Bard on the Beach Acquires Playhouse Costume Collection

The unique collection of theatrical costumes, assembled over almost 50 years by the former Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, will continue to serve the city's performing arts community. Through an agreement with longtime Vancouver theatre supporters Paul and Darlene Howard, Bard on the Beach will assume care and management of the collection.

The Playhouse had made the collection available for rental to other performing arts organizations over its five decades of operation. After its shutdown in 2012 the Howards became the collection's legal custodians. With their encouragement, it was kept intact and cared for by outgoing artistic managing director Max Reimer, working with a group of former Playhouse staff and artistic associates. Under this new agreement the collection’s contents can be rented from Bard by interested organizations.

Christopher Gaze, Artistic Director of Bard on the Beach, says “I am extremely grateful to the Howards and to Max Reimer. Their generosity, foresight and hard work have ensured that this unique artistic legacy will live on and be of service to our theatre community at large. We are pleased to take on the responsibility of ensuring that the entire community benefits from the Howard’s decision.”

The collection includes thousands of items of clothing and accessories, footwear, jewelry and millinery and represents a wide variety of design eras and styles. It is currently stored on the downtown campus of Vancouver Community College. Bard's collection is housed in an East Vancouver warehouse. The new agreement allows the two collections to be sourced through one office. 

To inquire about renting from either collection, email costumes@bardonthebeach.org or phone 604.737.0625 (241).