Theatre Ontario's Blog

Thank You To Our Donors

2012-01-26T13:04:00.000-05:00

Theatre Ontario thanks everyone who has supported us with donations as we launched our 40th Anniversary celebration. Your contribution creates and sustains a vibrant and dynamic theatre community in our province, through Theatre Ontario.

It’s not too late to join in! We invite you to be part of our milestone “40 for 40” celebration, where your donation will create mentorships, workshops, networks, and resources that develop our communities now and in the future. Make your donation to Theatre Ontario today!

Celebrating Milestones

2012-01-24T11:51:00.001-05:00

By Anne Mooney, Community Theatre Coordinator

This is my first blog post, so a few comments and introductions are in order. So many of you have been extremely generous in your congratulatory notes and I thank everyone for their kind words. I hope I can live up to your good wishes.

I have had a few people send emails not realizing we had met before. Some of you may remember me by my maiden name, Annie Reaume.

I am very excited to be the latest in a line of fine Community Theatre Coordinators. Through my years in community theatre, I have had the privilege of meeting many vibrant and effective Coordinators. If I started to name them all, I am sure I would forget someone, so let me only say, thank you for your inspiration and support of theatre in Ontario and I hope I can follow in your example.

With this being Theatre Ontario’s 40th anniversary year, I have been thinking a lot about 2012 and the many milestones that are being celebrated this year.

It all started when I was asked when the first WODL festival occurred. A little quick research and a sudden epiphany and there it was. Three of our present community theatre regions can trace their origins to the first meetings for creation of the Dominion Drama Festival, specifically the meeting of October 29, 1932 at Rideau Hall. The Governor General at the time was the driving force for the creation of an all-Canada theatrical festival. During those first meetings, three regions for preliminary adjudications were created the Western Ontario region, the Central Ontario region, and the Eastern Ontario region. These three regions are the birthright of the present day Western Ontario Drama League(WODL), Eastern Ontario Drama League(EODL) and the Association of Community Theatres of Central Ontario (ACT-CO). Happy 80th birthday.

In 1957, CODL was split into two and QUONTA was born. QUONTA had a large celebration for their 50th anniversary in 2007, but, as someone who knows–the 55th is also a milestone year. I look forward to celebrating with them at their festival in March in Elliot Lake.

Several communities are hosting Festivals this year in conjunction with special milestone birthdays. Traditionally, Theatre Sarnia hosts the WODL Festival every five years on their -5 and -0 anniversaries. This year is their 85th. One of the driving forces behind the creation of WODL and the DDF was D. Park Jamieson of Sarnia, a prominent member of Sarnia Little Theatre. To this day he is immortalized in WODL; the Best Production award presented yearly at the WODL Festival is the D. Park Jamieson Award. This year’s festival is March 12th to the 17th. WODL is my home region and I have been at many festivals there. St. Patrick’s Day traditionally has a green theme. I wonder what will be happening at this year’s Festival Ball on St. Patrick’s Day?

Ottawa Little Theatre is hosting the EODL festival on April 11th to 15th. OLT is one of our oldest continuing community theatres as this is their 100th anniversary year. Sometimes I have difficulty remembering last week, imagine having 100 years of history to celebrate.

Our culminating community theatre festival, the aptly named Theatre Ontario Festival is being hosted by Theatre SMC in Sault Ste. Marie. Not only is this the 40th anniversary of Theatre Ontario, but Sault Ste. Marie is celebrating their 100th anniversary as a city. The Festival Committee is partnering with the City to be included as part of their joint anniversary celebrations. Theatre Ontario Festival occurs in May.

As you can see, community theatre in Ontario has a lot to celebrate. We celebrate our theatres every year at our festivals, at our opening nights, at our closing night parties. We celebrate all the time. But sometimes, we should take a moment to step back and celebrate our history and our place in our home communities. Milestone years are the perfect time to remember our amazing accomplishments.

The Festival and community theatres I have mentioned above are merely the tip of the iceberg. As I go forward with my new position as Community Theatre Coordinator, please let me know about your milestones and I don’t mean, just those big anniversaries. How about the small accomplishments? It’s our first show of the season or we’re so new, we are celebrating that we got our third show off the ground! I would love to celebrate with you and share your accomplishments throughout the province.

Isn’t Community Theatre worth celebrating!

ONstage Openings for the week of January 23

2012-01-23T12:55:00.001-05:00

In Northwestern Ontario
Jan. 27, The Syringa Tree at Magnus Theatre (Thunder Bay) with a preview on Jan. 26

In South Central Ontario
Jan. 27, Welfarewell at The Curtain Club (Richmond Hill) with a preview on Jan. 26
Jan. 27, The Laramie Project at Theatre Aurora

In Southwestern Ontario
Jan. 26, How It Works (staged reading) at Lost & Found Theatre (Kitchener)
Jan. 26, The Heiress at Galt Little Theatre (Cambridge)
Jan. 26, The Anger In Ernest and Ernestine at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre

In Toronto
Jan. 26, A Brimful Of Asha at Tarragon Theatre with previews from Jan. 24

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2012-01-23T09:45:00.001-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

OAC Theatre Creators Reserve deadlines for Barrie’s Talk Is Free Theatre (Jan. 27) and Port Stanley Festival Theatre (Jan. 31)
On January 28 and 29 in Millbrook: workshops from 4th Line Theatre on Adult Improvisation (Herbie Barnes), Youth Acting (Marjie Chud) and Playwriting (Sky Gilbert)

New on The Bulletin Board

The Mississauga Arts Council has issues its call for the 2012 “Martys” honouring arts in Mississauga

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Ontario Off Stage

2012-01-20T10:42:00.000-05:00

Conversations

Speculation about who will succeed Des McAnuff as Artistic Director at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival is a popular conversation; J. Kelly Nestruck in the Globe & Mail interviewed Antoni Cimolini, Stratford’s General Director on the subject, and also speculated on other possible successors—make sure you read the comments to hear Morris Panych’s feelings on the subject
What does Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, have to teach us about selling theatre? Adam Thurman on Mission Paradox has a reminder

From The Wire

Hill Strategies Research calculated the municipal cultural investment in five Canadian cities: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver—guess who came in 4th and 5th?
But the City of Toronto did maintain arts grants for 2012
Kingston’s Domino Theatre opened their new venue in the old Harold Harvey Arena
The Mississauga Arts Council is launching the Limelight Association of Young Artists on January 27 for artists under 30
The York Region District School Board may axe specialized elementary arts and sports programs because they are “elitist”
Meanwhile, how do performing arts organization make up that gap? Creative Trust and the Professional Arts Organizations Network for Education released a study on the topic
You know that collaborative project in Europe that you’ve been wanting to do? The Canada Council is hosting webinars on the European Union Culture Programme, which funds cross-border collaborations outside of Europe; Canada will be one of the eligible countries this year

Remember, you can also receive our news every month by email. Our archives are online and the January 2012 issue is now available.

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Celebrating 40 Years of Professional Theatre Mentorship

2012-01-19T11:51:00.001-05:00

As Theatre Ontario celebrates our 40th anniversary, we’re looking at the impact we’ve had on theatre in Ontario (and beyond) with a lot of pride. The Professional Theatre Training Program was one of Theatre Ontario’s first programs. Since 1972, we estimate over a thousand theatre professionals have benefited from mentorships funded by this program, and many have gone on to become mentors themselves.

Our archive of past recipients is not complete (particularly for the 1970s and 1980s.) Help us fill in any gaps and share your stories and photographs for our retrospective.

The Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP) is funded by the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Call for Applications for the Professional Theatre Training Program

2012-01-18T10:09:00.009-05:00

Theatre Ontario is now inviting applications for the March 1, 2012 deadline for the Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP), funded by the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

The PTTP offers financial support for unique and flexible training with a chosen mentor in any theatrical discipline (except performance.) One can apply for professional development in his/her own discipline, or a “change of direction" in a career. To apply, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience following their formal education.

Read all about the Professional Theatre Training Program on the Theatre Ontario website. After reading the PTTP guidelines, applicants are encouraged to contact Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator (tim@theatreontario.org or 416.408.4556 x.12) regarding your application.

Read also about the most recent mentorships (Fall 2011) funded by this program.

Thank You To Our Amazing 2012 Showcase Panelists

2012-01-17T15:19:00.002-05:00

As part of Theatre Ontario Showcase—our annual event presenting the graduating classes of conservatory theatre programs—we held professional panels on the evening of Sunday, January 15th. This entertaining and informative evening gave the graduates a chance to talk to industry professionals about the realities of the business from a variety of perspectives.

“The Business of Casting” panel featured casting director Jason Knight (casting consultant for CBC Television), agent Celia Chassels (recently retired from Gary Goddard Agency), and Brendan Healy (Artistic Director of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre.)

The “Surviving a Career in Acting” panel featured Claire Calnan, Martin Julien, Nancy Palk, and Cara Ricketts sharing their personal experiences in the business.

Both panels were moderated by Theatre Ontario’s Professional Theatre Coordinator Tim Chapman, and held at Young People’s Theatre.

Read more about Showcase on the Theatre Ontario website

ONstage Openings for the week of January 16

2012-01-16T13:20:00.004-05:00

In Eastern Ontario
Jan. 20, Blood On The Moon at Great Canadian Theatre Company (Ottawa) with previews from Jan. 17

In South Central Ontario
Jan. 19, H.M.S. Pinafore at OnStage Uxbridge
Jan. 20, Beautiful City at Durham Shoestring Performers (Oshawa)

In Southwestern Ontario
Jan. 17, Ed's Garage at The Grand Theatre (London)
Jan. 21, Here To Hear at Carousel Players (St. Catharines) and on tour from January 24

In Toronto
Jan. 18, The Golden Dragon at Tarragon Theatre
Jan. 19, Kim's Convenience at Soulpepper Theatre
Jan. 20, Penny Plain at Factory Theatre
Jan. 20, The Trojan Women at Alumnae Theatre Company
Jan. 20, Dracula, A Love Story from Brant Theatre Workshops
Jan. 21, Cruel and Tender at Canadian Stage

In Central Ontario
Jan. 20, Here On The Flight Path at Northumberland Players (Cobourg)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2012-01-16T09:58:00.000-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

This week in OAC Theatre Creator Reserve deadlines: Cahoots Theatre Company and The Shaw Festival (both today)

New on The Bulletin Board

Theatre Inspirato is running a Playwright Mentoring Project; the application deadline is January 31
Playwrights Guild of Canada has issued their 2012 awards call; post-secondary student playwriting deadline is April 29 and other awards’ deadline is June 30

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Save The Date for our Summer Theatre Intensive

2012-01-12T12:10:00.000-05:00

Our 2012 Summer Theatre Intensive has been booked for August 12 to 18, back at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. We're looking forward to announcing another exciting line-up of courses and instructors for 2012.

The Theatre Ontario Summer Theatre Intensive brings together theatre people from all over the province for a week-long rigorous educational experience. For over thirty years, our courses have earned praise from drama teachers, theatre schools, community and professional theatres, agents, and actors getting started in the business.

Read more about our annual Summer Theatre Intensive on the Theatre Ontario website

Recognizing Sustained and Significant Contributions to Ontario Theatre

2012-01-11T09:10:00.002-05:00

Theatre Ontario is now inviting nominations for the 2012 Maggie Bassett Award. The award is presented annually by Theatre Ontario to an individual who, over a number of years, has made a sustained and significant contribution to the development of theatre in Ontario.

Past recipients of the award are Ken Watts, Elsie Thomson, Jean Roberts, Herbert Whittaker, Heather McCallum, Herman Voaden, Dennis Sweeting, Jack Medhurst, Jack Blacklock, Sandy Black, Patricia Beharriell, Wilf Pegg, Virginia Reh, Lib Spry, Wayne Fairhead, Richard Howard, Dusty Miller, Kay McKie, Beth McMaster, Sandra Tulloch, Jeff Burke, James Alexander, Ron Cameron-Lewis, Angela Rebeiro, Kim Renders, Yvette Nolan, Alex Mustakas, Don Fleckser and Diana Belshaw.

The nomination deadline is February 29, 2012.

Full award criteria, history, and nomination guidelines can be found on our website. For more information, please contact Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator at Theatre Ontario, at brandon@theatreontario.org or 416.408.4556 x.15.

Don't Forget To RSVP For Showcase

2012-01-10T11:10:00.000-05:00

It’s not too late to RSVP to attend Theatre Ontario Showcase 2012. Our 18th annual Showcase features theatre school graduates from across Ontario, and the National Theatre School in Montreal. Join us for two days of talent, with over 230 graduates.

We invite artistic directors, freelance directors, producers, casting directors, and agents who are signed to the EIC or members of TAMAC.

Read the full Showcase schedule on the Theatre Ontario website

Please reserve either at info@theatreontario.org or call 416.408.4556 x.10.

ONstage Openings for the week of January 9

2012-01-09T13:38:00.000-05:00

In Central Ontario
Jan. 13, Talley’s Folly at Peterborough Theatre Guild

In Eastern Ontario
Jan. 10, Lost In Yonkers at Ottawa Little Theatre

In Toronto
Jan. 10, The Penelopiad at Nightwood Theatre / Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Jan. 10, The Golden Dragon at Tarragon Theatre in previews
Jan. 12, Kim's Convenience at Soulpepper Theatre in previews
Jan. 12, The Affections Of May at Scarborough Theatre Guild
Jan. 13, Cabaret at Hart House Theatre

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2012-01-09T09:12:00.000-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

OAC Theatre Creator’s Reserve deadlines at Theatre Passe Muraille (today), the Blyth Festival (today), 4th Line Theatre (Jan. 13), Native Earth Performing Arts (Jan. 15), Cahoots Theatre Company (Jan. 16), and the Shaw Festival (Jan. 16)
Beginners Drama Training at Theatre Collingwood starts on January 10

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Ontario Off Stage

2012-01-06T11:37:00.002-05:00

Conversations

The annual tradition of wrapping up 2011 featured a lot of “best of the year lists” (including one from our own Tim Chapman); Howard Sherman, former Executive Director of the American Theatre Wing, compiled an extensive list that featured a nice amount of Canadian content, and the Toronto-plus lists from Kelly Nestruck, John Coulbourn, and NOW Magazine.
And Aislinn Rose and Michael Wheeler at Praxis Theatre went one better, producing a Top 10 Top 10 lists.
Speaking of Mr. Nestruck, his self-described “Twitter rant” about the singing of the national anthem before a production of American Idiot at Dancap Productions lead to a provocative column on the subject and a passionate response from Aubrey Dan. Setting aside the predictable patriotic pissing contest, the argument I found most interesting was there was actually an artistic dissonance between singing the national anthem and the show that followed.

Migrations

Gideon Arthurs is the new General Manager of Tarragon Theatre, effective August 2012
Lucy Eveleigh is the new General Manager of the Summerworks Theatre Festival [link corrected - ed]

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

My Favourite Shows in 2011

2012-01-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

by Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator

As 2012 begins, we have seen many best of the year lists for 2011. So I thought I would look back and quickly comment on my favourite shows of the past year. The problem with this is that I do not get out to the theatre as much as in my younger days. I have missed a lot of shows which would probably be on my list. In Now’s Top 10 theatre shows of 2011 (December 22 -28 issue, Toronto only), I found that I had seen just four of their top ten shows. All right, to be honest, my first reaction was positive that I had seen four of their top ten. Anyway, the point is that the following twelve shows come from the approximately forty shows I saw this year in Toronto and around Ontario.

Sterling Jarvis and Yanna McIntosh
in Ruined. Photo by Christopher Gallow.

The first superb show I saw in 2011 was Ruined by American playwright Lynn Nottage, co-produced by Obsidian Theatre and Nightwood Theatre. Yanna McIntosh won a deserved third Dora Award for her amusing and searing portrayal of a hardened madam in a Congolese brothel during a civil war. Obsidian’s Artistic Director Philip Akin directed a fine cast in this riveting follow-up to Nottage’s Intimate Apparel previously produced by Obsidian.

