Friday, March 31, 2017

valley song | artist talk back | march 31

You're invited to stay for the artist talk back after tonight's performance of VALLEY SONG! Join David Adams and Sereana Milani as they share their thoughts on Athol Fugard's, VALLEY SONG.


Thursday, March 30, 2017

valley song | added matinee april 2

Join us this Sunday, April 2nd for an added matinee performance of VALLEY SONG! Tickets available at pacifictheatre.org or by calling 604.731.5518.


Wednesday, March 29, 2017

valley song | student and senior night!

Every Wednesday of a performance we like to acknowledge students and seniors by offering them $20.00 tickets! But we're not done yet. Tonight is bonus student and senior night because there's an artist talk back right after the show. Thanks for being awesome, students and seniors! We can't wait to see you at VALLEY SONG tonight at 8:00 pm.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

valley song | apartheid

VALLEY SONG is set after apartheid was abolished in the early 1990's. Fugard's play gives us a birds eye view of how apartheid affects one family, and the struggles they face of letting go of the past and moving forward in a new South Africa. VALLEY SONG is a story that shows change is possible even in a broken world. It also shows how two segregated groups of people can live together in harmony and overcome evil with good by loving your neighbour.


APARTHEID
In 1948, under the governance of the National Party Apartheid was put into place. This system of segregation divided South Africans into groups of whites and nonwhites: Asians, Coloureds, and Blacks (indigenous Aftircans). Nonwhite South Africans were forced to live in separate areas from whites. At this time, most of the South African population was comprised of nonwhites. Sadly, living conditions were less than ideal for nonwhites. Transpiration was not as easily accessible, which made it extremely difficult to complete simple tasks like grocery shopping and getting to work. Not only this, the land that was assigned to nonwhites was significantly poorer agriculturally. This made it much more difficult to plant and produce crops.

Looking at the apartheid as a pyramid, white people would be at the top and the indigenous, black people at the bottom. Whites received the best opportunities for education, jobs, housing and health care. South African neighborhoods and schools were even segregated based on skin colour. And throughout the 1050s and 1960s, laws were passed that banned any interaction between whites and non-whites, not including employer-employee relationships. “Whites only” signs began to pop up everywhere including, drinking fountains, buses, restaurants, hotels and even park benches. The South African government stripped nonwhites of their citizenship and eventually tried to push them out of the country.

Political privileges were put into place and nonwhite South Africans had no say in political matters. If the indigenous Africans were allowed to vote, they would outnumber whites by more than 4 to 1. Because of this, a law was passed that allowed nonwhites to vote, on the condition that they would only vote to elect white representatives.

The apartheid came to an end with its democratic elections on April 27th, 1994, where people of all races had their say and voted Nelson Mandela as their president. In South Africa, his day is now a public holiday – Freedom Day.

TIMELINE OF APARTHEID (BBC):

1948 - Policy of apartheid (separateness) adopted when National Party (NP) takes power.

1950 - Population classified by race. Group Areas Act passed to segregate blacks and whites. Communist Party banned. ANC responds with campaign of civil disobedience, led by Nelson Mandela.

1960 - Seventy black demonstrators killed at Sharpeville. ANC banned.

1961 - South Africa declared a republic, leaves the Commonwealth. Mandela heads ANC's new military wing, which launches sabotage campaign.

1960s - International pressure against government begins, South Africa excluded from Olympic Games.

1964 - ANC leader Nelson Mandela sentenced to life imprisonment.

1966 September - Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd assassinated.

1970s - More than 3 million people forcibly resettled in black 'homelands'.

1976 - More than 600 killed in clashes between black protesters and security forces during uprising which starts in Soweto.

1976: Black anger boils over

1984-89 - Township revolt, state of emergency.

1989 - FW de Klerk replaces PW Botha as president, meets Mandela. Public facilities desegregated. Many ANC activists freed.

1990 - ANC unbanned, Mandela released after 27 years in prison. Namibia becomes independent.

1991 - Start of multi-party talks. De Klerk repeals remaining apartheid laws, international sanctions lifted. Major fighting between ANC and Zulu Inkatha movement.

1993 - Agreement on interim constitution.

1994 April - ANC wins first non-racial elections. Mandela becomes president, Government of National Unity formed, Commonwealth membership restored, remaining sanctions lifted. South Africa takes seat in UN General Assembly after 20-year absence.


