United Players of Vancouver Theatre Company began in 1959 as the St. James United Church Drama Group, founded by two English emigrées, Gwen Crowe and Eileen Oliver. The first play was ‘The Holly & the Ivy’ by Wynyard Brown, directed by Ivor Morris. Performances were held in the lower church hall.
In 1963, when the company was incorporated, the name was changed to United Players of Vancouver. The name was chosen to represent the deep bond the members felt for each other, and that bond continues today.
In 1982, Andrée Karas joined the company, becoming President and Artistic Director in June 1983. She continued to work tirelessly for United Players, with her vision inspiring and challenging all who experienced her enthusiasm and joy of theatre.
The end of 1989 saw the end of United Players association with St. James United Church. However, it was not until 1991 that the company moved to its current space at the Jericho Arts Centre, to become their resident theatre company.
In 2020, CW (Toph) Marshall joined the United Players family as Artistic Director, while Andrée Karas became Artistic Director Emerita. In 2022, Sarah Rodgers took over the Artistic Director position.
For over sixty years, audiences have been entertained with wonderful and exciting theatre. United Players has presented everything from light comedy to Greek tragedy, from beloved English classics to new Canadian premieres. Productions have included great works by George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Noel Coward, Tennessee Williams, Neil Simon, Euripides, Anton Chekhov, Charles Dickens, Aristophanes, Molière, Sophocles, Jane Austen… and the list goes on.