Wednesday 23 December 2015

Browsing Our Bulletin Board

Please note our holiday hours: We will be closing at noon on Wednesday, December 23, and opening at 9am on Monday, January 4. Theatre Ontario wishes everyone a very happy holiday and all the best for 2016!

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario

Check out all of our upcoming Career Stream and Creator Stream workshops.

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

  • Deadline for submissions for Acting Up Stage Company’s Ontario Arts Council Theatre Creators’ Reserve Program is December 28.
  • Deadline for submissions to Direct at East Side Players in Toronto is January 4.
  • Deadline for applications for Ontario Trillium Foundation Seed Grants and Capital Grants is January 6.
  • Ottawa Valley Creative Arts Open Studio’s "Social Scripts" program starts January 8, funded by the Youth Theatre Training Program.
  • Deadline for submissions for Sudbury Theatre Centre’s Ontario Arts Council Theatre Creators’ Reserve Program is January 8.
  • Deadline for submissions for Burl-Oak Theatre Group’s Page to Stage Student One-Act Playwriting Contest (for Halton area secondary school students) is January 8.
  • The Estelle Craig ACT II Studio theatre program for adults 50+ is holding an Information Day on January 8.

New on The Bulletin Board

  • b current invites submissions for the rock.paper.sistahz 14th Theatre Festival in May 2016, from emerging and established artists, as well as art facilitators, who identify as black, indigenous, or people of colour. The application deadline is January 11.
Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions and job postings on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Tuesday 22 December 2015

Theatre for Literacy

by Alexsandra Marzocca

Unable to make eye-contact, disinterested in making small talk, this painfully shy young man hid himself away from the group.  We’ll call him Adam.  Adam seemed like the least likely participant in our Theatre for Literacy drama course.  He passed when it came to check-in, and was reluctant to participate in his scene partner work.  But as soon as he got onstage, he came alive!  He was filled with energy and confidence that neither Ciragh, nor myself expected!

Theatre for Literacy is a program formed by two organisations, Frontier College’s ‘Beat the Street’ program and Theatre Ontario’s outreach program. Their aim is to provide a course that empowers students with drama techniques that develop their communication and literacy skills. The learners come to pursue a variety of individual goals that range from education (high school GED, post-secondary, or apprenticeship), to employment, to general literacy skill-building which provides increased independence. In addition to their in-class activities, they are also connected to supports through the Beat the Street Program. The course ran as a trial for four sessions, three hours each session, at Frontier College. Theatre Ontario hired me on to develop the curriculum and teach the course to several participants.

To be honest, I was a little surprised they hired me because I was incapacitated in the interview.  I had all of my wisdom teeth removed the day before, so I was a little high on Oxycontin and could barely speak through my chipmunk cheeks.  Some sort of intellect and personality must have shone through because a week later, and a lot more healed, I met with Katie (the Theatre Ontario Outreach Coordinator) to discuss the expectations they had of me developing the program.
The week leading up to our first class, I developed the four-week course with several goals:
  1. Create a safe, judgement-free space where participants can explore their creativity and self-expression
  2. For the participants to develop their self-confidence and interpersonal skills 
  3. To expand participants’ vocabularies and teach them how to write a scene or monologue 
I was so lucky that one of the other interviewees offered her services as a teaching assistant.  The job seemed a little overwhelming for one person.  Ciragh Lyons and I met at Frontier College during our ‘Adult Literacy Instructor’ training. She is a delightful English soul! She has more of a background in teaching, while I have more of a background in theatre, so the match was serendipitous. 

The students had no idea what they were getting themselves into! Literally. Frontier College didn’t inform them what they were signing up for, as a shrewd tactic that gained us many more participants. Most of the students hadn’t done drama since high school and even then, most of them weren’t so keen on it. These students are at Frontier College to get their GED. Most of them dropped out of high school, and a few of them are now in homeless shelters. Initially, it was hard to sell the value of this course to people who had a lot more on their plate than memorizing a monologue.