POST APARTHEID

The anti-apartheid movement resulted in the abolishment of apartheid laws in South Africa in 1994. In doing so, equal rights were given to all citizens regardless of their race. In 1994, after the apartheid laws were removed, Nelson Mandela ran for and was elected as the new South African president. Nelson Mandela made it his mission to rise above the apartheid movement and reintegrate whites and nonwhites of South Africa back together. This was not an easy task for the newly appointed government, as they did not have the support of all South African people. Two decades after apartheid was abolished, sadly the signs of racism are resurfacing- if it ever went away to begin with. In Cape Town, South Africa, there are reports that some restaurant and landlord owners are discriminating against nonwhites, refusing to let them book tables or rent houses (The Globe and Mail, 2015).

Bibliography:

Adhikari, M. “South African History Online.” Harold Athol Fugard. http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/harold-athol-fugard, 2005. Accessed March 17, 2017.

“Apartheid South Africa.” http://www.gohistorygo.com/apartheid-in-south-africa-. Accessed March 17, 2017.

BBC News. “South Africa Profile- Timeline”. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-14094918. Accessed March 17, 2017.

“What are ten facts about apartheid?” https://www.reference.com/history/ten-apartheid-361976d3b46007b5?qo=contentSimilarQuestions. Accessed March 17, 2017.

“South Africa after Apartheid.” .https://www.mtholyoke.edu/~shafi20k/after%20apar.html. Accessed March 17, 2017.

York, Geoffrey. “Two decades after apartheid ended, racial tensions rattling South Africa”. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/two-decades-after-apartheid-ended-racial-tensions-rattling-south-africa/article22571118/, January 22, 2105. Accessed March 17, 2017.

“South Africa after Apartheid.” .https://www.mtholyoke.edu/~shafi20k/after%20apar.html. Accessed March 17, 2017.




Monday, March 27, 2017

world theatre day

Today is World Theatre Day! This annual event was created in the 60s to celebrate all things live theatre. Here are some quotes of why our friends at PT love theatre.










valley song | opening night reception

We had so much fun at our opening reception for VALLEY SONG! Here's the recap of Friday's festivities.











Friday, March 24, 2017

valley song | opening night | crew

VALLEY SONG opens tonight at 8:00 pm! Read about our fabulous behind the scenes crew who've worked around the clock to bring this show to life.


Yvonne Yip Stage Manager
"VALLEY SONG is a lovely and touching story told by beautiful performances of two wonderful human beings."

Yvonne is delighted to be a part of VALLEY SONG again with this wonderful company. This is her first time working at Pacific Theatre. Recent credits include stage managing THE DROWNING GIRLS (Theatre North West), DOOST (Neworld Theatre), BIG BAD (Boca del Lupo) and assisting on THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (Arts Club Theatre), and KING OF THE YEES (Gateway Theatre).


Drew Facey Set Designer
Drew is a graduate of Studio 58 and has been designing sets and costumes for opera and theatre over the past ten years. His most recent work at Pacific Theatre was set designing for THE SEAFARER and THE WHIPPING MAN. Other recent highlights include: COMEDY OF ERRORS (Western Canada, Theatre Aquarius), ONEGIN (Arts Club), DAS DING (Can Stage), THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (Bard), INTO THE WOODS (Thousand Island), EVITA, STICKBOY, (Vancouver Opera), BONJOUR, LA, BONJOUR (Seizième), BROTHEL #9(Touchstone), , ART (Gateway), PENELOPE (Rumble).


Jennifer Stewart Associate Designer
Jennifer was the properties manager on HOLY MO! A CHRISTMAS SHOW! and THE WHIPPING MAN, at Pacific Theatre. She trained at Studio 58 and has had the pleasure of working on a range of projects, including: Wardrobe Coordinator for STUDIES IN MOTION (Electric Company), Set Designer for OF MICE AND MEN (Hardline, Jessie Nomination), SELFIE (Seizieme, Jessie Nomination), and THE COMPETITION IS FIERCE (Itsazoo, Jessie Nomination). Jennifer completed her BA in History in 2013, having studied at UBC and the University of Edinburgh.


Cathy Nosaty Sound Design
Cathy Nosaty enjoys a diverse career as a musician, composer, musical director and artist educator. She began her musical training as a classical pianist and her love of creative collaboration led to her to dance, theatre and scoring to picture. Over the past thirty years she has created scores for over one hundred productions for regional and independent theatre companies across Canada and a dozen documentary films. Her work has been heard on international stages with Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes, Manitoba Theatre For Young People and DynamO Theatre. Cathy was Assistant Conductor/Keyboard 1 for the Toronto company of JERSEY BOYS and her documentary film scores include THE MOTHERLOAD for CBC’s THE DOC ZONE.

