About Two GentsTwo Gents of New West – co-founded by Tiger Xu and Howard Dai in 2013 on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory belonging to the Qayqayt, Musqueam (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm), and Coast Salish Nation – is a collective that designs immersive experiences with the goal of community engagement. We strive to create interdisciplinary works that integrate media with narrative. Our projects are immersive and accessible, while also acknowledging and commenting on issues that are present in our society. While our works are bold, the creation process and space is kept safe for all involved, allowing our collaborators to contribute without prejudice, and giving voice to those who are not heard.
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History
Two Gents of New West was started on a rainy Vancouver afternoon in the middle of October, 2013. Tiger Xu and Howard Dai were looking for a way to revive the New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) musical production before hitting on the idea of producing their own student-run show. Taking on the role of co-producers, the "Two Gents" approached the teachers of NWSS, proposing the first completely student run production in decades. At first hesitant to entrust two high-school students with so much responsibility, the Two Gents were able prove their dedication with careful planning and hard work. A year later, Two Gents successfully produced “Rumors” by Neil Simon , performed from May 1- 3, 2014, selling out almost every show. From then on, Two Gents has been continuing to promote theatre and the performing arts in New Westminster, looking for ways to improve and provide for the Arts scene of this wonderful city.
Howard Dai (Co-Producer)Howard Dai is a theatre practitioner who's currently training at SFU's School for the Contemporary Arts. During his time at New Westminster Secondary School, he was avidly involved with the performing arts department and his charisma and enthusiasm have led him to be a part of many spectacular projects in the community. As with all projects, Howard Dai jumped eagerly into his role as Co-Producer 5 years ago and to this day is still making the magic happen.
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Tiger Xu (Co-Producer)Tiger Xu holds an undergraduate degree in Physiology from McGill University. He has been involved in the performing arts department since middle school and his inspiration to start Two Gents of New West came from an ambitious desire to give back to the loving community that has supported him over the past few years. Tiger hopes that the projects he creates as a part of Two Gents will inspire more youth artists to pursue their passions, to start their own projects and to help them find ways to always keep the Arts in their hearts.
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Nelson Ellis (Associate Producer/Artist 2016)Nelson Ellis discovered his love of theatre in middle school and, while attending New Westminster Secondary School, was heavily involved with the performing arts department. Nelson is excited to be involved with Two Gents of New Westminster and looks forward to being a part of their upcoming Fringe Show "Cosmic Justice". He will attending Douglas College in the fall where he will be a part of the theatre department.
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Acknowledgements
Looking back over the past 3 years, Two Gents would not have been possible without the dedication and support of the wonderful city of New Westminster. We would especially like to thank:
Massey Theatre Society - for always believing in our capabilities
New Westminster Secondary School Fine Arts Department - for giving us the opportunity to create
Arts Council of New Westminster and their MOMENTUM Youth Program
Supported by Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia
And all the volunteer students and teachers that have contributed their valuable time to making our projects possible.
Massey Theatre Society - for always believing in our capabilities
New Westminster Secondary School Fine Arts Department - for giving us the opportunity to create
Arts Council of New Westminster and their MOMENTUM Youth Program
Supported by Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia
And all the volunteer students and teachers that have contributed their valuable time to making our projects possible.