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Bard on the Beach Contest

Comments 102 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Update: This contest has been completed but I have another for the Comedy of Errors over at this link until June 24, 2009.

Over the last 20 years Bard on the Beach been a fantastic part of summer in Vancouver as it combines a night of Shakespearean theatre with gorgeous mountain views as a backdrop over in Vanier Park.


Photo credit: MandyJ on Flickr

Bard on the Beach is a not-for-profit Shakespeare Festival that runs from June until September in a 520-seat mainstage tent. This years productions include Othello, The Comedy of Errors, All’s Well That Ends Well, and Richard II.

The festival also features special events such as the Bard-B-Q, an evening performance combined with a dining experience and prime seats for the Celebration of Light Fireworks.

To celebrate the return of Bard on the Beach for this milestone year, I have a pair of tickets to give away for Othello on Saturday June 6th, 2009. If you would like to attend simply leave a comment or re-tweet this post.

Update: I have decided to sweeten the deal (not that I needed to as Vancouver obviously loves its Bard on the Beach) but I’m also offering a pre-show dining experience for the lucky winner. The winner and their guest will be able to spend $100 at Cafe Il Nido downtown before heading out for a night of theatre under the tents at Bard on the Beach. Simply leave a comment or re-tweet this post to be entered to win this amazing night on the town.

Contest winner will be chosen at random May 27th, 2009

The winner has been drawn, you can check out the announcement video here

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102 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. MehnazWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:04am PDT

    Comment!
    I love shakespeare ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. Dave @ Techness Web DesignWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:10am PDT

    Hmm lets see, I like Shakespeare, I enjoy theatre, and I really love the beach. I’ve been meaning to check Bard on the Beach for years now.

  3. StephanieWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:16am PDT

    I’ve always wanted to go to this, I love shakespeare.

  4. daveoWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:19am PDT

    Oh pick me pick me! It’s a Vancouver event I’ve wanted to attend for years but never forked out the bread. Pick me ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. NicoleWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:34am PDT

    Bard on the Beach is such a great event! Would love to go!

  6. Nate ElliottWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:35am PDT

    Sure, Shakespeare’s great. But mainly I’ve got a thing for really big tents.

  7. Amanda CoolidgeWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:43am PDT

    Oh Bard on the Beach! This will be my first summer in Vancouver- what a great introduction to a newbie Vancouver-ite!

  8. JerWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:45am PDT

    I would love to go to Bard on the Beach! Never been but have heard great things about it. Thanks for the entry ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. Sandra GarciaWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:56am PDT

    Othello is my favourite Shakespeare play so I would LOVE to go see it.

  10. TylerWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 10:08am PDT

    Sweet would love to see another play at Bard on the Beach! I saw Upon A Midsummer’s Night like 4+ years ago.

  11. GwenWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 10:25am PDT

    I could use a night of Shakespeare.

  12. AlexWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 10:55am PDT

    It would be a nice experience to watch this play under a tent.

  13. lucWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 11:00am PDT

    Never been to one and it’s time I do!

  14. Michael KwanWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 11:15am PDT

    I’ve only been to Bard on the Beach once and it was for a Bard-B-Que. Love it!

  15. TheQuackWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 11:33am PDT

    Ooh! Pick me! PICK ME! ๐Ÿ˜€

  16. LHJWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 12:16pm PDT

    Would Love Win…Come on big tix!!!
    LJH

  17. PattiezWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 12:22pm PDT

    Can’t wait for another year of Bard! =)

  18. PhoebeWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 12:44pm PDT

    I’ve been to Bard on the Beach pretty much every single year in high school. Even though it’s no longer a mandatory trip, I’ve grown so fond of the festival. The actors are amazing and the directors always bring something new to the table. My English teacher actually volunteers there!

  19. LibbyWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 1:07pm PDT

    Ooh, I love Bard, but have missed it the last few years. I have always wanted to see Othello!

  20. KirbyWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 2:15pm PDT

    Me too! Date-night with me-wifey (oops; that’s chaucer).

  21. Mom604Wednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 3:50pm PDT

    In “The Hound of the Baskervilles” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Henry Baskerville receives a menacing note warning him “As you value your life or your reason, keep away from the moor!” Upon first reading that, I thought the author of the note was cautioning him not to see “Othello”.

  22. Don ForanWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 4:09pm PDT

    This is some minx’s token, and I must take out the work? รขโ‚ฌยฆ Bianca, “Othello”

  23. RobWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 4:55pm PDT

    Count me in! One event I look forward to every summer!

