2023 Megan Newton Memorial Award Recipient
Congratulations to Deedra Salange Ladouceur, who is the 2023 recipient of the Megan Newton Memorial Award.
Deedra Salange Ladouceur is a Mohkinstsis based Queer, Neurodivergent, Métis artist fascinated with all mediums of storytelling within the entertainment industry; including acting, singing, podcasting, poetry, puppetry and stand up. Their desire is to gain experience in all platforms of expression, propel Canadian diversity with theatre and inspire self-acceptance. They believe the courage to tell your story comes at a high cost of vulnerability. Likewise empathy is needed to listen to others. It is their wish to rouse the empathy and courage necessary, to allow those stories to come to fruition. They look forward to not only telling their own story, but also helping conduct other stories to the public’s eye. They are grateful to be receiving this award, and aim to put the funds toward completing their Master’s Program at the University of Calgary as they endeavour to bring the second installation in a trilogy of autobiographical works to life, through the creation of their show ‘Ghost’ Ruminating a Musing.
As Deedra believes in sharing art that creates cathartic moments in time to both learn from and heal through, they are excited to share with you the first installation in their trilogy ‘Ghost’ Return to Mourning, and their newly developed podcast Downtime With Deeds. Each project represents moments of Deedra’s life experiences as they share what they have learned in an effort to put into practice what they believe, that having a voice and sharing your own story leads to growth, health, and acceptance.
Megan Newton Memorial Fund
The Megan Newton Memorial Fund was set up by Meg’s family and colleagues to honour her spirit and resourcefulness through an award for students in theatre.
The award recipient will be registered in a post-secondary program in theatre. The student will have an interest in experimental or non-traditional forms of theatrical performance, or innovative use of theatre as a way to explore unusual or controversial topics. Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are focusing their education and/or future plans on stage management, theatre administration, and/or any aspect of theatre-related design.
To read more about Megan (pictured on the left) and the Memorial Fund, please visit www.megannewtonfund.org.
The fund is held at the Victoria Foundation and the award is given annually each Fall.
You can support the Megan Newton Memorial Fund by cash, cheque (payable to the Victoria Foundation), credit card, or online through CanadaHelps (below). For information about giving publicly listed securities, or to donate by credit card, please call the Victoria Foundation at 250.381.5532.
If you have any questions about how to make a donation to the Victoria Foundation, please contact Sara Neely, Director of Philanthropic Services at 250.381.5532 or sneely@victoriafoundation.bc.ca.