Volunteer Profile: Meet Kiki Hastings

If you have attended a show at The Cultch, most likely you have been greeted by a volunteer. Handed a program? Guided to your seat? Yes, you guessed it, another volunteer! At The Cultch, our volunteers are important to us and Kiki Hastings is no exception. Kiki is a relatively new volunteer to The Cultch and has recently joined our Café and Wine Bar staff. Without the efforts of volunteers like Kiki, the show would not go on!

Full name: Kirsi ‘Kiki’ Hastings

How long have you been a volunteer at The Cultch?

Since the completion of last year’s renovation.

What motivates you to volunteer at The Cultch?

I love the energy at The Cultch. The atmosphere before a show is full of anticipation! I work all day in a shop and even though I’m in a Cultch shirt when I volunteer, it’s a welcome chance to dress up and have a night out.

What makes The Cultch unique?

It’s a big little theatre! It feels small and has a great community following. I see many of my neighbours in the audience and the programming is professional and diverse. I would travel across town to see many of the shows in the program, but it’s right down the street from me!

What is the funniest/most amazing /weird experience you’ve had while volunteering at The Cultch?

I’m a huge fan of Ronnie Burkett and made a point to see as many of his shows as I could while living in Toronto. After I started volunteering, I found out that The Cultch is Ronnie’s Vancouver ‘home’! I met him at The Cultch’s Grand Opening Gala and I was on cloud nine for the rest of the week; he is larger than life!

Most anticipated show of the 10/11 Season?

The 605 Collective’s double bill. I am blown away by the timing, athleticism and style of their contemporary dance. I will not be missing their new work!

Your work?

Brass instrument repair technician

Your hobby?

Gardening and accessory design

Your dream?

I’m living it!

Your background/home town?

Gravenhurst, Ontario

Favorite historical character?

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Favorite book or movie ever?

The Sparrow by Mary Doria-Russell

Favorite musician(s)/bands you’ve seen in concert?

Great Lake Swimmers during the Olympics

Favorite saying or quote?

“You are capable of more than you know. Choose a goal that seems right for you and strive to be the best, however hard the path. Aim high. Behave honorably. Prepare to be alone at times, and to endure failure. Persist! The world needs all you can give.”-Edward O. Wilson

Describe the perfect pizza?

Butter chicken pizza with lots of veg

Where did you last go on vacation?

The Calgary Stampede

What three things can always be found in your refrigerator?

Tahini, Cholula Hot Sauce and cocktail olives.

What superstition do you believe/practice?

Magic is passive aggressive, but certainly real

If they made a movie about your life, what actor/actress would be you?
Michael Caine

What’s the strangest talent you have?

Finding playing cards. I have 22 cards from different decks and my aim is to build a full deck.

When is the last time you played the air guitar?

Today

Habla espanol or parlez-vous français?

Oui, j’etait un etudient de francais immersion comme enfant.

Favorite thing/place in Vancouver?

Gelato on The Drive