A laid-back guy, so chilled he was practically horizontal, was pretty engaged from the beginning. Ben openly talked about his darker life experiences. Although he was active in all our exercises, it was the monologue he wrote that really blew us away. During his final performance, he moved us all to tears. Having a monologue as an assignment allowed him to create a piece of creative writing that is an often overlooked literacy skill. He may not enjoy or be as skilled at writing an essay, but the metaphorical language he used to describe the pain he had felt, and was still struggling with, was powerful.

A quirky introvert (who methinks did protest too much) kept telling Ciragh and I, “I’m shy! I don’t know if I can do this!” But would often be the first volunteer and always the one to brought the laughter to the room. Despite herself, Ally was the most vocal in the group. However she found it challenging to write her own material. During Ben’s first rehearsal, Ally was completely moved and inspired to delve into herself, and find her voice. Her final performance is one that I’ll never forget. She was willing to open some wounds and share her pain using beautiful poetic language. She expressed that this course ignited an interest in pursuing creative writing.

A gentle giant. Softly spoken but with a comforting presence and one of the politest guys you’ll ever meet. George seemed vaguely interested in the course. I couldn’t tell if it was out of politeness or a genuine interest, but he eagerly began participating in activities and partner work. George is a musician who would make everyone else feel at ease but somehow carry that unease on himself. When we would work on posture and presence it was hard for him not to sway from foot to foot, or look away from the floor. When he was given a scene partner suddenly he had the environment where he could make eye contact and stand taller. Over the course of the four weeks, he slowly began to be more present in his own body. It’s amazing how a small thing such as posture can completely overhaul his stage presence as a musician.

It was incredible to see the impact that our short time together had on the participants. From the initial reluctance came an enthusiasm that exceeded my expectations. I felt lucky to have contributed to their development of self-confidence and social skills. I was honoured that they trusted Ciragh and I enough to tell us their stories. Our last session was bittersweet, because everyone did an amazing job of presenting their scene or monologue, but we knew our time together was finished. We all expressed the wish that the course continues so we can spend more time together developing their skills and confidence.

Monday 21 December 2015

ONstage Openings for the weeks of December 21 and December 28

This week’s openings on Ontario’s stages

In Southwestern Ontario

Dec. 29, At the Movies at Oh Canada Eh? Productions (Niagara Falls), with a preview on Dec. 28*

In Eastern Ontario

Dec. 27, Mary Poppins at Kanata Theatre (Ottawa) 

ONstage Now Playing in Toronto
Parfumerie at Soulpepper Theatre
Michelle Monteith, Gregory Prest
Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann

In South Central Ontario

Dec. 21, Snow White at Burl-Oak Theatre Group (Oakville)

Friday 18 December 2015

Ontario Off Stage

by Brandon Moore, Community Theatre and Communications Manager

Conversation Starters


Behind the Scenes at Ontario’s Theatres


In Case You Missed It

You can also receive news from Theatre Ontario every month by email.  Our archives are online and the December issue is now available.

Theatre Ontario’s office will be closed from December 23 at noon, re-opening on January 4 at 9am.  We'll see you in 2016!

Thursday 17 December 2015

Stories from the Professional Theatre Training Program

Our Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) offers financial support for unique and flexible training with a chosen mentor in any theatrical discipline (except performance.) These are some of the current participants' experiences.

Emily Oriold trained in general management with Deb Sholdice at Blyth Festival

(November 20, 2015)  First and foremost, I thank Theatre Ontario for this opportunity, and thank Deb Sholdice and Gil Garratt at the Blyth Festival Theatre for helping to give me a leg-up to reach for the stars! I feel absolutely fortunate to have been able to train with Deb for these six weeks. My training through the Theatre Ontario PTTP has been invaluable. I really feel that it has helped answer and clear up questions I had prior to my training about contract negotiation, bookkeeping practices, the audit process, and overall administrative management of a theatre company.

It quickly became clear that in order to run a mid-size theatre company, one must look beyond one’s own walls and have a strong impact on one’s community both on an outreach level and an economic level. I learned that building relationships with local businesses, patrons, and government bodies is essential when running a theatre organization.

