Aug 18, 2015

Vancouver, BC - Studio 58, Langara College's theatre arts department, one of the top professional theatre training programs in the country, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This milestone is being marked by a special season of performances and a celebration event.

The program was started in 1965 by the late Canadian theatre legend Antony Holland. Humbly housed in a portable behind the Vancouver Community College, King Edward Campus, Studio 58 began with a few theatre arts classes in 1965. The department moved to new facilities on the Langara Campus in 1970 and began to be known as Studio 58 (referring to the room number of the theatre space). In 1985, Kathryn Shaw took over as Artistic Director and built it into the remarkable program we know today.

"Our graduates are contributing to artistic endeavor throughout Canada and beyond. I am proud to have been part of this program for 41 years, first as an instructor, then as Artistic Director. Credit for the success of the program must also be shared with the dedicated and creative faculty and staff, many of who have contributed for over 20 years," said Kathryn Shaw, Artistic Director, Studio 58. "We are all lucky that founder Antony Holland had the vision to start Studio 58 in 1965."

Hundreds of Studio 58 alumni make up the community of professionals we see in the performing arts today. Many work in organizations such as Bard on the Beach, the Arts Club, the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, Soulpepper Theatre, the Belfry, the Citadel, and Britain's National Theatre. Many appear in film, television and commercials globally, create independent film and theatre companies, write plays, screenplays and television shows, program lights and sound, design sets, and stage manage at theatres across Canada.

A comprehensive list of recent graduates is available on the Studio 58 website. An unofficial IMDB list is also updated online.

"Over the past 50 years Studio 58, the professional theatre training program at Langara College has become one of the most distinguished and renowned cultural institutions in Canada," said Julie Longo, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Langara. "On September 12, we will celebrate the accomplishments of the talented faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Studio 58, and we're all excited to usher in the next 50 years."

The Studio 58 50th Anniversary events include the following:

A Season of World Premieres - 2015/2016 Season
The 50th Anniversary Season celebrates our students past and present. To launch the next fifty years we will feature a refreshing take on ROMEO AND JULIET, as well as FLEE- a new play by graduates David Hudgins and Jonathon Young. Four new scripts by current students and recent grads will premiere in FOURPLAY. Electric Company Theatre, The Chop Theatre and Animal Parts Theatre, all companies founded by Studio 58 graduates, will be part of our season. To top it off, renowned Canadian playwright George F. Walker has written THE CROWD especially for our 50th Anniversary in conjunction with Green Thumb Theatre. Graduates will also be returning as directors, designers and actors. Show and ticket information can be found at www.studio58.ca

Studio 58 50th Anniversary Celebration - September 12, 2015
The Studio 58 family extends far and wide. Five decades of graduates, almost-graduates, students, instructors, administrators, board members, and community supporters will gather on September 12 for a celebration with entertainment and refreshments throughout the afternoon and evening. We look forward to reconnecting with our alumni and former colleagues coming from near and far. Tickets and registration online via Eventbrite.

Studio 58 Legacy Fund
Spearheaded by former Associate Director, Jane Heyman, and graduate Joey Lesperance, a Legacy Fund has been created to Celebrate Studio 58’s 50th anniversary and carry on the school’s tradition of excellence. In support of the program, all donations will be matched by Langara College. For more information or to donate, please visit langara.bc.ca/studio58legacy.

Learn more.
Sherri Sadler
Manager of Communications, Studio 58
Langara College
604.323.5652
ssadler@langara.bc.ca