Are you part of The Tyee's critical 1%?

Thanks for reading The Tyee today — we hope this article added to your day in some way. Our team of independent journalists takes pride in doing in-depth reporting and taking time to get it right.

We're able to focus our attention on publishing impactful journalism in the public interest, and publish it for free for all to read, because we have the support of Tyee Builders. Tyee Builders are readers who contribute a bit of money — at a level and frequency of their choice — to support our editorial budget.

This core of supporters — making up about 1 to 2 per cent of our daily readership — enables us to pay our writers, keep our articles free and open to all, and not bombard our readers with annoying ads while you try to read.

Instead of focusing on what kind of articles will attract the most advertising dollars, we can spend time devoted to researching and writing stories that our readers find most valuable and make the most positive impact in our region.

If you'd like to join thousands of readers who help make independent journalism possible, consider joining Tyee Builders. Thank you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

Click here to Join Tyee Builders

Help us un-break journalism in Canada

You made it all the way through the article – I hope that means you liked it (or if not ‘liked’ it, gleaned some useful information from it). Tyee articles are known for being quite lengthy, so we appreciate when people spend some quality time with our work.

Listen, I’ll get to the point – the article you just read was made possible because our non-profit newsroom was able to pay a talented journalist to research and write it. And we can only afford to do that because of our business model, which relies on a certain percentage of our readers signing up for our paid membership program called Tyee Builders.

The traditional business model for journalism in Canada has been completely disrupted, and we’re witnessing a slow collapse as corporate newsrooms buy up distressed publications, lay people off, and suck the value out of them before declaring bankruptcy. And it doesn’t help that tech giant Meta has blocked Canadian news on their Facebook and Instagram platforms.

There is another way and we are carving the path.

Between 1 to 2 per cent of people who visit The Tyee contribute financially, but amazingly, that small percentage is enough to fund half of our overall budget. And it means we can operate without a paywall, too. 1 per cent of people giving means 99 per cent of people get access to quality, fact-based journalism from a talented team of journalists who live and work in B.C., Alberta, and across Canada. We think that’s pretty remarkable.

If you’re concerned about the way journalism is heading in Canada and you’d like to do something about it, consider joining Tyee Builders and contributing an amount that works for you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

Click here to Join Tyee Builders
Marking 20 years
of bold journalism,
reader supported.
support us subscribe free
Events, contests and other initiatives by The Tyee and select partners.

Studio 58 Celebrates the Return to the Theatre in New Season

Tickets are now on sale for the nationally renowned program’s 56th year.

Studio 58 27 Sep 2021TheTyee.ca

ReawakenStudio58.jpg
After a difficult year, Studio 58's production team celebrates the reawakening of live theatre. Photo by Emily Cooper.

When Studio 58, the nationally renowned theatre training program at Langara College announced the lineup for its 2021-2022 season, the news was met with excitement from both students and audiences craving a return to live theatre. With the start of in-person classes at Langara earlier this month, tickets are now on sale for Studio 58’s four large-scale productions, to be presented in the cherished black box theatre.

“We have persevered through so much this past year and a half, and now it is time to shed the doldrums and find the light,” says artistic director Courtenay Dobbie. “With Studio 58’s upcoming season, we are thrilled to begin the work of… well… beginning again. All four productions capture a spirit of rebirth, of reckoning, of celebrating humanity. With these events, let us feel again, be together again, and run wildly into a reawakening of the soul.”

The season begins on Oct. 9 with Cerulean Blue, which tells the story of a struggling blues band invited to play at a benefit concert in a remote First Nation community in conflict with the local authorities. Chaos ensues as the band arrives to discover that all the other acts have cancelled. Written by award-winning Ojibway playwright Drew Hayden Taylor, with original composition by Wayne Lavallee, this tongue-in-cheek comedy smashes stereotypes and celebrates connection through music. Cerulean Blue is directed by recent Studio 58 graduates Kelsey Kanatan Wavey and Cameron Peal.

Next is Everybody, a Pulitzer Prize finalist by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins directed by Kim Collier and onstage starting Nov. 25. In this modern take on the 15th-century morality play Everyman, the character of “Everybody” has been summoned by “Death” to account for their life. In this irreverent and poetic exploration of life and death, Everybody asks us to consider what it means to be human.

With the new year comes a fun and freaky escape we’ve all been yearning for — The Rocky Horror Show, written by Richard O’Brien and directed by Josh Epstein (director of Studio 58’s smash-hit production of Cabaret). A flat tire in the middle of a thunderstorm forces squeaky-clean sweethearts Brad and Janet to seek shelter at the castle of the scandalous Dr. Frank ’N’ Furter. Jam-packed with irresistible hits like “Touch-A-Touch-A-Touch Me,” “Damn It, Janet,” and the pelvic-thrusting “Time Warp,” this cult classic is a non-stop celebration! The Rocky Horror Show will be onstage Feb. 3 to 20.

Closing out the season is Six of One: New Play Festival featuring fresh one-acts written by students. Studio 58 also presents Risky Nights, a devised series helmed by professional directors now in its 21st season. The first instalment, an exploration of a social group from the 1920s called the “bright young things,” and directed by Ming Hudson, will run Oct. 13 to 17.

Following guidelines outlined by the provincial health office and Langara College, Studio 58 will be limiting audience capacity to 50 for mainstage shows. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend, and masks are mandatory in all spaces on Langara College’s campus.

Tickets and further information on the 2021-22 Studio 58 season can be found on their website here. [Tyee]

Read more: Media

This article is part of a Tyee Presents initiative. Tyee Presents is the special sponsored content section within The Tyee where we highlight contests, events and other initiatives that are either put on by us or by our select partners. The Tyee does not and cannot vouch for or endorse products advertised on The Tyee. We choose our partners carefully and consciously, to fit with The Tyee’s reputation as B.C.’s Home for News, Culture and Solutions. Learn more about Tyee Presents here.

  • Share:

Facts matter. Get The Tyee's in-depth journalism delivered to your inbox for free

Tyee Commenting Guidelines

Comments that violate guidelines risk being deleted, and violations may result in a temporary or permanent user ban. Maintain the spirit of good conversation to stay in the discussion.
*Please note The Tyee is not a forum for spreading misinformation about COVID-19, denying its existence or minimizing its risk to public health.

Do:

  • Be thoughtful about how your words may affect the communities you are addressing. Language matters
  • Challenge arguments, not commenters
  • Flag trolls and guideline violations
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity, learn from differences of opinion
  • Verify facts, debunk rumours, point out logical fallacies
  • Add context and background
  • Note typos and reporting blind spots
  • Stay on topic

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist, homophobic or transphobic language
  • Ridicule, misgender, bully, threaten, name call, troll or wish harm on others
  • Personally attack authors or contributors
  • Spread misinformation or perpetuate conspiracies
  • Libel, defame or publish falsehoods
  • Attempt to guess other commenters’ real-life identities
  • Post links without providing context

LATEST STORIES

The Barometer

Are You Concerned about AI?

Take this week's poll