Many people are familiar with the Victoria Fringe Festival or Belfry Theatre’s SPARK Festival, but did you know about the Canadian College of Performing Arts TD Festival of New Works, or Langham Court’s Readers’ Theatre Festival? There are actually ten theatre festivals in the coming year in the Capital Region.
Coming up in July are two outdoor festivals. The Greater Victoria Shakespeare Festival, now in their 27th season, present, in repertory, Love’s Labour’s Lost directed by Janet Munsil and Macbeth directed by Kate Rubin and Karen Lee Pickett July 6th-29th at Camosun College Lansdowne Campus with, for the first time, performances offsite--Macbeth at Saxe Point Park in Esquimalt, August 3rd-5th.vicshakespeare.com
Theatre SKAM presents the 9th annual family-friendly SKAMpede (formerly known as Bike Ride) July 14-16 on the Galloping Goose, starting from the HUB on Harbour Road. This small batch theatre festival features short works from local and international artists and companies. Ride your bike, walk, rollerblade or ride your mobility scooter; bring the family or friends. skam.ca
Intrepid Theatre has been presenting the Victoria Fringe Festival since 1986—it’s an institution in the regional cultural scene. Join fellow Fringe fanatics August 23-September 3 for some of the most original and innovative work from seasoned veterans of the Fringe circuit, emerging artists, inspired locals and international touring companies. With over 50 shows to choose from, there is certain to be something for everyone. Intrepidtheatre.com
Festivals take a bit of a hiatus until March 12-28, 2018 when the Belfry presents the SPARK Festival featuring Daniel McIvor in Who Killed Spalding Grey and Calgary’s Ghost River Theatre presenting an audio-only adaption of Ray Bradbury’s Tomorrow’s Child where the audience is blindfolded. Look for two other news shows as well as free events, readings and workshops. Belfry.bc.ca
The Canadian College of Performing Arts showcases students and their creative process in the TD Festival of New Works March 27-29, 2018 with short pieces highlighting mentorships in playwriting, choreography, direction, choral direction, musical theatre, stage management and costume design. Every evening is unique. Ccpacanada.com
Paper Street Theatre will present their 3rd annual Improv Festival in April, celebrating the most innovative improvised theatre from across North America, including local favourites, the award-winning Paper Street ensemble. There are two shows every night, and late night mash-ups Friday and Saturday. Last year special guests came from Vancouver, Montréal and Portland. Paperstreettheatre.ca
Intrepid Theatre’s Uno Fest, North America’s longest running solo theatre festival, returns in May 2018. This 11 day festival is packed to the brim with genre-defying, boundary-pushing solo performance from across North America. Expect the unexpected. Intrepidtheatre.com
Reader’s Theatre Festival is presented under the auspices of Langham Court Theatre, typically one Saturday in May. The evening is comprised of readings of plays by thespians both young (students from Monterey Middle School), and more experienced. Over the past few years it’s also been an opportunity to see new work from local playwrights. Langhamtheatre.ca
The Family Theatre Festival is produced by Kaleidoscope Theatre for Young People as a way to thank the community for its support. This year’s fifth festival June 10th was filled with free family-friendly fun in Centennial Square. Details to follow for 2018. Kaleidoscope.bc.ca
OUTstages, Victoria’s queer theatre festival (produced by Intrepid Theatre in June), kicks off Pride season and brings some of the most exciting shows and queer artists from across Canada to Victoria.