About Us

Vision

One Goal, One Passion, Shakespeare for all

To us that means the Fraser Valley Community has access to affordable quality theatre.

Mission

We are dedicated to offering quality productions that are affordable and accessible to a wide audience, and promoting an enthusiasm for the works of Shakespeare in the Fraser Valley

Registered Charity

Bard in the Valley (BIV) is a registered Charity with purpose to:

Advance the public’s appreciation of the arts by providing high-quality artistic performances of works by William Shakespeare and other contemporary playwrights through an annual festival held in Langley City, British Columbia 

Advance education by providing publicly available scholarships to youth to attend youth theatre workshops 

Youth Theatre Camps

Each year, Bard in the Valley offers youth theatre camps and provides scholarships to families facing financial barriers.

Our camps create a safe, supportive space where young people can develop confidence, a sense of belonging, and valuable theatre skills. Many of our students go on to participate in high school and community productions, and it is always our dream to see them return to the Bard in the Valley main stage.

Please consider supporting our youth theatre camps through a donation. Your generosity helps us continue to provide these transformative opportunities.

Diversity & Inclusion

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.

Douglas Park

 By Donation

Since its inception in 2009, Bard in the Valley has brought Shakespeare to life every summer, delighting over 35,000 audience members with its performances.

Thanks to the support generated from ticket sales at our other venues, we’re able to offer free performances at Douglas Park. To help us continue this tradition, we invite you to join us at our ticketed shows at Township 7 Winery and Fort Langley Hall. Your attendance helps sustain our mission of making theatre accessible to all.

A Community Built on Passion

Every season, over 50 dedicated volunteers contribute their time, energy, and expertise to bring our productions to life. From actors, crew, and technicians to the producer, costume and set designers, set builders, choreographer, musical director, front-of-house coordinator, program and website designers, as well as our president and board members—all play an invaluable role. Bard in the Valley thrives because of their collective passion and commitment.

Honoring Allan Thain

Bard in the Valley was founded in 2010 by Allan Thain, a visionary leader and dedicated Rotarian. Allan directed and co-produced our first two productions, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and As You Like It, setting the stage for the vibrant legacy we carry forward today.

Allan’s sudden passing in December 2013 was a profound loss. We deeply miss his wisdom, enthusiasm, sharp wit, and sense of humor. His vision continues to inspire us, and his legacy lives on through every performance we bring to life.