Revelling in her passion for Théâtre Cercle Molière

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This article was published 23/07/2021 (1770 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Although many of her relatives live in her native Quebec, Ginette Caron now has an extended family in the Prairies, too.

Caron recently announced her upcoming retirement from Théâtre Cercle Molière, where she has worked for more than 20 years. Her last day will be later this year.

The St. Boniface resident has worked her way up through the ranks of the long-standing, francophone theatre company. According to a news release, she was first hired in 2000 as an administrative assistant, and became the organization’s finance director in 2010. In 2017, she took on the role of administrative director, which she holds today.  

Talking to The Lance in the light of the announcement, Caron said her fifth grade teacher gave her a card in which she wrote that she should never lose her enthusiasm, as it’s the key to success — a message that’s stayed with her. Noting that she’s been frequently told she’s an eternal optimist, Caron said she’s loved working at TCM, and that its success is important to her. It’s been an integral part of her day-to-day happiness, and now she’s planning on spending more time with her family and dedicating her time to different passions and pursuits.

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my children and grandchildren, and doing things I love to do, such as skating on the river, walking, dancing, and travelling,” Caron said. “I don’t have as much time to do all of these things at the moment, and my family and siblings are in Quebec, so I’m hoping to visit more often as the restrictions ease up.”

Caron was raised in Saint-Vienney, a municipality in Quebec, and she hasn’t been able to visit for two years. She’s the second youngest of 16 children.  

“We have a huge family. We’re like a hockey team,” she said, with a laugh. “I like to describe Théâtre Cercle Molière as my Manitoba family.”

Noting that TCM was founded in 1925, Caron described the theatre company as driving cultural force for French-speakers in the province.

“We tell and share powerful stories,” Caron said.

“Of course, we reach a big francophone community, but now we also have a translation system that uses devices with subtitles, so others can see our plays and our message can reach beyond a French-speaking audience and bring the community together.”

According to the release, Caron has helped ensure the financial health of the company, in terms of both financing and philanthropy, and she’s been acknowledged for her organizational and interpersonal skills, her ability to prioritize tasks, and her attention to detail. She’s also undertaken the significant task of digitizing its offices and files during her tenure.

“I’ve has the pleasure of working with (Théâtre Cercle Molière’s current artistic and general director) Geneviève Pelletier and Roland Mahé before that. They’ve both been extraordinary mentors. I’ve also worked with some wonderful colleagues, volunteers, actors, technical crew, and board members — dedicated people passionate for the arts,” Caron said.

She added that she’d like to see a live play again before she leaves the organization at the end of the year.

“I’ve loved meeting with friends and sharing our passion for the arts for so many years. You should never lose your enthusiasm for the things you love. I still have that little card my teacher gave me.”   

At this point, Caron anticipates her final day at TCM will be on Dec. 17, once her replacement is in place. Officials say her replacement will be hired this summer. 

   
Go online at www.cerclemoliere.com for more information about the organization.