What makes Studio 58 unique? It involves students from top to bottom - from acting to production, props, lighting, and even marketing! With hands-on experience and guidance from industry pros, Studio 58 sets the stage for student success. We spoke to two students to learn how Studio 58's real-world learning has shaped their careers.
Main image - From left to right: Kathryn Kerby as Toby, Yorlene Bernido as Sean, Carol Chu as Marshall, Philippa Ryder as John, Ella Wood as Clark and Sewit Eden Haile as Isaac; Set and Props Design - Emerenne Saefkow; Assistant to the Set Designer - Kady Yeung*; Costume Design - Melissa McCowell; Assistant to the Costume Designer - Starlynn Chen*; Lighting Design - Gerald King; Assistant Lighting Design - Stefanie Lott; Photo by Emily Cooper
A woman. A man. A litany of baggage, both literal and emotional, from past relationships striving to keep the couple apart. Sound familiar?
It's easy to see why Sarah Segal-Lazar's Baggage, a dark comedy about the difficulties of dating in the charmingly cynical vein of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Fleabag, was chosen to open the 2024/25 season at Studio 58, the professional theatre arts training program at Langara College.
Directed by Langara and Studio 58 alum Jesse Liang, Baggage is relevant, relatable, and equal parts haunting and hilarious. Jesse's return to Langara to direct her first play highlights the holistic atmosphere that makes Langara's Theatre Arts program so unique.
We sat down with Lou Marshall and Filip Fufezan, two students in their final terms of the Production and Acting programs, respectively, to learn what makes Studio 58 special. The first thing each mention is that, because all Studio 58 shows feature students who are guided by professional artists, it doesn't feel like a traditional school environment.
"Regardless of whether you are in Production or Acting, we all learn the different parts needed to put on a stage performance," explained Lou, stage manager for Baggage.
"Students participate in the creation of the sets, the props, the lighting, the sound, and even the marketing and promotion of the show. Our classes, our studies, are putting on actual full productions in a real theatre."
The three-year, full-time Theatre Arts program at Langara has two streams, Production and Acting, which together work with established professionals to put on four shows a season, plus an indie-style devised show called Risky Nights. This learning method prepares students with real-life experience for their careers in the theatre world. It also allows each student to understand the difficult tasks required to mount a production.
"It keeps you humble," said Filip, who portrays Ben, the hopeful paramour of main character Jill, played by Michelle Avila Navarro. "As an actor, it reminds me to respect my crew a lot more."
Working alongside established professionals gives Studio 58 students insight into the realities of their future careers in a demanding but approachable style, explained Lou. "The support we get as students here is phenomenal. A stage manager's job is difficult, but I feel very safe making mistakes because professionals will talk to me and direct me. I always feel like I'm learning."
Because Studio 58 graduates are well-rounded, experienced, and knowledgeable about the realities of professional work, it should come as no surprise that graduates have an incredible track record of finding work in the industry. Over 90% of graduates find professional work in the theatre or the related arts within six months of graduating.
In addition to the great reputation of its graduates, the program strives to give students as much industry work experience as possible during their studies. In fact, production stream students are often offered a placement in a local theatre. This is possible due to Studio 58's proximity and strong connection to the larger Vancouver theatre and film scene.
Lou Marshall will assume the role of costume production intern for this year's East Van Panto at The Cultch. Filip Fufezan can be seen as "Soldier 1" in Studio 58's upcoming play Linck & Mülhahn, on November 21-December 1, 2024.
What would they change about their time in Studio 58?
"Nothing," said Filip. "The whole experience is incredibly supportive and very, very loving. I wouldn't change it for the world."
Take the first step toward your future in performing arts apply now to join Langara's renowned Studio 58 program! Applications are now open until April 13, 2025. You can also continue supporting Studio 58 through the purchase of a ticket or by donation.
