Alice being pestered during a photo shoot for the Douglas College Theatre Program's production of Alice in Wonderland from 1979.

When Douglas College first opened its doors in November 1970, theatre courses were included as part of the original curriculum. The experience of the theatre programming during this time was one that paralleled the early years of the college generally: somewhat chaotic, but met with eager energy of dedicated  staff, faculty, administrators that envisioned an accessible and innovative college for all students across the Lower Mainland (Jones, 1994). Like other departments across the College, the Theatre Program faced challenges such as awkward commutes to satellite campuses across multiple municipalities, budget constraints, and labour disputes. However, the Program was resilient and was able to build a strong foundation through forming relationships with community arts organizations and local supporters across the Lower Mainland. 

This exhibit, told through institutional documents, photographs, and posters held in the Douglas College Archives, reflects on the trials and tribulations – but also the successes and progress – of the Theatre and Stagecraft Programs through its first few decades. Today, in ongoing conjunction with the Stagecraft and Music programs, the Theatre Program holds professional-level performances each semester. This exhibit is not only the history of the Theatre Program during its turbulent early years, but a testament to the resilience and determination of the students, faculty, and administrators who helped it persevere (and make it great!) through Douglas College's history to today. 

The cast of  Come Back to the Five & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1996) show off their infectious enthusiasm for a promotional shoot.

In his report titled Information in Support of a Foundations Program, dated May 30, 1972, then English and Communications faculty member Jim Peters states that the Western Canada’s theatre scene was relatively quiet and isolated during the 1950s and 1960s. Peters helped to design courses for the College's opening in 1970, and was subsequently assigned to the Fine Arts Department to lay the groundwork for the Theatre program. His report states that actors who emerged in the industry in Vancouver generally stayed there, either touring with the few small companies or, if lucky enough, ended up working for CBC Radio. A notable milestone in Canadian theatre occurred in 1953, when the Stratford Festival in Ontario put on its production of Shakespeare's Macbeth, marking a new era. The quality of the performances and the actors involved raised the profile of theatre at a national level and expanded the possibilities for aspiring theatre professionals across the country, including British Columbia. 

During the infancy of Douglas College and its burgeoning Theatre program, Peters writes that across Canada there were "12 regional Theatre companies, plus three summer festivals," and that "Stratford hires a large company of actors every summer" (Peters, 1972). These included theatre companies in Calgary, the Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg, and the Playhouse Theatre in Vancouver. During this time, the now renowned Vancouver film industry was also taking its first steps. The combination of the theatre industry gaining national traction, particularly in Western Canada, and the emergent film industry in Vancouver, meant that more employment opportunities for theatre graduates began to present themselves throughout the country. 

Theatre students put on their mean face for the Theatre Program's production of  A Clockwork Orange, circa 1999.

Theatre education in British Columbia (BC) was also gathering momentum at both the secondary and the post-secondary levels. In the early 1970s, Douglas College became a member of WADE (the Western Association of Drama Educators), a group of about 200 drama educators from around BC who hosted workshops, presentations, and a yearly conference to boost youth engagement with theatre and the performing arts. Statistics at high schools in the catchment areas of the college also indicated an increase in theatre enrolment. Peters’ 1972 report states that "... [the] Queen Elizabeth Secondary School in Surrey had 137 drama students last semester...[with] other schools in the Douglas College Region [showing] proportionate enrollments." (Peters, 1972). 

At the same time, post-secondary institutions within BC were often limited in their approaches to drama education. Jim Peters noted in his report that while the University of British Columbia “[had] a large number of credit courses” (Peters, 1972) some students felt they were not being offered enough practical experience opportunities. Peters indicated this was because professionals were often hired for their productions and students were instead given more supporting or technical roles. Simon Fraser University was in a similar position as Douglas, both having grand plans to create a Fine Arts department, a Theatre Resident position, and to build two operating theatres. Meanwhile, the University of Victoria, which had already established Creative Drama programs, led the way by providing a much-needed boon to theatre and drama education within BC.  Factors such as these from other post-secondary institutions would guide the direction of Douglas College's Theatre program and its approach to focus on giving students ample practical opportunities to develop their skills.