I was able to observe Deb as she went to BIA meetings, strategic planning sessions for North Huron (where the Blyth Festival is located), and, specifically, a meeting for a larger project scheduled for Fall 2016 which will involve the partnership of other not-for-profit companies to realize the full scope. These are all activities outside of producing a regular season of plays. The full operations of a theatre organization go beyond a summer production season and it was very eye-opening for me to be a part of this larger conversation. As a professional artist with fifteen years of experience working as a performer and director, it became clear to me that is was more beneficial for me to do my training in the off-season so that I could get a better understanding of how a theatre organization operates throughout the entire year—not just when it is producing a theatrical season. I was able to observe the year-end audit process, fundraiser planning, membership and ticketing strategies for an upcoming season, and basic bookkeeping practices: all things I have never done before.

Emily Oriold's final day at Blyth Festival
with Deb Sholdice and Gil Garratt
I also was a part of the conversation as Gil and Deb put together their new five-year strategic plan. The Blyth Festival has had four Artistic Directors in three years. Now that they have been able to confidently contract a new AD, a strong vision could be agreed upon with plans made to support this vision, and activities outlined to execute these new goals. What amazing timing! We are currently putting together a five-year strategic plan for The Foster Festival with our Board of Directors and being a fly-on-the-wall as Gil and Deb went through their brainstorming session was—as I’ve already said many times—invaluable.

I am happy to report that with Deb’s guidance and assistance, The Foster Festival was able to set up a 2-Ticket Holiday Pass campaign which will, hopefully, be a boost to our November/December ticket sales. We have already seen some strong single ticket sales within the Niagara region and we would like to continue on this path by offering Holiday Passes as a Stocking Stuffer idea to our customers to encourage them to share the love of theatre with their friends and family. Deb was instrumental in helping me figure out how we can do this with our third party box office team. Because we do not run our own box office, we cannot just run any program we want at any time and we sometimes have to be creative in how we can implement these types of programs. Deb was such a big help to me when I put together my “pitch” to the Performing Arts Centre box office.

This past week, The Foster Festival held auditions for the World Premiere production of Halfway to the North Pole. I will be moving into contract negotiations with CAEA artists. Deb gave me a breakdown of what some of the questions might be coming from artists and/or agents. She also helped me crunch some preliminary numbers for designers and technicians. As a General Manager or Executive Director, our job is not to get in the way of the art and cut it off at the knees at every turn because “we cannot afford that.” It is our job to hear what the artistic vision is, understand the vision, and then figure out how we can fund this vision along with manage the finances surrounding expenses.

I will say it again, this training has only reinforced my confidence as the Executive Director of The Foster Festival and has given me further insight into what it means to run a professional theatre organization. If I can name one thing that is at the top of the list of what I have taken away from this training process, it is the importance of how closely the Artistic Director and General Manager or Executive Director have to work together in order to realize a company’s vision and, ultimately, make it a successful cultural endeavour. I believe that Foster Festival Artistic Director Patricia Vanstone, and I already have a strong and united working relationship. My training at the Blyth Festival definitely reinforced the importance of us continuing to work together on a united front to ensure the success of The Foster Festival.

In closing, thank you, thank you, thank you to Theatre Ontario and the PTTP. I would not have had the means to do this training otherwise and because of this training, I can now continue forward as the Executive Director of The Foster Festival with more confidence, tools, and tricks-of-the-trade than I had before starting this 6-week process.

Susan Cuthbert trained in directing with Robert McQueen at Harold Green Jewish Theatre

(November 19, 2015) As the run of The Immigrant winds down, I am both exhilarated and inspired to continue my journey directing, but also sad that this rewarding experience is almost over.  I absorbed specifics of how to create a supportive environment and the power of  choosing words that invite actors to take risks, stay curious and explore.  I marveled at Robert Mc Queen's diligent and tenacious intent to maintain focus on the actors' process, and his focus on each characters' specific tactics, intentions and actions. Some specific terms to guide performers he used : 'keep active, not complacent' , 'keep narrative alive' , 'dis-obligate yourself  from a specific destination ' , 'your character is rigorous' 'buoyant.'  I observed that this detailed work is especially necessary during the initial rehearsal process because once new elements are introduced, it is the heart and anchor of the piece.

