Vanier College Productions (VCP) was founded in 1972 by Fredrick H. Thury. This vital amateur company of actors, technicians and multi-talented performers has presented a wide range of theatre from Shakespeare to Euripides, from Chaucer to Brecht; music, comedy, drama, and even clowning. Some works have been chosen from the classics, some are popular musical theatre productions, while others have even been written by student playwrights. Historically, the Company has also included an improvisational theatre group know as the Vanier Improv Company (VIC).
For nearly five decades, VCP has provided extra-curricular performing arts opportunities for students from all faculties, programs, disciplines, and backgrounds at York University. As the only extra-curricular theatre company at York University, students receive yearlong experiential education and learning in a theatrical environment through involvement as actors, singers, dancers, comedians, stage managers, technicians, designers, builders and painters.
Every year, participants are given unique opportunities to work on sets, costumes, props, lighting, audio, front of house, marketing, graphic design, and websites. The company is guided by the artistic leadership of VCP alumni, who help the students develop various performance, technical, administrative, and leadership skills. Additionally, VCP provides opportunities for students to work under the Work/Study program, receiving yearlong mentorship, guidance and leadership training in a theatrical setting.