"In my capacity as Resident Choreographer for Ballet Victoria, I became acquainted with Tony James, Founding Executive Director/Producer at the time. Tony worked tirelessly for the company, applying his valuable experience and skills to mobilize the most crucial elements needed to initiate the ballet seasons and subsequent touring engagements. The list of inherent tasks were long; publicity, Booking venues, fundraising, production, tour coordination and management and the acquisition of essential support within the community, to name only a few. It is my belief that much of the acclaim that Ballet Victoria has achieved is a direct result of his efforts. Tony is impeccably professional, personable, calm and rational in facing obstacles, and has a fine sense of goal orientation. He has all the facilities needed to assist any type of business or theatrical endeavour. I recommend Tony whole-heartedly." - D. Roland, B.A;, Former Resident Choreograher/Dancer (Ballet Victoria) and Principal Ballet Dancer - Irish National Ballet (Ret) | Ballet Teacher
"I have known Tony James for 35 years, as a student and friend. He was first a student of mine in Drama/Musical Theatre, where he took on leading roles, while also accepting extra duties concerning the whole production. Throughout this time, he gave exemplary service as an actor, producer, advisor to productions and students, and co-directed several of our major yearly productions. During that time, I found him to be a tireless worker, and a most efficient one, often taking on and excelling at things normally given to more advanced students. His work was always very well done and carried out efficiently. I take great pleasure in recommending him to you, as a future director feeling secure in the statement that he will give exemplary service and will be a credit to himself and to all responsibilities you give to him. I know you will be glad he joined your enterprise."
A. Cobham, English/Drama Teacher (Ret.) | Opera Singer | Film & Stage Actor
"Tony worked for Ballet Victoria on a pro-bono basis when he volunteered his services to help the fledgling company get on its feet. His ideas and enthusiasm quickly led to him being appointed Founding Executive Director/Producer in a full-time salaried capacity with the mammoth responsibility of fundraising, sales, marketing, promotion, and management for the company. I worked alongside Tony and found him to be loyal, hard-working, diligent, thorough, and most of all persistent in his pursuit of results. We could always count on his ability to follow-through on projects - nothing was ever to much work for him to tackle. In my opinion his greatest strength was as a promoter and without his expertise in this specific field our inaugural production could never have drawn the audiences nor rave reviews and accolades from the public and press. It was an amazing job with very limited resources to pay for advertising and promotion. He delevloped a terrific relationship with local and national press and precured free marketing and promotional services in every possible area. Tony worked tirelessly with Board Members and the Artistic Director to develop and implement a 5-year strategic plan over a period of four months. He spearheaded several major fundraising campaigns and awareness events that were integral to the company's success." - J. Sloan, Board Secretary/Treasurer
"The Executive Director/Producer, Tony James, has impressed me enormously with his enthusiasm and attention to detail."
K. Kain, Distingushed Prima Ballerina and Former Artistic Director (Ret) -National Ballet of Canada
"Tony recently directed our record-breaking production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Over 5000 people attended this production, and audience responses were extremely positive. Through-out the rehearsal and performance process, we found Tony to be an enthusiastic, talented, creative and very professional artist who collaborated positively with all members of the cast & crew, as well as with our design and production teams.
As the director, he was very encouraging of our performing artists, and deeply respectful of ideas and contributions put forward by the production and design teams. He established and communicated his expectations in a firm, but respectful way and the entire team always achieved, if not exceeded, those expectations. Tony worked quickly and efficiently to stage the show, leaving appropriate time to work and polish characterizations, and choreography and scenes. He is detailed and meticulous in his direction, but leaves plenty of room for contributions by the cast and crew.
While Tony devised an ambitious vision for the production, he was always willing to stay within budgetary limitations and personnel resources in an effective and creative way. We found him to be open to notes and either new and/or alternate ideas to solving production issues.
Tony also demonsrated a deep care and concern for his fellow artists and technicians, challenging them when needed, providing care and encouragement when appropriate, and enthusiastically celebrating their success when warranted. He often inspired them to work towards their dreams and was very affirming of talent and abilities. He was very effective in creating a positive, life-affirming environment in which to work and our entire team responded very positively to his direction and instruction. He was generous with his time and resources, and demonstrated full commitment to ensuring our production was a success, despite having to work with a limited budget.
Tony is a very knowledgable, experienced and intuitive director. He brought together all elements of production (set, costume, lights, sound, performance, etc.) in a creative way that resulted in a moving and entertaining theatre experience for audiences. We highly recommend Tony James as a director." K. Hildebrandt, Exec./Artistic Director, G7 Performing Arts
"I am writing today to praise the co-founder of EPAC, Tony James. I met Tony in February 2015 when my son was auditioning for a spot on the company's players list. I was impressed right from the beginning by how professional and upstanding Tony conducted all aspects of the company's activities. From auditions to call backs, and then eventually rehearsals and final performances, Tony was not just an excellent communicator with the group, but also took actions which showed tremendous respect and support for the budding artists.
Good communication started day one with the first audition. Tony spoke to the whole group to make a formal introduction of himself, so we all knew who he was and what the the endeavour entailed. After this first meeting, email and texts were used to communicate with parents and artists regarding rehearsals and costume details, however Tony always made himself available before and after rehearsals if there were any questions or concerns. Tony also encouraged parents to correspond with him anytime. I did need to contact him about an issue and he was very prompt and helpful in dealing with it.
