Jim Fergusson Sails on the Valkyrie.
UBC Theatre and Film wishes beloved Stage and Lighting Specialist Jim Fergusson bon voyage as he sets sail on his next adventure after retiring on August 29, 2019.
A solid presence in the shop, the stages and in the meeting rooms of UBC Theatre and Film since 1997, Jim’s extensive knowledge of his craft, his admirable patience with the students, and good humour with all, will be missed.
Originally from Tsawwassen, he was a theatre nerd at South Delta Senior Secondary and the kind of person that enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together. Working backstage in amateur theatre like Metro Theatre, his first paying gig was for the Conservative Party. “I worked for five hours for $13 total and got paid six months later,” Jim reminisced. Needless to say, he never voted Conservative.
He completed almost a year of Douglas College but discontinued because it was costing him money and he was missing out on work. When asked what his skill sets were? “Carpentry, welding, sound and lighting, rigging,” Jim explained. “I can put my hands to most things.”
Jim’s worked numerous places both as a staff member and as a freelancer including the Arts Club, Vancouver Children’s Festival and even the Vancouver Convention Centre replacing all the toilets, sinks, locks and lightbulbs. “In 35 years in the business, I’ve never had a pic of me in the program, no bio, nothing.” Always behind the scenes and solid as a rock.
He’s enjoyed his time at UBC. “The kids bring so much excitement to the process,” Jim enthused. “I spent years in professional theatre and it can get really blasé. Our students are so enthusiastic and committed, that it keeps it fresh.
In the future, his plans to stay busy in the industry as a freelancer will be dictated by things that interest him and if he’s available. Jim and his wife Nancii Bernard are both avid sailors (see Jim’s story on his Valkyrie, Victoria to Maui race (http://bit.ly/31y66vy) and they’ve just bought an old, 1980’s sailboat that they’re going to fix up.
Bon voyage on a wonderful retirement at your home in Ladysmith, Jim; you shall be missed.
