Thomas and Elizabeth Mayne Bursary in Theatre
ELIZABETHE (BETTY) MAYNE was born in Edmonton Alberta in 1915. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London, England and acted professionally in Britain.
After returning to Canada, she became involved in professional theatre in Victoria including the York Theatre Company and the Victoria Theatre Guild. In addition to being a provincial public service employee in Victoria from 1954 until her retirement in 1979, she was also actively involved with the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria and the Women's Committee of the Victoria Symphony
Mrs. Mayne was also a supporter of the University of Victoria Phoenix Theatre, the Belfry Theatre, Pacific Opera Victoria, Vancouver Opera and the Victoria Theatre Guild. Mrs. Mayne passed away on October 14, 2004.
THOMAS (TOMMY) MAYNE was born in Victoria in 1918. He attended local schools including Victoria College (when it was located at Craigdarroch Castle) and Victoria Normal School. He later graduated from UBC with BC and Bed degrees.
Mr. Mayne taught social studies and drama at Victoria High School from 1945-1978. He directed seven major productions and a number of his former students have since become highly respected for their artistic work in theatre and music.
An active member of the Victoria Theatre Guild since 1945, Mr. Mayne was made a life member in 1978. He is also a Life Member of the Arts Council of Greater Victoria and served as its President from 1978 to 1987. He has also been a supporter of the arts organizations mentioned in the last paragraph of Mrs. Mayne's biography above.
Mr. Mayne has been active as a docent at Craigdarroch Castle since 1994 and he volunteers, greeting tourists arriving in Victoria on cruise ships.
On April 17, 2018, in his hundredth year, Tom Mayne passed away. Donations in his name to the Thomas and Elizabeth Mayne Bursary in Theatre at the University of Victoria can be made online here.