STANLEY PARK NOTEBOOK
/85 YEARS OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN THE PARK
Theatre Under The Stars in Malkin Bowl
by Jacqui Birchall
(click images to enlarge)
Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park was constructed in 1934 by William Malkin, a local businessman and Mayor of Vancouver from 1929 to 1930. The Bowl was modelled after the Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl; Malkin constructed it in memory of his late wife, Marion.
A full house at Tuts is a common occurRence … so get your tickets now!
(TUTS Photo)
The first concert took place on July 8, 1934, with approximately 15,000 people attending a performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Photos show there was no seating back then.
The original presenting organization was formed in 1940 under the guidance of Park Board Superintendent A.S. Wootten. There was a strong desire to produce theatre in the park. In 1949, the Civic Theatre Society began to produce summer musicals. In 1969, a new company called Theatre in the Park took over, renaming itself Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) in 1980.
The famous Vancouver impresario Hugh Pickett was one of the creators of TUTS. He ran it with advice from another famous impresario, Gordon Hilker. In 1959, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip attended a TUTS show, The Chocolate Soldier, reportedly telling Pickett how much they had enjoyed it.
An information display at Malkin bowl celebrates the history of theatre under the stars. (Jacqui Birchall Photos)
TUTS declared bankruptcy in 1963, following a rain-soaked season, and again in 2005. Past president of the board, Bill Allman, feels that the rise of television in the early ‘60s had much to do with the declining audience numbers. History shows that both times the bankruptcy occurred during a production of Can-Can. In 1982, fire destroyed part of Malkin Bowl.
Today, TUTS is very successful, providing enjoyment to both locals and visitors, and theatre education and training for many aspiring artists seeking a life in the entertainment world.
With a seating capacity of 1,100, ticket purchasers may reserve their seats at the time of purchase.
Just like in the Hollywood Bowl, folks are encouraged to picnic outside the venue, a Hollywood Bowl tradition. Bring something warm or buy a blanket from TUTS, because it can be chilly after sunset. Mosquito repellent is a good idea too; bring it or purchase from TUTS.
The shows continue in the rain; TUTS provides rain ponchos. Only lighting will stop the performances.
Act One is performed in daylight. Not all the actors like seeing the visible audience, preferring Act Two in the dark.
Who are the TUTS folks? Board president Patrick Roberge, explained all. There is a board, and a large number of volunteers, both in tech, front of house, and in the various casts.
Every year, there are two or three actors from the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association in the season’s productions. They help to guide the non-professional cast members. The various directors, choreographers, some tech staff, and the box office manager are all paid professionals. Everyone else is a volunteer.
Roberge shared that the approach is professional despite TUTS being a community theatre. Actors, both professional and non-professional, audition. The acting departments of UBC, Langara, and Capilano College provide aspiring actors. Children and others come from the general community. Many young people get their show business start at TUTS.
How are the shows chosen? According to Roberge, board members and others meet and bring their selection of shows. This process takes up to three months, and the shows are chosen two to three years in advance.
The chosen shows depend on the availability and cost of the rights, and the size of the show. “We need big shows for our stage,” Roberge told me. Two contemporary musicals are chosen for each season, a family-friendly show and a more adult show. This year they are presenting Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Legally Blonde.
Past president Bill Allman said that they used to choose an old classic and a contemporary show.
TUTS pays a lot in royalties.
Once a season is chosen, TUTS announces the shows and directors, choreographers and Equity member actors from across the country are invited to apply.
the west end journal’s editor, Kevin dale mckeown, was the tuts publicist in the ‘90s. this original poster from 1998 is from his personal collection.
Funding comes from box office sales, corporate sponsorships and donations. There is no government funding. Public donations are very welcome.
TUTS rents Malkin Bowl to Live Nation for live music shows when they are not producing their summer musicals.
Is there any animal activity in Malkin Bowl? Yes indeed. It is in beautiful Stanley Park after all. Raccoons have been known to take a bow onstage. Eagles circle overhead, and there are many other bird sounds that can be heard.
Can a role in a TUTS production lead to a life in showbiz?
Past president Bill Allman started at TUTS as a teenage techie. He loved it! His father warned him that the showbiz folks would “turn him gay.” His mother enlightened his father, explaining that Bill was interested in the chorus girls! Today, Bill is the producer and owner of Famous Artists, the president of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, former venue manager of the Vogue Theatre, and a concert promoter, among many other things.
TUTS' current president, Patrick Roberge, started as a child actor at TUTS. He was immediately bitten by the showbiz bug. He is also the president of Patrick Roberge Productions, an event management company here in Vancouver.
Success in the entertainment world can clearly follow a volunteer stint with TUTS.
Roberge tells me volunteers are like family. They return year after year. Once a year, TUTS honours its alumni and volunteers with a wine and cheese party and a show in Malkin Bowl. There are volunteers in attendance from as long ago as the 1950s, all sharing wonderful memories.
If you would like to volunteer in any capacity, or buy tickets, check out TUTT's website here.