Tony's respect and support for the artists were demonstrated throughout the many months of production. Tony really embraced each individual artist's unique personality. He worked with the artists strengths while helping them improve their other skills which perhaps were less developed. For example, my son came in with several Citadel classes under his belt but very little singing experience. He also has a funny, comedic side to him. Tony embraced Luke's quirky humour by giving him a comedic bow at one point in the show. He also helped advance his singing skills by bringing in professionals to work with the cast on several occasions. My son blossomed during those many months of rehearsals. He has gained greater confidence in himself and his skills. Being part of Tony's company has fed his love of performing and has grown his appetite to learn more. Tony is a professional and upstanding individual who is developing some great talent in the city and a I am pleased to support him."- C. Markowski - Parent
"Our sons William and Daniel had the incredible opportunity to be valued members of the cast of Tony's "Curtain Up - A Broadway Musical" production. This was a phenomenal first performance that exceeded the boys and our expectations. Throughout the 9 months leading up to the performance, Tony James was nurturing, organized and an outstanding mentor to our boys. In a short time, Tony created a fun, yet serious, family atmosphere, full of hard work and enriching learning. The experience working with Tony taught our boys flexibility, dedication, and the importance of believing in themselves. Through Tony's patience, encouragement, and inspirational mentorship, William and Daniel flourished and learned SO much! We are all so grateful for the opportunities Tony has provided our sons and we fully endorse him, and his company."- S. Gosse - Parent
"As a valued employee of the Arts Club Theatre Company, Tony worked as an Assistant Manager at the Revue Theatre, Granville Island MainStage, and the Stanley Industrial Alliance Theatre. In this position his responsibilities included supervising the Front of House team, Box Office attendants, along with the bar staff. During our time working together I found Tony to be a dedicated, articulate individual who is capable of relating to a wide variety of people, both guests and co-workers, in an enthusiastic and professional manner. He is genuinely interested in providing the best possibly service to the patrons and his positive attitude is consistent and exemplary. I do not hesitate to recommend Tony for your consideration."- L. Paul - Former Manager, Arts Club Theatre Company
"Tony, thank you for your continued support of BC Cancer Foundation.Your generous donation is a significant auction item for our BC Cancer Foundation Cocktail Party & Auction being held at the Fairmont Empress Hotel this December. I truly appreciate your generosity and know your donation will help make this event a success in helping fund important cancer research and enhancements to care at the BC Cancer Agency's Vancouver Island Centre. Thank you for your support, We are so grateful. " - L. Walsh, CFRE, Senior Director of Development, Vancouver Island
"Tony, Thank you so much for your collaboration and support throughout 2018! Our tenants loved your show, so thank you for giving them this unique opportunity! Together, we are able to change lives and turn housing into homes." - Emily & The Pacifica Housing Team
"Mr. James. On behalf of the Learning Disabilities Association of BC, South Vancouver Island Chapter, I would like to thank you for your incredible donation to our recent Island's Best Charity Dinner & Auction. We appreciate very much the assistance we receive from caring community members like yourself to help us to fulfill our mission to educate, support and advocate for children with Learning Disabilities and/or Attention Deficit Disorders. Your donation helped us raise almost $10,000 to support our programs. Thanks again for your generosity." - H. Parker, Events & Finance Coordinator
"The Victoria Operatic Society would like to take this opportunity to thank you for ALL the hard work and time you put out for us. It's dedicated people like you that helped us with one of the biggest moves yet and that was moving into our new building. Without you Tony I really don't know how we would have done it. I can't thank you enough!" - B. Siegel, Office Administrator
"Tony, We want to thank you for the help you gave us in making the youth violence project such a huge success. You showed considerable commitment to the project and passion for an issue that particularly affects youth as members of the community. The experiences you shared provided a valuable insight that enabled us to see the issue from a new perspective. It was empowering for us to see your initiative and your willingness to get involved and take responsibility for making positive changes in your community.
It was a real pleasure working with you Tony, and we appreciate the time you committed considering your busy schedule. Your passion and dedication to the community was evident in the way you spoke and your persona. You spoke with conviction and articulated your ideas so clearly. You worked well as part of a team and we enjoyed working with you. Your involvement enriched the project, making its outcome all the more valuable. Thank you again for all your help" - L. Jolley & A. Burrill, Co-Coordinators ~ Esquimalt Neighbourhood House (A United Way Member Agency)
"As Minister of Recreation and Sport for British Columbia and Minister responsible for the Commonwealth Games, I wanted to personally take this opportunity to thank you for your part in the Victoria Commonwealth Games. All of Victoria is very proud of your efforts!" Thank you for your support, the games will be a resounding success because of it. Through your efforts as Ambassador for the province, visitors and television viewers around the world will take away wonderful images and warm memories of greater Victoria and British Columbia.
Again, on behalf of all British Columbians thank you for your service and hard work. It is very much appreciated" - R. Blencoe, Minister (British Columbia)
"Anthony, Thank you so much for coming to visit us in the Pediatric Unit at Victoria General Hospital. It was very kind of you to arrive with dancers from the company in costume and demonstrate something of the techniques used to dance and also describe how they practice. They all looked beautiful and were a treat for the children, families and staff here to see.
It was also very generous of your company to provide tickets, signed pointe shoes for the girls and posters as well. We have several of them up on the ward as well as in other places in the hospital. They are beautiful and brighten up the walls. In addition, we appreciate the stuffed animals, toys, puzzles, books, crossword puzzle books and baby toys that you brought for the children. Some of these items,s have been given out and others will be there for children who need them in the future. They are a great help to all." - J. Evans, Child Life, Pediatrics Ward, Victoria General Hospital
"Tony, The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority would like to express its sincere gratitude to you for helping bring incredible success to the 18th Annual Inner Harbour Lighted Ships Parade. Your kind donation of tickets and signed pointe shoes from Canadian Pacific Ballet will be well enjoyed by our second place prize winners. It was an invaluable contribution to our annual event and to Victoria's holiday season. I would like to thank you again for your generous support." - S. Kirsch, Special Events Liaison, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority