For decades, Jennie Diment was the makeup artist in Edmonton. It all started when the late Eileen Turner, then director of The Edmonton Light Opera, suggested that Jennie call Jerry Baril who was a pioneer in the Edmonton theatre scene. Mr. Baril thought Jennie would be a natural and hired her on the spot. The rest, as they say, is history.

Jennie & Jerry started with The Edmonton Opera the very next weekend. Jennie bought Jerry’s business in 1967 and Jenny’s Makeup Service was born.

Long before the dawn of professional theatre in Edmonton, Jennie and her staff did makeup for virtually every amateur theatre organization in the city.  Theatre for Children,  Walterdale, Edmonton Light Opera, Edmonton Civic Opera (Civic Musical Theatre), Edmonton Musical Theatre, Prestige Productions and many more. She continued to do the make up for the Edmonton Opera for decades.

Jennie moved into television, working at both CFRN TV and CBC, but never lost her passion for live theatre and especially musical theatre. Jennie’s memory for lyrics, cast member names, character names was legendary.

When she wasn’t actually doing the makeup herself, she could be counted on to teach, advise, demonstrate for and encourage those interested in the field. Many actors, currently gracing our stages today experienced the calm, kind confidence building that came along with sitting in Jennie’s make-up chair prior to a performance- be it on film or on stage. She retired from the business in 1990 but continued to support local theatre as a donor, subscriber, consultant and fan.

Jennie’s bio ends on a sad note as in the early hours of June 2nd, Jennie passed away from complications of a stroke she suffered in April. She was a wonderful theatre friend, legend, supporter and guide and would be so honoured to be receiving this award.