I also observed how to deal with the pressure of time—especially once in the theatre; how imperative it is to be patient and maintain a cool, clear head so that solutions can be found as situations arise.
I noted how Robert led with a strong, clear vision while involving everyone both on stage and backstage. Everyone in the production is equally valuable and all views important for a cohesive vision. Seeing how  important the fine balancing act is of listening and communicating with clarity and fortitude throughout the process.  It takes a very secure person to delegate and discuss.  I hope to become that secure with my work as a director.

I was asked to talk to groups of audience members (approximately 30) about the production. At first I wasn't sure if I could be articulate what the heart of the show is, answer their questions or relay the Director’s vision. By the third talk, I had built some confidence and some valuable new skills, and was able to impart some of the feedback from the audience with Robert and the cast, which seemed helpful.

I am so fortunate to have learned from the best—especially for my chosen genre of music theatre! It's obvious that Robert has an innate and huge talent for directing but he  has also learned skills from many other directors including one of music theatre legends, Hal Prince. Robert is an actors' director, who is a powerful, generous and accomplished communicator and artist. Having been on the 'other side' as an actor he knows how imperative these qualities are in a director for a distinctive and exemplary production. Because Robert strives for world class excellence, he has inspired me to continue my journey as a director. And like him, I hope to be fearless, curious, and rigorous.  This experience has been a ‘spring board’ into a whole new world and has opened my life in ways so profound it is difficult to express.

I look forward to staying open and curious as I find my own voice and learn, express, guide and lead throughout my quest for this new exciting world. Who knew I could transition into a new career,  at my age?! Thank you so much for this unique and rewarding opportunity!

Miranda Bouchard will train in design with Ruth Howard at Jumblies Theatre

(November 24, 2015) I am thrilled to have been selected as a recipient for Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) support from Theatre Ontario, and am eager to begin my training with the incomparable Ruth Howard and the amazing people at Jumblies Theatre and offshoots.

During my mentorship with Ruth, I hope to learn more about the theory and history of community-engaged artistic practice (specifically theatre.)  I feel I’ve got much to soak in, to broaden my appreciation for the possibilities and power of the discipline. Simultaneously I intend to familiarize myself with theatre design, its multiple, integrated facets, and the ways in which those pieces function when applied to community-engaged theatre.

I will refresh the creative skills that will serve me during the mentorship and beyond as designer for my home organization, Thinking Rock Community Arts’, current project The Rivers Speak. These skills include design and creation of props, puppets, masks and costumes, scenic painting and production, various fabrication applications, lighting, spatial design and more. I’m excited for this phase of applied learning and experimentation, collecting samples, creating sketches, building mock-ups, combining ideas and disciplines, and ultimately hosting art-making sessions to produce the emergent ideas.

To this end—the ultimate task of building the visual components in group, back in Algoma—I will improve my facilitation skills through working alongside Ruth, and find my “style”, to most effectively engage both artist and non-artist community members, of all ages, in the processes of making and animating. As I move through my mentorship, I aim to be an asset, assistant and ambassador for Jumblies Theatre, to learn deeply by being deeply involved, and to maximize every moment of this opportunity.

I also hope to learn more from Ruth Howard about theatre design (advantageously, a specialty and area of interest for Ruth. I look forward to getting into hands-on making, experimenting and collecting as I work towards developing an overall design for the Rivers Speak, facilitation (getting comfortable as a facilitator, and finding my style, to work with groups and propel my project forward, effectively and equitably) and BIG questions (as the holder of a vision for the overall design, how do you balance holding tight to that vision, while letting go, adapting, and making room for others? How, as a settler woman, can I responsibly and equitably design a community-engaged production that represents and responds to diverse perspectives, stories, and views brought together in the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration?)

Courtenay Stevens trained in artistic producing with Jennifer Brewin at Common Boots Theatre

(November 24, 2015)  Well, my time studying artistic producing with Common Boots has flown by. It’s been a flurry of emails, copywriting, meetings, proof reading, more emails and group decisions about font, colour, ticket prices and content across the board.  Oh and meetings with the board.  And with publicists and pastors.

