Behind every curtain call, glowing marquee, and standing ovation lies a hidden performance: the day-to-day magic orchestrated by everyone who works at Werklund Centre. We pride ourselves on bringing stories to life –– from small, intimate productions to world premieres –– and thrive by cultivating moments that stick. From those who've watched our stages evolve over the decades to fresh faces still trying to find the sound booth without getting lost, we wanted to know what their favourite memory of this place we're fortunate enough to work (and play) in has been.
Pull up a chair, grab an Encore, and take a peak behind the curtain.
Who: Terry Aalders
Department: Production
Time with Werklund Centre: 22 years
One great memory that stands out involved an artist from the World Music scene, Angelique Kidjo. The band kept apologizing for how hard a time other engineers have had to make her happy with her in-ear monitors. She only comes out for one song for soundcheck. I roughed in a monitor mix with the band only. After rehearsing her one song soundcheck, she came to me, gave me a big hug and told me that they were the best mixed monitors she had ever had. My boss at the time, Jack Jamieson, was standing next to me when the hug happened and he offered me the job as alternate head of sound (if I wanted it). I was touring the world stages with a rap artist at the time and continued to tour with that group and work at Werklund Centre part-time for the next 2 years. I finally quit that group to take the full-time position.
Who: Jahdayl Spence
Department: Ticketing Services
Time with Werklund Centre: 3 years
One of my favourite memories was watching Kevin Burt teach blues through our Education classes as an engagement piece for the PCL Blues series. It was neat to see a genre that many gravitate to later in life (20 years +) be captivating for a younger audience and watching Kevin's interaction with these kids was amazing. Another great moment at Werklund Centre.
Who: Paula Timm
Department: Programming, Education
Time with Werklund Centre: 5 years
We hosted a Grade 5 class for a week of arts education. We made puppets and invented a new species for them, "Bob". We all thought it was funny, laughing and making stories through the week. Later, I received a thank-you card, telling me (a fellow "Bob") they'd never forget me or their week. It's these small and yet BIG moments of connection that leave me inspired to keep teaching through the arts.
Who: Jonathan Love
Department: Programming
Time with Werklund Centre: 3 weeks
The great Bobby McFerrin played the Jack Singer Concert Hall. He was mesmerizing as both performer and an educator. Everyone was a part of the performance. Not only did he call upon an Indigenous throat singer in the audience to join in the vocal jam, he welcomed a high school choir to back him up. What an experience for these young singers. Although he didn't sing his most famous song, don't worry...everyone was happy.
Who: Shannon A.
Department: Corporate Services
Time with Werklund Centre: 3.5 years
I have two presentations that were special to me: On April 4, 2024, we presented the Ukrainian quartet, Dakha Brakha. With the war in Ukraine raging on, this performance was a special reminder of how nations waring a continent away can effect everyone. Not a word of English was spoken, but music paired with imaging told a story that touches everyone. It was extra special to share the experience with my adult children.
The second event was our presentation of Michael Feinstein in Because of you, My Tribute to Tony Bennett in 2025. Growing up with Tony Bennett and his music, this was a special trip down memory lane for me. It even brought on a few tears, as Tony's story through song brought back certain memories that hit a little close to home. Overall, there have been so many activities that are memorable and make Werklund Centre a special place for our city.
Who: Marcus Ogden
Department: Ticketing Services
Time with Werklund Centre: 5 years
Me and my partner went to the Classic Albums Live performance of Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here. I had never heard the album, but it's one of his favourites and he'd never been to the Jack Singer Concert Hall before. It made for a great first concert together!
Who: Bren Pladsen
Department: Brand & Audience Development
Time with Werklund Centre: 3.5 years
A dance performance pulled me into an alternative life I nearly lived. It ended with two dancers facing each other and slowly circling the stage. I wondered how long they would stay there until I realized they were waiting for me to be ready to end the connection. (One Yellow Rabbit's High Performance Rodeo, 2019)
And as a single performer and lone drum filled the Motel Theatre with the rumble of disquiet gods and wet tropic fog, I finally understood, with my heart and body, the power and ritual of storytelling. (Downstage, 2024)
Who: Sarah M.
Department: Ticketing Services
Time with Werklund Centre: 3 years
At the 2026 Arts ReimaginED Summit, I was able to be in the theatre during some of the activities and at the very end of the Summit. The energy in the space was immense and you could feel the joy and excitement of the kids. Everyone was out of their seats dancing and were engaged with what was happening on stage. Near the end, everyone sitting in the higher levels of the theater had streamers to throw. The older kids were ready and waiting for the cue to throw them, and when that time came all the students, teachers, chaperones, artists, etc. had smiles on their faces and were up and jumping in excitement. It was really great to see it all come together, being able to see everyone in the space and how much of an impact it clearly had on the kids was amazing.