Cathy is an enthusiastic artist educator for the Canadian Opera Company, tdsbCREATES, the Royal Conservatory of Music, Tapestry Opera, Swallowing Clouds, Jumblies Theatre, Community Arts Guild, Theatre Direct, DAREArts and numerous programs with the Ontario Arts Council.


Barb Clayden Costume Design
Barbara Clayden has been a theatre artist for over 30 years, designing costumes for various theatre and dance companies around Vancouver including the Arts Club Theatre, Bard on the Beach, Blackbird Theatre, Carousel Theatre, the Firehall Arts Centre, Neworld Theatre, Presentation House, Pi Theatre, Rumble, and Theatre Replacement. She has been nominated for numerous Jessie Awards and won a few along the way.


Chengyan Boon Lighting Design
Chengyan is delighted to be returning to design another show in the challenging space that is Pacific Theatre. He stage managed the world premiere of SUITCASE STORIES earlier in our season. A Vancouver-based lighting designer and UBC BFA Theatre Design and Production grad, he coming hot off the heels of designing lights for JANE EYRE: THE MUSICAL (Trinity Western’s SAMC) and MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (Vital Spark). Other recent highlights: JACOB MARLEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL (Theatre Obscura), THE THREEPENNY OPERA (Theatre in the Raw), and RED (Aenigma Theatre).

Thursday, March 23, 2017

valley song | pay-what-you-can-preview

Tonight is pay-what-you-can preview for VALLEY SONG! Be the first in town to see this heartfelt show and do it at a price that won't break the bank.


Advance tickets available for $14.95 at pacifictheatre.org or by calling 604.731.5518

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

valley song | interview with jovanni sy

Jovanni Sy is a man of many talents. Not only is he directing VALLEY SONG at Pacific Theatre, he is also a playwright, actor, and the Artistic Director of Gateway Theatre. Jovanni shares his thoughts on apartheid and VALLEY SONG, opening this Friday at 8:00 pm!


On April 27, 1994 South Africa held their first free election where all citizens—regardless of race—were allowed to vote. This led to the historic appointment of Nelson Mandela as the country’s first black president. A year later, Athol Fugard’s play Valley Song premiered in Johannesburg. Since the early 60s, Fugard had been a vocal opponent of apartheid and his body of work as a playwright eloquently spoke out against the inherent social injustices of this system. Fugard and his theatre company were subjected to government restrictions and police surveillance. Unbowed, Fugard continued to advocate for equality for over thirty years.

So with Valley Song, the world was keen to see what Fugard would write about in post-apartheid South Africa. Fugard’s newest play turned out to be both timely and timeless. The master playwright created a story that was both specific to the circumstances of the fledgling South African democracy and universal in its themes.

As with many of his earlier plays, Fugard brilliantly managed to encapsulate huge political ideas into intimately personal stories of ordinary people. The character of Buks not only represents the old South Africa, he is the voice of all older generations that are resistant to change. And Veronica’s songs ring true for all young people driven by boundless hopes and dreams.

I hope you enjoy seeing the torch passed from one generation to the next in this tale of love and forgiveness written by one of our greatest living playwrights.

2017-2018 season announcement!

We are so excited to announce our 2017-2018 season! Next season we're really digging in to our mission to produce theatre that matters. The final show of the season features Artistic Director, Ron Reed's, new play TOLKIEN. Visit pacifictheatre.org to subscribe online or call our box office at 604.731.5518.


2017-2018 MAINSTAGE SERIES

THE CHRISTIANS by Lucas Hnath • Sept 12-Oct 7

With one sentence, Pastor Paul overturns one of the sacred tenets of his congregation's beliefs, sending the church reeling towards a schism. A thoughtful and complex exploration of the mystery of faith, community, and how we know what we believe.

Why This Matters: Wrestles with doubt, change, community, and conflict.

THE LONESOME WEST by Martin McDonaugh • Oct 20-Nov 11 • Guest production by Cave Canem Productions

It's hard to tell who brothers Coleman and Valene hate more - each other, or the rest of the world. When their priest inspires an attempt at reconciliation, their confessions become new weapons to open old wounds. A pitch-black Irish comedy by the writer of IN BRUGES.