  24. BethWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 5:46pm PDT

    Little know fact: I did a minor in Drama at university. I even took a course called “Acting Shakespeare,” in which I played Desdemona in the scene where she gets killed! My acting partner and I used to rehearse outside, which we always referred to as “doing Shakespeare in the paaaark” So, clearly, I shoud win those tickets.

    Also, my favourite lines from Othello include “happiness to your sheets” and “making the beast with two backs.”

  25. JolineWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 8:15pm PDT

    Hey Becky! Awesome blog – I’m inspired by your dedication ๐Ÿ™‚ I’d love to win tix to the Bard. I’ve never seen Othello live and I’ve always wanted to!

  26. AndrewWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 8:52pm PDT

    Hey Rebecca… thanks for the Bard heads up.

    Two tickets as an anniversary gift would make me a very lucky husband. My most wonderful wife would love to see Bard on the Beach!

  27. ChrisWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 9:07pm PDT

    Looking forward to the Bard.

  28. RachelWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 11:01pm PDT

    ah yes, shakespeare plays.
    can’t get any better than that.

  29. KevinWednesday, May 13th, 2009 — 11:49pm PDT

    Oh I’d love to go!

  30. KaterThursday, May 14th, 2009 — 9:23am PDT

    I love Bard on the Beach – the tent, the atmosphere, and of course the plays.

  31. maria bThursday, May 14th, 2009 — 4:49pm PDT

    I would love to win!

  32. CathyThursday, May 14th, 2009 — 7:13pm PDT

    I would love to go to Bard on the Beach. I’m new to Vancouver and didn’t get a chance to go last year!

  33. MarieFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 8:27am PDT

    I’d love to see BotB too!

  34. AidanFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 8:51am PDT

    What an awesome contest! I always love heading to Bard every year, well most every year. I did not go last year.

    *fingers are crossed* I want to win!

  35. Jen BFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 1:46pm PDT

    This is one event that I have never been to, but would love the chance to go!

  36. AndyFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 2:17pm PDT

    Comment! Bard is great.

  37. CSETFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 2:26pm PDT

    Would love to go!

  38. David ChanFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 2:30pm PDT

    Bard on the Beach is great, and free things too! I know someone who’d love to go see Othello if I win ๐Ÿ™‚

  39. Wendy weirFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 2:34pm PDT

    mmm Bard on the Beach and dinner – sounds like a perfect summer’s night in Vancouver. would love to go to othello – and dinner at Il Nido too…thanks for the opportunity

  40. LoriFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 2:41pm PDT

    Went last year for the first time and loved it! Great Vancouver tradition ๐Ÿ™‚

  41. KarenFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 3:10pm PDT

    This will be my fourth summer living in Vancouver and I’ve yet to see Bard on the Beach. Perhaps this summer I’ll be able to break that streak.

    We used to go to a similar event in Halifax, called Shakespeare by the Sea, and always had a great time.

  42. DavidFriday, May 15th, 2009 — 10:48pm PDT

    My wife would love to go Back to the Bard!

  43. GarySaturday, May 16th, 2009 — 9:29am PDT

    I would love to go to Bard on the Beach!!!

  44. octSaturday, May 16th, 2009 — 11:40pm PDT

    i’ve never been to a show…would love to check it out!

  45. meeelissaSunday, May 17th, 2009 — 1:09pm PDT

    someone would love me for it and I would love you and it… and… just lots of love overall, hahaha! great blog and hope your summer is going nicely!!!

  46. MichelleSunday, May 17th, 2009 — 1:20pm PDT

    Just stumbled upon your website this weekend-so glad I did…. It is now in my favorites!! I have always wanted to go to the Bard, but always forget that it is on until it is over…… maybe this year will be my year-thanks to you!? Keep up the wonderful work.

  47. BriannaSunday, May 17th, 2009 — 8:38pm PDT

    I moved to Vancouver four years ago from Saskatchewan and look forward to Bard on the Beach every summer! ๐Ÿ™‚

  48. EmmaMonday, May 18th, 2009 — 11:57am PDT

    I’m new to Vancouver and would love to check out Bard no the Beach!

  49. ChrisMonday, May 18th, 2009 — 4:33pm PDT

    For all the years that I have driven along the Burrard St. Bridge and looked at the tents, I have yet to actually go and see Bard on the Beach. Go figure. I’m thinking I really should get down there this year.

  50. David MortonMonday, May 18th, 2009 — 6:59pm PDT

    I really hope it’s me that wins the tix, but good luck to every one else! Shakespeare is always such a treat! (fingers crossed!)

