MISSION
To create land-based theatre that aims to build community, foster connection, stimulate conversations and inspire hope.

Gabriola Island Farm Theatre, aka The GIFT, is stewarded by a trio of professional theatre artists who met long ago while working on a play about fairies that was set on a magical island.

We’ve worked on various theatre projects across Canada over the years- from classics to new works, from fantasy, festivals, and outdoor theatre to immersive experiences, comedies and contemporary plays.

We love animals, nature and simple moments in time.

We love connecting with audiences.

Together, we bring over 90 years of combined professional theatre experience: acting, directing, designing, crafting, playwrighting, dramaturgy, education, behind the scenes, operations, grant writing, event management and more.

Theatre is in our heart and soul; the incredible positive impact that theatre has on individual well-being and community fills us with joy.

We thought it was time to steward a company where we can champion the creation of professional theatre on this rural island. An Offering. A Gift. We invite you to join us for the adventure!

We have big dreams.

We plan to stage one or two plays each year for you, at various locations on Gabriola.

Site-specific: sometimes indoors, sometimes outdoors. Sometimes large scale spectacle, sometimes incredibly intimate and small. Sometimes our farm animals will take on supporting roles.

We will also develop new plays through commissions and the Epiphany Festival, bringing light to new scripts.

Always accessible. Always thoughtful. Always spirited.

Our first presentation will be staged in May 2026 at the Gabriola Arts & Heritage Centre.

OUR CHOSEN VALUES

Community. Community is at the heart of what we do. The GIFT sees community as collaboration with artists, neighbours, volunteers, Gabriola residents and visitors.

Harmony. We aim to work in harmony with nature, with the land, with artists, volunteers and with the Gabriola Community. Our goal is to tread lightly while creating lasting, positive impact.

Openness. We value compassion, integrity and clear communication. We embrace active listening and respect, building common ground across differences.

Sustainability. We aim to further sustainability in our community: through our creations, processes, systems, operations and on the land on which we create and perform.

Excellence. To us, excellence means reaching for the moon, dreaming big and creating magic, while embracing kindness with an active commitment to embedding IDEA principals within our practice.

Nourishment. We aim to nourish the souls of audiences and artists, and the land for which we care.

Gabriola Island Farm Theatre was established as a registered non-profit BC Society in 2025.

We gratefully acknowledge that the lands on which we create, dream and play are the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw First Nations, who have been caretakers of this land since time immemorial. We are committed to continuing our work towards reconciliation with thoughtfulness, respect and openness.