Why This Matters: Wrestles with the cost of redemption and forgiveness. Includes incredibly strong language and violence.

ALMOST, MAINE by John Cariani • Nov 24-Dec 16

It's a cold, clear midwinter night in Almost, Maine. The northern lights dance above, making it the perfect night to fall into, or out of, love. A charming, almost-magical snapshot of the joys and perils of romance across one small town.

Why This Matters: Invites exploration of love, hope, and transformation.

CHRISTMAS PRESENCE • Dec 19-23 (Valley: Dec 17)

A gathering of PTs favourite musicians and actors, sharing songs and stories for the holiday season. The perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Why This Matters: A heartfelt tradition, celebrating the Christmas season.


RUINED by Lynn Nottage • Jan 26-Feb 17 • Guest production by Dark Glass Theatre

Mama Nadi's bar both protects and profits off the bodies of women who have become casualties of a long and brutal civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An intense, demanding drama that gives a heartbreakingly human face to those wrecked by war.

Why This Matters: Wrestles with the search of hope and survival in the darkness of war. Includes violence, sexual violence, and very strong language.

AN ALMOST HOLY PICTURE by Heather McDonald • Feb 21-Mar 3 • Originally produced by Rosebud Theatre

Samuel Gentle has heard God's voice three times in his life, and each encounter led him one step closer to the loss of his faith. A poetic encounter with one man's quest for solace and meaning amount tragedy and misfortune.

Why This Matters: Invites exploration of grace, faith, and the wounds of loss. Includes some strong language.

BAR MITZVAH BOY by Mark Leiren-Young • Mar 23-Apr 14 • World Premiere!

Rabbi Michael arrives in her office to find Joey, a successful lawyer with a sudden and desperate need to get bar mitzvahed. He needs to do it right away (next week would be good), and he doesn't want to tell anyone. A brand-new comedy about faith, tragedy, and the meaning behind the ritual.

Why This Matters: Invites exploration of community, ritual, loss, and joy. Includes some strong language.

TOLKIEN by Ron Reed • May 11-June 9 • World Premiere!

The catalyst for both The Hobbit and The Chronicles of Narnia was an unlikely friendship between Oxford professors J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. A long-awaited historical play charting the complex relationship between two giants of fantasy fiction.

Why This Matters: Invites exploration of friendship, imagination, and the relationship between faith and art.

ADD-ONS

WRITTEN ON THE HEART by David Edgar • Oct 29

A one-night only reading of David Edgar's historical drama about the formation of the King James Bible, presented in Holy Trinity's sanctuary to celebrate the 500th anniversary of The Reformation.

SIDESHOW COMEDY IMPROV • April 20 & 21

Another night of who-knows-where-it-will-end-up improv comedy! Fun for the whole family!

Thursday, March 16, 2017

valley song | sereana malani

Introducing Sereana Malani, playing Veronica Jonkers in VALLEY SONG. Serena was born in the Fiji Islands and raised in Coquitlam, BC. She received her BFA in Acting from the University of Alberta and currently lives in Vancouver with her husband, Elliott. This is Sereana's first time on the PT stage, and we're so excited to see her take on the role of Veronica for the second time (original appearance at Gateway Theatre, 2015)!


Select theatre credits include:
YOU WILL REMEMBER ME (Ruby Slippers), CLEBURNE PARK (Citadel Theatre), SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN CHICAGO (Quiet Things Creative), THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT (Exit 22), GO DOG GO! (Carousel Theatre), GOOD PEOPLE (Arts Club), MEASURE FOR MEASURE, MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, THE TEMPEST, COMEDY OF ERRORS, OTHELLO AND PERICLES (Bard on the Beach). Up next Sereana will be returning to Bard on the Beach where she will be playing Hermione in THE WINTER'S TALE.

Where did you study theatre?
University of Alberta

What are your hobbies, skills, or work outside of theatre?
I love live performance: theatre, opera, concerts, the symphony, spoken word. I love the energy that is created when people gather- strangers coming together to share an experience, I love the humanity and the tradition of it.

I am currently learning ASL and am obsessed with Game of Thrones.

I am an avid reader, I enjoy plays, fiction, poetry and the odd Buzzfeed article.

I have worked on staff at Carousel Theatre for Young People as an assistant drama teacher. Our youngest kids were three and four years old and aside from being unbearably cute they were so funny, I got a kick out of their honest observations about the world.

