Mar 15, 2021
Vancouver, BC – Studio 58 continues its 55th season with an innovative approach to musical theatre development and instruction amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to provide a safe environment to sing in, a collection of open-sided tents have been set up on Langara’s campus—creating an outdoor musical theatre lab in which to develop a new Canadian musical, Monoceros.
The musical, a brainchild of four Studio 58 alumni, is based on the award-winning novel of the same name by Suzette Mayr. It follows Faraday, a high school student on a quest to fulfill a classmate’s final wish and inspires us to celebrate our individuality. Students in their final year of studies are rehearsing with acclaimed Director Meg Roe and Music Supervisor Lily Ling (the Music Director for the North American tour of Hamilton) as they refine and develop the script and score.
“The pandemic has impacted theatre creation across the world, especially musical theatre given the risks of indoor singing,” said Artistic Director Courtenay Dobbie. “The outdoor lab we’ve created, with the generous support of Langara administration and facilities team, allows the show to go on! I’ve been so inspired by the resilience and perseverance shown by our students, faculty, staff, and the creative team of Monoceros to bring this project to life.”
Due to current health restrictions, Monoceros won’t be shared publicly this time around. A short documentary film about Studio 58’s projects over the past year, including this one will be released in April.
Creative Team
Music & Lyrics by: Ben Elliott and Anton Lipovetsky
Book by: Josh Epstein and Kyle Rideout
Adapted from the novel by Suzette Mayr
Director & Dramaturge: Meg Roe
Music Supervisor: Lily Ling
Music Associate and Pianist: Arielle Balance
Sound Designer: Brad Danyluk
Percussionist: Sally Zori
Stage Manager Mentor: Heather Barr
Monoceros was originally commissioned by The Musical Stage Company with funding from the Aubrey & Marla Dan Fund for New Musicals.
About Studio 58
Studio 58 is the professional theatre training program at Langara College, located on the unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nation, Vancouver, BC. Under the direction of Courtenay Dobbie, it offers nationally recognized training for both actors and production personnel. More information at studio58.ca.
About Langara College
Located in beautiful Vancouver, B.C., Canada, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College provides University, Career, and Continuing Studies education to more than 23,000 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. Langara is also known as snəw̓eyəɬ leləm 'house of teachings', a name given to it by Musqueam, on whose unceded traditional territory the College is located.
Learn more.
Linda Pitt
Communications and Administrative Manager
Studio 58
Langara College
lpitt@langara.ca