I’m not quite sure if Jennifer sleeps, as she’s always coming up with new ideas and creating ways to maximize the modest company budget while generating the most return and engagement. Through watching, I have certainly learned a few lessons about leadership. One of the key takeaways is empowerment.  Jennifer will present a challenge and allow a person to take it up, or will encourage them to stretch to reach it. This happened to me on several occasions. Empowerment and trust also allows the time to get work done. I suppose it’s the old adage of surrounding oneself with good people.

Jennifer knows and respects the value of people and community. She remembers people’s names and is generous in her interactions. She understands the collaborative nature of theatre.

Tails From the City at Common Boots Theatre
Having never worked at a desk, I too have been more exposed to the nature of collaboration outside of the rehearsal hall. My colleagues in the Common Boots office (which is often a café or my kitchen table) have really carried me well during this training period. They have always been willing to share their experience and knowledge with me.  And in keeping with the way things go around here, when they don’t know, they just take a stab at it and are supported in their endeavor.

During our run up to the production of the Common Boots winter show, Tails From the City, I have made valuable contacts in disparate communities ranging from church groups to marketing.  I’m sure I can reach out to this network in the future should I need them and I know the Common Boots team also has my back.


Thank you Theatre Ontario for allowing me this eye opening opportunity to explore artistic producing with this local theatre company.

The next application deadline for the Professional Theatre Training Program is March 1, 2016.

Learn more about Theatre Ontario's Professional Theatre Training Program

Theatre Ontario’s Professional Theatre Training Program is funded by the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.


Wednesday 16 December 2015

Browsing Our Bulletin Board

Please note our holiday hours: We will be closing at noon on Wednesday, December 23, and opening at 9am on Monday, January 4. Theatre Ontario wishes everyone a very happy holiday and all the best for 2016!

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario

Check out all of our upcoming Career Stream and Creator Stream workshops.

New on The Bulletin Board

  • Sudbury Theatre Centre invites submissions for their Ontario Arts Council Theatre Creators’ Reserve Program, with funding priority given to creators working in Northern Ontario for the development of new regional work. The application deadline is January 8.
  • Odyssey Theatre in Ottawa is hosting a workshop on “Physical Theatre and Mask: for performers, running January 15 to 17.
  • Odyssey Theatre also invites submissions for their Ontario Arts Council Theatre Creators’ Reserve Program, with funding priority given to projects that incorporate a discipline related to masked theatre. The application deadline is January 18.
  • ArtsBuild Ontario has a new date for their Dollars to $ense Energy Conservation Workshop in Toronto: February 10.
Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions and job postings on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Tuesday 15 December 2015

Join Us at Theatre Ontario Next Generation Showcase 2016

When: Sunday, January 17th and Monday, January 18th, 2016
Where: Aki Studio Theatre
Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas Street East, Toronto

We warmly invite Directors, Artistic Directors, Producers, Casting Directors, Agents EIC signed or TAMAC members, and other Industry Professionals to join us for our annual showcase of graduating student talent.

Similar to last year, we will have electronic school kits hosted on Casting Workbook, which will be accessible on tablets, laptops, and smart phones before, during, and after the Showcase event (Wi-Fi is available in the venue).

In the days prior to the Showcase, all attending industry professionals will receive an email with links to each school’s page, containing the headshots and CVs of each performing student.
(Having a Casting Workbook account is not required to view these links.)

As we are still transitioning to electronic kits, we will still have the traditional hardcopy school kits available at the event for those who want them. You will also still receive a hardcopy one-pager from each school with a listing of the students’ performance pieces, in order of presentation.

