Friday, April 29, 2016

sideshow featured performer | jennifer pielak

Our final introduction for SIDESHOW (opening TONIGHT!) is for Jennifer Pielak.


You may already know Jennifer from FUNNY STUFF or past SIDESHOW performances. She also performs in the Rookie League with the Vancouver TheatreSports League, alongside running and performing in Off Key Improv. She'll be playing Katniss in Catching Fire: The Musical this fall and Off Key Improv will be performing a show June 15-19 at Studio 1398.

What’s on your mind?

The weird “Avant Garde” Improv show I directed last night for Super Scene directed by Mitch Boliszczuck.The pinnacle moment for me was when I had 3 performers mimic an actual cat that was in attendance (literally - there was a cat in the room, we were at the super secret Woods Studio) while at the same time having a truthful, heartfelt conversation with one of the performers about their life. Never juxtaposed two things like that before.

What is your favourite thing?

Snow.


When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A marine biologist-paleontologist-actor-singer-CEO-writer.

What is your life motto?

Be joyful, adventurous, creative and inspirational.

What’s the deal with improv?

Improv is a wonderful art form that I can never get enough of. The sky is the limit - you can do anything, and I think the more you dive into it the more you realize you don’t know and want to try and discover within the art form. I love longer form improv that feels more like scripted theatre with truthful, honest, character driven performances that are discovered moment to moment. I love musical improv. And I love just the silly, fun, play that classic improv games bring. I love being able to connect to the audience more and make them feel just as responsible for the success of the show as the performers do. We are in this together. Del Close said it is “theatre of the heart” and I think this is true. When the performers and audience are really connected and committed to being on the adventure together, the shows feel like magic.

freud's last session | gallery 7 theatre

Our friends at Gallery 7 are proud to present FREUD'S LAST SESSION. This is the same script as the beloved PT production you saw last season, however an entirely new cast and director. 



FREUD'S LAST SESSION
By Mark St. Germain

On the day England enters World War II, famous psychiatrist, Sigmund Freud and young novelist and Oxford fellow, C.S. Lewis engage in an intellectual and emotionally charged debate about some of life's biggest questions: love, God, relationships and the meaning of life. As the discussion ensues, the two discover a respect for the other, despite the significant differences of opinion that separate them. A fictional story brimming with humour and insight, this play celebrates friendship and respect as two of the greatest minds from the 20th century tackle the greatest questions of all time.

Running Time: Approximately 70 min with no intermission.

CAST
John Dawson as Sigmund Freud 
Jay Danziger as C.S. Lewis

CREATIVE TEAM
Director Ron Jackson 
Set Design Brian Ball
Costume Design Dianna Lewis
Lighting Design Gabe Kirkley
Sound Design Eli Funk
Stage Manager Danielle Milette
WHEN
May 20 & 21, 25 - 28, 2016 @ 7:30 pm
Discount Matinees: May 21 & 28 @ 2:00 pm

WHERE
Matsqui Centennial Auditorium
32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford

TICKETS
Book your tickets online by 11:59pm on May 1, 2016 using the code FREUDG7 and you'll save 15% over regular prices. 

Thursday, April 28, 2016

i belong here | art exhibition at regent college

Regent College is showcasing the work of Pilar Mehlis in her exhibit "I Belong Here..." This extraordinary artists work is not to be missed.


I Belong Here…
By Pilar Mehlis

Pilar Mehlis explores the transformative effect of immigration on an individual by juxtaposing elements of natural and human migrations.  Through the Antrofish figure her work metaphorically illustrates the many aspects of the immigration experience.  Immigration is a transformative experience: it takes the original person and “dresses” them in new cultures, languages, sensations, ideas and attitudes.  This transformation creates a hybrid that often belongs to two places and cultures at once and yet not wholly to either. There is a collision between innocence and new experiences involved in such transitions.  Her work explores these frictions and the ideas of identity, sense of place, transformation and cultural hybridization with particular emphasis on her own transformative experience from being culturally Bolivian to becoming Canadian and how, through cultural narratives, those two identities are embodied within her.
Pilar was born in Manhattan, but grew up in La Paz, Bolivia until, at the age of twelve, her family moved to Whitehorse, Yukon.  She obtained her BFA double majoring in Visual Arts and History of Art from the University of Victoria, then pursued further studies at the former Art Academy of Vancouver, Langara and at the Gage Academy of Art in Seattle.
Regent College is an evangelical, international graduate school of theology affiliated with the University of British Columbia.