Billy Elliot The Musical was excellently produced by Mirvish Productions and the cast included our own Kate Hennig fresh from her Broadway triumph in the show. I had never seen a musical like it. I bumped into Kate after I had seen it. She described it more as a “play with music than a musical.” Maybe that was central to the show’s originality and its uncompromising look at the working class mining community where Billy came from. Later in the spring, I saw the Canadian Opera Company’s production of Gluck’s opera Orfeo ed Euridice directed by Robert Carson. It was such a clear, finely realized show beautifully and simply designed.

In the late spring and summer, I attended a number of shows across Ontario. I loved four of those shows. The first was Dance Legends at Drayton Festival Theatre conceived and directed by Drayton’s Artistic Director Alex Mustakas. I love show dancing and the cast of fourteen dancers and two singers did not disappoint in this first-rate song and dance celebration. The Festival Players of Prince Edward County under the artistic direction of Sarah Phillips continues to produce impressive productions. In early July, I was down for the remount of John Gray’s musical Amelia prior to the production going to the Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa in September. It is a three-hander musical about the iconic flyer Amelia Earhart, a companion piece to Gray’s Canadian classic, Billy Bishop Goes to War. Sarah and the cast, including Eliza-Jane Scott in the title role, do a bang-up job delivering a smartly-staged pocket musical. You can see it this upcoming summer at Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque.

In early August, I saw the opening of 4th Line Theatre’s The Cavan Blazers. I had never seen it before. It was 4th Line’s inaugural production in 1992 and they have produced it another four times, most recently in 2004. I had always wanted to see it as I knew there were characters riding real horses in the show—perfect for outdoor theatre. It’s a monumental undertaking with a cast of nearly sixty (led by Richard Greenblatt, Edward Belanger and Artistic Director Robert Winslow) and a gripping 19th century local story. It is the type of big show which 4th Line produces so well.

Later in the summer I caught up with the much-lauded Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at the Shaw Festival. What a triumph! Director Eda Holmes has mined terrific performances from the entire cast but especially Jim Mezon as Big Daddy. It was thrilling to see this Williams classic so superbly staged. Speaking of Jim Mezon, I recently saw his passionate portrayal of the 20th century American painter Mark Rothko in Red at Canadian Stage. He is one of our very best actors. I also was once again excited by director Kim Collier’s work, who previously gave us the stunning Studies in Motion in 2010.

This past fall I was invited to see Ibsen’s Ghosts at Soulpepper. It is probably the least favourite of Ibsen’s plays with which I am acquainted. I will never forget falling asleep in a boring Broadway production of the play starring Liv Ullman and John Neville. Plus, it was being directed by Morris Panych which seemed an incongruous combination to me. Wrong! I was deeply moved and engrossed with this quietly rich, haunting production. The nuances of the play came to life for me in the thoughtful performances of the cast led by Toronto’s first couple of the stage, Nancy Palk and Joe Ziegler. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing Nancy and Joe in Soulpepper’s upcoming Long Day’s Journey into Night. And if you missed them in the acclaimed 2010 production of Death of a Salesman, Soulpepper has also slotted that for 2012.

At the Tarragon in November, I caught up with d’bi.young anitafrika’s Word! Sound! Power!, the final show of her Sankofa Trilogy. I am not sure I have ever seen a more intense, engaging performer in my life. In Tarragon’s Extra Space, you simply cannot take your eyes off her. We are so lucky that Toronto is her home.

At the end of November, I got to see 2 Pianos, 4 Hands again. Mirvish Productions brought Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt back for, purportedly, the last time. What a treat! The show was better than ever. It evoked so many marvellous memories. I was at the Tarragon for the show’s premiere and I was able to attend the show’s New York City opening, one of the highlights of my career in theatre.

Patricia Fagan and Oliver Dennis in
Parfumerie. Photo: Cylla von Tiedemann

Finally in December I saw two very different, very good shows. Soulpepper revived their Dora-winning production of Parfumerie, a 1937 Hungarian play adapted by Adam Pettle and Brenda Robins. I missed it the first time, so I was thoroughly charmed by this delightful comedy/drama. The deft, lively production was utter perfection, beautifully directed, designed and performed.

The next week I was again privileged to attend one of Jumblies Theatre’s huge shows which they produce every three years. This one was Like an Old Tale, “an East Scarborough telling of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale.” I say huge as Jumblies mingles a few professional artists, musicians and actors with literally hundreds of Toronto community members—children, teenagers, seniors, First Nations, Tamils and many, many residents of Scarborough—to create a unique spectacle of storytelling and performing arts. It is a multi-layered synthesis of performing techniques including acting, singing, dancing, poetry, puppetry, shadow-playing, drawing, stilt-walking, clowning, and improvisation set in a beautiful, white, vast playground, not unlike the wonderful white “gymnasium” of the seminal 1960’s Peter Brooks production of Midsummer Night’s Dream. Absolutely unique and wondrous! Even the intermission was fun as some of the children sold short, short stories they had written on cards for a loonie.

So it was another good year of theatre-going. There were other good shows, but I did not like them quite as much. Then, there were remounted shows that I had previously seen in other years such as The Time of Your Life at Soulpepper. And there were many really good shows that I did not make it to. But I cannot complain. I got my money’s worth and more in 2011.

New Professional Theatre Workshop Dates

2012-01-04T11:17:00.000-05:00

Our popular “Taxes For Theatre Artists” professional workshop returns to help you sort your way through the 2011 tax season. What is the difference between "employment" and "self-employment"? What is a "reasonable expectation of profit"? What's deductible? This is one of our free workshops for members of Theatre Ontario, lead by chartered accounted Sam Marinucci, and it will be on March 8 at 3pm. For more information, including how to register, please visit Taxes For Theatre Artists on the Theatre Ontario website.

We’ve also scheduled our next emerging professional workshops: sign-up now for “Getting Started For Actors” on February 1 at 2pm, or “Self-Start: The Basics Of Self-Producing” on February 15 at 2pm.

Getting Started sessions are for actors beginning their professional careers. In this two-hour workshop, Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator answers the most frequently asked questions about the business of acting. Find out about the realities of showbiz, pictures and resumes, Equity and ACTRA, agents and casting directors, auditioning do’s and don’ts, and maintaining and improving your acting skills. Getting Started is a free workshop, available to members of Theatre Ontario only. For more information, including how to register, please visit Getting Started For Actors on the Theatre Ontario website.

Self-Start: If you want to do a show but have never produced professionally before, and if you want to know what questions to ask first, this session is for you! Self-Start is a practical seminar facilitated by Tim Chapman. This workshop is designed for individuals thinking of starting a theatre company or producing a show; and gives you the opportunity to ask questions and try out ideas, discover the questions you need to ask and answer, learn to organize your thinking and planning, work on scheduling and budget considerations, and learn about available resources and services. It's free for Theatre Ontario members, and $30 for non-members. For more information, including how to register, please visit Self-Start: The Basics Of Producing on the Theatre Ontario website.

ONstage Openings for the week of January 3

2012-01-03T13:22:00.003-05:00

In Toronto
Jan. 4, A Tiny Piece Of Land at TEATRON Toronto Jewish Theatre
Jan. 4, Next Stage Theatre Festival from the Toronto Fringe Festival

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2012-01-03T09:12:00.000-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

ACT II Studio is holding an Information Day on Thursday, January 5, designed to welcome those who would like to learn more about the courses and activities offered by this unique theatre school for older adults
Lucia Frangione’s Introduction to Playwriting course is starting up this month
OAC Theatre Creator’s Reserve deadlines at Young People’s Theatre (Jan. 3 - today!), The Grand Theatre (Jan. 6), Theatre Passe Muraille (Jan. 9), the Blyth Festival (Jan. 9) and 4th Line Theatre (Jan. 13)
Beginners Drama Training starts at Theatre Collingwood on January 10

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-12-21T12:57:00.000-05:00

Conversations

Diane Ragsdale on Jumper on artists being "tossed off the truck" at theatres, and how we can get them back on

As a year-end wrap-up, I’d like to acknowledge three of my favourite Ontario theatre blogs. One of the perks of my job is that I get paid to read (and share) good theatre writing. These are ones that also get read on my own time, the ones that inspire, motivate, provoke envy, whatever:

Kris Joseph Struts And Frets – an incredibly articulate voice on a career in theatre
Praxis Theatre – where independent theatre and politics intersect; there is no better example of a theatre organization’s blog that goes beyond being part of the publicity machine, and actually lives the theatre’s mandate in its form and (most importantly) in its content
Nancy Kenny’s So You Want To Be An Actor (Redux)? – she describes it as “rantings and ravings” but there’s a lot of thoughtful honesty and self-awareness that belies that

And I’ll throw in one from outside Ontario (because borders are increasingly irrelevant)—the 2AM Theatre think tank. Smart folks who are bring together so many of my favourite qualities of bloggers: intelligence, eloquence, passion, inclusiveness, respect.

Thanks to all of you for another year of good writing.

Remember, you can also receive our news every month by email. Our archives are online and the December issue is now available.

And this is our last post for 2011. In 2012, this column will switch to a biweekly feature—we’ll see you in the new year.

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Congratulations to Fall 2011 Youth Theatre Training Program Recipients

2011-12-20T10:00:00.004-05:00

Theatre Ontario is pleased to announce the latest recipients of training grants through Theatre Ontario’s Youth Theatre Training Program (YTTP). From 16 applications, $23,000 was awarded in total among the following recipients:

Aluna Theatre (Etobicoke) – Young Panamerican Voices
Buddies in Bad Times (Toronto) – Pride Cab Project
Jumblies Theatre (Scarborough) – Recipe for Theatre
National Arts Centre (Ottawa) – March Break Program
Rideau Islands and Lakes Theatre School – Community Workshop Series
Shadowland Theatre (Norfolk County) – Youth Training
Tarragon Theatre (Toronto) – Spring Training Project

The next application deadline for this program is March 15, 2012.

Read more about the Youth Theatre Training Program on the Theatre Ontario website.

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

ONstage Openings for the week of December 19 and December 26

2011-12-19T13:09:00.001-05:00

In Toronto
Dec. 28, It’s A Wonderful Improvised Life at Bad Dog Theatre Company

In Eastern Ontario
Dec. 27, A Year With Frog And Toad at Kanata Theatre (Ottawa)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2011-12-19T09:18:00.001-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

Jumblies Theatre is inviting applications for their OAC Creators Reserve. Their funding priority is theatre creation projects that have a community-engaged component; deadline is December 30

New on The Bulletin Board

ACT II STUDIO is holding an Studio Day on January 5: visit a unique creative drama centre and theatre program at Ryerson University for artists 50+
The deadline for Blyth Festival’s OAC Creators Reserve applications is January 9

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

ONstage Openings for the week of December 12

2011-12-12T13:42:00.003-05:00

In Northeastern Ontario
Dec. 16, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol at Espanola Little Theatre

In Southwestern Ontario
Dec. 16, A Christmas Carol at KW Children’s Drama Workshop (Kitchener)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2011-12-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

Audition preparation workshops for youth grade 6 to 10 at Avenue Road Arts School this week
Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto is holding their Pitch Blitz on December 13 and 14
Two deadlines for OAC Theatre Creator’s Reserve applications: Tarragon Theatre and Theatre Direct (both Dec. 15)

New on The Bulletin Board

4th Line Theatre in Millbrook unveiled three one-day workshops for the January 28/29 weekend: Playwriting with Sky Gilbert, Adult Improvisation with Herbie Barnes, and Youth Acting with Marjie Chud
The Stratford Shakespeare Festival also has several workshops, the first is a “Shakespeare Week” performance course with Edward Daranyi beginning on February 6
Playwright Lucia Frangione is launching a 10-month playwriting workshop in January

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-12-09T10:27:00.000-05:00

Conversations

“So…you can make a living as an artist?” – A conversation between Kris Joseph and another patron at an Ottawa show provokes a good discussion about the wrong definition of value
In NOW magazine, Robert Priest contrasts government “liquidity injections” to banks (which go straight into vaults) and to artists (which get spent)
Adam Thurman argues on Mission Paradox about how “seeking permission to do art”, getting people to see it, and getting paid for that art are no longer the connected concepts that they used to be
Finally, Howard Sherman decodes theatrical marketing and publicity euphemisms

From The Wire

The Ontario Non-Profits Network is advocating for changes to the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act
With the opening of a new Performing Arts Centre in Burlington, following openings in Brampton, Richmond Hill and Barrie, and construction underway in Cambridge and St. Catharines, communities around the GTA/GHA are “banking on culture to fight big-box sprawl”
Claire Hopkinson, Executive Director of the Toronto Arts Council, was the subject of the first in a series on The Grid about how the 2012 City of Toronto budget is going to impact various organizations (Bravo to The Grid for leading with the arts)

TO Toasts

Congrats to all of the winners of the 2011 Ottawa Capital Critics’ Circle awards

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Theatre Ontario Showcase 2012

2011-12-06T10:40:00.009-05:00

Theatre Ontario is pleased to announce our 18th annual Showcase of theatre school graduates from across Ontario, and the National Theatre School in Montreal. Join us for two days of talent, with over 230 graduates.

Showcase takes place on January 15, starting at 10:30am, and January 16, starting at 11:00am, at the Jane Mallet Theatre in the St. Lawrence Centre, Toronto. Lobby doors open at 9:45am on Sunday, and 10:00am on Monday. The participating schools and approximate times are:

Sunday

10:30a - University of Windsor, School of Dramatic Art
11:25a - Ryerson Theatre School
12:30p - University of Toronto – Mississauga/Sheridan Theatre and Drama Studies
1:55p - National Theatre School of Canada
2:30p - George Brown Theatre School
3:30p - York University (BFA)
4:15p - Humber College, Theatre Performance Program

Monday

11:00a - Centre for Indigenous Theatre
11:15a - Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts
12:00n - Canadore College
12:40p - St. Clair College, Musical Theatre Performance
1:55p - St. Lawrence College Musical Theatre Performance
2:50p - Sheridan Music Theatre – Performance
4:30p - New Faces (graduates from other schools)

We invite artistic directors, freelance directors, producers, casting directors, and agents who are signed to the EIC or members of TAMAC.

Please reserve either at info@theatreontario.org or call 416.408.4556 x.10. We encourage and appreciate RSVPs as soon as possible to help us plan our days.

