One goal, one passion, Shakespeare for all.
Bard in the Valley is a nonprofit theatre company in the Fraser Valley. Every year we stage a winter production and a summer festival, and run a youth theatre camp, giving local performers and new playwrights a stage to work on.
Bard in the Valley is a charitable theatre company based in Langley, BC, run by volunteers. Each season, more than 50 of us get together to build sets, make costumes, sell tickets and step out onto the stage to perform.
And what is it that we perform, you say? Usually it's Shakespeare, or something directly related to or inspired by the Bard. Because we think there's still a lot his plays have to tell us about what it means to be human. Even in the 21st century.
We want everyone in the Fraser Valley to have access to affordable, quality theatre. Our productions are priced and staged so a wide audience can come, and we hope each one leaves people a little more curious about Shakespeare.
As a registered charity we also fund scholarships, so young people facing financial barriers can attend our theatre camps.
Bard in the Valley’s staunch belief in “Shakespeare for all” includes ensuring that our company is a welcome place for people of all ethnicities, religions, creeds, abilities, sexual orientations and gender expressions to participate in our productions. We seek to ensure that a diverse range of voices may be heard, valued and celebrated on and off of our stages through our casting and crew choices, as well as community input and support.
We are committed to providing opportunities for a diverse community to contribute to bringing quality theatre to the Fraser Valley, and recognize that this is a goal that is still in progress for us. We commit to working towards this goal and to model this commitment to the Fraser Valley art community. As a company, BIV pledges to provide an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff, audience members, and volunteers. BIV does not tolerate discrimination of any kind towards anyone involved with or attending our productions.
Allan Thain, a Langley Rotarian, founded Bard in the Valley in 2010. He directed and co-produced our first two productions, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and As You Like It. Since then more than 35,000 people have come to our shows, and over 50 volunteers help put each season on stage.
Allan died suddenly in December 2013. We still miss his wisdom, his sharp wit and his sense of humour, and every season builds on the start he gave us.
2010
Our first season
35k+
Audience members
Local businesses, organizations and individual donors help keep our tickets affordable.