A national force for care, community, and creativity.
A movement that began in 1986 as Performing Arts Lodges Canada, the new Supporting Cast Canada is the national umbrella representing PAL and Supporting Cast chapters across the country, in St. John’s, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto, Stratford, Winnipeg, Calgary and Vancouver.
We create and advocate for caring communities and support programs that empower senior members of Canada's arts and entertainment industry to thrive.
Nearly four decades of care and community.
For many years, members of the arts community had decried the lack of care and support facilities for older members at a stage in their lives when these became increasingly necessary.
However, momentum seemed to increase around 1983, and there was a crescendo of voices asking for serious investigation into the treatment of senior artists — professionals who had given their lives to the arts. Usually, their dedication was met with insufficient recompense to enable them to live out their remaining years amongst like-minded people, in their own milieu, with available health facilities and a modicum of physical and financial security.
In its quest to fulfil its mission, Supporting Cast Canada has pivoted to develop virtual connectivity programs to create caring communities and support programs, which allow senior members of Canada's arts and entertainment industry to thrive.
The people who lead the way.
Executive committee
Kevin Mayers
Chair
Brian Borts
Treasurer / AFC Representative
David Warrack
Secretary, Canadian Federation of Musicians
Arlene Duncan
ACTRA Representative
Directors at large
Luke Buckerrough
Maria Watts
David Velikonja
Jamie Hofing
Tabby Johnson
Jillian Rees-Brown
CAEA Representative
Behind every great performance, there is a supporting cast.
Your gift becomes a home, a phone call, a way back to community for an artist who needs it now.