Studio 58, the nationally renowned professional theatre training program at snəw̓eyəɬ leləm Langara College, is excited to share the lineup for its 59th season! The 2024/25 season offers a provocative and invigorating selection of four mainstage productions and one indie show, under the Risky Nights series, all showcasing Vancouver’s latest up-and-coming talent.
“If Langara College, as part of Vancouver’s arts scene, is one of Canada’s best-kept secret treasures, then Studio 58 is truly a diamond atop the tiara," exclaimed Interim Artistic Director David Hudgins.
"Our next season luxuriates in the lustful, riotous and tragic experiences of young lovers battling the odds to find their way in the world. The result is a flight of fresh and contemporary works alongside a modern Broadway classic. We’re thrilled to bring two brand new scripts, Baggage and Linck & Mülhahn, to our stage this fall. The hilariously dark Heathers: The Musical will headline our spring selections followed by an experimental devised work, We Are Boy Band created through a workshop with our students. Plus, many of this season’s directors and designers are Studio 58 graduates! From the dedication we feel from our community and returning audiences who continue to support Studio 58 along with newcomers, we proudly welcome all to our season: Buckle up. You’re in for a wild ride.”
Baggage
By Sarah Segal-Lazar
October 3-13, 2024
Director – Jessie Liang | Stage Manager – Lou Marshall* | Set and Props Design – Emerenne Saefkow | Costume Design – Melissa McCowell | Sound Design – Kate De Lorme Design | Assistant Lighting Design – Stefanie Lott*
“Are you waiting for someone? Dumb question. Of course you’re waiting for someone.”
Unabashed, cynical and just a bit stuck, Jill navigates a new relationship with Ben in her late twenties. She’s surrounded by her failed relationships – literally. The emotional baggage of her exes lives in her apartment and the personified bags weigh in on her every move. Baggage explores what it’s like to be haunted by heartbreak and your past.
Baggage was created with support from Playwrights' Workshop Montreal. It was subsequently translated into French with support from Théâtre Aux Écuries and le Festival du Jamais Lu.
Baggage is produced by permission of the Playwright and Marquis Literary (Colin Rivers). www.MQlit.ca
Risky Nights (Fall Edition): In the Flesh
October 8-13, 2024
Director - Katie Voravong
An original production created with and performed by fourth term students.
Linck & Mülhahn
By Ruby Thomas
November 21-December 1, 2024
Director – Angelica Schwartz | Stage Manager – Rachel E. Ross | Set Design – Starlynn Chen* | Set Design Mentor – Brian G. Ball | Costume Design – Donnie Tejani | Assistant Costume Design – Najú Ururahy* | Lighting Design – Christian Ching | Sound Design – Mary Jane Coomber | Props Design – Emma Knox
"I do not want to look back on my life and know I held on to any shame.”
When charismatic Anastasius Linck meets Catharina Mülhahn, it’s love, and lust, at first sight. As Catharina fights against her mother’s desire for a traditional marriage in favour of her independence, Anastasius works to conceal their identity to stay alive. As the pair passionately explore gender and sexual identities, rigid 18th-century society aims to tear them apart.
Linck & Mülhahn was first performed at the Hampstead Theatre, London on 27 January 2023. Rights to this amateur production have been granted by Casarotto Ramsay and Associates Ltd, agents to Ruby Thomas.
Heathers: The Musical
Book, Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy
Based on the film written by Daniel Waters
January 30-February 16, 2025
Director and Choreographer – Julie Tomaino | Stage Manager – Brynna Drummond | Set and Props Design – Pam Johnson | Props Builder – Emma Knox | Costume Design – Alaia Hamer | Lighting Design – Jonathan Kim
You thought your high school was bad? At Westerberg High, a trio of popular girls named Heather mercilessly rule the school. Everything changes when underdog Veronica meets bad boy J.D., a new student with a violent streak. As the Heathers take Veronica under their wing, J.D. encourages her to blow up the social hierarchy. This hilarious and homicidal dark comedy will leave you craving a slushie.
Heathers: The Musical was originally directed Off-Broadway by Andy Fickman and choreographed by Marguerite Derricks.
Heathers: The Musical is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
We Are Boy Band
March 27-April 6, 2025
Concept, Direction and Choreography – Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg | Script and Movement Score – Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg with Studio 58 Students and Designers | Stage Manager – Brynna Drummond | Set and Props Design – Kevin MacDonald | Props Buyer – Emma Knox | Costume Design – Emily Friesen | Assistant Costume Design – Taylor MacKinnon | Lighting Design – Sarah Fett | Sound Design – Riley Hardwick | Dramaturgs – Josh Martin and Sarah Finn | Intimacy Director – Lisa Goebellur
Boy bands are an industry that manufactures masculinity, popularity and desire - all to produce the next big hit. This devised piece follows a group as they strive for stardom and deal with the dark side of fame.
