Feb 6, 2025
You thought your high school was bad? In Heathers: The Musical, a trio of popular girls—all named Heather — mercilessly torment anyone they deem uncool, which includes underdog Veronica and new student J.D., a bad boy with a violent streak and a love of explosives.,
Ivy Charles, a 2020 graduate of the program who returns as the Assistant Director for Heathers: The Musical, shares about her career after graduation, her excitement to return to Langara, and the way Studio 58 helped shaped her.
A return to her roots in a new role.
Since beginning at Langara in 1970, Studio 58 has guided and trained an impressive collection of talent. This includes recent Acting program graduate Ivy Charles, an accomplished actor who stars in the upcoming OutTV original series Novelette is Trying. The actress is returning to her training ground at Studio 58 as the Assistant Director with Heathers: The Musical. While stepping into a directorial role was a new experience, she found herself supported by the program’s strong sense of community.
“I was a little bit more tentative being an assistant director, because I have never done that before. I wondered if this was the right thing. I was nervous. But with the experience comes confidence.”
As an alumna Ivy credits Studio 58 for not only shaping her as a performer but also providing a lasting artistic home where she can continue learning and growing.
A community that lasts beyond graduation.
One of the key aspects that sets Studio 58 apart is its deep-rooted community spirit. Ivy highlights how the program fosters lifelong connections between students, faculty, and alumni. “There is a certain relationship with the school and its graduates. I was here for three years. And I can come back and still learn. That opportunity is available at Studio 58.”
This strong network of mentorship and collaboration is bolstered by the program’s dual focus on acting and production. Students in the Acting stream spend a year and a half working on production, ensuring a shared respect for all aspects of theatre and camaraderie.
With its emphasis on real-world experience, Studio 58 prepares students for professional careers in the theatre industry. Ivy believes this holistic training provides an invaluable foundation for aspiring actors and theatre professionals.
“It gives you a big scope of the theatre world and an understanding that everyone is working hard. Whether it is an actor, a stage manager, someone on the costumes crew, everyone is contributing to the show. Every part matters.”
This interconnected approach to theatre education ensures that graduates not only excel in their craft but also develop the collaborative mindset essential for success in the industry. This is useful in the close-knit Canadian theatre community where artistic collaborations extend far beyond the classroom. According to Ivy, these relationships often resurface in future projects, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and respect within the industry.
“A funny thing about Canadian theatre is that you might see any collaborator in another show. It isn’t a huge scene,” notes Ivy. “I think that’s amazing.”
A bright and busy future.
After her time as Assistant Director on Heathers: Ther Musical and her lead role in Novelette is Trying, she will be right back to work with Arts Club Theatre Company acting as Kirsten in Christine Quintana’s play Someone Like You, then she’ll play Vera in Nick Green’s Casey and Diana.
There’s a bright future ahead of Ivy Charles, and she doesn’t rule out returning to Langara and Studio 58 again in the future. Her final piece of parting advice for students and audiences alike comes from the opening number of Heathers: The Musical: “Life can be beautiful. I promise it can be.”
With a reputation for producing talented, well-rounded graduates, Langara College’s Studio 58 continues to be one of Canada’s premier theatre training programs. Whether you’re drawn to acting, directing, or production, Studio 58 offers hands-on learning experiences guided by industry professionals.
Take the first step toward your future in theatre—apply now to join Langara’s renowned Studio 58 program! Applications are open until April 13, 2025. Support Studio58 by making a donation!
Main photo - Ellie McCullough as Girl 3 - Young Republican, Carol Chu as Heather McNamara, Philippa Ryder as Heather Chandler, Carys Watts as Heather Duke and Izel De Lara as Girl 2 - Stoner Chick in Heathers: The Musical (2025) at Studio 58. Photo by Moonrider Productions;
Directed and Choreographed by Julie Tomaino; Assistant Directed by Ivy Charles; Assistant Choreographed by Tiana Jung; Set and Props Design by Pam Johnson; Costume Design by Alaia Hamer; Assistant Costume Design by Sarah Sosick; Lighting Design by Jonathan Kim