Any feedback or questions can be directed to
Rebecca Ballarin, Professional Theatre and Education Manager
416.408.4556 x 12
programs@theatreontario.org   

R.S.V.P. for Next Generation Showcase Required by Friday, January 8, 2016

Please specify whether you will be attending on Sunday, Monday, or both days when you RSVP

Join the conversation at #TOshowcase

Schedule of Events – Approximate Times
Lunch and Refreshments Provided

Sunday, January 17, 2016
  • 9:00am - Industry Check-in
  • 9:30am - Canadore College
  • 9:55am - Ryerson University
  • 10:55am - George Brown Theatre School
  • 11:45am - York University (BFA)
  • 12:35pm - National Theatre School of Canada
  • 1:15pm - Lunch
  • 2:15pm - University of Alberta
  • 2:55pm - Sheridan / University of Toronto Mississauga
  • 3:55pm - Humber College
  • 5:00pm - University of Windsor
  • 6:00pm - Networking Party
  • 7:30pm - Panel Discussion

Monday, January 18, 2016
  • 9:30am - Industry Check-In
  • 10:00am - London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
  • 10:15am - Centre for Indigenous Theatre
  • 10:25am - New Faces
  • 11:30am - St. Lawrence College
  • 12:40pm - St. Clair College
  • 1:45pm - Lunch
  • 2:30pm - Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts
  • 3:40pm - Sheridan Institute: Musical Theatre (Part I)
  • 4:40pm - Sheridan Institute: Musical Theatre (Part II)
  • 5:45pm - Networking Party
Read more about Theatre Ontario's Next Generation Showcase

Monday 14 December 2015

ONstage Openings for the week of December 14

This week’s openings on Ontario’s stages

In Toronto

Dec. 16, Alligator Pie at Soulpepper Theatre
Dec. 18, Christmas Concert by the Candy Cane Carolers at Solar Stage Children's Theatre
Dec. 19, The Naughty Listers at The Second City

ONstage Opening in Kingston
A Christmas Carol - the Broadway Musical!
at Bottle Tree Productions

In Central Ontario

Dec. 17, Christmas Belles at Port Hope Festival Theatre

In Eastern Ontario

Dec. 17, A Christmas Carol – the Broadway Musical! at Bottle Tree Productions (Kingston)


For all the theatre playing across Ontario, visit Theatre Ontario’s ONstage theatre listings on our website

Friday 11 December 2015

Ontario Off Stage

by Brandon Moore, Community Theatre and Communications Manager

Conversation Starters


Bruce Spinney in Angel Square at
Great Canadian Theatre Company. Photo
by Andrew Alexander.

Behind the Scenes at Ontario’s Theatres


Migrations


TO Toasts


In Case You Missed It

Wednesday 9 December 2015

Browsing Our Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario

Check out all of our upcoming Career Stream and Creator Stream workshops.

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

  • Deadline to apply for Thousand Islands Playhouse 2016 Playwrights’ Unit is December 11.
  • Deadline for nominations for the Gina Wilkinson Prize for a female theatre artist making a transition from one theatre discipline to directing is December 15.
  • Deadline to apply for the 2016 Harvey Residency at the Rosebud School of the Arts (Alberta) is December 15.
Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions and job postings on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Tuesday 8 December 2015

Congratulations to Fall 2015 Youth Theatre Training Program Recipients

We are excited to announce the latest recipients of training grants through Theatre Ontario’s Youth Theatre Training Program (YTTP). We thank all those who applied to the program.

$21,875 was awarded in total among the following recipients:
  • Aanmitaagzi Story Makers (North Bay) - Serpent People
  • Edge of the Woods Theatre (Muskoka) - Out of the Box
  • Essential Collective Theatre (St. Catharines) - Playwriting for Youth
  • Festival Players of Prince Edward County - Festival Players Young Company Workshops
  • Ottawa Valley Creative Arts Open Studio - Social Scripts: Youth Theatre Series
  • Paprika Theatre Festival (Toronto) - Core Educational Programs
  • Young People's Theatre (Toronto) - Three Up
Over $72,000 was requested during this application round. The next application deadline for this program is March 15, 2016.