WHEN
May 11- June 23, 2016
Opening reception: Wednesday, May 11, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Gallery hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Sat 12 pm - 4 pm

WHERE
Lookout Gallery, Regent College
5800 University Blvd., Vancouver, BC

MORE INFO


Wednesday, April 27, 2016

sideshow featured performer | alison chisholm

Up next in our series of featured performers for SIDESHOW is our own Co-General Manager, Alison Chisholm!


Alison works days as Co-General Manager of PT, but you've seen her on stage before in past SIDESHOW performances.  She is also a member of Off Key Improv and used to perform regularly with Second Storey Theatre.  Coming up soon, Off Key will be performing from June 15-19 at Studio 1398.

What’s on your mind?

ALL OF THE THINGS!!!

What is your favourite thing?

Toddlers giggling and running in snow suits. There is truly nothing better!

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Marine biologist. At least that’s what people told me when I went whale watching and wanted to spend my life hanging out with whales. When I actually studied biology that dream quickly faded!''


What is your life motto?

Generally I like to live by Henry Ford’s word “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right!” … but most recently my motto has been “You do you!” I think they both work together really well.

What’s the deal with improv?

What - is memorizing lines really that difficult? Sounds like improvisers are really just lazy actors! And that’s saying something, amiright??? (I’m not! I’m really not!)

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

sideshow featured performer | matthew simmons

Here's another SIDESHOW performer for you to get to know: Matthew Simmons.


You may remember Matthew from his roles in A CHRISTMAS CAROL: ON THE AIR and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW. He is also a regular performer with Off Key Improv, performing a show this summer at Studio 1398, and he'll be starting rehearsals for CATCHING FIRE: THE MUSICAL, the sequel to last year's Fringe show HUNGER GAMES: THE MUSICAL.

What's on your mind?

Not only is it astoundingly easier to access information than ever before, but it may also be more important than ever before.

What is your favourite thing?

Really warm blankets when you're watching TV.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Maybe a Jedi, or one of the X-Men.


What is your life motto?

Do or do not, there is no try.

What's the deal with improv?

It's like trying to hold sand in your fist; the harder you force it the less effective it is.

Monday, April 25, 2016

sideshow featured performer | barbara beall

We've got another featured performer in SIDESHOW for you!  Meet Barbara Beall.

 

Barbara has joined us on stage once before in OLD TIME GOSPEL RADIO HOUR.  She performs improv all over town, including The Critical Hit Show (the last Wednesday of every month at the Rio Theatre), The Fictionals (at Cafe Deux Soleils and the Rio), Improv Guild (in Calgary).

What’s on your mind?

Usually facts of some kind. I like learning facts about pretty much everything.

What is your favourite thing?

Full fat dairy. I eat whipping cream daily.


When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An actor.

What is your life motto?

It'll all work out in the end.

What’s the deal with improv?

There's never a dull moment! It's always a bit terrifying, you never know where the stories will take you, and it is SO MUCH FUN!

Sunday, April 24, 2016

sideshow featured performer | peter abando

Today's featured SIDESHOW performer is music aficionado Peter Abando!


Peter is a musician, composer, and musical director. He accompanies Off Key Improv, recently worked with Molly's Comedy Cabaret and Align Entertainment, and is currently composing for the new musical HOW TO ADULT, collaborating with Chris Lam and SHIFT Theatre to create a Rufus Wainwright revue presentation, and remixing some old pieces for a one man show with David C. Jones. This man is busy, and we are thrilled to have him providing accompaniment to our improv show.

What is your favourite thing?

Probably those darn peanut butter M&Ms. It's a serious addiction.

As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A tie between train engineer and fighter pilot. I like stuff that moves. I stay in one spot enough as a piano player.


What is your life motto?

Right now it's this: "Just because I don't attack doesn't mean I won't defend."

