VITAL SPARK theatre was formed in Vancouver in 2002.  It is dedicated to breathing fresh life into the old; shining lights in dark corners; and giving voice to the unheard and the forgotten of B.C. history.

Past  productions:  
Their critically acclaimed first production in 2003 was an adaptation of  Constance Skinner’s Birthright which was mounted  at the Jericho Arts Centre.  The play, though written by BC’s first professional playwright in 1905,  had never before been produced in Canada despite its acclaim in the US and Skinners’ enormous fame there.  Joan Bryans’ adaptation of Birthright  has been published by Playwrights Canada Press (2005, ISBN: 0-88754-752-4)
Their second production was Two Years in Nicola,  a new play by Joan Bryans based on the life of Jessie and Annie MacQueen (two sisters who came west from Nova Scotia to the interior of British Columbia in 1887).  It was mounted in Vancouver, and Kamloops, in October 2005.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - JOAN BRYANS

Joan Bryans, has been involved in live theatre as actress, producer, writer and director for way more years than she really cares to remember.

She adapted and directed the Vital Spark's first production, Birthright (published by Playwrights Canada Press)., and wrote the script for their second production  Two Years in Nicola, basedonthe letters ofJessie and Annie McQueen, which she also directed.  She is currently at work on a new play for vital Spark which will be mounted in the upcoming season.