  51. JoshMonday, May 18th, 2009 — 7:30pm PDT

    I would love to see Othello or The Comedy of Errors! ๐Ÿ™‚

  52. LorenMonday, May 18th, 2009 — 8:50pm PDT

    I’ve seen a Bard on the Beach production exactly once – loved it. I was in my teens, so that must have been a few years back. Still remember walking from the West End Hostel over the bridge and the tents and the light and the night. It was magical.

  53. Matt DMonday, May 18th, 2009 — 9:36pm PDT

    There’s very little that can compare with Shakespeare in a tent on a warm Vancouver evening.

  54. BlissfulGirlTuesday, May 19th, 2009 — 9:00am PDT

    very cool prize pack … I’ve never been to Bard on the Beach but would love to go ๐Ÿ™‚

  55. KitTuesday, May 19th, 2009 — 11:27am PDT

    I have read and heard amazing reviews of Bard on the Beach but have never been to a show personally. I think it is a great Vancouver summer tradition and would definitely love to check it out. Hopefully, you haven’t picked a winner yet? ๐Ÿ™‚

  56. DaveTuesday, May 19th, 2009 — 12:42pm PDT

    We’d love to go! Never heard of it until now ๐Ÿ™‚

  57. jkTuesday, May 19th, 2009 — 2:37pm PDT

    love the bard and hope I win!

  58. TracyTuesday, May 19th, 2009 — 3:40pm PDT

    Oh please please please! I’m not from Vancouver, but I’m there that weekend and Othello is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. I’m from Winnipeg and I go to all of our Shakespeare in the Ruins, and as wonderful as they are, Bard would be just amazing.

  59. Victor TangTuesday, May 19th, 2009 — 3:42pm PDT

    although i’ve been living in vancouver forever, this would be my first bard on the beach experience… granted i win! big money big money!

  60. LynnetteWednesday, May 20th, 2009 — 1:07pm PDT

    We love the Bard on the Beach! We look forward to the unique and high quality interpretations of Shakespeare’s classics each summer.

  61. BradleyWednesday, May 20th, 2009 — 1:33pm PDT

    I’m the king of contests,
    there is none higher,
    you other losers will
    be calling me ‘sire’

  62. JemmenThursday, May 21st, 2009 — 9:22am PDT

    Would love to go! 5 years in Vancouver and I’ve never been to Bard ๐Ÿ™

  63. Kirsten 6ozThursday, May 21st, 2009 — 1:14pm PDT

    oh me! Me! This would be amaaazing

  64. Vinny in VancouverThursday, May 21st, 2009 — 5:53pm PDT

    Thanks for the contest. If I win, the first thing I’ll do is say “thank you very much”. Then, I’ll make sure to let you know how it goes.

  65. Julie O-CFriday, May 22nd, 2009 — 11:55am PDT

    I need to win this one ’cause: 1, I’ve been an Il Nido fan since it opened way back when, and 2, I could take my student daughter who loves Bard but can’t afford to buy herself tix!

  66. HeatherFriday, May 22nd, 2009 — 1:12pm PDT

    Shakespeare on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park…is there anything more spectacular than that?

  67. Julie O-CFriday, May 22nd, 2009 — 4:18pm PDT

    No, wait, I’ll change my answer: I’ll take my long-lost MUSSOC pal Don if I win…

  68. AmeliaFriday, May 22nd, 2009 — 4:46pm PDT

    I would love to go to Bard this summer!

  69. AnnemarieFriday, May 22nd, 2009 — 5:17pm PDT

    When I was in university I used to volunteer for Bard on the Beach. I even have a huge sweatshirt I still love from those days. There’s something so quintessentially Vancouver about Bard on the Beach, but I’ve never gone with my (actor) hubby – it would be a lovely summer treat. Too bad the prize doesn’t include babysitting *grin*

  70. ChristaFriday, May 22nd, 2009 — 10:51pm PDT

    Wow…my sister thinks she’s going to win but I know better! LOL. Great contest, and GREAT blog, Miss 604!

  71. FionaSaturday, May 23rd, 2009 — 7:59am PDT

    Would love this, for my theatrical daughter!

  72. Marda-MischaSaturday, May 23rd, 2009 — 12:41pm PDT

    This will be my third summer living in Vancouver – and I’m hoping the first time I get to see Bard on the Beach!
    Cheers!

  73. GrahamSaturday, May 23rd, 2009 — 9:50pm PDT

    Sounds awesome!

  74. Jean SmithSunday, May 24th, 2009 — 8:55am PDT

    Bard on the Beach is a great Vancouver summer experience! I’d love to do it again.

  75. DuncanSunday, May 24th, 2009 — 10:53am PDT

    Great contest. I have got my fingers crossed, because that sounds like the perfect evening in Vancouver!