What's the deal with improv?

Everyone improvises. Some of us just realize we can use it to our advantage!

Saturday, April 23, 2016

sideshow featured performer | brad rossington

Meet our next SIDESHOW performer, Brad Rossington!


You've seen Brad perform here at PT in past SIDESHOWs. He also performs regularly with Vancouver TheatreSports League, as well as at the Rio Theatre and Cafe Deux Soleils.

What’s on your mind?

Generally I think of Spain

What is your favourite thing?

Ribs

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Stand-up comedian (weird), and the Prime Minister....of Turkey


What is your life motto?

"Smile! Or frown, I don't care"

What’s the deal with improv?

The 'deal'? For 72 easy payments of $9.99 I'll tell you.

Friday, April 22, 2016

sideshow featured performer | john voth

The next featured artist for our series on SIDESHOW performers is John Voth.


John has performed on our stage in SIDESHOW, THE RAINMAKER, and THE FOREIGNER.  He regularly performs with Vancouver TheatreSports and has directed an episode from the web series My True Story.  Learn more on his Instagram: @johnvoth.

What's on your mind?

Dark recesses

What is your favourite thing?

Food, Reese's especially

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Cheezit taste tester


What is your life motto?

Eat everyday, meat everyday.

What’s the deal with improv?

Laughter is the food of the soul. I only do it because its related to food

Thursday, April 21, 2016

sideshow featured performer | kyla ferrier

We've got our annual improv comedy fiesta SIDESHOW coming up!  While the performers should all be familiar to you (they've all been involved in PT shows in the past), we want to let you know a little more about them.  Up first is Kyla Ferrier.


You may remember Kyla from her last turn on our stage in GODSPELL, or in YOU STILL CAN'T. Upcoming she will be releasing her first full-length album HE & I. You can already check out the music video for her single "Is This?" here!

What's on your mind?

I'm happy Spring has arrived. I have plans to build a Backyard Garden Shaving Station. What? Well, here's the thing. My roommate and I live in a basement suite, and our bathroom is small and dark, making it pretty tricky to get any decent body maintenance done in there. I've been traveling home to my parents house in Chilliwack to take care of my legs. But no more. Backyard Garden Shaving Station is going to change all that. A handsome pedestal sink with gold fixtures, surrounded by wildflowers, bathed in sunlight. Admit it. You can't wait to come over to my house to shave.

What is your favourite thing?

My favourite thing is the high felt when an interesting thought or burst of inspiration shows face. That energy is a powerful force. I enjoy brainstorming with other people just for the joy of it. There need be no particular point, purpose, or end. I love ideas. I love novelty. I love creative spark.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I flip-flopped between wanting to be a singer, and wanting to be a Safeway cashier.

What is your life motto?

It changes all the time. Currently, it's this quote from East of Eden by John Steinbeck: "And now that you don't have to be perfect, you can be good."

What’s the deal with improv?

Well. You know. A few people play pretend, while some other people watch, and there's some laughing and stuff. It's good for your human soul, blah blah blah.

I don't think improv works so great when there's too much ego involved. The best improvisors aren't especially concerned with being funny. The performers I like watching tend to enter open-hearted into a story, delight in the imagined world unfolding, and share discovery with their scene partners. Improvisors who are willing to let go of the pressure to make people laugh are better able to enter into a creative flow outside themselves. The flow-place is where magic happens. I think it's the birthplace of the juiciest comedy.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

a good mother | a.d. notes

Tomorrow we open A GOOD MOTHER by Kathy Parsons to our audiences as a script-in-hand staging.  Here are Artistic Director Ron Reed's notes on the show and the Working With playwright development group it came from.


Working With is working!

In the fall of 2013 we launched a new initiative to develop original scripts for the PT stage. A Good Mother is the third of those shows to be seen on our stage already! Script-in-hand stagings of Kris Marushey’s Cultivation (last season) and tonight’s play, as well as our fully mounted production of Common Grace, are the first fruits. And our season opener in September - A Good Way Out, by Cara Norrish - will be the fourth Working With project you’ll see, with others still in development for subsequent seasons.

