of Music. Visitors can also join a spooky scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes.

Whether you're looking for unique finds, a fun Halloween outing or a way to support local talent, this family-friendly community market offers plenty of reasons to stop by and explore.

Mark your calendar, bring your friends and get ready to celebrate local creativity with a spooky twist in New Westminster!

🎃 Shop local and get spooky!

Ready for an evening of creativity, connection and community spirit? The Discover at the River: Open Mic Night is inviting New West residents to gather for a cozy evening celebrating the talents of local poets, musicians and artists.

Taking place on Friday, October 16, from 5:30–8 p.m. at the Fraser River Discovery Centre, this community gathering offers a chance to enjoy creative performances and celebrate the voices and talents that make New Westminster special.

Whether you love poetry, enjoy live music or simply appreciate seeing local artists share their work, this open mic night is an opportunity to connect with the community through creativity.

The event is part of the City of New Westminster’s Discover at the River series, which offers welcoming, all-ages programming ranging from community learning and skill development to cultural activities, creative experiences, fitness and recreation.

Looking for more ways to get involved around town? Keep an eye on the City’s Discover at the River webpage and newsletters for upcoming programs and activities.

Come Celebrate New West’s Creative Community!

Think you’ve figured out where West-tin is hiding? Well… today’s photo is a whole new mystery. 😏

🎁 This week’s prize (October 8 - October 14):
Win House Cleaning Services (2 hours) from Seniors Services Society.

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