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2011-12-05T13:55:00.001-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

Today is the deadline for Canadian Stage’s 2012 Festival of Ideas and Creation – seeking performance pieces for which innovative music or sound is integral
Theatre Passe Muraille has extended the deadline for submissions to the Guerilla Theatre projects as part of its Theatre Beyond Walls program (projects that can be performed outside of TPM) – the deadline is now December 8
And TPM’s next Pitch Blitz is scheduled for December 13 and December 14
Deadlines for Ontario Arts Council Theatre Creator’s Reserve in the next month: Tarragon Theatre (Dec. 15), Theatre Direct (Dec. 15), Jumblies Theatre (Dec. 30) and Young People’s Theatre (Jan. 3)

New on The Bulletin Board

The Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration is now inviting nominations for its Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers – the deadline is January 31

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

ONstage Openings for the week of December 5

2011-12-05T11:21:00.000-05:00

In Eastern Ontario
Dec. 9, Hairspray at Suzart Productions (Ottawa)
Dec. 10, Seussical Jr. at Seaway Valley Theatre Company (Cornwall)

In Southwestern Ontario
Dec. 8, Cinderella at Goderich Little Theatre

In Toronto
Dec. 8, Like An Old Tale at Jumblies Theatre
Dec. 8, Parfumerie at Soulpepper Theatre

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2011-11-28T14:51:00.006-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

Deadlines for Ontario Arts Council Theatre Creators’ Reserves at Thousand Islands Playhouse in Ganonoque (Nov. 30), Canadian Stage Company in Toronto (Dec. 1), Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa (Dec. 1), Carousel Players in St. Catharines (Dec. 1), Nightwood Theatre in Toronto (Dec. 1), and Theatre Gargantua in Toronto (Dec. 1)
November 30 is also the deadline for Theatre Passe Muraille’s “Theatre Beyond Walls” programs Beyond Buzz (new and original theatre pieces at an evolved stage of development that reflect life in the city of Toronto in 2012) and Guerilla Theatre (projects that could be performed in places outside of Theatre Passe Muraille on the streets and in the public spaces of Toronto)
The deadline for the Gina Wilkinson Prize is December 1, honouring emerging female directors and theatre artists looking to transition into the area of direction
Also on December 1 is the deadline for the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts
Artscape is currently seeking expressions of interest for the performance and event spaces at the Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre, slated to open in late Spring 2012 – deadline is December 2
Finally, Canadian Stage is inviting applications for the next Festival of Ideas and Creation – the 2012 focus is performance pieces for which innovative music or sound is integral – and the deadline is December 5

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

ONstage Openings for the week of November 28

2011-11-28T10:35:00.002-05:00

In Central Ontario
Dec. 2, A Christmas Carol at Theatre Orangeville with a preview on Dec. 1

In Eastern Ontario
Nov. 29, I Hate Hamlet at Ottawa Little Theatre
Nov. 29, A Midwinter's Dream Tale at Great Canadian Theatre Company (Ottawa)
Dec. 1, Little Women at Belleville Theatre Guild
Dec. 2, Alice In Wonderland at Mississippi Mudds of Carleton Place

In Southwestern Ontario
Dec. 2, Charles Dickens Writes A Christmas Carol (staged reading) at Lost & Found Theatre (Kitchener)

In Toronto
Nov. 30, The New Groundswell Festival at Nightwood Theatre
Nov. 30, It's Munsch Time at George Brown Theatre School
Dec. 1, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some) at Scarborough Players

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Give The Gift of Theatre

2011-11-24T11:20:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is “Black Friday” in the United States, but you don’t have to wait or be one of those cross-border-shoppers, you can celebrate the holidays by giving the gift of theatre right here at home.

Give a membership in Theatre Ontario providing access to auditions, workshops, discounts and more
Give a donation to our $40 for 40 campaign in someone’s name
Give one of our publications – The Agent’s Book, The Actor’s Survival Kit, Stage Managing The Arts in Canada and Grassroots are some of our most popular titles

And check out many of our members and partners at Theatre Ontario for special offers:

Tickets to shows at one of our member theatres
TO TIX from the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts
TAPA’s brand new Indie Theatre Producer’s Guide
Plays from TheatreBooks, Playwrights Canada Press, and Playwrights Guild of Canada
Classes at our member studios

Celebrating 40 Years Together

2011-11-23T09:51:00.002-05:00

Theatre Ontario is turning 40, and we have much to celebrate together! In the last 40 years your support has created and developed unique programs that nourish the theatre community across the province. We are asking you to join us in celebrating our 40th anniversary by ensuring that Theatre Ontario’s positive impact continues for another 40 years, with a $40 gift to match our 40 years of service!

Thanks to your generous support of Theatre Ontario, we offer vital programming that helps thousands of theatre artists bring their dreams to life, and to the stage.

We invite you to join us Behind the Scenes during our milestone “40 for 40” celebratory donor campaign, where your donation will help Theatre Ontario to continue to grow and develop a vibrant theatre community that will enliven our spirits and our communities now and in the future.

Welcome To Our New Community Theatre Coordinator

2011-11-22T13:05:00.003-05:00

Theatre Ontario is pleased to welcome Anne Mooney as the new Community Theatre Coordinator. Anne has been an active member of community theatres across Southwestern Ontario, served on the Board of the Western Ontario Drama League (WODL), and is a former member of the Theatre Ontario Board of Directors.

“I care passionately for community theatre and Theatre Ontario’s ability to enhance and support community theatres in the province,” said Anne. “Working on a show in any capacity is how I feed my soul. I met my husband through community theatre. I have met many people around this province at the wide range of festivals and theatrical presentations at which I have been privileged to attend. I hope to bring my passion for Theatre Ontario and theatre in general to the position of Community Theatre Coordinator.”

Anne has been involved in community theatre since she was “dragged to an audition” in 1985. She has worked with London Community Players, Theatre Kent (Chatham), St. Marys Community Players and Pull Chain Theatre (Sault Ste. Marie.) At WODL, she has served in various capacities including two years as President, and for Theatre Ontario she served as Vice-President on the Board and was a member of the Core Planning Committee that developed Theatre Ontario’s new strategic plan. Professionally, Anne worked as a high school drama teacher and was heavily involved in the Sears Ontario Drama Festival for twelve years.

“Picking up the torch that Dennis Johnson has so ably carried, I am delighted to welcome Anne to the Theatre Ontario team,” said Carol Beauchamp, Executive Director. “Anne is very much looking forward to reaching out to our members across the province, and working with you in the coming months as we look forward to Theatre Ontario Festival in Sault Ste Marie in May. Please join me in welcoming Anne!”

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2011-11-21T15:18:00.002-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

This week’s Ontario Arts Council Theatre Creators’ Reserve deadlines include Buddies In Bad Times Theatre (Nov. 25) and Factory Theatre (Nov. 25), both in Toronto

New on The Bulletin Board

Artscape is currently seeking expressions of interest for the performance and event spaces at the Regent Park Arts & Cultural Centre, slated to open in late Spring 2012

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

ONstage Openings for the week of November 21

2011-11-21T11:11:00.000-05:00

In Toronto
Nov. 21, Bad Dog Presents at Bad Dog Theatre Company
Nov. 22, (Would You Say The Name Of This Play?*) at Young People's Theatre (with a preview on Nov. 21)
Nov. 24, Red at Canadian Stage (currently in previews)
Nov. 24, Enter The Shadow at Break It Down
Nov. 24, Snow White And The Several Dwarfs at ACT II Studio Theatre

In Central Ontario
Nov. 22, Hansel And Gretel at Peterborough Theatre Guild
Nov. 23, Cinderella Christmas at Northumberland Players (Cobourg)

In Eastern Ontario
Nov. 26, Dear Santa at Upper Canada Playhouse (Morrisburg) with previews from Nov. 24

In South Central Ontario
Nov. 25, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown at Theatre Aurora

In Southwestern Ontario
Nov. 23, Cinderella at The Grand Theatre (London)
Nov. 25, Pinocchio at Galt Little Theatre (Cambridge)
Nov. 25, The Best Little Christmas Pageant Ever at Elora Community Theatre (Fergus)
Nov. 25, Twelve Angry Men at Players' Guild of Hamilton

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-11-18T11:16:00.000-05:00

Conversations

I was introduced to two very imaginative online theatre marketing campaigns this week: Ride The Cyclone: The Video Game! (h/t to Praxis Theatre) and Canadian Stage’s experiencered.ca
When I first came up with a strategy for our blog at Theatre Ontario, I thought I had come up with an idea that was original and awesome. Then I discovered the innovative and thoughtful folks at www.2amtheatre.com were already doing what I had planned. One of my favourite features was what they call “Follow Friday” which captures some of the best online discussions from the past week. Well, it’s back.
“Theater Beyond Twitter: A Discussion Between Peter Marks and Howard Sherman” is being live-streamed on Saturday, November 19 – based on their lively discussions leading up to it, it should be a worthwhile listen. For me this highlights what Twitter does best: starts good conversations, and opens the door to better conversations—the ones in-person.

From The Wire

Congrats to our suite-mates at the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts on their annual Arts Day at The City, meeting with 25 City Councillors on Monday, November 14.

TO Toasts

Congrats to Erin Shields, who won the Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama for “If We Were Birds”

Remember, you can also receive our news every month by email. Our archives are online and the November issue is now available.

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Congratulations to Fall 2011 PTTP Recipients

2011-11-16T11:19:00.001-05:00

Theatre Ontario is pleased to announce the latest recipients of training grants through Theatre Ontario’s Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP). $37,500 was awarded in total among the following recipients:

Brenley Charkow to train in directing with Susan Ferley at the Grand Theatre in London
Mitchell Cushman to train in directing with Chris Abraham at Crow’s Theatre in Toronto
Audrey Dwyer to train in directing with Kelly Thornton at Nightwood Theatre in Toronto
Sky Fairchild-Waller to train in artistic producing with Tina Rasmussen at Harbourfront World Stage
Catriona Leger to train in artistic direction with Ian Farthing at St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival in Prescott
Ana Lorena Leija to train in directing/producing with Beatriz Pizano at Aluna Theatre in Toronto
Coleen MacPherson to train in directing with Daniel Brooks at Necessary Angel Theatre
Esther Maloney to train in community-engaged theatre with Ruth Howard and Liz Rucker at Jumblies Theatre in Scarborough
Leora Morris to train in directing with Richard Rose and Ross Manson at Tarragon Theatre
Adam Paolozza to train in teaching/directing with Leah Cherniak at Soulpepper Theatre
Chris Penney to train in sound design and production management with Carrie Costello and Cathy Nosaty at Carousel Players in St. Catharines
Rebecca Vandevelde to train in lighting and video design with Trevor Schwellnus at various theatres in the GTA

The next application deadline for this program is March 1, 2012.

Read more about the Professional Theatre Training Program on the Theatre Ontario website.

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

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2011-11-14T15:16:00.000-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

Ottawa Fringe Festival Lottery application deadline is this Friday, November 18
fu-GEN Asian-Canadian Theatre Company’s Ontario Arts Council Theatre Creator’s Reserve deadline is also November 18; funding priorities are Asian-Canadian playwrights and playwrights of colour

New on The Bulletin Board

Canadian Stage has issued its call for submissions to the 2012 Festival of Ideas and Creation; this year’s focus will be performance pieces for which “innovative music or sound is integral” – application deadline is December 1
Theatre Collingwood is offering a new drama training program for teens and adults starting in January 2012
Theatre Passe Muraille has extended the deadline for its OAC Theatre Creators Reserve to January 9
4th Line Theatre is inviting applications for its OAC Theatre Creators Reserve; funding priorities are regional playwriting, projects that preserve Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of regionally-based, environmentally-staged historical dramas; deadline is January 15

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

ONstage Openings for the week of November 14

2011-11-14T14:10:00.000-05:00

In Southwestern Ontario
Nov. 17, The Wizard Of Oz at Drayton Entertainment: St. Jacobs Country Playhouse with previews from Nov. 16
Nov. 18, Sadie Flynn Comes To Big Oak at Elmira Theatre Company (Woolwich)
Nov. 19, Aida at Theatre Ancaster (Hamilton)

In Toronto
Nov. 16, The Children's Republic at Tarragon Theatre (currently in previews)
Nov. 16, Matt And Ben at The Theatre Elusive
Nov. 18, Hallaj at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Nov. 18, Jesus Christ Superstar at Etobicoke Musical Productions
Nov. 19, Theatresports at Bad Dog Theatre Company
Nov. 19, Red at Canadian Stage in previews

In Central Ontario
Nov. 18, Do You Turn Somersaults? at Talk Is Free Theatre (Barrie) with a preview on Nov. 17

In South Central Ontario
Nov. 17, Promises, Promises at Scugog Choral Society (Port Perry)
Nov. 17, Robinson Crusoe at Peel Panto Players (Brampton)
Nov. 17, Annie at Oshawa Little Theatre
Nov. 18, The December Man (L'homme de decembre) at The Curtain Club (Richmond Hill) with a preview on Nov. 17

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-11-11T14:16:00.001-05:00

Conversations

This week I attended the Public Consultation Session for the Mayor’s Task Force—Theatres Panel at the St. Lawrence Centre; a second session was held at the Toronto (a/k/a North York) Centre for the Performing Arts. They expected 50-60; approximately 120 people showed up and it was great to hear lively discussion about how theatres serve City purposes. Hopefully, the public message will be heard.

From The Wire

More post-provincial election announcements as newly-elected Michael Coteau (Don Valley East) was announced as the new Parliamentary Secretary (Culture) to the Ministry of Culture; his bio doesn’t seem to be up on the Legislature’s website yet, but you can get a partisan perspective of him from his election website

TO Toasts

Joan MacLeod wins the $75,000 Siminovtich Prize, and names Anusree Roy as the recipient of the $25,000 protégé prize

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2011-11-07T13:49:00.003-05:00

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

Today is the deadline for the Toronto Fringe Festival lottery
Theatre Passe Muraille’s deadline for Ontario Arts Council Theatre Creators’ Reserve applications is November 14

New on The Bulletin Board

Theatre Passe Muraille is now inviting applications for “Theatre Beyond Walls” – specifically “Beyond Buzz” (new works at an "evolved" stage of development) and “Guerilla Theatre” (projects to be performed outside of TPM) with a deadline of November 30
The Toronto Arts Council is holding a grant-writing workshop for the theatre program on November 30
Nominations for the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts is now open, with a deadline of December 1

Check out all the latest postings from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

ONstage Openings for the week of November 7

2011-11-07T11:07:00.000-05:00

In South Central Ontario
Nov. 10, Here On The Flight Path at OnStage Uxbridge
Nov. 10, Mindgame at Whitby Courthouse Theatre

In Toronto
Nov. 8, TOSketchfest at Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
Nov. 8, The Children's Republic at Tarragon Theatre in previews
Nov. 9, Deceived at TEATRON Toronto Jewish Theatre
Nov. 9, Imprints at Theatre Gargantua
Nov. 9, Macbeth at Hart House Theatre
Nov. 9, Little Women at George Brown Theatre School
Nov. 10, The Rez Sisters at Factory Theatre (currently in previews)
Nov. 10, Seussical at Young People's Theatre (previews from Nov. 7)
Nov. 10, It's A Wonderful Life – A Radio Play at Alexander Singers and Players
Nov. 10, Ride The Cyclone at Theatre Passe Muraille
Nov. 11, Sylvia at Alumnae Theatre Company

In Central Ontario
Nov. 10, The Sound Of Music at Owen Sound Little Theatre
Nov. 11, Vimy at VOS Theatre (Cobourg)

In Eastern Ontario
Nov. 8, Maggie's Getting Married at Kanata Theatre (Ottawa)
Nov. 10, Barefoot In The Park at Seaway Valley Theatre Company (Cornwall)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-11-04T10:48:00.000-04:00

Conversations

Following Arts Day on Parliament Hill, Michael Wheeler at Praxis Theatre poses a challenging question: “Should artists be grateful for a 5% cut from Harper?”
On HowlRound, Polly Carl observes how the general decline of public discourse has specifically impacted the conversations among artists and institutions

From The Wire

Spotlight on Goderich: A Variety Show is taking place at the Huron County Playhouse on Nov. 20, a fundraising event for tornado relief; the theatre community is coming together on this with Drayton Entertainment, Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Shaw Festival, Blyth Festival, The Grand Theatre, Starbright Christmas, Theatre Aquarius, Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, Theatre Orangeville, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, and others involved
Theatre Action—Ontario’s francophone theatre association—is hosting regional meetings this month in Toronto (Nov. 5), Ottawa (Nov. 19) and Sudbury (Nov. 26)
On Nov. 9, The City of Toronto Mayor’s Task Force on the Arts and Theatre is inviting participation in public consultations with reference to the future of Toronto’s three civic theatres: the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Toronto Centre for the Arts
Sheridan College announced the establishment of the Canadian Music Theatre Project, an incubator for the development of new musical theatre works by Canadian and international composers, lyricists and book-writers
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is inviting comments on its proposed Guidance on Arts Organizations and Charitable Registration

TO Toasts

Playwrights Canada Press awarded the 2011 Carol Bolt Award for Playwrights to Anusree Roy