The same impetus to create “in-house” shows led to a batch of commissions, and our new season will unveil the first of those! Lucia Frangione is creating a sequel to what is undoubtedly one of PT’s “Greatest Hits” - Holy Mo! This time out Guff, Buffoona and Folly set aside the stories of Moses and King David and tackle the original Christmas story.

A sister theatre of ours in San Diego has a motto: “Telling good stories well.” That’s what Pacific Theatre is about, as well. And tonight we celebrate the storytellers - specifically, the playwrights, the ones who first dream up the stories we set out to tell.

Tonight’s storyteller, Kathy Parsons, has made an immense contribution to playwriting at PT. Long before she brought A Good Mother to the Working With table, Kathy was our literary manager, and worked as a dramaturg on many scripts we’ve developed over the years. I’m personally indebted to her for tremendous help in shaping my own play, Refuge Of Lies (2010).

So here’s to new plays! And to an audience with an appetite for them! And most of all, here’s to our playwrights, and especially Kathy Parsons, who’s got quite a story to tell tonight.

Monday, April 18, 2016

a good mother | first read

Today we moved straight from GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES into the first reading for A GOOD MOTHER, opening on Wednesday!  Here's some shots from this morning's table read.





Wednesday, April 13, 2016

sideshow featured performer | julia church

Here's another performer who will be joining us for SIDESHOW!  Meet Julia Church.


Julia performed with us in GODSPELL and performs regularly with the Vancouver TheatreSports Rookie League. When she's not on stage, she is running her shop Neighbourhood Quality Goods at Main and 27th, as well as her online shop Nettle's Tale.

What's on your mind?

I need water and something deep fried.

What is your favourite thing?

Nachos.

When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?

Shania Twain or a dolphin trainer.

What is your life motto?

Some things take time?

What's the deal with improv?

It's like entrepreneurship, you take the people around you make something never to be created again out of a whole lot of nothing.

Monday, April 11, 2016

gruesome playground injuries | responses


"I loved the play’s snapshot structure, the deeply flawed but loveable characters, the span of shared personal history, and the humor, though I did get light-headed at one point. The wardrobe scene changes were just brilliant." | Karl Peterson, audience response

"We loved it! The staging was amazing and both actors quite remarkable in their portrayal of 2 characters who lived their lives on the edge of their emotional issues. This play proves why live theatre is even better than films!" | Patty, audience response

"Best play of the season! ... Above all, I was moved to think about how wounds, both inside and outside, are healed when we offer a loving touch and a faithful presence even in the midst of our own deep brokenness." | Denise Unrau, audience response

"Gruesome Playground Injuries is an odd and strangely moving one-act love story... their curious chemistry quietly draws them to each other, drawing us, too, into communion with the mystery of love. | Jerry Wasserman, Vancouver Plays

"I can understand why Artistic Director Ron Reed fell instantly in love with this show." | Alan Woo, Fun! Fun! Vancouver

"That Joseph and the Pacific Theatre team are able to create not just a series of entertaining vignettes but deliver to viewers a believable and abiding friendship-through-wounds is no small achievement... The complexity of people reaching out to one another, however haltingly and tentatively, is always a touching bit of live theatre to witness. Particularly when the stage characters the playwright crafted are backed up by actors who fully understand and embrace their roles. This is just such a performance." | Baird Blackstone, BrokenLegReviews

"Johnstone and Klassen know the play and each other well. Together they staged the piece as a successful final apprentice project. The experience shows through in a good way. Their shared rapport certainly works for them in the “warts-and-all” device of executing all the scene changes in front of the audience." John Jane, Review Vancouver


FROM THE TWITTER FEED

@captivethunder: "Gruesome Playground Injuries" at @PacificTheatre was quirky and powerful. Loved it--and I didn't even faint or sympathy-vomit!

@jodimurphy: Wonderfully moving performances by @kentonklassen + @pippajohnstone in @PacificTheatre's "Gruesome Playground Injuries"

@aeromommy: Gruesome Playground Injuries @PacificTheatre was fabulous! Check it out before April 16.

