The summer, to me, is all about getting outside, and there’s nothing better than combining a love of the arts and performance with an outdoor venue.
Residents of the capital region are spoiled with a wide range of options to choose from – whether under the Garry Oaks at Camosun College for Shakespeare, or close to the water at Fisherman’s Wharf for yoga and dance, motoring (by a variety of means) along the Galloping Goose for mini-shows at SKAMPEDE (formerly Bike Ride) or sitting under the vines at Muse Winery for ballet or musical theatre – why not plan on investigating a new spot this year?
Start the month with #LashBash, a fundraiser for Broken Rhythms Dance, July 4. This company is well-known for the extravagant false eyelashes they wear during their shows and promotions, and has decided to capitalize on this signature accoutrement. Guests are encouraged to don their own funky eyelashes! It’s a fundraiser, party, dance show and silent auction all in one. TicketRocket.com
Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre presents Private Lives July 7-27, written by Noel Coward in 1930. Considered too risqué for its time, it is now considered to have been on the cutting edge of the exploration of alternate forms of sexuality and marriage. TicketRocket.co
To.Be.Announced Summer Celebrations, a mini outdoor festival July 8-10 at Fisherman’s Wharf Park with dance, live music, yoga and delicious treats from local venders. By donation. Artists include: Dyana Sonik-Henderson of Broken Rhythms Victoria, Ivana Matovina, Carolyn Schmidt, and Jamee Valin of Valence Movement (dance theatre). Facebook: TBAChoreographicShowcase
The inaugural OUTStages Festival, presented by Intrepid Theatre July 9-12, is a celebration of theatre, queer culture and possibilities, bringing together fearless queer artists and stories with eager audiences. Four outrageous days of stories, surprises, parties and performances at The Metro Studio and The Intrepid Theatre Club. IntrepidTheatre.com
Celebrate 25 years with the Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival July 13-Aug 13 in a season featuring A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Britt Small and Romeo and Juliet directed by Christopher Weddell. The festival is held for five weeks outdoors on the grounds of Camosun College Lansdowne. Founded by Theatre Inconnu in 1991, the festival has been produced by the Victoria Shakespeare Society since 2002. Vicshakespeare.ca
Suddenly Dance Theatre presents the 18th ROMP! Festival of Independent Dance July 17-19, 9-10pm nightly on the Spirit Stage in Centennial Square with three outdoor mixed programs of live dance and dance-on-film. Featuring live performances by 2015 ROMP! Artist-in-Residence Lindsey Renee Derry (California) and Mascall Dance (Vancouver) with dance films from around the world. Suddenlydance.ca
Join Peninsula Players at Muse Winery on the Saanich Peninsula for their sixth annual summer musical extravaganza Space Wars: The Empire Strikes Blanc, July 11, 18, 19; Aug 15, 16, 29 and 30. MuseWinery.ca
Voices Without Borders the 2015 SALT New Music Festival and Symposium July 23-27 takes inspiration from the human voice. Concerts at Open Space will feature newly commissioned works from Canadian composers Charles-Antoine Fréchette, Annesley Black and Justin Christensen, as well as performances by Neue Vocalsolisten (Stuttgart, Germany), Sylvie Lacroix (Vienna, Austria), Tanya Tagaq, (Yellowknife) and Roger Admiral (Edmonton). In addition, the festival includes a full schedule of lectures, master classes and workshops. openspace.ca/SALT2015
Janis La Couvée is a community builder, writer and arts advocate.
