Enhanced Performances

The Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company offers enriching experiences for every lifestyle. Learn more about the cast and their performances. Listen to a guest speaker delve into the background of the play. Socialize with fellow theatre fans before the show. To hear more about the various ways to enjoy theatre contact groups@vancouverplayhouse or 604 637 3094.

 

AUDIO DESCRIBED PERFORMANCES - Onstage action brought to life for visually impaired (more)

Audio Description brings the sets, lighting, costumes, characters, and onstage action to life for a visually impaired audience. Through a wireless transmitter a trained Audio Describer imparts this information, between the actors lines. Audience members who use the service, receive the Audio Description through a single earpiece and wireless receiver. Audio Description begins 15 minutes prior to the performance. Audio Description is presented in partnership with Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture's VocalEye, and is made possible with assistance from Canadian Heritage, and the City of Vancouver.

VocalEye audio described performances will be offered on the second Friday of each mainstage performance run:
Tosca Cafe | Fri Oct 21, 2011 | Tickets are $20 (including headset)
La Cage aux Folles | Fri Dec 9, 2011 | Tickets are $30 (including headset)
Red | Fri Jan 27, 2012 | Tickets are $20 (including headset)
Hunchback | Fri Mar 2, 2012 | Tickets are regular price (including headset)
God of Carnage | Fri Apr 27, 2012 | Tickets are $20 (including headset)

"After losing my sight to a degenerative eye condition about 12 years ago, I didn't think I could ever enjoy attending the theatre again.  I can't even describe how thrilled I was when I learned about Kickstart, and the collaboration with the Playhouse to present "The Miracle Worker," in October 2009.  I became hooked on live AD theatre" - Linda

 

TEA MATINEE SERIES - Come and socialize before the show (more)

A fun and social afternoon of complimentary tea, coffee and cookies, starting at 1pm,
followed by a performance at 2pm. These social afternoons are extremely popular with seniors and students. Each production has three Tea Matinee performances, on two Wednesdays and one Thursday.
Tosca Cafe | Wed Oct 19, Thu Oct 20 & Wed Oct 26, 2011
La Cage aux Folles | Wed Dec 7, Wed Dec 14 & Thu Dec 15, 2011
Red | Wed Jan 25, Wed Feb 1 & Thu Feb 2, 2012
Catalyst Theatre's Hunchback | Wed Feb 28, Wed Mar 7 & Thu Mar 8, 2012
God of Carnage | Wed Apr 25, Wed May 2 & Thu May 3, 2012

SALON SATURDAY SPEAKER SERIES - Dig deeper and learn more from our expert speakers (more)

Presented in the Vancouver Playhouse Salon, this series brings the audience together with a notable guest speaker to explore some of the underlying themes of the play that follows. Past speakers have included broadcasters, playwrights, (musical) directors, actors, journalists and professors. Held on the third Saturday of each production. Speaker at 1pm | Performance at 2pm

Tosca Cafe | Sat Oct 22, 2011
Speaker: Jeff Hyslop is a Canadian actor, dancer, singer, choreographer and director. Jeff was most recently seen on the Vancouver Playhouse stage in The Fantasticks (2010-2011)
La Cage aux Folles | Sat Dec 10, 2011
Speaker: Cameron Mackenzie is the Associate Director of La Cage aux Folles. He is a multifaceted theatre artist and Artistic Director of Zee Zee Theatre. His drag character, Isolde N. Barron, is known as the Queen of East Vancouver.
Red | Sat Jan 28, 2012
Speakers: Stephen Atkins and Marcus Bowcott from Capilano University. Stephen Atkins has performed, taught and directed locally in Vancouver, in England, China and Australia. He has been a regular faculty member of the Capilano University Theatre Department since 2008. His faceted professional background includes performance, script development, directing, and software development for new media.
Catalyst Theatre's Hunchback | Sat Mar 10, 2012
Speaker: to be announced
God of Carnage | Sat Apr 28, 2012 
Speaker: to be announced

ACTOR/AUDIENCE TALKBACK SERIES - Ask questions and engage yourself! (more)

Discover more about the play when the actors return to the stage to offer their insights on the
show and their work through an interactive Q&A session. Engage yourself beyond the experience of our productions!
Tosca Cafe | Mon Oct 17 & Tue Oct 25, 2011
La Cage aux Folles | Mon Dec 5 & Tue Dec 13, 2011
Red | Mon Jan 23 & Tue Jan 31, 2012
Catalyst Theatre's Hunchback | Mon Feb 27 & Tue Mar 6, 2012
God of Carnage | Mon Apr 23 & Tue May 1, 2012

1PM STUDENT MATINEE - Meet the actors (more)

This is the only matinee performance that starts at 1pm and is followed by a lively 15-minute Actor Talkback. It attracts school groups from across Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and BC.

2011/2012 Season Student Matinee Dates:
Tosca Cafe | Oct 12, 2011
La Cage aux Folles | Nov 30, 2011
Red | Jan 18, 2012
Catalyst Theatre's Hunchback | Feb 22, 2012
God of Carnage | Apr 18, 2012

OPENING NIGHT SERIES - Become Producer's Circle Member (more)

An exciting opportunity to help sustain our tradition of excellence both on and off stage. With a purchase of a 5-Play (Opening Night Series) subscription and a donation of $1,000+, you can enjoy Producer’s Circle benefits and socialize with the Cast and Company and guests during the post-opening hors d'oeuvre reception.

2011/2012 Season Opening Night Dates:
Tosca Cafe | Thu Oct 13, 2011
La Cage aux Folles | Thu Dec 1, 2011
Red | Thu Jan 19, 2012
Catalyst Theatre's Hunchback | Thu Feb 23, 2012
God of Carnage | Thu Apr 19, 2012