  76. Heading to WordCamp San Francisco » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca BollwittSunday, May 24th, 2009 — 6:03pm PDT

    […] the end of this week (after I do my Bard on the Beach + dinner contest draw) I’ll be covering our trip to San Francisco and including several posts from the […]

  77. Eileen McKeeMonday, May 25th, 2009 — 5:10pm PDT

    Never win anything, but I’ll keep on trying.

    Eileen

  78. Jon JenningsTuesday, May 26th, 2009 — 2:26am PDT

    A great contest! Good luck everybody.

  79. Michael AllisonTuesday, May 26th, 2009 — 8:49am PDT

    I’d like to enter. I’ve been a Shakespeare fan ever since I was lucky enough to catch The Tempest at The Globe in London during a trip when I was 17. Vanessa Redgrave played Prospero.

    I studied Othello for a Drama & the Novel course at UVic during undergrad, but I haven’t actually seen the play, so I think it would be fun.

  80. Jeremy KnightTuesday, May 26th, 2009 — 2:40pm PDT

    once more unto the breach, dear friends…

  81. AidanWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 9:25am PDT

    *fingers crossed* Bard on the Beach is always so much fun! ๐Ÿ™‚

  82. AllenWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 9:29am PDT

    New to Vancouver – would love to win!

  83. JessicaWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 9:30am PDT

    I’ve lived in Vancouver / Burnaby my entire life and I have *never* been to Bard on the Beach!

  84. Linda BookWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 9:30am PDT

    Two tickets to Bard on the Beach and money for dinner too:) Would be a great 19th Birthday (June 10) treat for our daughter who has just finished a busy 1st year up at SFU Business and is now working to help pay for her 2nd year.

  85. Sean FenzlWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 9:30am PDT

    I’d love to throw my name in the basket… last year I really screwed up and missed getting tickets for me & my lady (who happens to be a Highschool English Teacher and LOVES LOVES LOVES Shakespeare!)

    Hope I’m not too late! =) =)

  86. JennWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 9:35am PDT

    Never been and have heard all about it! What a wonderful night out it would be!

  87. Gary Jones :: BlueFur.comWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 9:37am PDT

    I have always wanted to go to Bard on the Beach.

  88. DilaraWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 10:07am PDT

    One of the highlights of my summer!

  89. helenWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 10:27am PDT

    Fantastic! Would love to win!

  90. OLMMarkWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 10:30am PDT

    Ooooh … I’d love to win this!

    Thanks for the contest Rebecca!

  91. ChrisWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 10:48am PDT

    Here’s my comment! ๐Ÿ™‚

  92. MonicaWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 11:44am PDT

    How do you get such AMAZING packages to just give away!?! I am so jealous! I’m entering and tweeting! Thanks Rebecca!

  93. Josh LavoieWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 1:44pm PDT

    Officially a comment. Just in the nick of time. Please pick me!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  94. MirandaWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 1:46pm PDT

    Yes yes yes! Me me me!

  95. JaniceWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 1:50pm PDT

    Me please and thanks!

  96. DougallWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 1:51pm PDT

    Bard on the Beach is great! If I could download it illegally from home I would. But alas, I must venture out of my fishbowl each summer to enjoy the theatre.

  97. Miss604Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 2:01pm PDT

    The contest is now closed — I’ll be writing an update post to announce the winner shortly.

  98. Bard on the Beach Winner Announced » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca BollwittWednesday, May 27th, 2009 — 2:36pm PDT

    […] the last few weeks I have been running a contest, on my site and on Twitter, to win tickets to Bard on the Beach along with a pre-show dining […]

  99. Juan CarlosMonday, June 1st, 2009 — 1:05am PDT

    I just went to see Bard on the Beach’s Othello. It was an excellent play. Very good actors in a minimalist stage that allows you to focus in what is happening in the story.

    I loved how the actors played the different characters like Othello, Iago, Desdemona and Roderigo, but I definitely was amazed by Jennifer Lines, the actress who played Emilia, Iago’s wife. Such a great role.

  100. AnnSunday, June 14th, 2009 — 4:24pm PDT

    Count me in. Bard on the Beach is my fave venue in the city.

  101. Bard on the Beach Contest Take Two » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca BollwittWednesday, June 17th, 2009 — 11:02am PDT

    […] my first Bard on the Beach contest was such a smashing success, I’ve teamed up with them once again to offer a special afternoon […]

  102. Global PatriotMonday, June 22nd, 2009 — 1:51pm PDT

    What an amazing venue for those addicted to the Bard! Should I find a way to head north this summer I’ll add this to my must see list!

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