Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival can’t be in Vanier Park (Sen’ákw) this summer, but they’re still here for you beyond the beach with new digital content.
The cancelling of the 2020 Season of Bard on the Beach is the first break in a 30-year-long annual run of the festival’s history. It’s a beloved attraction that has drawn a total of almost 2 million local and international attendees since 1990.
Following the cancellation, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival announced that it had repurposed its mission for 2020, to focus on creating new digitally delivered content and experiences. The digital content is available to local Festival followers as well as to new audiences around the world through digital access.
Bard’s new online programming ranges from virtual interactive gatherings that take attendees behind the scenes to discover how production elements and venue spaces are built, to on-demand content showcasing Festival artists and their work in innovative new ways, as well as a range of interactive digital resources for educators and families. Bard’s new Online Boutique also recently opened, offering Festival-branded merchandise and more.
All Bard’s virtual content can be found at bardonthebeach.org; new elements will be added regularly throughout the remainder of summer and into fall. Some content is exclusive to Festival Members in recognition of their vital support, but most is available to the general public at no charge.
You can now get a unique look at Vancouver with Bard’s latest YouTube series Bard Around Town! Hosted by Bard’s Operations Coordinator, Max Forsyth, who’s on a search across the city to explore topics relating to Shakespeare, including nature, architecture, theatre history, cooking and ale. Subscribe to their YouTube channel now for real-time updates!
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