[BCMA] MEDIA RELEASE: Free Walking Tours of the Historic Burrard Dry Dock site, North Vancouver

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 16, 2015
Shipyard Sal and Sam Bring Songs, Storytelling, and Physical Theatre to the Waterfront
Free, drop-in walking tours at
Lonsdale Avenue and Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver
July & August: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:30pm and 3:00pm

NORTH VANCOUVER, BC - This July and August join the North Vancouver Museum and Archives' Waterfront Productions for free, drop-in walking tours of the historical Burrard Dry Dock site and the Lower Lonsdale waterfront. While the Burrard Dry Dock shipbuilding company is known for its industrial accomplishments, the stories of the men and women who worked there are what truly bring its history to life. That's where Shipyard Sal and Sam come in. Using songs, storytelling, and physical theatre, these lively, costumed guides explore the bustling wartime history of the shipyard.
Opening in the early 1900s, Burrard Dry Dock put North Vancouver on the map as few industries had done before. In 1928, the shipyard built its most iconic vessel, RCMP schooner, the St. Roch, the first ship to circumnavigate North America and to sail the Northwest Passage from west to east. But it was Burrard Dry Dock's wartime efforts throughout the 1940s that really propelled the company into uncharted territory. Starting in 1942, the shipyard began an ambitious campaign to build "a ship a week," with their massive, 10,000-ton Victory ships carrying much needed supplies to aid the Allied war effort.
Making their debut as Sal and Sam at the North Vancouver Canada Day Parade this July 1st, Stephanie Wong and Nathan Kay are eager to engage with the public as two lively characters based on the real-life experiences of World War II employees. As part of Langara College's Studio 58 theatre program, both Stephanie and Nathan are trained in everything from song and dance to script writing and improvisation. They're putting these skills to good use in telling tales of women working at the shipyards during the war years, the dangers and dramas of the job, and shipyard personalities like photographer, Jack Cash. Both actors are excited to share these stories with the wider public. As Stephanie explains:
"I have been performing as an actor, singer, and dancer in productions since I was 13 and I am now a student of Studio 58, returning in the fall and debuting in Studio's 50th season. With my passion for theater and love of learning, I'm thrilled to be a part of Waterfront Productions, and to share this exploration of the North Shore's history."
Drop-in tours are offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:30 and 3:00pm throughout July and August. For more information or to book a private group tour, call 604-990-3700 ext. 8008, or email nvmaprograms at dnv.org<mailto:nvmaprograms at dnv.org>. Funding for this project has been made possible in part through a contribution from the Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations program, Department of Canadian Heritage. The Canadian Museums Association administers the museum component of the YCW program on behalf of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
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Media Contact: Anna Wilkinson, Events Coordinator

Tel: (604) 990-3700 x 8008
Email: wilkinsona at dnv.org<mailto:wilkinsona at dnv.org>
High resolution images available upon request.

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