Where can you be found online?
twitter and instagram: @fiji__bitter
snapchat: adi_sereana

Do you have any personal connections with the content of the play?
Veronica is a dreamer and that's something I think many of us can relate to.

This is a beautiful story about family, dreams and change. Athol Fugard is a prolific figure in the international theatre community and I commend Jovanni Sy and Ron Reed for producing his work in Vancouver. We first staged this play in 2015 at the Gateway Theatre, remounts are a rare invitation to go deeper and further into the character and the story and I am very much looking forward to recreating this world with Jovanni and the incredible David Adams.

mar 24 - apr 16 | fugard | the train driver | united players

Don't be confused, now! This isn't the show Pacific Theatre is presenting in our current season from Mar 24 - Apr 9. That's Athol Fugard's VALLEY SONG, which is a remount of the Richmond Gateway's production which I saw on their stage back in 2015 and KNEW it was something the PT audience had to see.  If The Gateway hadn't found it first, we would definitely have produced it ourselves - but their production is soulful and flawless, so we didn't need to!  

But this isn't that show.  This is ANOTHER wonderful play by South Africa's Athol Fugard which is running at pretty much exactly the same time as VALLEY SONG (though the United Players show runs one week longer).  I'm so excited to be able to see both plays back to back: the night after we open at PT on March 24, I'm heading over to the Jericho Arts Centre to see THE TRAIN DRIVER. "Guilt, suffering, redemption..." - sound like Pacific Theatre material?

Fugard is one of those playwrights PT keeps coming back to, along with John Patrick Shanley and Stephen Adley Guirgis (not to mention our own writers like Lucia Frangione and Ron Reed).  In January 2000 we staged one of my own favourite and most memorable productions, MASTER HAROLD... AND THE BOYS; in 2003 we hosted a Guest Production of PLAYLAND, which we staged for ourselves in fall 2010. And for years now I've had ROAD TO MECCA on my shortlist for some future season.   


United Players presents...
THE TRAIN DRIVER
by Athol Fugard

March 24 - April 16
Preview: March 23 ($12.00) Opening: March 24
Talkback: March 30
Matinees: April 2 & 16 (no evening performance)
Tickets: $20.00 - $24.00
At the Jericho Arts Centre

Roelf, a train driver, has spent weeks searching for the identities of a mother and child he unintentionally killed with his train on the track between Philippi and Nyanga on South Africa’s Cape Flats. After a fruitless journey through shanty towns, he encounters an old gravedigger named Simon who helps the desperate man unburden his conscience. Based on a true story, Athol Fugard’s beautiful and haunting The Train Driver is a soulful exploration of guilt, suffering, redemption, and the powerful bonds that grow between strangers. “Brave, confrontational and tender... Essential theatre viewing.” Sunday Times, South Africa.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

valley song | David Adams

Introducing David Adams, playing Abraham Jonkers/The Author in VALLEY SONG! David appeared in the poignant and charming solo show, JESUS, MY BOY, here at PT in in 2008. He is thrilled to be back to tackle one of his favourite playwrights, Athol Fugaard. 


Select theatre credits include: 
This past theatre season, he performed the role of Big Davey in the Stanley Theatre’s smash hit musical BILLY ELLIOT,prowled Kolkata’s steamy streets in Touchstone Theatre’s BROTHEL #9 at The Cultch and Cavorted in RCYB’s NUTCRACKER, as magical Grand Uncle Drosselmeyer. Following VALLEY SONG, David joins the company at Bard on the Beach in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and THE WINTER'S TALE, this summer.

Place of birth
Cape Town, South Africa

Where did you study theatre?
UBC Theatre Dept.*

Recent or favourite theatre credits/awards?
THE TEMPEST (St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Ottawa), URINETOWN THE MUSICAL  (Firehall Arts Centre), MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Tarragon Theatre - Toronto), TEAR THE CURTAIN (The Electric Co/Stanley Theatre), LES MISERABLES (Western Canada Theatre, Kamloops), SHOWBOAT (Live Entertainment - 1st National Tour).

What are your hobbies, skills, or work outside of theatre?
I’m in the process of earning my wine sommelier accreditation (WSET) and am conducting some tours during the upcoming Vancouver International Wine Festival.

