Bard on the Beach Launches Bard After Dark
A New Late-Night Series in August
Bard on the BeachShakespeare Festival adds something new to its Season in Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park with Bard After Dark in the Douglas Campbell Theatre. With only four performances on August 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 10pm, Bard After Dark features a rotating cast of some of Canada’s best improvisers curated by Tightrope Theatre in this late-night cabaret.
The inaugural series represents an exciting new chapter for Bard on the Beach as the Festival moves beyond the traditional performance. Presented in partnership with Tightrope Theatre,Bard After Dark transforms the Douglas Campbell Theatre into an intimate late-night cabaret where every performance is completely unique. Featuring a rotating cast of some of Canada’s best improvisers, each show is inspired by audience suggestions, creating an evening filled with unexpected characters, musical moments, and laugh-out-loud surprises.
“One of the things audiences love most about Bard is the atmosphere and with Bard After Dark, we’re extending that experience late into the evening with something playful, spontaneous, and completely different,” said Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach Founding Artistic Director. “We hope audiences will make a night of it as they celebrate live theatre. Even if you aren’t seeing one of our productions before this event, you can still purchase a ticket to come experience Bard After Dark.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Bard, one of Vancouver’s most respected arts organizations,” said Ali Froggatt, Co-founder and Artistic Director of Tightrope Impro Theatre. “We can’t wait to bring some more mischief and play into these legendary tents that already hold so much magic. It’s an honour!”
The rotating cast includes Rebecca Northan, Ali Froggatt, Bruce Horak, Peter Oldring, Jen Tong, Camille Legg, Jeff Gladstone, Lili Beaudoin, Ellis Lalonde, Sarah Ferguson, Tess Degenstein, Roman Danylo, Veena Sood, and Raf Rogers.
Adds Froggatt, “Our Ensemble at Tightrope includes many folks who’ve performed with Bard throughout past and present seasons, making this a merry cross over.”
This event is for audiences that are 16 years of age and older as it may contain mature themes and strong language that some people may find offensive. With Tightrope Theatre, anything can happen!
Tickets are $25 or $20 with a same-day performance ticket. Visit the Bard website to book tickets 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, 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.
Feature image: Photo: Tim Matheson