@soulkitchenwork: @PacificTheatre latest play #GruesomePlaygroundInjuries is gruesome and funny and sad and intriguing - well done again PT!!!

@dwarmen: Why do I even bother wearing mascara to the theatre? #ptGruesome

@funfunvancouver: Witness the most romantic vomit scene ever in Gruesome Playground Injuries on to April 16 @PacificTheatre

Saturday, April 09, 2016

gruesome playground injuries | music

I was intrigued by the music chosen for GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES, so I emailed sound designer Chris Adams for a playlist. Here's what I heard back. (My favourites have asterisks)


Here is the list of Transitions. We used only Covers for the transitions, so this list tells whose cover it is, not the person who actually wrote the song.

Time After Time - Tegan and Sara **
Hit Me Baby One More Time - Simple Plan *
Born To Be My Baby - Bon Jovi live
Yeah! - Usher
About a Girl - Fish
Bad Romance - Halestorm
Hit Me Baby One More Time - Ed Sheeran **
Wrecking Ball - James Arthur **
Can’t Feel My Face - Corey Gray *

We really had a lot of fun picking the covers. Each song correlates to the exact year the scene takes place. But we found using the originals was both too on the nose and too far off. Sometimes the feeling was wrong when the words were right. So with these covers we were able to get the lyrics, while still keeping whatever feeling we wanted to achieve.

Thursday, April 07, 2016

april 13-18 | trinity western annual arts festival


Our friends at Trinity Western University are holding their annual Festival of the Arts, Media + Culture. Each year, students of TWU’s School of Arts, Media + Culture (SAMC) present their best and most exciting work in a handful of diverse performances and exhibitions. There’s something for everyone—music lovers, bookworms, theatre-goers, film buffs and everyone in between.

JAZZ NIGHT
Love jazz? On Wednesday, April 13, SAMC’s top jazz musicians pack out the loft of the music building, turn down the lights, and fill the room with infectious grooves and rhythms. Works include Dave Brubeck’s imaginative arrangement of Blue Rondo Alla Turk; Chick Corea’s rhythmically fancy Latin piece, Spain; and Freddie Hubbard’s bass-driven Red Clay. Third-year student and talented bassist Mat Kim debuts his new composition, Jazzhead.

VIGNETTES
Can nonfiction writing be creative? You bet it can. On Thursday, April 14, witness personal stories come to life in this intimate literary evening from SAMC Media + Communication. Upper-level writing students read a series of new, thought-provoking short pieces to showcase the infinite variety of narrative nonfiction. Lovers of literature are invited to gather with these talented young authors and storytellers for readings, reflection, and refreshments.

24 HOUR THEATRE
How long does it take to make a play? Can it be done in 24 hours? These short and funny plays are written, cast, rehearsed and performed…all in one overnight, caffeine-fueled adventure. Witness the outrageous results on the TWU stage, Saturday, April 16.

CINERGY
Calling all film buffs! Be the first the see the latest shorts from up-and-coming filmmakers on Monday, April 18 at Cinergy, TWU’s annual student film festival. The lineup includes drama, experimental, and screwball comedy, with something for every movie lover. Films are adjudicated by a panel of top Vancouver film industry professionals – be sure to cast your vote in the Audience Choice award.

TWU’s Festival of the Arts, Media + Culture is sponsored in part by Long & McQuade, and runs March 30—April 18Visit www.twu.ca/samc for ticket and event info.

EVENTS AT A GLANCE:

Jazz Night
Wednesday, April 13 
7:30pm | Instrumental Hall, Music Building

Vignettes
Thursday, April 14
7:30pm | Alumni Hall, Reimer Student Centre

24 Hour Theatre
Saturday, April 16
7:30pm | Freedom Hall, Robert N. Thompson Building

Cinergy
Monday, April 18
7:30pm | Northwest Building Auditorium

Tuesday, April 05, 2016

gruesome playground injuries | artistic director notes



This play? Why on earth?

Because Kenton and Pippa are in it. They staged it as their final apprentice project, they were terrific, and I figured more people needed to see them in it.