Where can you be found online?
Facebook page - David M. Adams

Do you have any personal connections with the content of the play?
Oh yes!! I was born Klerllnge or Coloured (mixed race) during apartheid in South Africa. I've always been fascinated by how my people have adapted to the new government structure without institutionalized racism as its core. Now that everyone has the 'freedom' to be, how have the old ways and deep rooted caste system changed -or have they??

South Africa is a long way from Vancouver -almost as far away as you can get! Here's a chance to share with Vancouver audiences, some of the beauty and issues facing that amazing country of my birth!

Monday, March 13, 2017

valley song | first read

Today we welcomed the cast of VALLEY SONG to PT! Although this was the first read official read through for many of our staff, it was not the case for David Adams and Sereana Malani. The dynamic duo was last seen together in Gateway Theatre's production of VALLEY SONG two years ago. Here are some photos of today's read through.









Thursday, March 09, 2017

the wolves | apprentice project | april 20-23

Danielle Klaudt, one of our fabulous apprentices, stumbled upon a gem while looking for a potential project to produce and perform on the PT stage. Danielle fell in love with THE WOLVES, by Sarah Delappe, and put together a dream team to bring the script to life. THE WOLVES opens on April 20th and runs until April 23rd. Check out their trailer below and stay tuned for more information about the show and the all-star cast!


A pack of adolescent girls prepares for battle on the soccer field. As they grapple with everything from pop culture to politics, the girls establish their identities as individuals and as a team. The competition is fierce as the championship looms. Who will come out on top?

Audience Advisory: Strong Language and Mature subject matter. 15+ recommended viewing age.

April 20-22 @ 8pm, Sun. April 23 @ 2pm
Running Time: 90 mins.
Tickets: $15 in advance or at the door

Directed by Jamie King
Featuring Georgia Beaty, Nikki Bryce, Danielle Klaudt, Alexandra Lainfiesta, Kim Larson, Camille Legg, Paige Louter, Anjela Magpantay, Jalen Saip, and Amanda Sum.
Stage Management by Victoria Snashall
Lighting by Nicole Weismiller
Set/Props by Calvin Baker
Sound by Matthew MacDonald-Bain
Costumes by Hannah May
Photography by Catchall Photography

Wednesday, March 08, 2017

2017-2018 season announcement | coming soon!

One week today we launch our 2017-2018 season! Subscribe to our e-card and be the first to find out what the line up is for next season.

Tuesday, March 07, 2017

spring awakening | march 8,10 & 11

SPRING AWAKENING opens tomorrow night at 8:00 pm on the PT stage!


Familiar PT names working on this show are: Eleanor Felton (Past apprentice, director: A GOOD MOTHER), Jess Amy Shead (past apprentice, HOLY MO! A CHRISTMAS SHOW), Chris Lam (IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE RADIO SHOW, A CHRISTMAS CAROL ON AIR), Jonathan Kim (lighting design: DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA, THE AMISH PROJECT) and Peter Abando (musician: SIDESHOW), and Heipo Leung (set designer: HOLY MO! A CHRISTMAS SHOW!).

Come check out a new production of this award-winning musical playing for limited Engagement from March 8-11, 2017 at Pacific Theatre. From the same creative team that brought you last year’s sell out show, DOGFIGHT comes:

A rock musical based on the German play Spring Awakening (1891) by Frank Wedekind, set in late-19th-century Germany, the musical tells the story of teenagers discovering the inner and outer tumult of teenage sexuality.

Phantom Moon Collective is a theatrical equity co-op featuring two alternate sets of leads:
William Tippery (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) and Daren Dyhengco (WEST SIDE STORY) in the role of Melchior and Jenna Testani (CABARET) and Jess Amy Shead (ANY NIGHT) in the role of Wendla. The role of Moritz will be played by Oliver Castillo (HAIR). The role of Ilse will be shared by Martha Ansfield-Scrase (BAD GIRLS) and Amanda Sum (DOGFIGHT). Rounding out the rest of the ensemble are Jesse Alvarez Janelle Ried (Hair), Adam Olgui (THREEPENNY OPERA), Jarryd Baine, Paul Griggs and Sharon Crandall (FAME).

Each night the cast will alternate leads and ensemble parts making for two interpretations.

The production is produced and directed by Chris Lam, Musical Direction by Peter Abando, associate choreography by Eleanor Felton, set design by Heipo Leung (HOLY MO! A CHRISTMAS SHOW), lighting by Jonathan Kim, and stage management by Jasmin Sandhu.

