Jul 3, 2014
Vancouver, BC – Langara congratulates Antony Holland, founder of the College’s renowned Studio 58 Theatre Arts program, who was named as a Member of the Order of Canada this week.
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, announced Holland’s membership on June 30, 2014. The proclamation recognizes Holland for his achievements as an actor and a teacher, as well as “notably for founding Langara College’s Studio 58 to cultivate the next generation of Canadian performers.”
Holland was named as Artistic Director Emeritus of Theatre Arts at Langara in 2013 for his trailblazing work with Studio 58.
“Antony Holland is known as a consummate performer, inspirational teacher, and active leader in the arts, and weare so proud to have benefitted from his contributions to the College community,” said Langara’s President and CEO Dr. Lane Trotter. “His legacy, through the continued success of Studio 58, will keep on inspiring current and future Canadian performers for years to come.”
At 94 years of age, Holland is one of Canada's most acclaimed actors. He is the recipient of three Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards (two for Best Performance as a Lead Actor and a Lifetime Achievement distinction); the Sam Payne Award for Humanity, Integrity and Encouragement of New Talent; the Union of BC Performers Award of Excellence; and is an inductee into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. Holland retired from Studio 58 in 1985 but continues to support the program by starring in productions (King Lear, 2004; You Can't Take it With You, 2005; The Merchant of Venice; 2008), directing (The Merchant of Venice; 2008), and helping students learn about the art of acting and the passion required to pursue the art.
"All of us at Studio 58 are thrilled that he has received this well deserved award,” said Kathryn Shaw, Artistic Director, Theatre Arts at Studio 58, Langara College. “He has been an inspiration to all of us in exemplifying how to keep theatre alive and how to continue to grow as an artist throughout your life."
About the Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. It was established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. Since its creation, more than 6,000 people from all sectors of Canadian society have been invested into the Order.
About Langara
Located in beautiful Vancouver, BC, Canada, Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 21,000 students annually. With more than 1,700 courses and 130 programs, Langara's expansive academic breadth and depth allows students of all ages, backgrounds, and life stages to choose their own educational path.
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