Pat Henman – Director, Actor, Singer/Songwriter, Producer, Educator, Author
Pat is a veteran of the Canadian theatre/performing arts as an actor, singer, director and producer. Originally from Nova Scotia, Pat and her family have made Nelson, BC their home since 2000. She has a degree in Theatre from Dalhousie University, studied voice at the Halifax Conservatory for Music, plus further studies in Creative Writing through University of BC. She is the recipient of awards in music and television, including the 2012 Kootenay Music Award for Song of the Year. Pat is the 2018 recipient of a Special Citation in recognition for her “considerable Contribution to Arts, Culture and Heritage in the City of Nelson, BC.” She was a finalist for the Courage to Come Back Award in 2022 and was named as one if the Top 10 Inspirational Alumni of 2021 for Dalhousie University. Pat has spent many years on non-profit boards, including the Chair of the Capitol Theatre Board of Directors. She currently sits as an appointed director of the Pacific Regional Victims Advisory Committee, an appointed Council member for the British Columbia Arts Council, and is an active volunteer and presenter for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD Canada). Pat’s memoir, Beyond the Legal Limit, her first non-fiction book, was published in February 2021 by Caitlin Press, and has been adapted for the stage as a dramatic presentation with music through a Canada Council for the Arts Research and Creation Grant. She is a member of CSARN as a mentor for emerging artists and recently enjoyed mentoring the 2022 British Columbia Culture Days ambassador for the West Kootenay region. In June of 2022 Pat participated in the international Directors Lab North in Toronto as an invited Canadian Theatre Director.
I present my story, based on my memoir, in a theatrical presentation with music. I am on the road do book presentations in spring of 2023. Please see my website for more info.
I also present on behalf of Victim Advocacy Groups such as MADD Canada and the Pacific Regional Victims Advisory Commission.
I present to high school and middle school students on the prevention of drinking and driving. My memoir is the story of my teenage daughter and myself being hit head on by a drunk driver in 2013 and all that goes along with this tragedy. I am committed to preventing drunk driving and this begins with young drivers.