Tagged Theatre

Excitement flooded the theatre community today when Bard on the Beach unveiled its plans to construct a new stage in the Burrard Inlet. Now in its 26th year, the Shakespeare Festival has become an iconic summer tradition, bringing in a record 100,000 patrons over its 2014 season. Rising attendance has indicated a need for expansion but the site, bounded by water on two sides, is limited by its geographical location.

“At first we joked about it,” laughs Artistic Director Christopher Gaze. “We’d say the only place to expand was to go into the water – literally!”

With Valentine’s Day approaching, we’re starting to feel the love in the air (and we may have already indulged in the chocolate that comes along with it). This rainy weather has us daydreaming about the summer months and the thrill of a new season at Bard on the Beach. From experience, we know that a trip to a tent in the park can be the perfect opportunity for romance.

Here are eight reasons to bring that special someone to Bard…

Even though the festival runs during the summer months, the preparation for a season begins as soon as one ends. Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival admin staff are on duty year round, piecing together every part of what makes an enjoyable summer for our patrons, new and experienced!

I know, I know, autumn is here. Bard is over (*sob), it’s raining out and you wish you could recapture those amazing moments you spent with us this summer. Well, here’s a way to do just that!

The actors and production team you saw this summer at Bard are busy year-round on projects around Vancouver and across Canada. Here are a few of the productions you can catch some Bardies at this season:

You’re in Athens, Greece circa 487 BC, where you and thousands of other citizens journey to a magnificent amphitheatre to celebrate Dionysus: the God of the grape harvest, wine-making and wine.  The theatre festival is free although seating is determined by your social standing. The play you’re watching is not as good as you’d hoped so what do you do? Pick up a stone, food or any nearby object and hurl it the stage! Oh, and feel free to boo and hiss – it’s totally encouraged if the performance is sub-par!