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Browsing The Bulletin Board

2011-10-31T14:22:00.001-04:00

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

Deadline to apply for Canadian Stage’s BASH! Director Development Program is November 4
Application deadline for the Toronto Fringe Festival Lottery is November 7
As part of their ArtAttack! Fundraiser, Buddies In Bad Times Theatre is auctioning off the “Indie Producers Package” online; the package includes a one-night rental of Tallulah’s Cabaret, 20 hours of creation space at the Toronto Fringe’s Creation Lab, advertising buys, photo shoots, graphic design, and public relations package - bidding closes November 10
Our suite-mates at Playwrights Guild of Canada offers a 20% discount on books for teachers and schools; plays can be ordered online or by email orders@playwrightsguild.ca

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

ONstage Openings for the week of October 31

2011-10-31T10:53:00.000-04:00

In Northeastern Ontario
Nov. 3, Waiting For Godot at Sudbury Theatre Centre

In South Central Ontario
Nov. 4, The Weightlifter Rhapsody (staged reading) at Theatre Starts (Aurora)
Nov. 5, Beamused (staged reading) at Theatre Starts (Aurora)

In Southwestern Ontario
Nov. 3, Never Too Late at Theatre Tillsonburg

In Toronto
Nov. 1, Orpheus and Eurydice at Canadian Stage
Nov. 3, Hairspray at Curtain Call Players
Nov. 3, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Scarborough Music Theatre
Nov. 3, Shining City at Toronto Irish Players
Nov. 4, the sankofa trilogy at Tarragon Theatre (currently in previews)
Nov. 5, The Rez Sisters at Factory Theatre in previews

In Central Ontario
Nov. 3, Wingfield Unbound at Meaford Hall
Nov. 4, Doubt at Northumberland Players (Cobourg)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-10-28T10:24:00.000-04:00

(Consider this a special 7+7+7+7 edition…)

Conversations

October 25 was Arts Day on Parliament Hill and Shannon Litzenberger was there
A “Theatre and the Internet” roundtable, focusing on theatre criticism, was held at the University of Toronto on October 27; the Twitter feed has been captured here

From The Wire

Brampton’s Lester B. Pearson theatre was closed by the Ministry of Labour due to health and safety issues related to rigging
The Bank Theatre in Leamington is starting to take shape, under the leadership of the Sun Parlour Players
The City of North Bay is investing $275,000 in the Capitol Theatre
The new Ontario Tourism and Culture Critics were announced: the Conservatives appointed Ted Chudleigh (Halton), the NDP appointed Paul Miller (Hamilton East—Stoney Creek)
For artists taking their work to Britain, “cumbersome and unevenly interpreted immigration rules” are proving challenging

Migrations

Peter Caldwell is the new Director and CEO of the Ontario Arts Council; he was our Coordinator of Training Programs in 1977 to 1980

TO Toasts

The Toronto Arts Foundation presented its 2011 awards—congratulations to all of the recipients, but with a special nod to Jane Marsland, a past recipient of our Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture
Equity presented its 2011 Honours Awards; among those recognized was Sandy Winsby who received the Larry McCance Award for service to the Association
The shortlist for the Siminovitch Prize was announced: Robert Chafe, Jasmine Dube, Greg MacArthur, Joan MacLeod, Mansel Robinson and Larry Tremblay; the prize is presented on November 7

Remember, you can also receive our news every month by email. Our archives are online and the October issue is now available.

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Second Spring

2011-10-27T14:28:00.001-04:00

by Carol Beauchamp, Executive Director

“Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower”, Albert Camus

Spring is viewed as the season of renewal, but in the world of theatre, terrific new seasons of exciting shows are beginning around the province! The variety of theatrical productions that we can enjoy and participate in continues to amaze me. The wonderful world of theatre pushes artistic and social boundaries, entertaining us, reflecting our collective psyche, preserving our history, supporting both the cultural and economic sustainability of our communities, and creating unique and magical moments in time that and are both memorable and inspiring to our audiences and talented artists alike.

I am thrilled to join Theatre Ontario as its new Executive Director, and as I write today, I am acutely aware of the stewardship I have undertaken to continue a 40-year tradition of supporting theatre excellence in Ontario. I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities that exist for theatre, but as the landscape changes with the seasons, so does the landscape of the performing arts community. A recent study conducted by Wolf Brown on behalf of the Ontario Arts Council indicates that our audiences want to engage with us in a way that is more meaningful to them. The study showed that the majority of Ontarians participate in entertainment-based activities in their homes, so our challenge becomes one of building bridges of meaningful engagement with our audiences, making theatrical experiences ones that becomes meaningful and accessible to them. Throughout our 40-year history, Theatre Ontario has been at the forefront of supporting the development of dynamic artists and theatrical thought leaders who continue to share their tremendous creativity and passion with theatre companies throughout the country.

Recently I had the privilege of attending the 2011 Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is the result of a partnership between The Slaight Family Academy of the Shaw Festival and Theatre Ontario, and is sponsored by Sun Life Financial. This vigorously sought-after internship is a phenomenal opportunity for two emerging directors (selected from applicants across Canada) to hone their skills, by working intimately with the company at the Shaw Festival for a full season. The intern directors work on two-to-three full-fledged productions throughout the season, where they are mentored by the artistic team at The Shaw, and learn many stimulating and valuable techniques that they can incorporate into their future directing careers. The culmination of the internship is the opportunity for each of the intern directors to present a one-act play of their choice, utilizing the full resources of the Shaw Festival, including the acting company who donate their time and talents through many hours of rehearsal to fulfill the vision of the directors.

This year’s interns, Johnna Wright and Craig Hall, brought us two delightfully different plays that communicated beautifully crafted stories with wit and empathy. Johnna Wright directed A Phoenix Too Frequent by Christopher Fry, a comedy set in Greek times about finding love in our moments of greatest despair. The three wonderful young actors (Ijeoma Emesowum, Martin Happer and Robin Evan Willis) brought this charming play to life under Johnna’s creative direction. The fast pace of the line delivery moved the plot forward with sensitivity and joy. Craig Hall selected The Twelve-Pound Look by J.M. Barrie, a short fast-paced comedy that is as ironic as it is witty. The set design and costumes beautifully underscored the era of the self-made and self-important men of the industrial revolution. Craig’s deft hand with comedy gave the actors (particularly Neil Barclay, Anthony Bekenn, Catherine McGregor and Jacqueline Thair) a wonderful platform from which to provoke and tease with their characters.

It was a wonderful day of theatre, but more importantly a terrific celebration of the success that is found when deep and meaningful partnerships are forged between vibrant theatre companies, arts service organizations, corporate sponsors and visionary young artists. I am extremely proud to be a part of the theatre community, and particularly proud to have the opportunity to become an integral part of the Theatre Ontario team as we work toward building new partnerships—with our members, our theatre community, our funders at the Ontario Arts Council, The Toronto Arts Council and the Trillium Foundation—as well as forging new links with the corporate sector and Arts Service Organizations, as we capture the vibrancy of theatre, and leverage social and online media to create a strong future for tomorrow.

Remembering Ed Procunier: The Man, The Mission

2011-10-25T10:16:00.005-04:00

by Paul Eck

Ed Procunier was such an integral part in the life of the arts it is difficult to find a slot into which his incredible contribution could possibly fit: artist, teacher, adjudicator, director, mentor, advocate, force—a caring and erudite man of the arts at all times.

When Ed was the President of Theatre Ontario and I was the Board Chair, we both lived in London, Ontario and so became known as “the men from London.” Those were great years with great conversations on the trips back and forth, and Ed taught me a lot! Those trips frequently included stops at galleries or home studios where paintings were exchanged/bought/sold; my visual arts education was gained first-hand. The trips finished at Ed’s home, finding a place for the new acquisition in a home already floor-to-ceiling in every room with brilliant Canadian art—an incredible experience!

My introduction to Ed’s writing was appearing in a play, Two Sides of Darkness at the London Little Theatre, a play in which I began to appreciate Ed’s linguistic appeal, his use of the English language, his understanding of history, and his very real concern about the stage and the acuteness of character development with language need. He had me hooked.

When Ed became one of the founders of London Community Players, I was fortunate to be able to direct world premieres of several of his plays—an unforgettable experience! The opportunity to work directly with a demanding playwright, the importance of language and punctuation, the understanding of character and the development of trust between playwright and director was mentorship in its highest form. Ed’s dramatic stories had a reality, always based on true experiences and friends he knew (and always protecting the source.)

Ed Procunier had many accomplishments in his lifetime and we are all the richer for the time he spent with us, and the catalogue of fascinating plays he has given us to continue to explore.

Ed—we salute your memory and your many contributions to the arts in Canada.

Edwin Robert Procunier died at Victoria Hospital, London on Monday, September 26, 2011, just five days before his 84th birthday. A Memorial Celebration will be held Saturday, November 19, 2:00pm, at The Palace Theatre, 710 Dundas Street E, London, where “Procunier Hall“ will be dedicated in Ed's honour. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to London Community Players, 710 Dundas Street E, London ON N5W 2Z4, to purchase seats, lighting and sound equipment through the Procunier Hall Enhancement Fund.

ONstage Openings for the week of October 24

2011-10-24T10:04:00.000-04:00

In Eastern Ontario
Oct. 28, Whispering Pines at Great Canadian Theatre Company (Ottawa) with previews from Oct. 25

In Southwestern Ontario
Oct. 27, Pearl Gidley at Lost & Found Theatre (Kitchener)

In Toronto
Oct. 26, Weesageechak Begins To Dance XXIV Festival at Native Earth Performing Arts
Oct. 27, Lettice And Lovage at East Side Players

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Theatre Ontario Schedules Next Emerging Professional Workshops

2011-10-20T13:46:00.001-04:00

Our next emerging professional workshops have been scheduled: sign-up now for “Getting Started For Actors” on November 23 at 2pm, or “Self-Start: The Basics Of Self-Producing” on November 30 at 2pm.

Getting Started sessions are for actors beginning their professional careers. In this two-hour workshop, Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator answers the most frequently asked questions about the business of acting. Find out about the realities of showbiz, pictures and resumes, Equity and ACTRA, agents and casting directors, auditioning do’s and don’ts, and maintaining and improving your acting skills. Getting Started is a free workshop, available to members of Theatre Ontario only. For more information, including how to register, please visit Getting Started For Actors on the Theatre Ontario website.

Self-Start: If you want to do a show but have never produced professionally before, and if you want to know what questions to ask first, this session is for you! Self-Start is a practical seminar facilitated by Tim Chapman. This workshop is designed for individuals thinking of starting a theatre company or producing a show; and gives you the opportunity to ask questions and try out ideas, discover the questions you need to ask and answer, learn to organize your thinking and planning, work on scheduling and budget considerations, and learn about available resources and services. It's free for Theatre Ontario members, and $30 for non-members. For more information, including how to register, please visit Self-Start: The Basics Of Producing on the Theatre Ontario website.

ONstage Openings for the week of October 17

2011-10-17T10:10:00.001-04:00

In Toronto
Oct.19, Name In Vain (Decalogue Two) at Tarragon Theatre (currently in previews)
Oct. 19, The Gentleman Caller at Hart House Theatre
Oct. 20, Deathtrap at The NAGs Players
Oct. 22, the sankofa trilogy at Tarragon Theatre in previews

In Central Ontario
Oct. 21, A Month Of Sundays at Northumberland Players (Cobourg)
Oct. 22, Lucien: Labour Lost at Algonquin Theatre (Huntsville)

In Eastern Ontario
Oct. 19, A Little Piece Of Heaven at Rural Root Theatre Company (Ottawa)
Oct. 21, Macbeth at Mississippi Mudds of Carleton Place

In South Central Ontario
Oct. 20, Rumors at Peel Panto Players (Brampton)

In Southwestern Ontario
Oct. 18, To Master The Art at The Grand Theatre (London)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Things I have learned in this job...

2011-10-12T10:07:00.012-04:00

By Dennis Johnson, Community Theatre Coordinator

Soon I will be stepping down from the job of Community Theatre Coordinator. It’s been an eventful three years, and very educational for me. I have met the most dedicated and hard-working people of my life while I have traveled around the province as cheerleader-in-chief for the non-professional theatre sector. I told a colleague that I was planning to exit with an article about what I have learned in this job, and he suggested it was likely to be a very short article. Good joke. Here is what I think I have learned…

I have more respect for Community Theatre
I have heard it said that community theatre is like God—if it didn’t exist, we would have to invent it. Any community that for some reason loses its local production company soon acquires a new one. There is something about community theatre that is quite different from, say, dinner theatre or fringe festivals—even though the boundaries can be blurred and overlap.

Community Theatre is a bottom-up enterprise. It starts with roots in the community and it grows in that place. Sometimes individuals or small groups will turn their talents towards establishing a company (sometimes because somebody wants the title of Artistic Director) but a top-down initiative usually lasts only a short time and then either turns upside down into a real grassroots theatre, or it dies when the founders at the top of the company lose interest or move. No community theatre can be sustained without the will of the participants coming first.

Not that community theatre is a democracy. Lord no. We all know it is a Social Contract. We the actors, designers and technicians, give up control to a director so that competing artistic visions don’t kill each other off. But without that social contract, without stakeholders to care about the company, the future for any company is bleak. I have gained a great deal of respect for the people who make community theatres work. They are the quintessential “company man” ambitious for their colleagues not just themselves.

Community Theatre is the prototype for theatre in Canada
Yes there was theatre in Canada before the Dominion Drama Festival, some of it professional and some of it very amateurish. But it was the DDF that defined theatre in this country for almost forty years. During the slump when radio, talking pictures, depression, war, and television combined to revolutionize the dramatic tastes of the public, community theatres kept pursuing the dream of live theatre. Community theatres then and now are filled with people who are good citizens—working for the public.

When the DDF folded at the end of the 1960’s, it was the community theatre sector in Ontario that spearheaded the establishment of a new organization that would not only sponsor a provincial version of the top-tier festival, but would also become an umbrella to embrace professional and educational theatre and build bridges between these rapidly developing sectors. Theatre Ontario (now celebrating its 40th Anniversary) was the result.

We can even pinpoint the place where the idea started. Had it not been for the leadership of a very few determined people who met at the QUONTA Festival in Sault Ste. Marie in March 1971, there would have been no Couchiching conference in June, no steering committee, no letters patent in September, no Theatre Ontario. Where there is a will there is a way. And there was a will in Sault Ste. Marie.

Drama Festivals are icing but not the whole cake
Forty years ago, Theatre Ontario was founded, and two years later (in 1973) the Ontario Theatre Festival was inaugurated. This coming year, we celebrate the 40th Annual Festival, again in Sault Ste. Marie.
Yet forty years on, we can see cracks in the structure that are similar to the problems faced by the old DDF. Travel is expensive. Standards are high. Theatre companies don’t want to participate unless they can showcase their full potential. Scenery, lighting, challenging scripts (which may not sell well to the home audience)—it all costs money.

To be honest, the regional full-length and one-act festivals reach a very large audience in the East, the North, the West and Central Ontario—larger than the Theatre Ontario Festival which showcases only four groups a year. Just check out the Box Office lists of recent festivals and you will see a group of about seventy people who attend our festival every year. These regulars, plus participants from the four plays and a few theatre lovers from the host city, constitute the audience for the most significant community theatre event on the Theatre Ontario calendar.

Meanwhile, there are active theatre groups all over the province who have never been to a Theatre Ontario Festival, and don’t see the need to do so. The festival is off their radar. Being selected for the DDF was never the only reason to do plays in the 1930’s. Festivals in general are the icing on the cake, but not the whole cake. Perhaps theatre festivals run in cycles. Perhaps the Theatre Ontario Festival, as it is presently conceived, will also undergo a metamorphosis.

