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An experienced business person as the Owner/Operator of Seams Like Magic for more than two decades, Shirley is well known, having developed a national and international reputation for her award-winning costumes. Her designs have appeared in newspapers, helped individuals win prestigious awards, and garnered attention from all corners of the world. Her work has appeared on the stages of the Center in the Square and at the Stratford Festival. Like Mavis Boorman, what began as a hobby has become a successful business – and provided thousands of individuals with the end result of her creative concepts. And, like Mavis, she has been actively involved in a number of community events throughout the years; taught workshops at the Sears Drama Festival, classes for high school drama programs and in local Y programs; and is a Certified Balloon Artist – a designation she humbly places after her name. She is a member of the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses and the Canadian Network of Make-up Artists or CNoMA. Mavis Theatrical Supply is an investment in the future of theatrical education, programs, productions – and the creative enjoyment is encompasses. * * *
Whether you are interested in becoming a new person with a glorious look or transforming for the latest production of Beauty and the Beast – Shirley is THE craftsman, bringing whatever you have planned to life. That’s why she will be teaching courses for Mavis Theatrical Supplies Inc. – passing on a lifetime of knowledge to you. * * * Behind the scenes, and very near and dear to everyone’s heart is, of course, Mavis. As in Mavis Boorman, whose dedication to the Because beauty – or the beast – is truly skin deep and there is no better way to prove that than through illusion. Mavis’ deep love for theatre, her intricate knowledge of the stage, and her skill continue to add to the present day. As she would tell you, after all the money has been spent on location, lights, and production, thank heavens what makes the show come alive and puts actors into character, the make-up and the make-up artist, are still one of the most inexpensive, yet vital cogs, in the churns industry known as show business. Every day is an adventure for Mavis – and she continues to enjoy the periodic visits to her old shop on Weber Street, having spent more than two decades there growing the business from hobby to the best little make-shop in Waterloo Region and beyond. Mavis Theatrical Supply is more than a place to get “lipstick” or “base”. Yes, you can find either item in the store – along with thousands of other items, but when you walk through those doors on Weber Street, you are getting a sense of theatrical history, of times past and future glories, and stories that will enchant and enthrall you while you look for that special item to make over the new you. Mavis Boorman (pictured on right), English born, Canadian raised, and a long-time resident of Waterloo Region, knew there was something magical about make-up but it didn’t grab her until she arrived in Kitchener and began operating what would become Mavis Theatrical Supply from her spare bedroom in the mid-1960s. By the early 1980s, a full business, based upon Mavis’ outstanding reputation for quality, service, professionalism, and fun, had flourished. In 1983, she was offered the sole Canadian distribution rights for Research Council of Make-up Artists (RCMA) – the top makeup company in North America, with every year producing more and more revolutionary products. Again, the reason was her reputation and the knowledge that she brought to each and every project and production. Mavis was educated in the renaissance era of make-up artists, tutelaged by some of the top craftspeople in the business in New York and Boston, and was fortunate enough to understand that illusion is the key to greatness. Like the master magicians, Mavis transformed people, watched as they went from off-stage shrinking violets to on-stage forces – and back again when the base comes off. In between, she’s watched as movies took over the theatre and has seen it come around – yet again, a cycle that she knows from her decades of experience in everything from Little Theatre to Shaw and Stratford – Ontario’s pinnacle for stage performances. The make-up profession has seen changing times, so has Mavis, and she’s kept up with all of it – even helping to advance the cause through her intuitive instinct. She’s passed that along to others, but not all of it. And while there are many substitutes, there is only one original: Mavis – and Mavis Theatrical Supply. With new owner, Shirley Bunce, Mavis Boorman knows that her business, built on integrity, enthusiasm, gusto, and true grit, is in the right hands. Shirley brings decades of experience and fun to Mavis Theatrical Supply. Shirley is excited at the prospect of working with an original in the field, an individual she deeply respects and admires, and someone who will continue to play in a role in what remains her pride and joy: Mavis Theatrical Supply. History is steeped into its walls, but the future is bright. Mavis Theatrical Supply continues to be a beacon for Waterloo Region’s show business community. The original owner of Mavis Theatrical Supply was sought out by California’s Research Council of Makeup Artists (RCMA). In addition to distributing RCMA products, Mavis Boorman, has been recognized by the industry for her continuing contributions in the changing needs of today’s makeup artists. Mavis Theatrical Supply has a number of lines that professionals can utilize for their stage, theatre, or television performances? You don’t need to have any experience in using makeup to buy theatrical products? There are greasepaints, cremes, and water bases for use in anything from face painting at a local community event to the fall fashion show held at your nearest shopping center – and all stops in-between. Halloween is just around the corner – yes, October 31 is coming fast – and everything you need to be the life – or death – of the party can be found right now, right here. Yep, Americans shelled out nearly $3.5-billion in 2005 (nearly a billion for candy alone) – making the so-called holiday the second most popular (and expensive) event of the year. There are theatre productions year-round within a one-hour drive of Waterloo Region – and for the most part, it doesn’t involve a trip to Toronto either.
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Shirley Bunce (left) is the new owner of Mavis Theatrical Supply. But she isn’t new to the world of make-up, professional costumes, drama and theatre, or helping people. And it’s that final thing she’s become so well at – helping people, whether they need to become a character through costumes or make-up, clown, villain, or cartoon, she’s done it.
business is a life-long love affair more than anything else. From being a hobby nearly three decades to the peak of the make-up industry in Waterloo Region and throughout Canada, Mavis continues to be a presence in the business that still bears her name. From the early days, when Mavis’ hobby led to the cramped, overrun extra bedroom in her cozy little home, to her decision in the early 1980s to become THE Canadian representative for the Research Council of Make-up Artists (RCMA), one of the world’s outstanding lines for professional make-up artists. Why would a radio hand in Montreal turn Waterloo Region’s professional make-up industry on its head. |
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