Find out more about Theatre Ontario's Youth Theatre Training Program

This program is funded by the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Monday 7 December 2015

ONstage Openings for the week of December 7

This week’s openings on Ontario’s stages

In South Central Ontario

Dec. 10, The Beck Festival at Theatre Erindale (Mississauga)

In Toronto

ONstage Opening in Toronto
The Christmas Tree at Baby Gumm Productions
Ramona Milano, Marc Bondy
Dec. 11, Parfumerie at Soulpepper Theatre, with a preview on Dec. 11
Dec. 12, Krampus The Original Christmas Curmudgeon at Solar Stage Children's Theatre
Dec. 12, The Christmas Tree at Baby Gumm Productions

In Central Ontario

Dec. 8, The Snow Queen at Peterborough Theatre Guild

ICYMI: Check out last week’s openings

For all the theatre playing across Ontario, visit Theatre Ontario’s ONstage theatre listings on our website

Friday 4 December 2015

Ontario Off Stage

by Brandon Moore, Community Theatre and Communications Manager

Conversation Starters


Behind the Scenes at Ontario’s Theatres

  • We are pleased to announce that the Ontario Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2015 new regulation includes an exemption for stage productions provided the e-cigarette does not contain nicotine, and that there is no consideration for the use of the e-cigarette (i.e. product placement.) Thank you to everyone who supported this advocacy initiative.
  • A tense opening night for Take Two Theatre in Timmins on November 20th: storm knocked out power, and it wasn’t restored until fifteen minutes before opening. They held the curtain briefly, and performed without a hitch to an appreciative audience.
  • The Quinte West council agreed to renovations to the Old Town Hall in downtown Trenton. Building code violations had closed the second floor theatre venue used by Bay of Quinte Community Players.

Thursday 3 December 2015

Join Us at Theatre Ontario Festival 2016

Tickets are now on sale for Theatre Ontario Festival 2016 in North Bay. Opening May 18, and running until May 22, our annual Festival is a celebration of community theatre featuring performances and workshops, bringing together theatre lovers from across the province. Early-bird passes at a discounted rate are available until January 31.

Festival accommodations can be booked at the Festival Hotel: the Holiday Inn Express. Accommodations are available at a special Festival rate, and includes a hot buffet breakfast.

Related reading


Wednesday 2 December 2015

Browsing Our Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario

Check out all of our upcoming Career Stream and Creator Stream workshops.

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

  • The final Ontario Cultural Strategy Town Hall is in Windsor on December 3.
  • Deadline to apply for Great Canadian Theatre Company’s Theatre Creators Reserve is December 4.
  • Deadline to apply for Theatre Aquarius’ Theatre Creators Reserve is December 4.
  • The Kick and Push Festival in Kingston invites applications for their 2016 Festival.  The deadline is December 4.
  • The Toronto Arts Council is holding an information session on the Long-Term Project Grants for Dance and Theatre program on December 7.
  • Deadline to apply for Thousand Islands Playhouse 2016 Playwrights’ Unit is December 11.

New on The Bulletin Board

  • Acting Up Stage Company invites applications for their Theatre Creators Reserve.  Funding priorities are works that use music to illuminate the human condition, where the music is integral to the emotional journey of the character and the storytelling. Preference is also given to works written by teams who specialize in each area (book, music, lyrics.) Deadline is December 28.
Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Tuesday 1 December 2015

Inviting Applications for New Faces at Theatre Ontario's Next Generation Showcase 2016

Theatre Ontario’s 22nd annual Next Generation Showcase, presented in partnership with Native Earth Performing Arts, will take place on January 17 and 18, 2016 at Daniels Spectrum in Toronto.

This unique two-day event provides graduating theatre students the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of industry professionals, including casting directors, artistic directors, independent directors, producers, and agents. Many of the top theatre training programs from Ontario and beyond participate annually, and each year we also provide an opportunity for recent grads from other training programs wishing to pursue their performing careers in Toronto in our NEW FACES category.

To be eligible to apply to "New Faces", you must fulfill the following criteria:
  • You are graduating or have graduated from a full-time theatre training program within the last 3 years;
  • You currently reside, or plan to reside, in Ontario and are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
  • You presently do not have an agent.
Please note:  If you have already participated in the Next Generation Showcase in the past, you are not eligible for NEW FACES participation.

The application deadline is December 11, 2015.