Pi Theatre
Pi Theatre's production of Black & Rural, created and performed by Shayna Jones. Photo by Sarah Race.
Pi Theatre produces theatre that’s intellectually alive and emotionally charged. The company creates social moments and community connections by producing and presenting impactful events that stimulate conversation and ideas.
Pi is one of Vancouver’s longest running independent theatres. Founded in 1984 as Pink Ink Co-op by German emigree Sandhano Schultze, it quickly established a distinct position in Vancouver’s theatrical ecology by producing highly aesthetic productions of contemporary work from Quebec. In 1998, Del Surjik was appointed AD, continuing the company’s community leadership role as a major force in See Seven, a marketing and shared-resource initiative for independent theatre in Vancouver.
In early 2008, Pi welcomed its third and current artistic director, Richard Wolfe. Under Wolfe’s leadership, Pi has focused on the curation and production of challenging theatre with social and cultural relevance while moving to a four-pillar approach in fulfilling its mission.
Cornerstone Productions
These are large-scale productions that set the major themes for Pi’s season, often incorporating an emotional and social aspect of a politically charged topic. Cornerstone Productions have gained attention for everything from the world premiere of Long Division by Peter Dickinson to the Canadian premiere of Hir by Taylor Mac.
Pi Provocateurs
Is Pi’s presentation series that features the work of provocative artists from BC and across Canada, often performed in unconventional or non-traditional spaces.
Close Encounters
This is a range of community happenings that expand Pi’s audience’s experience through critical discussions and other events that reflect the themes established by its Cornerstone productions and Provocateur presentations.
Prime Placements
Pi builds a future for Canadian theatre through mentorships and residencies by providing access and professional experience to emerging artists and administrators, as well as people transitioning from one career area to another.
Pi is committed to accessibility, and supports its community with discounted tickets and other initiatives. The company is invested in the continuing work of creating an inclusive, diverse, and caring theatre on the unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Pi believes in its responsibility to reflect Canada’s diversity on stage and behind the scenes, supporting artists, employees and audience members from all cultural backgrounds and lived experiences.
