Audrey Zaharichuk has volunteered at Bard on the Beach for 35 years, a tenure that spans nearly the entire history of the Vancouver Shakespeare festival. She began in 1991, a year after the festival's launch, and has witnessed its evolution from a single production in a rented tent to a major summer attraction drawing tens of thousands.
From T-shirt Sales to Ushering
Zaharichuk's first role was selling merchandise at a table in the Bard Village. 'Back then, I sat at a table in the Bard Village with boxes of T-shirts underneath. I'd pull them out to show people and then dig through the boxes to find the right size,' she recalled. The festival was small enough that an actor once served coffee during intermission. After a few years, she moved to the box office, where tickets were $8 and printed by Christopher Gaze's sister, filed by performance date on a wall.
Now, Zaharichuk primarily works as an usher during the season and assists with year-round educational programs. She also greets actors during auditions, getting to know both newcomers and longtime Bard performers. 'I go to a lot of live theatre around Vancouver, so it's fun seeing familiar faces,' she said.
Growth of the Festival
Bard on the Beach launched in 1990 with a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in a rented tent, running four weeks and attracting an estimated 6,000 people. By 2024, the festival hosted four productions on two stages, with an attendance of approximately 88,000. This growth has been supported by a dedicated volunteer base. 'This year, we have 350 volunteers and we treasure each of them as much as they treasure Bard,' said founder and artistic director Christopher Gaze.
Gaze praised Zaharichuk as an exemplar of Bard's spirit. 'It goes beyond just the hours she volunteers. Her kindness, generosity and her own particular brand of enthusiasm and love for Bard has helped to set a mark for so many to follow,' he said.
Perks of Long Service
One of the privileges Zaharichuk enjoys is sitting in on table reads. 'I get to hear the cast read the script together for the first time. It's amazing how prepared some of them already are. Some have huge portions practically memorized before rehearsals even begin. Watching the amount of work that goes into a production gives you an even greater appreciation for what audiences eventually see onstage,' she said.
Zaharichuk's dedication exemplifies the crucial role volunteers play in arts organizations. Bard on the Beach depends on them to welcome patrons, scan tickets, usher guests, answer questions, and provide directions. Without such volunteers, the festival's success would not be possible.