Because Rajiv Joseph intrigued me ever since read about his play Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo: “a tiger haunts the streets of Baghdad seeking the meaning of life, as Americans and Iraqis search for friendship, redemption and a toilet seat made of gold.” Especially when I read that Rajiv Joseph was a Christian who undertook a hunger strike on behalf of dalits and other minorities suffering ethnic violence in India. (I found out later, these are two completely different Rajiv Josephs. Oh well.)

Because that’s the best play title ever. Definitely the truest title: if you don’t like the title, you won’t like the play.

Because I really do love this play. Usually I go for story-driven scripts, rising action, this leads to that, reversals, all that dramaturgical stuff. This isn’t that. Still, it works for me: I’m drawn in, compelled, moved, fascinated.

And because, whether Rajiv Joseph is who I thought he was or not, and whether every viewer will see it this way or not, I find something spiritual in this play, something very close to the heart of my faith as a Christian. Two people who’ve been dealt really bad hands, two outsiders - dalits, victims of violence – the last, the least, the lost – who suffer and fail a lot, who fall pretty low and don’t even have bootstraps to pull themselves up by. Who somehow still manage to pull each other up. They’ve got pretty nearly nothing except a remarkable love for each other. And somehow that seems to be enough.

Maybe this play isn’t religious, or even spiritual - or maybe it’s gospel. I don’t know. Your mileage may vary, but I do know this: I find myself stirred in the same way I’m stirred by Easter, or friendship, or a small act of kindness or selflessness or sacrifice.

I also think it’s really funny. But maybe that’s just me.

announcing celebrazione 2016

Save the date!  You are invited to CELEBRAZIONE, a celebration of theatre, art, music, and food.


Tuesday, May 31st at La Piazza Dario
Tickets $125 (includes meal, entertainment, and $75 tax receipt)

Featuring music, art, and a silent auction.  More information on artists and auction items to come!

diversity initiatives

In our ongoing attempt to increase inclusivity in our work, we have put together some diversity initiatives and values for our company moving forward. This is an ongoing conversation, and we expect and hope that they will change and grow as we continue to learn. A major portion of our current initiative includes opening the doors and extending an invitation to artists of colour who share a commitment to our mission, mandate, and values. If you feel this includes you then please get in touch! 


Pacific Theatre was established in 1984 by a group of actors who believed their experiences, culture, values, beliefs and questions were not well represented on Canadian stages. We set out to establish a non-propagandist professional theatre where we would be free to explore work having particular meaning to us as Christians – specifically, by producing and showcasing theatre that rigorously explores the spiritual aspects of human experience.

Within that mandate, it is essential that our work be inclusive, and we are increasingly aware that one important expression of that core value of inclusivity is for the theatre we produce and showcase to reflect the racial diversity of our community. This has been a constant conversation at Pacific Theatre for the past year or more, and we have begun to take a number of steps toward grow in that area.

Immediate Practical Steps Toward Greater Diversity

We are proactively seeking out theatre artists of colour who share a commitment to our purpose and values, to draw them into the life of our company (play readings and development, workshops, apprenticeship, etc), to hire them in all aspects of our mainstage productions, and to showcase their work in Guest Productions in our mainstage season.

When a Pacific Theatre production involves an audition process, we will ensure that actors of colour are invited to audition – particularly when a given play represents a particular cultural experience or expression, or would benefit from a specific cultural sensitivity or awareness.

We will also expand our practice of using non-white actors in roles where race is not specified, and intentionally casting actors of colour in roles which might otherwise be thought of as “white” – our casting of an African-American woman as Prime Minister Mackenzie King would be an example.

Any actor who submits a headshot and resume throughout the season will be seen at our general auditions.

If you identify as an actor, designer or director of colour, and would like to be considered by Pacific Theatre, please contact Operations Manager Cara Cunningham.

We are seeking playwrights of varied cultural backgrounds to create work which engages with the company’s mission, mandate and aesthetics. We are also interested in mandate-related works with culturally diverse characters, or which reflect other cultural realities. As we find projects of interest, we will invite writers into our play development project (“Working With”) or seek resources for new play commissions, as appropriate.

Company artists have also been tasked with searching for existing works that fulfill the intentions described above.

If you know of scripts which fit with this initiative, or if you are a playwright whose work might do so, please contact Artistic Director Ron Reed.

