Julie Lebel wins the 2025-2026 Arcand-Bournival Prize
Foolish Operations’ artistic director Julie Lebel has been awarded the 2025-2026 Arcand-Bournival Prize. The selection committee was captivated by her dreamlike creation, Baby Space Opera (Grande Ourse – Petite Ourse), a show for children aged 0 to 2.
“I am so honoured to receive the Arcand-Bournival Prize, and I sincerely thank the jury and Théâtre la Seizième!” said Julie upon learning of the award. “Over the past two years, thanks to la Seizième, I have been able to embark on the most ambitious creation for baby audience-participants of my artistic career. La Seizième fully supported me throughout this process, remaining attentive to the needs of such a specific audience. What a privilege it has been to work and create with the support of every member of Théâtre la Seizième, including their families, who attended our residency showings! Thank you so much!”
An ode to the starry sky and the vastness of the universe, Baby Space Opera (Grande Ourse – Petite Ourse), a co-production between la Seizième and Foolish Operations, won over the Arcand-Bournival Prize jury, composed of board secretary Guillaume Beaulieu-Houle and two season subscribers, Florence Chazal and Aurélie Puna. “Julie Lebel and her team created a dreamlike world that takes children on a journey through the cosmos. They elegantly combined gentle music with the performers’ graceful movements and impressive costumes that transform into scenery. It is a beautiful invitation for little ones to discover theatre beneath the northern lights!”
This recognition propels Foolish Operations toward a memorable autumn, during which the company will celebrate its 10th anniversary. The festivities will include free summer dance and drawing workshops for families at Riley Park in Vancouver, as well as the announcement of an upcoming provincial tour of Baby Space Opera.
The Arcand-Bournival Prize is awarded annually to an artist who stands out for their talent and exceptional contribution to Théâtre la Seizième’s productions. Established in 2014 in honour of the extraordinary commitment of Danielle Arcand and Louis-Marie Bournival, two emblematic members of the company’s board of directors, the prize promotes and encourages francophone artistic excellence in Vancouver. It also includes a $500 award in support of the recipient artist.
