Playhouse Props Collection To See The Light Again - UPDATE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 15, 2012, Vancouver, BC. The extensive collection of props belonging to the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company, which have been locked away since the company ceased operations earlier this year, will once again see the light of day on local stages.

The Renegade Arts Society is very pleased to announce that it has been granted custodianship of the large and invaluable collection that had been amassed over the Playhouse’s 49 years and includes props from literally thousands of plays and musicals.

An arrangement has been made between a number of parties including the Playhouse, Renegade Productions, Great Northern Way Scene Shop, and Beedie Development to keep the prop collection intact for the use of local theatre and film companies rather than have the collection dismantled and sold off. Over the years many theatre companies used the collection including Bard on the Beach, Theatre Under The Stars and Electric Company Theatre.

“The props collection plays a vital role in mounting a show for many professional and amateur companies,” says Max Reimer, former Playhouse Artistic Director. “This is terrific news for the whole of the Vancouver theatre community.”

"We're incredibly honoured to have the trust and support of key players in Vancouver's theatre community,” says Jim Buckshon, Director of Renegade Arts Society, “and pledge to maintain the integrity of this priceless collection as it re-emerges on stages this fall.”

Last summer, Renegade Productions took over half of the Playhouse Production Centre on 2nd Avenue maintaining the large theatrical rehearsal studios while adding music and art studios to the top floor.

A deal has subsequently been reached between Renegade and the Beedie Group to acquire the remaining space in the premises, including the entire bottom floor that includes the props collection. This space will be converted to include a large theatre studio, a smaller workshop space, and additional studios for music, art, and dance.

The non-profit Renegade Arts Society will make the collection available in September on an affordable basis to all of Vancouver's theatre companies, continuing the proud legacy of the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company.

Volunteer Assistance Needed:

Renegade Arts Society is seeking volunteers to assist with the reorganization of the former Vancouver Playhouse props collection.

Volunteers are needed now until the middle of September for a variety of tasks including cleaning, lifting, moving and sorting. Volunteers will receive free prop rentals or rehearsal hall rental time equivalent to the time volunteered, up to a maximum. For further information about volunteering please contact renartsco@gmail.com

UPDATE: Extra Playhouse Props for Sale

Saturday, September 8, 2 p.m - 5 p.m. 
Sunday, September 9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Rear of 127 East 2nd Avenue Vancouver (between Main & Quebec)    

The sale consists of items that are no longer needed in the prop division due to duplication or redundancy.These valuable items are one-of-a-kind, hard to find, original items including: furniture, lamps to kitchen items, office furnishings, fabric, luggage, period pieces, figurines, toys, etc. 

For more information contact:
Renegade Arts Society
604-685-0435
info@renegadeproductions.net
www.renegadeproductions.net