After twelve plus years at the Empress Theatre, Theatre Director Margaret Ann Bianco is leaving to begin a new chapter in her life. I sat down with Margaret Ann to reflect on her time at the Empress Theatre.  Thanks for everything Margaret Ann!!

JWH: What inspired you to pursue a career here at the Empress Theatre?
 
MAB: A friend who lived in the area telephoned me and said the Empress was looking for an administrative director. He told me a little bit about the Empress Theatre, and I thought why not? I was looking for a change in my life at that time. And so, I came down for the interview, got the job and moved to town about five days later.
 
JWH: Can you share a proud moment or an achievement that stands out during your time at the Empress Theatre?
 
MAB: Personally, the proudest moment was receiving the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022, [Margaret Ann was one of only 7,000 Albertans to be recognized for making a significant contribution to the lives of Albertans and community through her work at the Empress Theatre]. I would like to acknowledge and thank the person who nominated me for the medal. There is a person out there, somewhere, who thought enough about me, my work for the Empress and this community, to submit my name for the medal. This honour is truly immeasurable. 
 
Bringing ‘Drag Out the Love’ to the Empress and opening the minds of our community stands out as a special moment. I did not know I was doing anything special. Josh O’Sullivan and Danny Bullock came to me and asked if I would host a drag show. I thought, “Oh that will be so much fun!”  We did not realize the turmoil it was going to cause within the community because of different belief systems. I suppose, in my own naivety, because I accept all people as people, I thought everyone else did too.  In the end, the community rallied, and I am very proud of being a part of that.
 
I feel extremely proud of my success in grant writing.  I have a 100% track record with my grants having obtained over $430,000 and raising an additional $240,000+ in donations. In the granting world it is said that if you are successful 50% of the time, that means you have done a good job. For some reason [miracle of miracles] I managed to obtain approximately $170,000 in grants during the pandemic. When restrictions were lifted following COVID, we were able to open our doors comfortably without missing a beat. Another outstanding moment was hosting the world premiere of Ghostbusters. We had just installed our new movie screen prior to the pandemic, so it was very special to watch the premiere on our new screen. Receiving the premiere was a huge achievement for our town and certainly put the Empress Theatre on the map!
 

JWH: If you could pass on any lessons to the next generation of theatre directors taking over here at the Empress, what would some of those lessons be?
 
MAB: I am an extremely organized person [which is very necessary in this position]. My job is multi-faceted, and I am constantly needing to shift my mind. Organization is what makes the theatre and office run smoothly. When Bev Jestin came on board as our volunteer coordinator, we kept fine tuning procedures and protocols to ensure we presented the Empress Theatre in a professional manner. I know our artists are very pleased that we run a very professional show, and they feel respected. Everything I do is right up to date. I do what is in front of me to do. I do not have the luxury or the time to put things aside. I am constantly thinking ahead. I am always one step ahead of everything. It is important to constantly refine this position.
 
JWH: What will you miss most about your work life here at the Empress Theatre?
 
MAB: I will miss all the joy that comes from the patrons and the artists at the theatre and being part of what is being created. Even though I'm not a direct participant of what's being created, I am orchestrating it and knowing that I'm a part of it and seeing the appreciation from the patrons means the most. Everything that I've done these past 12 years has been for the patrons and the artists. I will also miss my working relationships with our staff and volunteers. I will, of course, miss collaborating with you.
 
JWH: What's one memory from your time at the Empress that still makes you laugh or brings a tear to your eye?
 
MAB: The one memory that has always stuck with me was when Trey Twitty and Tayla Lynn came to play at the Empress [Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn’s grandchildren]. When the band showed up, they did not look happy.  Apparently, they had not been paid during the entire tour and this was the last concert on that tour.  So . . . while I was in the office selling last minute tickets and handing out our will call tickets to patrons, Kris Goodfellow, Theatre Technical Director at the time, walked in with the band. The band decided they were not going on stage without getting paid. I only had one cheque, and it was made out to the tour manager who had not paid them. When the tour manager arrived, I explained the critical situation. I said I was crossing out his name on the cheque and replacing it with the name of the band manager. I also told him he did not get a say in the matter especially after his ill treatment of the band. The band joyfully walked out with their cheque, because they knew they were being honoured. I found our president at a party and she rushed over to sign another cheque for monies still owing. Eventually, I walked over to the theatre and Kris gave me a thumbs up. I went downstairs for a much-needed glass of wine. Tayla Lynn approached me and said, “Oh, my God, you have saved us.”  She then FaceTimed with her Mawmaw, Loretta Lynn, who thanked me for rescuing her granddaughter and welcomed me to visit. It was one of those laugh or cry moments.  We have all laughed about this many times over the years.

JWH: How do you think your work has made a difference or left a legacy?
 
MAB:  I have made the theatre a community theatre, partnering with people and schools like FP Walshe. We have dance recitals and piano recitals. We hold weddings and symposiums. I just think, truly from when I took over, there was a shift that happened. I feel that there is just so much more joy, and the patrons are happy. You can see the joy on their faces. The Empress has a different energy today then it did when I first arrived. It feels alive. You feel it when you walk in. I believe we are bringing the Empress to the end of an era now that we're closing for renovations. The theatre will re-open with a new Theatre Director. They can build on the incredible foundation I am leaving and make the theatre even bigger and better.
 
JWH: Now that you're stepping away from the Empress, what are you excited to discover or reclaim in your life?
 
MAB:  I will take a moment to breathe then I will delve into my two great life passions – writing and cooking.
 
JWH: Who are some of the artists or colleagues along the way who made a lasting impact on you and why?
 
MAB: As far as artists, Russell deCarle and David Francey. You know, when you meet someone, and you know them instantly? That is how it was with both David and Russell. I would call it a soulful connection on a very profound spiritual level.
 
It is important for me to share I did not do any of this alone. Throughout the years, our team managed to create our own magic at the Empress. I would like to share some thank yous:
 
As far as colleagues go, I could never ever have done any of this without Kris Goodfellow.  We have such an incredible bond. I believe what we created together was quite magical. 
 
You, of course, as a friend and as the Programming Director. You are constantly thinking about new acts to bring to the Empress stage and keeping our patrons in the “know” with our website and monthly newsletter. You have been a great support to me.
 
Thank you to Kimberley Berreth, our marketing and communications coordinator, who always finds the words to promote our many concerts and events and keeps us socially in-the-know. It has been such a delight working with you.
 
My darling friend and volunteer coordinator, Bev Jestin. It was such a pleasure coordinating performances with you. We make a great team, along with all our amazing volunteers who help make Empress events run smoothly. 
 
Empress support staff who manage the Empress so proficiently [Zoe Nelson, Jane O’Connor, Matthew Orr, Miles Poytress, Kierstyn Doyle and Kaleb Shaw]. And thank you to Joan Sillito for keeping our gem looking beautiful. Tel Sillito, I am so glad you came on board. You helped me breathe a little easier.
 
Macleod Gazette – Frank McTighe, Emily McTighe, Sharon Monical – for your continued support and friendship throughout these years. I truly appreciate all you do.
 
All our patrons. Thank you for your many kindnesses and smiles throughout these 12 years. 
 
JWH:  Any final thoughts Margaret Ann?
 
MAB: You know I’m a great believer that change is the one constant in life. I am so very excited to see what the Universe brings me next.

Margaret Ann Bianco wearing her 2022 Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal awarded for making a significant contribution to the lives of Albertans and the  community of Fort Macleod and area through her work at the Empress Theatre. Thanks for everything Margaret Ann!!