our lore.

Play on Words began in 2014 when co-founders Sabrielle McCurdy Foreman, Theo Budd, and Ryan Nunez set out to create spaces where artists could thrive -spaces to craft work for their friends and peers, and to uplift the bodies, voices, and communities too often absent from local stages. They have produced a number of full-length musicals, including You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (nominated for Best Small Cast Musical) and Bonnie and Clyde, which had a sold-out run at the Havana theatre in 2016, and [title of show] presented in 2016 and 2023.

Other programming has included a number of special programming/events including: Twisted Broadway (date), Twisted 2.0 (2015), Sing Out Louise (2015), Disney Cabaret (2014), 11th & Broadway (year), and the Rehearsal Sessions (year). They are also known for their popular cabaret series which has have been at such venues as Cafe Deux Soleil, the Backstage Lounge and the 7 Dining Lounge.

Play on Words achieved official nonprofit status in June 2025.

Play on Words Productions is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) nations. We hold gratitude for their care of these lands since time immemorial and for their continuing presence today.

pow productions society’s purposes:

To produce, present or create high-calibre musical, theatrical and other artistic productions and related programs.
To uplift the voices of marginalized communities, casting shows based on artistic merit and without consideration of appearance, gender expression, age, race or physical ability, where applicable - telling stories from unique lenses.
To forge creative partnerships with venues, community groups and other arts organizations to produce, present or create theatrical productions in community spaces outside of conventional theatre spaces.
To produce and present theatrical productions using a profit share model, where any surplus of income from ticket sales are invested back into the community and/or divided amongst the cast & crew.

the collective.

What started as a bold vision for a more inclusive future of theatre in Vancouver has, over the past decade, grown into a vibrant and supportive artistic home. A milestone production of Godspell in November 2024 marked a turning point, revealing a growing community of new faces and reaffirming that the work could no longer be carried by just three people.

With the company’s transition to non-profit status, Play on Words has expanded its circle. The Collective is comprised of key creatives who help shape the company’s artistic pursuits and future. The collective is a space for creativity, collaboration, and artistic leadership. Together, this team aims to champion bold, inclusive, and community-driven theatre in Vancouver.