Sep 16, 2015
Vancouver, BC – Hundreds of alumni, students, faculty, staff, board members, and community supporters enjoyed a remarkable evening of festivities for Studio 58’s 50th Anniversary, held September 12, 2015 at Langara College.
The festivities began with Mayor Gregor Robertson officially proclaiming Saturday, September 12, 2015 as "Studio 58 Day in the City of Vancouver”. The announcement was met with a swell of cheering and palpable pride rippling through the room.
Artistic Director Kathryn Shaw received a passionate standing ovation as she took to the podium. “What a delight to see graduates from 1965 through 2015 as well as our current students joining together to recognize our wonderful training program,” said Kathryn. “I will never forget seeing generations of graduates finding each other in the crowd to share their stories of their time at Studio 58 together.”
The heartfelt speeches were followed by a touching tribute to Antony Holland and a few words from Holland’s granddaughter. Guests raised a scone in honour of the late founder’s tradition to serve homemade scones and Devonshire cream to each new group of graduates.
The theatrics came out in fine form as the evening progressed. Guests were treated to site-specific performances by students and alumni, including one in the theatre department’s truck, and a 50th Anniversary Performance Lab in the Studio 58 theatre. With a programme packed full of entertainment, refreshments, and reconnection, the Studio 58 Anniversary Celebration was a night to remember for everyone in attendance.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in putting together this momentous day, we are all so proud of what this community has accomplished over the past five decades,” said Julie Longo, Dean of Arts. “Every day is Studio 58 Day, as far as I’m concerned.”
Check out our Storify recap of the event’s online posts, tweets, photos, and more. Read more about the last 50 years of Studio 58 on our website, the Globe and Mail's piece reflecting on Antony Holland's legacy, and the Vancouver Courier’s recent interview with Kathryn Shaw.
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
Photos: Colin Mills
