Bard on the Beach is taking over the care and management of the former Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company's formidable costume collection—ensuring its security into the future.

When the company (but not the venue) shut down in 2012, everyone worried about the fate of the thousands of pieces of clothing and accessories, which the Playhouse had always made available for rental to other theatre groups in the city at an affordable price. 

Longtime local theatre supporters Paul and Darlene Howard had become legal custodians of the collection after the shutdown, and with help from outgoing artistic managing director Max Reimer, had ensured it all stayed together and was well stored. They have now signed an agreement with Bard to maintain, manage, and make it available to performing arts groups and educational organizations. (For enquiries about renting from either the Playhouse or Bard collection, which are housed separately, email costumes@bardonthebeach.org or phone 604-737-0625, ext. 241. 

In a press statement, Christopher Gaze, artistic director of Bard on the Beach, said: “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.”