A distinguished theatrical career

How many of UBC’s present body of academics and students know that Walter Gage’s past includes a distinguished theatrical career? Yes, indeed, way back in the thirties he won fame as a prestigious director of melodrama. As a member of the advisory body of the Players’ Club he staged a series of hair-raising and heart-rending thrillers as his contribution to the important University Christmas program of short plays designed to develop the budding talents of neophyte student actors. …

But most truly and lastingly memorable is Walter Gage’s contribution to the development of theatre at the University. He was one of the members of the faculty most instrumental in winning academic recognition of UBC’s Department of Theatre, and in securing the post-war army hut, the old Thunderbird Canteen, as the home of the original Frederic Wood Theatre.

Dorothy Somerset
Professor Emeritus of Theatre