Mission and vision
Founded in 1974, Théâtre la Seizième is the main French language, professional theatre company in BC. Every year, Théâtre la Seizième presents a mainstage season, a young audiences season, a series of drama workshops and a training and dramaturgical development program for local artists.
By continuing to produce, present and commission engaging Canadian works, Théâtre la Seizième is a dynamic leader in Western Canadians’ cultural and artistic life. Over the years, the company has positioned itself as a major creation and presentation centre on the national cultural landscape. With its programming, Théâtre la Seizième reaches about 30,000 Canadians every year.
Values
Passion — We are passionate about the performing arts! This passion energizes us, inspiring us to push our limits and to bring both rigour and creativity to the work we do every day. It keeps us engaged and shines through in everything we undertake.
Openness — Our artistic projects are at the centre of our ongoing dialogue with our audiences, our artistic collaborators, and the public at large. Our company aims to be a gathering place for people of all kinds and all ages who love the performing arts. The variety of our artistic offerings reflects the diversity around us––a diversity that is one of the greatest assets of our community.
Risk — We aspire to art that is surprising, exhilarating, and relevant! Original ideas, innovative practices, and excellent creative teams are at the heart of our approach. We dare to forge our own path in search of new experiences.
History
At the time the company was created, it was situated on 16th Avenue in Vancouver. The first production for general audiences on the marquee was “Les Belles-Soeurs” by Michel Tremblay, bringing together 15 women on stage. The director and first Artistic Director, Catherine Colvey, was naturally named “la seizième” (the sixteenth person)