We particularly value diversity in various leadership roles within our company, while recognizing that for these functions, an authentic commitment to our mission and mandate is particularly critical.

We will continue to actively recruit board members and artist advisors representing diverse cultures. We will seek and cultivate directors of colour, and increasingly find ways to build diversity into our administrative and production staff, including our management staff.

An Organic Process Informed by Our Core Values

Our insistence on relational integrity means that we have a high degree of loyalty to artists who have made common cause with us, for whom Pacific Theatre has become an artistic home, often because they have a strong connection with our mission and purpose. We create our art from a sense of community, and the change we are striving for will not come about by violating our commitment to the community that has grown organically around our work, but by intentionally drawing an increasingly diverse array of like-minded artists into that community.

Since our inception, Pacific Theatre has been a work-in-progress, an ongoing experiment to find out what it means for artists of faith to create work expressing that core commitment. Similarly, these initiatives to increase the racial diversity of our company are also a work-in-progress: some ideas will work well and be fruitful, while others won’t be as effective or practical. We will continually be looking for other ways to achieve these goals which haven’t occurred to us yet. But we recognize that these changes are important – in fact, that they are another expression of our mandate and mission – and we will continue to find ways to bring them about.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions regarding our diversity initiatives as a whole, please contact our Director of Marketing and Publicity, Andrea Loewen.


Friday, April 01, 2016

gruesome playground injuries | pay-what-you-can preview

Tonight is the preview for GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES!  Tickets are $13.99 in advance or pay-what-you-can at the door (after 7pm).



2016-2017 season announcement

We are thrilled to announce our 2016-2017 Season!  The season features three world premieres and some exciting partnerships with local companies.  Subscribe now online or by calling 604-731-5518.



MAINSTAGE SERIES

A GOOD WAY OUT by Cara Norrish • Sept 23-Oct 15 • WORLD PREMIERE!
Joey is a hardworking mechanic trying to support his family. He thought joining a biker gang was his only option, but now things have changed and he’s looking for choices that no longer exist.

SUITCASE STORIES by Maki Yi • Oct 28-Nov 12 • WORLD PREMIERE!
With only one tiny suitcase to accompany her, Maki leaves Korea to search for a new home in Canada. What follows is an incredible journey of placement, replacement, and displacement, told with winsome vulnerability and plucky humour.

HOLY MO: A CHRISTMAS SHOW by Lucia Frangione • Dec 2-31 • WORLD PREMIERE!
Folly, Guff, and Buffoona are back! A reverently irreverent re-imagining of the Nativity story, told with gusto and a varying commitment to accuracy by three beloved fools. A long-awaited sequel to past hits Holy Mo and Holy Mo and Spew Boy.

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE • Dec 12, 13, 19, 20 (Valley: Dec 17)
Pacific Theatre’s favourite holiday tradition: all-you-can-eat feast of music and stories for the holidays featuring our favourite local musicians.

CORLEONE by David Mann • Feb 3-25
a guest production by Classic Chic Productions
Power, love, and betrayal: what if Shakespeare wrote The Godfather? Pacific Theatre partners with one of Vancouver’s most exciting new companies, Classic Chic Productions, for an all-female take on a take of this classic mob story.

VALLEY SONG by Athol Fugard • Mar 24-Apr 8
Pacific Theatre presents a Gateway Theatre production
In post-apartheid South Africa, Abraam “Buks” Jonkers continues to till land he will never own, while his granddaughter Veronica dreams of starring on Johannesburg stages.

OUTSIDE MULLINGAR by John Patrick Shanley • May 19-June 10
Anthony and Rosemary have lived in neighbouring farms their entire lives, battling over property lines and inheritances, but never what matters most. A softhearted romantic comedy set in the Irish countryside.

THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S SERIES

TESTAMENT • April 12-15 • ORIGINAL CREATION!
A musical exploration of the life of Christ, featuring a rotating band and readings, much in the style of Christmas Presence.

SIDESHOW • March 3 & 4
Hold onto your hats for another round of improv and sketch comedy with the PT crew. A family-friendly favourite