HISTORY

The cast and crew of Never Swim Alone.

Founded in January 2010 by Studio 58 graduates Sean Harris Oliver and Raes Calvert, Hardline Productions emerged from a desire to create raw, edgy theatre which is financially accessible to the public.

Hardline debuted in June 2010 at their resident Gastown space Hardline Studios with a trio of Sam Shepard’s early work, titling the production An Electrifying Evening of Sam Shepard. Rehearsals for Twelve Angry Men started three days later.  This production, based on the 1950's film starring Henry Fonda, was both critically acclaimed and a sold-out smash hit, starring a diverse and talented cast of Vancouver's emerging artists and earning a spot on Gay Vancouver's Top 10 Productions of 2010.  Finishing their inaugural season, Hardline co-produced what would be their third full length play in only four months. Heptademic: Redux debuted at the Vancouver International Fringe Festival in September 2010, directed by Jessie Award winning actor Anthony F. Ingram and featured a cast of Studio 58 graduates.

Five of Twelve Angry Men.

After a deserved break, Hardline Productions was back at it in the Spring of 2011 with another full season of works.  Debuting in a revamped Hardline Studios in Gastown with Never Swim Alone, Hardline wowed the crowds and enjoyed a sold out run. Following this were two fun events for the young company: The First Annual Sholivier Awards, a mock-awards show hosted by the Co-Artistic Directors celebrating the best and worst of Vancouver independent theatre; and the second 24 Hour Play Project, a play written, produced, and performed in under 24 hours. Never ones to waste time, bash, directed by Mack Gordon, was close to follow.  This non-traditional production reworked Labute's script to blend the three separate stories into a single powerful narrative, earning an honourable mention on Gay Vancouver's Top 10 of 2011. Finally, Hardline Productions closed its second season with an original creation titled Cativo, a two hander that questioned the nature of truth and reality. 


After such a busy and satisfying first two seasons, Hardline looks forward to its return in 2012. Productions on the horizon include original work, summer festivals, and our first foray into filmmaking. Stay tuned!