Bard on the Beach Founder Christopher Gaze Appointed to the Order of Canada
National Honour Recognizes a Lifetime of Transforming Shakespeare and Canadian Theatre
June 26, 2026, Vancouver, BC / Traditional territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations – Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival is delighted to announce that its Founding Artistic Director, Christopher Gaze, has been appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, recognizing outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation.
For more than five decades, Gaze has been a leading force in Canadian theatre, championing Shakespeare, arts education, and cultural accessibility. Since founding Bard on the Beach in 1990, he has grown the organization from a single production performed under a tent in Vancouver’s Vanier Park into one of the largest theatre companies in Canada.
“Christopher’s vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence have profoundly shaped Vancouver’s cultural landscape and inspired generations of artists and audiences,” said Claire Sakaki, Executive Director Bard on the Beach. “The entire Bard family congratulates Christopher on this extraordinary and richly deserved recognition.”
“Receiving the Order of Canada is an honour beyond anything I could have imagined,” said Gaze. “Canada gave me the chance to spend my life doing work that has brought me immense joy and purpose. To be recognized in this way is deeply moving, and receiving the honour in the same year I published my memoir makes it an especially memorable moment for me.”
Gaze has long been recognized for his contributions to theatre and community life including the Order of B.C. in 2012. He has dedicated decades to arts advocacy, mentorship, and education, helping foster a lifelong appreciation for Shakespeare and the performing arts across British Columbia and beyond. This appointment comes after another significant honour for Gaze. On June 13 he was named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List for services to British arts and culture in Canada.
The recognition comes as Bard on the Beach celebrates its 37th Season in Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park. The 2026 Festival features The Merry Wives of Windsor and Macbeth on the BMO Mainstage, alongside two unique adaptations of classical Greek works, Antigone and Goblin:Oedipus in the Douglas Campbell Theatre.
Ticket prices for all regular play performances start at $30 CAD and are available now. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection, as many performances sell out in advance. The full performance schedule and event details are on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org. To book tickets, order online through the Bard website or call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559.
Bard on the Beach gratefully acknowledges the corporate sponsors and donors who support and sustain the Festival and its programs. Sponsors include BMO (BMO Mainstage), Nicola Wealth (Season Sponsor) and Production Sponsors Lawson Lundell LLP, Odlum Brown, Polygon Homes, and The Spotlight Circle. Season Media Sponsors include the Vancouver Sun and Global BC, as well as many other valued sponsors and partners. Bard also thanks the City of Vancouver Cultural Services Department, the Vancouver Park Board, the Province of British Columbia, the BC Arts Council, Government of Canada, and the Canada Council for the Arts for their continuing support.
About Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
Bard on the Beach is one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare festivals. Established in 1990, Bard’s mission is to create transformational experiences through exceptional theatre, training and education opportunities that inspire, resonate, and promote the exchange of ideas. As well as its annual summer Festival, Bard offers year-round education and training programs for youth, adults, and theatre professionals in its administrative home at the BMO Theatre Centre in Olympic Village as well as in schools and community facilities throughout the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
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