Arts Club Theatre Company Celebrates 60 Years

Arts Club Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Ashlie Corcoran and Executive Director Peter Cathie White share an enthusiasm for the exciting lineup of live theatre that has been rolling out this season, and for the upcoming shows planned for the coming months.

In celebration of this diamond anniversary, Corcoran said, “The Arts Club has a history—and a future—of never being content with the status quo and of always striving forward from its founding to today. As we approach our 60 years of existence, our goal is for each show to deepen our commitment to artists in our province, highlight conscious eclecticism, aim for the highest levels of artistic excellence, and reflect our community’s diversity.” 

Cathie White added, “Over the next 60 years, we will continue to support the development of local theatrical voices while also strengthening the Arts Club’s reputation as a nationally renowned theatre company that deeply and richly engages with its community. With artistic visioning, organizational readiness, and financial stability working hand in hand, the Arts Club’s position as the principal gathering place for participation in the arts in Vancouver—for audiences, artists, and the community at large—will continue to flourish.” 

The Arts Club has three theatre venues across Vancouver that welcomes more than a quarter million guests each year, those being the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, the Granville Island Stage, and the Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre.

Performances you can still attend? Catch Sexy Laundry, a romantic comedy about rediscovering love that’s gotten a little same ‘ol same ‘ol, by Vancouver playwright Michele Riml. On now until May 12th at the Granville Island Stage. “Bringing back this romantic comedy, an Arts Club classic, after 20 years seems like a fitting way to celebrate our 60th anniversary,” says Corcoran. 

Ring of Fire, which follows the man in black, Johnny Cash’s remarkable life story told through his music runs June 20-August 11 also at the Granville Island Stage.

The 60th season will close with classic musical comedy Guys & Dolls, running May 16 to June 30. Fun, lighthearted and certainly with that keep ‘em comin’ back for more vibe.

As The Arts Club Theatre Company is a non-profit, they lean, appreciatively, on our support. Tickets are on sale for a huge fundraiser gala called A Diamond Celebration: Shining Bright for 60 Years . Festivities include dinner at Performance Works, then a cabaret-style performance at the Granville Island Stage with musical numbers from productions we’ve seen on their stages over the 60 years. Friday, May 24 is the big night, and they have their sights set on a goal of $170,000.