Consider this: the Sears Drama Festival has had the same corporate sponsor for 65 years. The DDF also had a corporate sponsor, Calvert Distillery, from post-war to the late 1960’s. The Theatre Ontario Festival has never had a corporate sponsor (although the Government of Ontario and the Toronto Arts Council have been among consistent and dedicated sponsors of Theatre Ontario and its programs.) But Theatre Ontario will become more reliant on the private sector for support in the years to come, and so will its annual festival.

One Act Plays are under-rated
Consider this: The DDF before World War Two was a one-act play festival. In Ontario, only EODL currently runs a competitive one-act festival, and it’s a doozy. Nine plays can be accommodated and every year EODL has too many groups wanting to enter. A one-act festival is more focused, cheaper, and let’s face it, easier. WODL and QUONTA both run non-competitive festivals with “workshop leaders” instead of adjudicators. The focus is on training for new directors and actors, but the enthusiasm for the gathering is just as intense as for their full-length competitive play festivals. One-act festivals can attract entries as big or small (in budget and company size) as the group can muster. You don’t have to be rich to participate. Less can be more at a one-act festival. And one-act festivals can accommodate a much larger number of plays and group participants.

In truth, the tradition of full-length play festivals may need to be re-examined. Are we keeping our festival structure alive primarily to feed the Theatre Ontario Festival, an event which touches the few, not the many? Should we experiment with a One-Act Ontario Theatre Festival? The International Thespian Society (an American high school theatre organization) hosts an annual convention with two or three one-act plays each afternoon and a full-length play at night. A true feast of theatre. Could we organize two parallel festivals with separate adjudicators—full-length plays in the evening, one-acts in the afternoon?

Yes I know. Easy for me to say. I’m leaving the job. But whatever happens we know one thing for sure: Change is constant. Theatre Ontario and its festival(s) will not be the same ten years from now, as they are today. But community theatre will be alive and well and living in a town hall near you. And I’ll still be there cheering you on.

ONstage Openings for the week of October 11

2011-10-11T09:56:00.012-04:00

In Southwestern Ontario
Oct. 13, Blood Brothers at Drayton Entertainment: St. Jacobs Country Playhouse with previews from Oct. 12
Oct. 14, Frozen Dreams at Guelph Little Theatre

In Toronto
Oct. 10, I Send You This Cadmium Red at Canadian Stage
Oct. 13, HARDSELL at Factory Theatre
Oct. 14, Ghosts at Soulpepper Theatre with previews from Oct. 10
Oct. 16, The Normal Heart at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre with previews from Oct. 14

In Central Ontario
Oct. 14, The Melville Boys at Theatre Orangeville with a preview on Oct. 13

In Eastern Ontario
Oct. 12, Lucien’s Labour Lost at Upper Canada Playhouse (Morrisburg)
Oct. 13, Jitters at Belleville Theatre Guild

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Theatre Ontario Congratulates 2012 Shaw Intern Directors

2011-10-05T09:10:00.000-04:00

Theatre Ontario congratulates Krista Jackson of Winnipeg and Michael Wheeler of Toronto who have been chosen as the Intern Directors for the 2012 Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival.

Each year, the Shaw Festival hires two Intern Directors for a period of about six months. They look for promising professional directors near the beginning of their careers. Applicants should have a fair bit of professional experience, but probably not in a company as large as the Shaw Festival. The Intern Directors work under the mentorship of the Directors of the Academy, which is the Shaw Festival’s professional development and public education wing. Each intern is assigned to two or three successive shows as an Assistant Director. The “Directors Project” is the culmination of the Intern Directors’ season, and consists of a double-bill of two one-acts directed by the two Intern Directors.

Krista Jackson has been working in Canadian theatre for the past two decades and last season co-directed The Seafarer with Gina Wilkinson at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s (RMTC). Krista is co-founder and artistic director of zone41 (www.zone41.ca): a new theatre with a mandate to re-vision classics in Winnipeg. The company’s inaugural production of Bruce McManus’ adaptation of Three Sisters will be presented in partnership with Theatre Projects Manitoba this fall. Krista will then direct Village Wooing for zone41 in RMTC’s 2012 Master Playwrights Festival which will celebrate the work of G.B. Shaw. The show will run in conjunction with Eric Lesage’s 20 panel exhibit of a deconstructed 1956 Webster’s English Dictionary at RAW: Gallery of Architecture and Design. She is also currently collaborating with playwright Carolyn Gray on a Molière adaptation for next season. “In a telegram to Moscow Arts Theatre in 1899, Chekhov wrote ‘We shall work mindfully, cheerfully, tirelessly, unanimously.’ I will try to do just that as an intern director at the Shaw Festival for the 2012 season. I look forward to a summer devoted to investigating and learning with the Shaw’s dynamic company of artists.”

Michael Wheeler has directed ten original productions as Artistic Director of Praxis Theatre. He is currently directing Jesus Chrysler by Tara Beagan presented at Theatre Passe Muraille and is Co-Curator of the Freefall Festival at The Theatre Centre. Michael has trained as a director at the Tarragon Theatre, as an artistic producer with Volcano Theatre and is editor of praxistheatre.com. Assistant director credits include Tear The Curtain at The Cultural Olympiad and Peggy Pickit Sees The Face of God as part of Luminato and Canadian Stage. He is the recent recipient of two separate Royal Bank of Canada Artist Awards: the 2011 SummerWorks Arts Professional Award and was a Finalist for the 2010 Toronto Arts Foundation Emerging Artist Award. Michael is a member of The Wrecking Ball holds an MFA from the Moscow Art Theatre. “As Artistic Director of a theatre company with a sociopolitical mandate, spending a season at a festival founded on the works of one of theatre’s great social justice advocates is a tremendous opportunity. There is much to learn from the incredible artists that comprise The Shaw Festival and the exceptional resources available to directors there.”

Since its inception in 1988, the project has been sponsored annually by Sun Life Financial. Visit the Theatre Ontario website for more information about the Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival.

Seeking Nominations for the 2012 Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture

2011-10-04T10:23:00.012-04:00

Theatre Ontario is now inviting nominations for the 2012 Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture.

The award is presented annually to an individual or a collective whose initiative, activism, leadership, and service has contributed to the development and strengthening of arts and culture in Ontario through innovative and practical initiatives. While Theatre Ontario administers this award, it recognizes achievements in all artistic and cultural disciplines.

Past recipients of the award are Tim Jones & Susan Serran, Angela Rebeiro, Jane Marsland, Myles Warren, Jini Stolk, Claire Hopkinson, Peter Honeywell, Janis Barlow, Winston Morgan, and Judy Harquail.

The nomination deadline is November 30, 2011. The jury for the 2012 award is Peter Honeywell (Chair), Winston Morgan and Jini Stolk (as past recipients of the award) and Gerry Smith and David Caron (as representatives of the arts and culture sector at-large.)

Full award criteria, history, and nomination guidelines can be found on the Theatre Ontario website.

ONstage Openings for the week of October 3

2011-10-03T09:56:00.000-04:00

In Eastern Ontario
Oct. 8, Ned Durango at Thousand Islands Playhouse (Gananoque) with a preview on Oct. 7

In Toronto
Oct.4, Name In Vain (Decalogue Two) at Tarragon Theatre in previews
Oct. 6, Blithe Spirit at Scarborough Theatre Guild
Oct. 6, Those Who Can't Do... at Theatre Passe Muraille

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-09-30T08:47:00.000-04:00

Conversations

Following Soulpepper’s recent production of White Biting Dog, J. Kelly Nestruck looked at whether Canadian revivals were on the rise (I think a former colleague of mine would say “finally!”)
In an “everyone-is-a-critic-now” world, Diane Ragsdale wonders what that means for works-in-process

From The Wire

It’s with sadness that we have to share the news of the death of Ed Procunier, a former President of Theatre Ontario, Adjudicator, and founding President of the London Community Players; a memorial is planned in November and we’ll be sharing more information in the weeks ahead
The provincial election is October 6; ArtsBuild Ontario is advocating for government investment in the arts and cultural community through: an extension of the Infrastructure Ontario Loan Program to all qualified arts and cultural organizations, and a capital funding program when the economy improves
The City of Toronto voted in favour of selling the Sony Centre, the St. Lawrence Centre, and the Toronto Centre for the Arts, but they’ve also set up a Mayor’s Task Force for Arts and Theatres, chaired by Councillor Gary Crawford
“Applause (mostly) for Stratford artistic director Des McAnuff” by Michael Posner and Kate Taylor in the Globe and Mail

Migrations

After 17 years, Colleen Blake is retiring from the Shaw Festival as Executive Director

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

Nightwood Theatre in Toronto is seeking submissions from emerging and mid-career female creators/playwrights to be included in The Market Place: a speed-dating-with-Artistic-Directors event of The New Groundswell Festival; application deadline is October 15
4th Line Theatre in Millbrook has Linda Kash and Paul O’Sullivan leading an improvisation workshop on October 22 for youth 10 to 17
Toronto Fringe Applications are now online: deadlines are October 24 (New Play Contest), November 7 (Festival Lottery); Site-Specific Proposals are first-come, first-serve
Members of The Gina Wilkinson Prize jury are proud to announce the creation of an annual award benefiting emerging female directors and theatre artists looking to transition into the area of direction. The prize pays tribute to Canadian actor, playwright and director Gina Wilkinson and her unyielding dedication, vision and indomitable spirit that imbued her work and her life. This year’s nomination deadline for the inaugural award is December 1

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Theatre Ontario Seeking Community Theatre Coordinator

2011-09-28T15:26:00.001-04:00

As announced at the Theatre Ontario Festival, Dennis Johnson is retiring as Community Theatre Coordinator. We are now inviting applications for the position. This is a part-time employee position, starting November 2011.

Theatre Ontario seeks a motivated and independent individual who is familiar with the theatre environment of Ontario. The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, as well as demonstrated skills in production and management within the community theatre sector.

Read more about the Community Theatre Coordinator position on the Theatre Ontario website

ONstage Openings for the week of September 26

2011-09-26T10:43:00.000-04:00

In Toronto
Sept. 26, Another Africa at Canadian Stage
Sept. 26, The Studio at Young People's Theatre
Sept. 29, Bigger Than Jesus at Factory Theatre
Sept. 30, Infinitum at Triangle Pi Productions

In South Central Ontario
Sept. 29, Jake's Women at Oshawa Little Theatre
Sept. 30, The Drawer Boy at Theatre Aurora

In Southwestern Ontario
Sept. 30, You'll Get Used To It!...The War Show at Players' Guild of Hamilton

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-09-23T10:22:00.013-04:00

Conversations

On The Artful Manager, Andrew Taylor proposed a new way of thinking about job descriptions in the cultural sector for small and mid-size organizations: job function trading cards

From The Wire

The Ontario provincial election is just two weeks away; the Ontario Nonprofit Network has published a provincial election kit, while Micheline McKay on the Arts Advocate Blog wonders why a jobs-focused election does not have more discussion of the cultural sector
On Monday, the Friends Of The Arts' Petition to Protect Arts Funding to Keep Toronto Vibrant was reporting 12,200 signatures – are you one of them? The Globe and Mail published an editorial on the subject (“Spare arts grants from the cleaver”) prior to the past week’s City Council Executive Committee meeting

Migrations

Jorn Weisbrodt is the new Artistic Director of Luminato
Greg Wanless will be stepping down as Artistic Director of Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque following the 2012 season

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

September 30 is the deadline for OAC Theatre Creators’ Reserve submissions to Talk Is Free Theatre in Barrie; funding priorities are regional artists; artists from culturally diverse backgrounds; artists and works that would likely experience difficulty in attracting support elsewhere
September 30 is also the deadline for nominations for the Keith Kelly Award for Cultural Leadership from the Canadian Conference of the Arts
Toronto’s Paprika Festival has put out the call for submissions: deadline is October 7 for their Productions, Creators Unit, Playwrights-in-Residence, and Resident Company; the Paprika Festival celebrates the work of young and emerging artists, primarily those who are 21 and under
Fall workshop schedule from Off The Wall—Stratford Artists’ Alliance is now available: subjects include animatronics, artistic welding, exploring shadow puppets, mail armour costuming, mask making, and stage upholstery
Factory Theatre has issued their call for OAC Theatre Creators’ Reserve submissions, with a deadline of November 25; funding priorities are: projects that reflect our cultural diversity; young voices that speak to youth issues; unique, theatrical investigations in form; groundbreaking projects from established playwrights; work that explores new methods of creation, including collective creation

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Remember, you can also receive our news every month by email. Our archives are online and the September issue is now available.

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

ONstage Openings for the week of September 19

2011-09-19T10:14:00.000-04:00

In Southwestern Ontario
Sept. 20, Footloose - High School Project at The Grand Theatre (London)
Sept. 22, The Turn Of The Screw at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre

In Toronto
Sept. 21, In The Next Room or the vibrator play at Tarragon Theatre (currently running in previews)
Sept. 22, The Maids at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (currently running in previews)
Sept. 23, The Odd Couple at Soulpepper Theatre with previews from Sept. 22
Sept. 23, The Great American Trailer Park Musical at Hart House Theatre

In Eastern Ontario
Sept. 20, West Moon Street at Kanata Theatre (Ottawa)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-09-16T10:10:00.002-04:00

Migrations

Brett Christopher is the new Artistic Producer of Theatre Kingston

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

Toronto’s Nightwood Theatre is holding two Master Classes in October – The Director’s Toolkit with Liesl Tommy (1st and 2nd) and Go Ahead! Produce It Yourself with Julie Tepperman and Jacoba Knaapen (5th and 6th)
Ottawa Little Theatre has four workshops scheduled: WHMIS in the Theatre (Sep. 17), Stage Fencing (Sep. 24-25) , Sound (Oct. 1), and Lighting (Oct. 22)
Deadline to apply for Buddies In Bad Times’ Young Creators Unit in Toronto is Sep. 23 – the Young Creators Unit is for queer-identified artists, age 25 and under, seeking to develop and perform their own solo performance piece
Deadline for the Ottawa Little Theatre One-Act Playwriting Competition is Oct. 14; please note that there is an entry fee for this competition

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

My 2011 Summer Theatre Travels

2011-09-14T14:05:00.001-04:00

by Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator

As usual I have been making the rounds of summer theatres which belong to the Association of Summer Theatres ‘Round Ontario (ASTRO). It is so much fun to get out of the city and see the vast variety of theatre in this province.

Dance Legends at Drayton Entertainment

The first out-of-town show I saw this summer was Dance Legends at Drayton Festival Theatre. I love show dancing and this show offered a history of the great American choreographers and dancers. And it went beyond show dancing to include ballet, modern dance, and many of the memorable dancers of the movies and the music industry. It was a big show with fourteen dancers, two singers, and four musicians—something few theatres in Ontario could afford to produce. I loved it and so did my brother-in-law who joined me. In fact, he loved it so much he saw it a second time with my sister. And she loved it too. The dancing was fantastic and I thought the whole show was first-rate the way it was put together and produced.

Next I saw the first two of three shows at the Shaw Festival this summer: Shaw’s Heartbreak House, and Drama at Inish, a gentle Irish comedy of the 1930’s. Shaw recently announced that Inish’s run has been so successful that the run has been extended. Heartbreak is one of George Bernard Shaw’s best plays and I had not seen it since Christopher Newton’s seminal 1985 production at the Festival. Christopher took it on again and it was a fascinating re-visit with the always superb Shaw company of actors and designers. Later in the summer I caught up with the much lauded Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. What a triumph! Director Eda Holmes has mined terrific performances from the entire cast. It was thrilling to see this Tennessee Williams classic so superbly realized.