Performance dates:

Wednesday, March 8: 8 pm
Friday, March 10: 8 pm
Saturday, March 11: 2 pm and 8pm

Venue: Pacific Theatre, 1440 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6H 1M8

Tickets only: $25 dollars

Purchase tickets at Phone: 604-731-5518
Email: tickets@pacifictheatre.org

Monday, March 06, 2017

2017-2018 apprenticeship | come join us!

Pacific Theatre's 11 month Apprenticeship allows artists to grow artistically, professionally, personally, and spiritually. We are currently accepting applications for our 2017-2018 Apprenticeship program, and we would love to hear from you! Below are some highlights from past PT Apprentices.


"Pacific Theatre was the perfect place to land after theatre school. Instead of jumping right into the lonely audition grind they welcomed me into a professional theatre community and provided mentorship, a place to develop marketable skills (publicity, box office, producing etc.), my first professional stage credits, and the opportunity to explore and produce the work that I am interested in."

-Kenton Klassen (Actor, Assistant instructor for PT scene study)


"The transition between theatre school and the so-called 'real world' can be pretty tough. The PT apprenticeship gave me a built-in support network of friends and colleagues that soon felt like my theatre family. I felt encouraged to take on new challenges like producing a play, writing and leading talk-backs and community conversations, and I got to know Vancouver's theatre community as a member of an inclusive and respected company."

-Pippa Johnstone (Actor)


"The apprenticeship provides amazing insight into the inner workings of a theatre company, allowing multifaceted ways of getting hands on experience in any desired theatrical discipline. This invaluable experience along with tremendous amount of networking possibilities makes the apprenticeship ideal for anyone who is out of theatre school or wanting to expand their craft to the next level. What truly made it worthwhile for me was the ability to learn all this while exploring the place of faith and spirituality in art and performance and growing in that".

-Ryan Scramstad (Actor, PT Group Sales Co-ordinator)


"One of the best things about the Pacific Theatre Apprenticeship was being able to create my own work with the support of a company who's work I greatly admired. I was able to learn so much from all of the staff members and artists that came through, and gain a greater understanding of what kind of work I want to create within the ecology of the Vancouver theatre scene, and how to do it. It was immensely helpful to have the infrastructure of support that the apprenticeship creates- and in so many varied forms! I was able to gain skills as a producer, an actor, a director, in marketing and publicity, and made many connections with people I love and will continue to work with. Everyone was so warm and had mine and my fellow apprentices best interests at heart. It is impossible not to grow as an artist and as a person surrounded by the knowledge and resources of such warm and skilled people."

-Julia Siedlanowska (Actor, Director, Publicist)


"My favourite memory was being part of the rehearsal process of Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train and watching a truly great piece of theatre being constructed before my eyes. Even beyond it's Christian mandate which makes it unique, Pacific Theatre was interested in making thoughtful work. Pacific Theatre gave me the space and resources to produce two passion projects of mine which I would not have been able to do on my own."

- Phil Miguel (PT Production Manager)


"Pacific Theatre's Apprenticeship allowed me to gain work experience in the administration side of running a theatre company, opportunities to explore artistically on and off stage, and, simply put, gave me a family (my family lives in Winnipeg). The Apprenticeship is a perfect place to be mentored by professionals, and ask important questions about art and life. I highly recommend the Apprenticeship if you are looking to grow in the industry and as an individual. Who knows, you might even end up on staff!"

- Kayla Heselwood (PT Box Office Manager and Marketing Assistant)

Click here for more information about the Apprenticeship and to apply!

Friday, March 03, 2017

sideshow featured performer | peter abando

Last, but certainly not least, is Peter Abando! Peter has performed on the PT stage with CHRISTMAS PRESENCE and SIDESHOW. Here to add improvised musical accompaniment to enhance your SIDESHOW experience, here is Mr. Peter Abando.





Peter Abando

Where else do you perform?
with Off Key Improv

with the Phantom Moon Collective - Spring Awakening (at Pacific Theatre in March!)

with TooFly Productions - Robin Hood (at Performance Works in late April/early May)

Describe improv in three words
Step back, look.

What is your favourite improv game?
Musical Blind Lines

What are you obsessed with these days?
Breakfast, sleep, stringed instruments, and grapefruit juice.

Who should be an improvisor but isn't?
Siri. Hey Siri, can I get a suggestion?

Where can people find you online?
Basically, just Facebook, or on offkeyimprov.com.