By Jessica Depatie
Alicia Rose moved to Ottawa a few weeks ago from Toronto to intern at the National Arts Centre. She’s getting used to her new surroundings and starting to wonder what the best way to meet people might be.
“In Toronto, everyone has their already defined groups and they like it that way. It can be hard to meet people and make friends if you are new to the city,” she says.
The nation’s capital is a far cry from the sprawling metropolis of Toronto, but that doesn’t mean it’s any easier to meet people.
People new to the city, or those just tired of the bar scene may find it awkward to meet new people, foster business contacts and make new friends, says Jennifer Hirst, Marketing Officer for the NAC.
With this kind of social networking in mind, the NAC has introduced Connect Live!, a new program aimed at giving people in their 20s, 30s and 40s, another option by organizing pre-parties coupled with performances at the NAC. Organizers say their goal is to bring together people who love the arts and to also give them an opportunity to network with others in the business community.
Connect Live! is “the logical next step,” says Troy Cross, marketing coordinator for the NAC, for people graduating from the Live Rush! Program which offers high school, college and university students a way to get last-minute tickets to various NAC performances.
The program kicked off on Feb 26, when people from different personal and professional backgrounds met at the Earl of Sussex Pub to mingle, network, and make new connections with others interested in the arts.
Along with organized pre-show events, members get a 25 per cent discount on selected performances at the NAC and receive updates and special offers via e-mail.
“People are busy. This way they can plan things into the schedule in advance. It takes some of the work out or organizing their social calendars,” says Cross.
About 50 people showed up for the program’s first event, ranging from the University of Ottawa commerce students to Environment Canada employees, and celebrity guest Alan Neal of the CBC.
“I think this is a great idea. It’s nice to be able to network with professionals,” says Evelyne Lim, a University of Ottawa student who came with a friend. “I think it’s something we really need since we’re just starting out.”
Following the pre-party, participants walked or were bused over to the NAC for a performance of John Pizzarelli meets the Beatles, a musical tribute at Southam Hall.
“We thought is was a performance that would appeal to many despite the generation gaps,” says Cross.
Organizers say upwards of 300 people have registered online since the program was launched.
The next event is scheduled for April 30, alongside a performance of Raymonda, a classic 19th-century ballet updated for today’s audiences.
This performance will be a little “sexier and edgier,” with the hopes of appealing to a younger crowd, says Cross.
“In the future, we’re also thinking of maybe having a reception afterwards, where members can discuss the performance they’ve just seen,” says Hirst.