In early July I was down to see John Gray’s new musical Amelia. Festival Players of Prince Edward County produced the premiere of the show last summer directed by Artistic Director Sarah Phillips. They revived it this summer prior to the production going to the Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa in September. It is a three-hander musical about the iconic flyer Amelia Earhart, a companion piece to Gray’s Canadian classic, Billy Bishop Goes to War. Sarah and the cast, including Eliza Jane Scott in the title role, do a bang-up job delivering a fine production. I also journeyed to Perth in Eastern Ontario for the first time to visit the Classic Theatre Festival now in its second season. Artistic Director Laurel Smith has carved out an interesting mandate to produce the classic hits of Broadway and the London Stage. In her first two seasons she has concentrated on shows from the 1940’s and 1950’s. I saw Bell, Book and Candle by John van Druten. You may remember it from the 1950’s Jimmy Stewart/Kim Novak movie. I thought the show worked well in the summer theatre context. It drew a good crowd the performance I saw, and they appeared to be totally absorbed with this pleasing production.

Theatre Collingwood opened its season in July with Maryjane Cruise’s Separate Beds. I had never seen the play, though it has received over twenty-five productions since it was first produced at Theatre Aquarius in 2002. Arlene Mazerolle and Brian Young adeptly stick-handle the many laughs in this comedy about married life. The show definitely got Collingwood’s summer season off to a good start. But I am sorry I missed Dan Needle’s—author of the Wingfield plays—new multi-character show, Fair Play, which premiered at Collingwood in August.

In late July I went out to see Humber River Shakespeare’s outdoor touring show A Comedy of Errors. Well, twenty minutes into the show, it started pouring rain and the performance had to be cancelled. Unfortunately, I was leaving for a holiday in the U.S. a few days later and I never had another opportunity to see the production. Too bad—the show got off to a promising start.

The Cavan Blazers at 4th Line Theatre.
Photo by Wayne Eardley

I made it out to Millbrook to see the opening of 4th Line’s The Cavan Blazers in early August. I had never seen it before. It was 4th Line’s inaugural production in 1992, and they have produced it another four times—the last time in 2004. I had always wanted to see it as I knew there were characters riding real horses in the show: perfect for outdoor theatre. It’s a monumental undertaking with a cast of nearly sixty (led by Richard Greenblatt, Edward Belanger and Artistic Director Robert Winslow) and a gripping 19th century local story. It is the type of big show which 4th Line produces so superbly. They just announced that the 2011 20th anniversary season was its most successful ever, with record-breaking attendance from across Ontario and as far away as Quebec, Manitoba, B.C. and the U.S.

Derek Ritschel is in his first season as Artistic Director of Lighthouse Theatre in Port Dover so I really wanted to see a show there. Derek just finished directing the Norm Foster classic The Melville Boys. I could not get down to that show, but I was able to see Uwe Meyer’s Dating by the Book. (Uwe is the Artistic Director of the Port Hope Festival Theatre.) It may be the first ‘viagra’ comedy I have seen. It is very funny, and Derek had told me it had been the hit of the Lighthouse season thus far, with two productions remaining.

Peter Van Gestel as Macbeth at Driftwood Theatre.
Photo by David Spowart.

In Withrow Park in Riverdale, about a 15-minute walk from my house, I caught Driftwood Theatre’s touring Macbeth. Artistic Director Jeremy Smith consistently offers interesting and well-produced outdoor productions of Shakespeare, and this production continued that history with an exciting, smartly-executed show. Driftwood has been coming to Withrow Park for a number of years but I have never seen such a large crowd as this year. It was well-deserved.

I still hope to get to Stratford and I will be going to Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque later in September but, thus far, that concludes my summer theatre travels in 2011. My colleagues at Theatre Ontario, John Goddard and Brandon Moore, also traveled to some other ASTRO theatres this past summer. John enjoyed shows at the Blyth Festival, the Port Hope Festival Theatre, the Orillia Opera House where LaughOutLoud Productions produced their second summer season and at the Straford Shakespeare Festival. Brandon went down to Port Colborne to see Showboat Festival Theatre’s 2 Across, a charming production of an American comedy of crosswords and romance, directed by Artistic Director Thom Currie.

Another summer season is coming to a close. But our artists will continue to “trod the boards” across this province. From Niagara-on-the-Lake to Bobcaygeon, from Morrisburg to Sarnia, from Haliburton to Port Stanley, there will always be summer theatre close by.

ONstage Openings for the week of September 12

2011-09-12T09:51:00.001-04:00

In South Central Ontario
Sept. 16, Real Estate at The Curtain Club (Richmond Hill) with a preview on Sep. 15

In Southwestern Ontario
Sept. 13, Mama's Country Record Collection at Lighthouse Festival Theatre (Port Dover)
Sept. 15, The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare (Abridged) at Galt Little Theatre (Cambridge)
Sept. 15, Perfect Wedding at Elmira Theatre Company

In Toronto
Sept. 13, MacHomer at Factory Theatre
Sept. 13, In The Next Room or the vibrator play at Tarragon Theatre in previews
Sept. 14, The Tale Of A Town - Queen West at Theatre Passe Muraille
Sept. 17, The Maids at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre in previews

In Eastern Ontario
Sept. 16, Amelia: The Girl Who Wants To Fly at Great Canadian Theatre Company (Ottawa) with previews from Sept. 13

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

ONstage Openings for the week of September 6

2011-09-07T14:35:00.001-04:00

In Eastern Ontario
Sept. 10, The Kitchen Witches at Upper Canada Playhouse (Morrisburg) with previews from Sept. 8

In South Central Ontario
Sept. 8, A Life In The Theatre at West End Studio Theatre (Oakville)

In Southwestern Ontario
Sept. 6, Rhinestone Cowgirl at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia
Sept. 7, Who's Under Where? at Drayton Entertainment: Drayton Festival Theatre with a matinee preview on Sept. 7
Sept. 8, Blue Suede Shoes: Memories Of The King at Drayton Entertainment: Schoolhouse Theatre (St. Jacobs) with previews from Sept. 7

In Toronto
Sept. 8, Harvey at Scarborough Players

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-09-02T10:41:00.002-04:00

Conversations

On Jumper, Diane Ragsdale warned about the potential strip-mall future for the arts sector, and what the “boutique arts organization” can learn from that analogy

From The Wire

Writing in the National Post, Dr. James Aw makes the case for the health benefits of culture

Migrations

Ron Lenyk is the new CEO of the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga

TO Toasts!

Congratulations to Richard Rose, Artistic Director of Tarragon Theatre, who won the Walter Carsen Prize for Performing Arts
Congratulations to the 2011 Toronto Arts Foundation Awards finalists – with a special shout-out to TO members Theatre Direct, Young People’s Theatre, Donna-Michelle St. Bernard, and Jane Marsland—a past recipient of the Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in the Arts

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

Don’t forget: submission deadline for the 33rd Annual Rhubarb Festival at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre is today
Deadline to apply to audition for the b current rAiz’n Ensemble of emerging artists in Toronto is September 7
Talk Is Free Theatre in Barrie is now inviting applications for their OAC Creators Reserve; they have two deadlines with the first on September 30

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Summertime in Waterloo

2011-08-31T13:54:00.003-04:00

By Cornelia Persich, Education Coordinator

The 2011 Summer Theatre Intensive took place at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo this past August. Nearly 60 people from all over Ontario—and as far away as Halifax, Michigan, Illinois, and Bermuda—enjoyed themselves in one of four different courses taught by top-notch professionals.

I was able to sit in on a few classes and get a glimpse of the work being done. In the “When I’m On Stage…Who Am I?” course, I watched as partners “slashed” and “flicked” at each other while incorporating Laban techniques to broaden their character work. I saw new directors in the “Now What Do I Do?” course learn how to block actors. I listened in to Christopher Newton during his Directors Symposium day while he was sharing his thoughts on the whole experience of going to the theatre—why not have beautiful gardens outside the theatre so that the audience is in a more pleasant frame of mind when entering?

One particularly memorable moment for me during the week was the afternoon I spent in a park with the Shakespeare Conservatory class. Instructor Andrew Tidmarsh had chosen an outside setting for an exercise. The scene was a meeting between courtiers and farm folk. The courtiers had to leave their home due to lack of food when venturing outside of their community into a new world—a world where it was okay for strangers to come up to you and touch your garments and hair and invade your personal space. I was asked to video whatever caught my interest. While the conversations were not in Shakespearean verse, what I found amazing was that none of the actors ever broke character; not even when some very funny exchanges took place. They were completely committed.

While the days were all about learning, the evenings were all about relaxing. The week included a bus trip to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival where we saw Twelfth Night. Thanks to Murray Tilson and Rick Kerr who brought their guitars along and played for us on several occasions. I also thank Chandra Mulder for her enthusiasm in planning our closing party, and everyone who shared their “party pieces” that evening.

Photos courtesy of Ros Schwartz – thank you Ros!

Theatre Ontario Launches Fall Workshops

2011-08-30T09:50:00.001-04:00

It’s nearly September, school is about to start, and Theatre Ontario’s emerging professional workshops will soon be in session. Our first “Getting Started For Actors” workshop will be on October 5, from 2pm to 4pm; “Self-Start: The Basics Of Self-Producing” will be on October 12, from 2pm to 4:15pm.

Getting Started sessions are for actors beginning their professional careers. In this two-hour workshop, Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator answers the most frequently asked questions about the business of acting. Find out about the realities of showbiz, pictures and resumes, Equity and ACTRA, agents and casting directors, auditioning do’s and don’ts, and maintaining and improving your acting skills. Getting Started is a free workshop, available to members of Theatre Ontario only. For more information, including how to register, please visit Getting Started For Actors on the Theatre Ontario website.

Self-Start: If you want to do a show but have never produced professionally before, and if you want to know what questions to ask first, this session is for you! Self-Start is a practical seminar facilitated by Tim Chapman. This workshop is designed for individuals thinking of starting a theatre company or producing a show; and gives you the opportunity to ask questions and try out ideas, discover the questions you need to ask and answer, learn to organize your thinking and planning, work on scheduling and budget considerations, and learn about available resources and services. It's free for Theatre Ontario members, and $30 for non-members. For more information, including how to register, please visit Self-Start: The Basics Of Producing on the Theatre Ontario website.

Theatre Ontario Welcomes Carol Beauchamp As Executive Director

2011-08-29T14:17:00.000-04:00

Theatre Ontario is pleased to announce that Carol Beauchamp will become the new Executive Director of Theatre Ontario, effective September 19, 2011.

“I am excited to have Carol join Theatre Ontario,” said Cam Lund, Vice-President of the Board of Directors, and Chair of the Search Committee. “She brings a great deal of experience, passion, integrity and relationship-building skills to our theatre community. Carol’s key strengths lie in understanding goals, problems and needs and then co-creating solutions with her partners. Her people development and mentorship abilities will be a welcome addition to this organization.”

Carol has been a passionate member of the theatre community for over 25 years. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors at the Association of Community Theatres—Central Ontario (ACT-CO) and the Halton Hills Cultural Round Table, which is assisting the Town with developing a Cultural Master Plan and Cultural Map as part of the Town’s sustainability planning. Professionally, she has worked in sales and marketing in the private sector, holding senior management roles, developing province-wide marketing campaigns, and leading successful teams in both print and online media.

“I would like to thank and congratulate John Goddard for the commitment and passion he has brought to Theatre Ontario in the last five years,” Carol said, “and to extend my personal best wishes to him and his wife Susan as they pursue a busy and active retirement. I am aware of the challenge I am accepting in stepping into the position he has filled so wonderfully well, and hope to be able to live up to the leadership standard he has set.”

“I am committed to sustaining a healthy and vibrant theatrical milieu as part of Ontario’s increasingly diverse cultural landscape. Changing demographics, economic and cultural influences present huge challenges, yet I firmly believe in the extremely important role of theatre in the cultural and social map of our province. Theatre Ontario must work harder than ever before to expand and elevate the role of theatre in Ontario’s cultural mosaic. I am thrilled to join Theatre Ontario as the new Executive Director, and I very much look forward to working with a highly knowledgeable and dedicated team as well as with a dynamic Board of Directors to move forward in implementing a well-articulated Strategic Plan.”

Theatre Ontario develops and supports theatre practitioners across the province, by providing resources, networking, training and advocacy. We are a charitable, not-for-profit association serving community, educational and professional theatre organizations and individuals through a range of programs and services.

ONstage Openings for the week of August 29

2011-08-29T13:50:00.000-04:00

In Toronto

Aug. 30, Dreams Really Do Come True! (and other lies) at The Second City (currently in previews)
Sep. 2, The Price at Soulpepper Theatre with previews from Aug. 29

In Eastern Ontario
Sep. 3, Heroes at Thousand Islands Playhouse (Gananoque) with a preview on Sep. 2

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

2011 Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture awarded to Judy Harquail

2011-08-23T14:20:00.000-04:00

Theatre Ontario is thrilled to announce that the 2011 Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture has been awarded to Judy Harquail, in recognition of her extraordinary commitment and sustained contributions to arts and culture in Ontario, and in “enthusiastic recognition of those gifts, given freely, in service of the art and artists she so ably serves.”

“I am very honoured to receive the 2011 Sandra Tulloch Award and to be recognized alongside such an amazing group of former recipients,” said Judy. “I am proud to be able to play a role in the development and strengthening of arts and culture in the province of Ontario.”

Judy has worked in arts management, marketing and facilitating for over 25 years. She was the co-founder of For Dance And Opera, a joint sales, marketing and tour management service organization for mid-sized dance and opera companies, establishing innovative partnerships with presenters in Canada and worldwide. Through her work with CCI—Ontario Presenters Network, she has connected and developed a strong community of arts presenters across the province. CCI’s block bookings and Health Arts Leader programs help presenters deepen their curatorial competencies and strengthen their organizations. She was also vital in establishing the Ontario Arts Council’s Ontario Dances program, increasing the range and diversity of dance available to Ontario communities outside Toronto.

The award, a statuette entitled “JOY”, shall be presented to Judy on September 19 in Toronto, as part of Theatre Ontario’s 40th Anniversary launch. Colleagues and friends of Judy who are interested in attending should contact John Goddard, Executive Director at Theatre Ontario, at john@theatreontario.org or 416.408.4556 x.11.

Read more about the Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture on the Theatre Ontario website. Nominations for the 2012 award will open on October 3, 2011.

ONstage Openings for the week of August 22

2011-08-22T10:01:00.001-04:00

In Southwestern Ontario
Aug. 23, The Melville Boys at Lighthouse Festival Theatre (Port Dover)
Aug. 26, When The Rain Stops Falling at Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake) currently in previews

In Central Ontario
Aug. 24, The Men Commandments at Globus Theatre (Bobcaygeon)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-08-19T10:27:00.000-04:00

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

Upcoming workshops at the Blyth Festival: Adult Acting with Gil Garratt on August 24, and Writing In The Village with Paul Ciufo on September 1
One of our members, Brian Gordon Sinclair, is “reduced (his) travelling shows to a ‘have suitcase, will perform’ level” and is making his technical equipment (rear projection screen, spotlights, and sound system) available for free to any Theatre Ontario member willing to travel to Alliston to pick it up

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Remember, you can also receive our news every month by email in Theatre Ontario Presents.... Our archives are online and the August issue is now available.

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Call for Applications for the Youth Theatre Training Program

2011-08-17T10:44:00.001-04:00

Theatre Ontario is now inviting applications for the October 17, 2011 deadline for the Youth Theatre Training Program (YTTP), funded by the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

The YTTP provides training dollars to fund accessible theatre programs involving youth aged 14 to 21. YTTP assists Ontario organizations that wish to undertake projects providing training to youth in various theatrical skills and disciplines, lead by professional theatre artists.

Read all about the Youth Theatre Training Program on the Theatre Ontario website. After reading the YTTP guidelines, applicants are encouraged to contact Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator (tim@theatreontario.org or 416.408.4556 x.12) regarding your application. You can also read about the most recent mentorships (Spring 2011) funded by this program.

65 Applications Received for the 2012 Directors Project at the Shaw Festival

2011-08-16T13:57:00.003-04:00

Theatre Ontario is pleased to announce that we received 65 applications for the 2012 Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival. Applications came in from Canadians in six provinces, the United States and the United Kingdom.

“The Neil Munro Directors Project at the Shaw Festival continues to be an extremely competitive director training opportunity, consistently receiving a large number of applications from across Canada,” said Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator.

Each year, the Shaw Festival hires two Intern Directors for a period of about six months. They look for promising professional directors near the beginning of their careers. The Intern Directors work under the mentorship of the Directors of the Academy, which is the Shaw Festival's professional development and public education wing. Each intern is assigned to two or three successive shows as an Assistant Director. For the most part, being an Assistant Director involves observing the senior directors at work in rehearsal, doing research as required, acting as a sounding board as required. (Getting them coffee is not required.) The Interns also assist the company in educating audiences about theatre in general and the Shaw's productions and programmes in particular.

Since its inception in 1988, the project has been sponsored annually by Sun Life Financial and Theatre Ontario. Read more about the Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival on the Theatre Ontario website

ONstage Openings for the week of August 15

2011-08-15T10:43:00.000-04:00

In Eastern Ontario
Aug. 16, The Patrick Pearse Motel at Ottawa Little Theatre

In South Central Ontario
Aug. 19, Cabaret at The Rose Theatre (Brampton)

In Southwestern Ontario
Aug. 16, Heat Wave at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia
Aug. 17, Blue Suede Shoes: Memories Of The King at Drayton Entertainment: Huron County Playhouse (Grand Bend) with a matinee preview on Aug. 17
Aug. 17, Bedtime Stories at Port Stanley Festival Theatre
Aug. 18, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Drayton Entertainment: Drayton Festival Theatre with previews from Aug. 17
Aug. 18, Mending Fences at Showboat Festival Theatre (Port Colborne)
Aug. 21, Guys And Dolls at Drayton Entertainment: Huron County Playhouse (Grand Bend) with previews from Aug. 17

In Toronto
Aug. 16, Exit The King at Soulpepper Theatre (currently in previews)
Aug. 18, White Biting Dog at Soulpepper Theatre (currently in previews)

In Central Ontario
Aug. 18, Fair Play at Theatre Collingwood
Aug. 19, Who's Under Where? At Drayton Entertainment: King's Wharf Theatre (Penetanguishene) with previews from Aug. 17

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-08-12T10:15:00.002-04:00

From The Wire

A 60th Anniversary reminiscence at Belleville Theatre Guild—featuring a few of our long-time supporters

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

Deadline is Monday for the Michael Langham Workshop for Classical Direction at Stratford
Three workshops in Toronto next week at Bloor West Village Players: stage management, lighting operator, sound operator

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

ONstage Openings for the week of August 8

2011-08-08T11:11:00.000-04:00

In Central Ontario
Aug. 10, Till It Hurts at Globus Theatre (Bobcaygeon)
Aug. 11, Hairspray at Port Hope Festival Theatre

In South Central Ontario
Aug. 9, The Cemetery Club at Theatre Aurora

In Southwestern Ontario
Aug. 10, Hosanna at Stratford Shakespeare Festival with previews underway
Aug. 11, The Homecoming at Stratford Shakespeare Festival with previews underway
Aug. 11, When The Rain Stops Falling at Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake) in previews
Aug. 12, The Misanthrope at Stratford Shakespeare Festival with previews underway

In Toronto
Aug. 13, White Biting Dog at Soulpepper Theatre in previews

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-08-05T09:12:00.000-04:00

From The Wire

The Indie Caucus from the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts is presenting a panel for indie producers looking to develop new works and navigating your way to the appropriate Equity agreement; Arden Ryshpan (CAEA), Franco Boni (Theatre Centre), Gideon Arthurs (Toronto Fringe) on a panel moderated by Richard Lee so you know they’re bringing the smart: August 11 at noon at The Lower Ossington Theatre
ACT II Studio in Toronto has scheduled an information day on September 9 at 10:30am—learn about the courses and activities offered by this unique theatre school for older adults
Following recent announcements for Southwestern Ontario, funding initiatives announced by the Minister of Heritage in the Greater Toronto Area

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Call for Applications for the Professional Theatre Training Program

2011-08-04T13:07:00.002-04:00

Theatre Ontario is now inviting applications for the October 3, 2011 deadline for the Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP), funded by the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

The PTTP offers financial support for unique and flexible training with a chosen mentor in any theatrical discipline (except performance.) One can apply for professional development in his/her own discipline, or a “change of direction" in a career. To apply, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience following their formal education.

Read all about the Professional Theatre Training Program on the Theatre Ontario website. After reading the PTTP guidelines, applicants are encouraged to contact Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator (tim@theatreontario.org or 416.408.4556 x.12) regarding your application.

Read also about the most recent mentorships (Spring 2011) funded by this program.

Recognizing Excellence in the Class of 2011

2011-08-03T09:52:00.000-04:00

Theatre Ontario is pleased to congratulate some of the “Class of 2011” secondary school students recognized with our Certificate of Excellence.

Robbie Grant, of North Toronto Collegiate Institute in Toronto, “offering outstanding leadership in our extra-curricular program; a student director for the Sears Festival, an actor in our annual event On Stage Tonight, and helps to coordinate our lunch hour theatre.”

Austin Newdick, of Holy Trinity School in Richmond Hill, “our head technician…with no past experience he has come in for training evenings and weekends and has become so knowledgeable, so quickly that he has been in charge of all school drama, music and special events…organizes and trains other students…”

Laura Oliva, of Thornlea Secondary School in Thornhill, “a huge force in the Thornlea Drama Department, acting in over half a dozen plays, directing others, and a positive influence on younger actors…”

Brock Wilson, of M.M. Robinson High School in Burlington, “a dedicated and generous performer, a key part of the school’s improv team for two years…he plans on studying theatre at university next year…”

Theatre Ontario’s Certificates of Excellence are awarded to an individual who has shown diligence, excellence of participation, and/or outstanding commitment to the drama / theatre community at his or her school. The person receiving the certificate may have worked as a performer, technician, organizer of the drama club, or may simply have been of great support and encouragement to others, during or after school hours. It may be given out at special events such as a Commencement, Recognition Assembly, or Annual Awards Assembly.

The Certificate of Excellence was established in 1986. Students are nominated by their high school or teacher for the certificate. For more information, please visit the Theatre Ontario website.

ONstage Openings for the week of August 2

2011-08-02T10:32:00.000-04:00

In Toronto
Aug. 6, Exit The King at Soulpepper Theatre in previews

In Central Ontario
Aug. 2, Educating Rita at Highlands Summer Festival (Haliburton)
Aug. 4, The Cavan Blazers at 4th Line Theatre (Millbrook) with previews from Aug. 2

In Eastern Ontario
Aug. 2, Storm Warning at Bancroft Village Playhouse
Aug. 3, The Ballad Of Weedy Peetstraw at Festival Players of Prince Edward County (Picton)
Aug. 4, Clue, The Musical at Suzart Productions (Ottawa)
Aug. 6, Not Now, Darling at Upper Canada Playhouse (Morrisburg) with previews from Aug. 4
Aug. 6, Billy Bishop Goes To War at Thousand Islands Playhouse (Gananoque) with a preview on Aug. 5
Aug. 6, The Fourposter at Classic Theatre Festival (Perth) with previews from Aug. 5

In South Central Ontario
Aug. 5, The Drawer Boy at The Rose Theatre (Brampton)

In Southwestern Ontario
Aug. 3, Intimate Evening at Starbright Summer Festival (Sarnia)
Aug. 5, Early August at Blyth Festival with previews from Aug. 3
Aug. 5, Cabaret at Starbright Summer Festival (Sarnia)
Aug. 5, Maria Severa at Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake) with previews underway
Aug. 6, Simply Grand at Starbright Summer Festival (Sarnia)
Aug. 6, Topdog/Underdog at Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake) with previews underway

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-07-29T09:50:00.000-04:00

Conversations

Marcia Johnson, playwright and a former member of our Board of Directors, was at the Shaw Festival’s “Speed Of Ideas” conference, and blogged about it for Obsidian Theatre
August Schulenburg, the Artistic Director of Flux Theatre Ensemble in New York, proposed a fascinating new model for new play open submissions
How has social media been impacting on traditional journalism? Chad Bauman, Director of Communications at Arena Stage in Washington, wrote a very comprehensive analysis

Migrations

Erika Rueter has been announced as the new General Manager of Talk Is Free Theatre in Barrie

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

Theatre Gargantua’s one-day Creation Workshops are on August 1 and August 2

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

And enjoy the long weekend!

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

ONstage Openings for the week of July 25

2011-07-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

In Southwestern Ontario
Jul. 26, Hosanna at Stratford Shakespeare Festival in previews
Jul. 26, The Homecoming at Stratford Shakespeare Festival in previews
Jul. 27, Italian Funerals And Other Festive Occasions at Drayton Entertainment: Huron County Playhouse (Grand Bend) with a matinee preview on Jul. 27
Jul. 27, How The Other Half Loves at Drayton Entertainment: Drayton Festival Theatre
Jul. 27, Dump Guys at Port Stanley Festival Theatre
Jul. 28, Glorious at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia with previews from Jul. 26
Jul. 28, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Drayton Entertainment: Huron County Playhouse (Grand Bend) with previews from Jul. 27
Jul. 28, Back In '59 at Showboat Festival Theatre (Port Colborne)
Jul. 29, Rope's End at Blyth Festival with previews from Jul. 27
Jul. 30, The Power and Passion of Broadway at Starbright Summer Festival (Sarnia)
Jul. 31, The Misanthrope at Stratford Shakespeare Festival in previews

In Toronto
Jul. 26, Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show at Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts
Jul. 27, Fall '11 Mainstage Revue at The Second City in previews

In Central Ontario
Jul. 25, Rhinestone Cowgirl: A Tribute To Dolly Parton at Theatre Collingwood
Jul. 27, The Big Voice: God Or Merman? at Globus Theatre (Bobcaygeon)
Jul. 28, Blood Brothers at Drayton Entertainment: King's Wharf Theatre with previews from Jul. 27 (Penetanguishene)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-07-22T10:37:00.001-04:00

Conversations

I was unexpectedly out of the office at the end of last week, derailing my plans for an “all-SummerWorks” post to coincide with the coast-to-coast fundraisers in support of the Festival on July 15; thankfully (and you may have already seen it) Michael Wheeler at Praxis Theatre published an excellent round-up himself that covered many of the items I planned to share; there is some excellent opinion and debate from Michael Healey, Kelly Nestruck, Jacob Zimmer, and Michael Wheeler himself that's well worth reading
You can also catch-up on the June 12 episode of Q on CBC Radio where Jian Ghomeshi interviewed Heritage Minister James Moore

From The Wire

In case you haven’t noticed: it’s hot out there – artists, if you’re working in an outdoor venue, keep yourself safe and healthy with a persusal of the “Outdoor Venues” section in the Safety Guidelines for Live Performance
Eric Coates, AD of the Blyth Festival; Sarah Phillips, AD of the Festival Players of Prince Edward County; and Kim Blackwell, Artistic Producer of 4th Line Theatre, “compared notes on staging original Canadian productions” at Ontario’s summer theatres on CBC’s Fresh Air on July 9
Playwright David S. Young is the Fall writer-in-residence at the Toronto Public Library; writers are welcome to submit a play or screenplay for feedback, David S. Young will read your writing and meet with you to discuss what is working and what might need further development and a select number of applicants will be eligible for a seven-week workshop series with the Playwright in Residence

Migrations

Steve Solski, manager of theatre, arts and culture for the City of Brampton will become the founding Executive Director of the new performing arts centre in St. Catharines

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

Theatre Gargantua’s Intensive Artist Lab runs next week in Toronto from July 26 to July 29
Two calls from Buddies In Bad Times Theatre in Toronto: the 33rd Rhubarb Festival deadline is September 2; the Young Creators Unit application deadline is September 23

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Remember, you can also receive our news every month by email. Our archives are online and the July issue is now available.

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Creating your dream youth theatre training program

2011-07-19T10:53:00.000-04:00

Calling high school students: Do you want to be a professional actor? Theatre Ontario wants to create an intensive theatre training program based on your ideas! Where do you want the course to take place? Who do you want to be taught by? How much are you willing to pay for the course, if anything? Join us on Friday, July 29 from 2-5pm for a free pizza lunch at Theatre Ontario, 215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 210 for a lively discussion—be prepared to share your ideas.

If you are interested in attending, please email info@theatreontario.com with your name, age, high school name, and the city you live in. We will select a group of youth from across the province and will let you know by Monday, July 25 if you have been chosen. If you can’t make this time and if Thursday, July 28 from 5:30-8pm works better, please specify that in the email.

If you are unable to attend but would like to share your ideas so that this course reflects what you want, please also send an email and we will ask you a few questions via email or telephone. This is your chance to tell us about your dream theatre training program, so hop on board!

ONstage Openings for the week of July 18

2011-07-18T11:02:00.000-04:00

In South Central Ontario
Jul. 22, A Chorus Line at The Rose Theatre (Brampton)

In Southwestern Ontario
Jul. 19, Maria Severa at Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake) in previews
Jul. 19, Topdog/Underdog at Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake) in previews
Jul. 20, Let The Sunshine In at Starbright Summer Festival (Sarnia)
Jul. 21, Murder At The Best Western at Drayton Entertainment: St. Jacobs Country Playhouse with previews from Jul. 20
Jul. 22, The Blonde, The Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead at Starbright Summer Festival (Sarnia)

In Toronto
Jul. 20, Lysistrata – the sex strike at Hart House Theatre

In Central Ontario
Jul. 18, Looking at Highlands Summer Festival (Haliburton)
Jul. 21, The Caramel House at Port Hope Festival Theatre

In Eastern Ontario
Jul. 19, Spider's Web at Ottawa Little Theatre
Jul. 23, Lend Me A Tenor at Thousand Islands Playhouse (Gananoque) with a preview on Jul. 22

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Theatre Ontario Welcomes Annette G. Procunier As Festival 2012 Adjudicator

2011-07-12T10:08:00.001-04:00

Theatre Ontario is pleased to announce that Annette G. Procunier will be the adjudicator for the 2012 Theatre Ontario Festival in Sault Ste. Marie.

“To be asked as an adjudicator to judge and teach about theatre is an honour and privilege for me that I shall always treasure,” said Annette. “Theatre is a lifelong pursuit of expression that brings together all performance elements and leaves us striving for excellence, truth and community.”

Annette has been involved in amateur and professional theatre for over forty years as a director, adjudicator and teacher. Her work has taken her to Japan, Europe, the United States and across Canada. She has adjudicated more than 120 festivals in the past 27 years, including being the only North American to adjudicate the IATA World Theatre Festival in Monaco. Annette has also adjudicated the National Festival for the American Association of Community Theatre four times. For her work as an Adjudicator in the United States she was made a Fellow of AACT in 2009 for “single-handedly raising the level of community theatre in America.” She is the only non-American to hold this lifetime honour. In 2010, Annette published the only textbook on adjudication Do You See What I See. Annette was one of the founders of the Lighthouse Festival in Port Dover and is currently Artistic Director of New Actors’ Colony Theatre in Bala, Ontario where professional theatre in Canada started in 1939.

Theatre Ontario Festival 2012 will be held in Sault Ste. Marie from May 16 to 20, 2012 and is co-hosted by Theatre Ontario, Theatre SMC, and the QUONTA Drama Region. For more information about the Festival, please visit the Theatre Ontario website.

ONstage Openings for the week of July 11

2011-07-11T10:15:00.000-04:00

In Eastern Ontario
Jul. 12, The Book Of Esther at Festival Players of Prince Edward County (Picton)
Jul. 13, All's Well That Ends Well at St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival (Prescott) with a preview on Jul. 12

In Southwestern Ontario
Jul. 13, How The Other Half Loves at Drayton Entertainment: Huron County Playhouse (Grand Bend)
Jul. 13, The Little Years at Stratford Shakespeare Festival
Jul. 13, Shakespeare's Will at Stratford Shakespeare Festival
Jul. 14, Titus Andronicus at Stratford Shakespeare Festival
Jul. 15, Twelfth Night at Stratford Shakespeare Festival

In Toronto
Jul. 15, The Kreutzer Sonata at Soulpepper Theatre with previews from Jul. 12

In Central Ontario
Jul. 13, The Love List at Globus Theatre (Bobcaygeon)
Jul. 13, When The Reaper Calls at Meaford Hall
Jul. 17, Wingfield's Folly at Algonquin Theatre (Huntsville)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-07-08T13:14:00.000-04:00

(The fourteen-day version: hope you all enjoyed the Canada Day long weekend!)

Conversations

The major topic of conversation for the past two weeks has been SummerWorks: it’s getting its own round-up next week
We’ve been having a spirited Toronto-London-Sarnia Twitter convo around the value of allowing tweeting during performances; terrific discussion unfolding from Trisha Mead’s “The New Wild West” piece on 2AM Theatre

From The Wire

ASTRO – the Association of Summer Theatres ‘Round Ontario – made the front page of the Toronto Star Entertainment section with highlights of the upcoming summer season
A turbulent week in Oshawa for the Durham Shoestring Performers and other arts organizations that use the Arts Resource Centre: city staff recommended converting the Centre into office space, but two City Council committees essentially said thanks for your advice, and then tabled it
PAL Canada is conducting a needs assessment for the City of Ottawa
Fanshawe College in London is getting a new learning space for several programs, including the theatre program

Migrations

Kim Renders is leaving as Artistic Director of Theatre Kingston, and they are now seeking an Artistic Producer
Brenda Leadlay will be the new Artistic Director of the Magnetic North Theatre Festival

TO Toasts

Congratulations to all of the recipients of the 2010-2011 Dora Mavor Moore Awards in Toronto

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

Theatre Gargantua in Toronto is offering two versions of training on their physical theatre creation methods: a four-day intensive starting July 26 and a one-day workshop running twice on August 1 and 2
One week left before the Off The Wall—Stratford Artist Alliance begin their summer intensive “Introduction to Theatre Production Arts”

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

A Young Director’s Journey

2011-07-05T10:44:00.000-04:00

By Tim Chapman, Professional Theatre Coordinator

A couple of years ago, I did a piece profiling a young actor’s journey with Jenny Young. Now I want to profile Ashlie Corcoran, a young director, and her journey up to now.

I believe the directing career in professional theatre to be the most difficult in the field—a field in which all careers are at best filled with uncertainty and financial hardship. Eleven or twelve years ago Paul Thompson asked me how many professional Canadian freelance theatre directors I knew over the age of 60. He could only name himself and Paul Bettis (who died in 2005.) I think he made his point, even if the number is inaccurate. Most freelance theatre directors eventually move on to artistic direction/producing, academia, or film/radio/television. When I related this to Ashlie, she replied, “Well, there is nothing wrong with any of those possibilities.”

Let’s go back to the beginning of her directing journey. Ashlie’s first year at Queen’s University was spent at their International Study Centre, a castle in East Sussex, United Kingdom. It was there at the age of 18 that she first realized that directors and producers were able to shape and create work in a way that interested her. That realization had an impact early in her life as she has never pursued acting, by far the most common pursuit of young theatre artists. Ashlie went on to graduate with an Honours BA in Drama in 2001. She had started to direct shows both at Queen’s and with Beyond Chutleigh Productions in Kingston, a company for which she was co-Artistic Director and a founding member.

Upon graduating, Ashlie had identified Tarragon Theatre as the company where she wanted to work. At Queen’s, she had created a white paper on the theatre and “became enamoured with the theatre’s mandate, culture, and body of work.” She got a job for the 2001/02 season as an administrative assistant to Mallory Gilbert, Tarragon’s General Manager, and to me, the publicist at the time. The following season, she worked as one of Tarragon’s apprentice stage managers on two shows: Side Man and Kingfisher Days. “The administration at Tarragon was very supportive of me. They knew that I was interested in direction, and that there would be a lot to learn by being in their rehearsal halls.” In the summer of 2003, Ashlie received a Professional Theatre Training Program grant from Theatre Ontario to be Daryl Cloran’s assistant director at the Shaw Festival.

In the fall of 2003, Ashlie received a Chevening Scholarship to attend University of London’s Goldsmiths College for her MA in directing. It was a very positive experience and it really confirmed her intention to be a theatre director. After graduating with distinction (always the over-achiever), Ashlie received an invitation from Richard Rose at Tarragon to be assistant director for No Great Mischief, the stage adaptation of the best-selling Canadian novel. It was perfect timing for Ashlie and it was a great experience for her to work again with Richard and with a great company of artists.

In February of 2005, Ashlie and Sarah Baumann founded Theatre Smash to produce new Canadian plays and Canadian premieres of contemporary international work. Ashlie and Sarah had been colleagues and collaborators since meeting at Queen’s in 1999. Since 2005, Ashlie has directed three productions for Theatre Smash: the North American premiere of Abi Morgan’s Tiny Dynamite, Layne Coleman’s Tijuana Cure, and the premiere of a new Canadian play, A Boy Called Newfoundland. She also produced Norway.Today. This fall, she directs the Toronto premiere of German playwright Marius von Mayenburg’s The Ugly One. For her Theatre Smash shows, she is attracting actors of the stature of Martha Burns and Hardee T. Lineham to her casts. Partnering with another theatre artist to self-produce is an increasingly necessary—and not uncommon—step for any upcoming director. Experiencing the challenges of producing (grant applications, fundraising, boards of directors) are useful learning curves for any new director who aspires to be an artistic director of a theatre company with a more significant annual budget. (Speaking of boards of directors, Ashlie astutely got Mallory Gilbert to serve on Theatre Smash’s board.)

In the summer of 2005, Ashlie was chosen to participate in the prestigious Lincoln Center Theater Directors’ Lab for three weeks in New York City. The next year she was chosen by the Canadian Opera Company to be an Ensemble Studio Intern Director for the 2006/07 season. (I might add that, prior to her selection to be a COC Intern Director, Ashlie’s only experience with opera was as an audience member.) At the COC she has gone on to direct The Bear and Cinderella, to assistant direct Tosca, Don Giovanni, Fidelio, Idomeneo and Die Zauberflöte, and apprentice directed the Ring Cycle, Faust, and La Traviata. She has also worked as an assistant director twice for Opera North in the UK and at the Städtische Bühnen Münster, Germany. I advise young artists that to survive a career in professional theatre in the long term, you have to wear more than one hat. Often it is by choice, sometimes it is by necessity, sometimes a combination of both. Ashlie loves working in both theatre and opera, and by doing so she has doubled her employment options.

There are some patterns one can see emerging in Ashlie’s career. One is that any career in theatre revolves around the artists and theatre professionals with whom you get to work. The other is that there are no flies on Ashlie—she continually seeks and secures opportunities for professional development. These two patterns are mutually complementary. The opportunities she has successfully seized have led to finding artistic mentors who have supported her directing career and given her further opportunities. Those mentors include Richard Rose and Mallory Gilbert, theatre directors Layne Coleman and Daryl Cloran, and from opera, the late Richard Bradshaw, Tim Albery, Atom Egoyan, and Andreas Baesler.

In the fall of 2007, through the Goethe Institute, Ashlie got to be a guest artist at the Maxim Gorki Theatre in Berlin. In 2009, she fulfilled another of her long-term ambitions when she was chosen to be an intern director for the highly competitive Neil Munro Intern Director’s Project at the Shaw Festival. She directed Sean O’Casey’s Bedtime Story and assistant directed Jackie Maxwell and Micheline Chevrier that season. Ashlie participated in Canadian Stage’s BASH! program, Nightwood Theatre’s Penelopiad Lab, and the CAEA Masterclass in Directing at Magnetic North in 2010. Ashlie is currently finishing another season at Tarragon as the recipient of the 2010/11 Urjo Kareda Emerging Artist Residency. She has also directed shows at the Festival of New Ideas at Canadian Stage, at Resurgence Theatre, the Toronto Fringe Festival and the Next Stage Festival. Upcoming (in addition to the previously mentioned Theatre Smash production), she is directing 3rd Floor in the 2011 SummerWorks Festival and Isis and the Seven Scorpions for the COC.

Ashlie’s busy career thus far has taken her from country to country, from new plays to classics to opera, and from large theatres to small theatres. And Ashlie is only 32. The life of the freelance director is not an easy one, but Ashlie is finding fulfillment creatively each year. The opportunities continue to satisfy her, so she is still ready to take life on a year-by-year basis. I have heard more than one senior Canadian artist say that if you want to be a director, you just have to do it, you have to find ways to keep directing, keep working. Ashlie continues to do that and I think she has the talent, inner drive and sheer love of all elements associated with directing and producing to keep reaching her goals.

ONstage Openings for the week of July 4

2011-07-04T11:07:00.000-04:00

In Central Ontario
Jul. 6, The Melville Boys at Drayton Entertainment: King's Wharf Theatre (Penetanguishene)

In Eastern Ontario
Jul. 4, Antony and Cleopatra at Company of Fools (Ottawa)
Jul. 9, Weekend Comedy at Upper Canada Playhouse (Morrisburg) with previews from Jul. 7
Jul. 9, Bell, Book And Candle at Classic Theatre Festival (Perth) with a preview on Jul. 8
Jul. 9, Twelfth Night at St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival (Prescott) with a preview on Jul. 8

In South Central Ontario
Jul. 7, The Marvelous Wonderettes at Stage West Theatre (Mississauga)
Jul. 8, The 39 Steps at The Rose Theatre (Brampton)

In Southwestern Ontario
Jul. 5, Skin Flick at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia
Jul. 7, Blood Brothers at Drayton Entertainment: Huron County Playhouse (Grand Bend) with a preview on Jul. 6
Jul. 7, I'll Be Back Before Midnight at Showboat Festival Theatre (Port Colborne)
Jul. 8, On The Rocks at The Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Jul. 9, The President at Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Jul. 9, The Admirable Crichton at Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
Jul. 10, Italian Funerals And Other Festive Occasions at Drayton Entertainment: Drayton Festival Theatre with previews from Jul. 6

In Toronto
Jul. 6, 23rd Toronto Fringe Festival
Jul. 6, The Glass Menagerie at Soulpepper Theatre
Jul. 7, Jenny's House Of Joy at Scarborough Players

Touring Ontario
Jul. 9, Macbeth from Driftwood Theatre Company with previews from Jul. 7

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

Reminder: Theatre Ontario Seeks an Executive Director

2011-06-29T10:30:00.000-04:00

As previously announced, John Goddard will be retiring as Executive Director of Theatre Ontario at the end of September 2011.

Theatre Ontario’s Board of Directors seeks an energetic and innovative Executive Director with a strong commitment to the health and vitality of our Ontario theatre community. Theatre Ontario’s Executive Director is a hands-on manager, providing leadership and direction to staff, and has the vision necessary to lead the organization into the next phase of its growth. The ideal candidate is skilled at relationship and community building, revenue development and is aware of the artistic and political climate facing theatre across the province and Canada. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the candidate is strong on financial management, adept at written and oral communication, and creative in delivering a range of programs that serve theatre and theatre artists across the province. This candidate encourages partnerships with other arts service organizations in advocating for and on behalf of theatre, in addressing cultural and political issues, whenever and wherever possible.

The application deadline is July 8. For full details and application information, please visit the Theatre Ontario website.

Update on Application Deadline for Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival

2011-06-27T14:46:00.000-04:00

Due to the delays in postal delivery, Theatre Ontario has extended the application deadline for the Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival to Monday, July 4 at 5pm.

For more information about the program, please visit the Theatre Ontario website.

Since its inception in 1988, the project has been sponsored annually by Sun Life Financial and Theatre Ontario.

ONstage Openings for the week of June 27

2011-06-27T10:44:00.000-04:00

In Toronto
Jun. 30, The Winter's Tale at Canadian Stage with previews from Jun. 28
Jul. 1, The Glass Menagerie at Soulpepper Theatre in previews

In Central Ontario
Jun. 29, Harvest at Globus Theatre (Bobcaygeon)
Jun. 30, The Berlin Blues at 4th Line Theatre (Millbrook) with previews from Jun. 28
Jun. 30, Groovin' Thru The 60s at Port Hope Festival Theatre
Jul. 3, Anne Of Green Gables at Highlands Summer Festival (Haliburton County)

In Eastern Ontario
Jun. 28, Amelia: The Girl Who Wants To Fly at Festival Players of Prince Edward County (Picton)
Jul. 2, The Drowning Girls at Thousand Islands Playhouse (Gananoque) with previews from Jul. 1

In Southwestern Ontario
Jun. 29, The Little Years at Stratford Shakespeare Festival in previews
Jun. 30, Shakespeare's Will at Stratford Shakespeare Festival in previews
Jul. 1, Vimy at Blyth Festival with previews from Jun. 29

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

2011-06-24T10:14:00.024-04:00

Conversations

A really good “lessons-learned” piece by Trisha Mead, Marketing and Communications Director for Oregon Ballet Theatre, on turning your press pitch from good to great

TO Toasts

Congratulations to Philip Akin, Artistic Director of Obsidian Theatre Company, who received the Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award (PDF) from the PACT Communications Centre and Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre.
Part of the $5000 award includes $1000 to a protégée named by the recipient; Philip chose Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu who—among her many accomplishments—is currently training in directing with Ross Manson through a Professional Theatre Training Program grant
Congratulations to Naomi Campbell, recipient in the Theatre Category of the Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award from the Canada Council

Highlights From The Bulletin Board

One week left to get in your applications to undercurrents at Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa

Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Remember, you can also catch up on our news every month by email. Catch up on our archives online: the June issue is now available.

(And since next Friday is our national birthday party, we’ll see you in two weeks for a 14 Days catch-up...)

Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Spaces still available in Summer Theatre Intensive

2011-06-21T13:29:00.000-04:00

It’s not too late to get in your registration for the Theatre Ontario 2011 Summer Theatre Intensive in Waterloo. While Terry Tweed’s “When I Am On Stage…Who Am I?” is sold out, we still have spaces remaining in three courses.

Now What Do I Do?: Introduction To Directing, with Brenda Bazinet will cover all the basics, from selecting a suitable play, through the audition process, blocking, pacing, interpretation, handling pressures, time-management as the big night approaches, - right up to opening night.

Andrew Tidmarsh’s Shakespeare Conservatory explores the theory that if you can handle the complexities of Shakespeare’s verse, you can do anything. While the courses uses Shakespeare’s texts as a central focus, this is also a course about acting, committing to the imaginative truth, building relationships, and embodying character.

The Directors Symposium offers experienced community theatre directors the rare chance to meet and discuss the art of directing with five different professional directors. Each day during the week, a different well-known and respected professional director will meet with the class to discuss the art of directing and delve into a script chosen by the guest director. Our five guest directors for 2011 are: Dean Gabourie (Stratford Shakespeare Festival), Eda Holmes (Shaw Festival), Christopher Newton (Shaw Festival), Yvette Nolan (Native Earth Performing Arts), and Richard Rose (Tarragon Theatre).

Read more about the Summer Theatre Intensive on the Theatre Ontario website.

ONstage Openings for the week of June 20

2011-06-20T10:43:00.000-04:00

In Southwestern Ontario
Jun. 21, Hometown at Blyth Festival
Jun. 22, The Admirable Crichton at Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake) in previews
Jun. 23, Titus Andronicus at Stratford Shakespeare Festival in previews
Jun. 26, Twelfth Night at Stratford Shakespeare Festival in previews

In Eastern Ontario
Jun. 24, HATS! The Musical at Suzart Productions (Ottawa)

For all the theatre current playing across Ontario, and information for theatres on how to add/update your listing, visit the ONstage theatre listings on the Theatre Ontario website.