Stories from Next Generation Showcase: A Weekend to Remember

by Andrew Pritchard (Canadore College)

Though we had been preparing our monologues well in advance with constant advice and coaching from our teachers, I sat in the car—in our convoy of 12 students all travelling from North Bay to Toronto for a weekend of monologues and high expectations—wondering just exactly what would happen. Though I myself and each individual student had their own image of what their performance in front of Toronto’s talent agents would look and feel like, the many weeks leading up to Theatre Ontario were finally over and the unexpected was upon us.

We finally arrived in Toronto after a little over four hours and were finally able to stretch out and get settled in. Our class had gotten to know a lot about each other in the year and a half we had spent honing our skills and learning new techniques in the great field of acting together, and Theatre Ontario Next Generation Showcase in Toronto was something that our teachers had been telling us about since day one. Each teacher would often regale us with a few tales from previous years and often say that it’s a fabulous time for a young actor to get out and show the wide world of talent just what we are capable of. Though we had practised our monologues and had everything (including the slightest gestures) down to a fine art, everything came down to two minutes of “us.”

We began our trip by loosening up and going out to dinner with our teachers, trying our best to cram in more practice for our big day. We awoke early in the morning in order to do our vocal warmups and our stretches—anything we could do to squeeze out every bit of potential we had within us in order to feel like champions. We studied the performance space, taking in the room of professionals who gazed back behind blinding lights, feeling like the studied life under a microscope. Though the experience of just feeling the performance space was stressful at first, all of the agents in the audience exuded a certain air of casual friendliness.

Finally, it was our turn. First up. All of our preparation had led to this moment. A fond memorization of the lines gave everyone in the class the ability to play with their characters and allowed us to unlock a certain finesse that lie previously unseen, a new talent untapped. It was a performance that was done individually, yet was a group success that allowed us all to get a taste of the real world through acting. And just like that, weeks of preparation and hard work was over in a little over a half of an hour.

The meet and greet was also a great time to meet industry professionals and get to know some new people from different acting schools across the country. Being complimented by professionals, who no doubt went through the same thing we had just experienced, was the real fruit of the labour. Knowing that someone with years of experience in the industry thought that our work was something special made all of the preparation worth it, and really ignited a growing passion for acting in all of us. Their insight into the professional world gave us all a great picture of what to expect and was a great learning experience.

Though all of us returned to our reality the very next morning, I believe we all, as a class, took a little piece of Toronto back home with us. It was a great look into the wild and wacky world that we all desire to be a part of. The experience left everyone with a fire in their belly that they will no doubt carry with them for a long time. It makes me excited to see where the future will take us in our potential careers. Whether it’s to make an audience laugh, cry, talk, or think, I believe we are all rest assured that everyone made a lasting impression and that everyone was able to bring a tiny two minute piece of “us” into the spotlight.

Related Reading

• Celebrating 25 Years of Showcasing Emerging Storytellers by Raeburn Ferguson
• Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase 2019

Theatre Ontario Celebrates 25 Years of Showcasing Emerging Storytellers

Theatre Ontario staff welcoming
the industry to Showcase

By Raeburn Ferguson, Professional Theatre and Education Manager

On January 13th and 14th, Theatre Ontario welcomed 300 students and 150 industry professionals to the Theatre Passe Muraille for our Next Generation Showcase. This was the 25th Showcase and we could not be more thrilled with the outcome. Between the incredible new talent on stage and the wisdom and expertise of the guests in the audience, we were blessed with two days that were full of one thing: passion for live performance and its creation.

Between Days One and Two, 19 schools in total had the chance to perform. We also welcomed seven “New Faces” that consisted of performers who were new to the area. Some were from out of province and several were new to the country, it was amazing to offer these talented performers a way to show off their talents and have their voices heard. Once the performances were done each day we went up to the Passe Muraille’s amazing cabaret space for our industry meet and greet. Our first meet and greet was sponsored by Sheridan TDS/UTM and the second night by Sheridan Musical Theatre. It was heartwarming to see connections being made and new friendships forming. A piece of advice heard consistently over the two days was to connect and make friends in the industry with your peers as they are the ones who are going to help you the most throughout your career. This advice is absolutely true and in these meet and greets you could see it being put to use. Both evenings also hosted panel discussions where the students could ask questions and gain insight into the casting world and how to navigate the industry. 

Next Generation Showcase Panel Day One

Our panels that were sponsored by Meridian Artists were moderated by Andre Newell, Theatre Ontario Board member, Agent (Carrier Talent) and Executive Producer of Monologue Slam Canada. Our “Business of Casting” panel on Day One consisted of Tovah Small (Agent, Meridian Artists), Jesse Griffiths (Casting Director, Jesse Griffiths Casting), Andrea Scott (Actor, Writer, Produce and Director), Matthew Willson (Actor, Director and Producer), Bryan Misner (Agent, The Characters) and Ron Leach (Casting Director, Producer and Director). Our Day Two panel on “The Blueprint of Business” hosted Brandon Antonio (Actor), Paul Beauchamp (General Manager and Producer, The Musical Stage Company), Evan Buliung (Actor), Rebecca Burton (Membership and Professional Contacts Manager, Playwrights Guild of Canada), Kevin Frank (Artistic Director, Second City Training Centre) and Amaka Umeh (Actor.) Both evenings were full of important questions and thoughtful answers. Watching various generations of theatre practitioners in one place learning from one another really distills what I believe this event is all about. 

This was my first Showcase and really my first big project as Professional Theatre and Education Manager and, like any show you work on, it seems so crazy that is it over in the blink of an eye. I could not be more thrilled with the way our 25th celebration turned out and want to thank all of the industry members and schools that joined us. This is truly a special event and one that is unique in nature. I look so forward to planning next year’s event…after some more coffee and rest. 

Related Reading

• Catch up on all of the tweets from Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase on Twitter Moments
• Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase 2019
• Meet our Showcase 2019 Panelists

Thanks to our Showcase partners.

Meet our 2019 Youth Advisory Committee

Theatre Ontario’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a place for Ontario's Emerging Artists to engage with one another and with Theatre Ontario to develop themselves as they enter the theatre industry and become the next generation of thinkers and doers.

Our YAC is a platform for emerging artists across the province to gain professional development in theatre and arts administration by accessing mentorship and training opportunities with our full-time staff, our Board, and our network.

We’re excited to welcome the members of our 2019 Youth Advisory Committee:

• Kemi King
• Steven Smits
• Anne Vo
• Caroline Watling

Learn more about the members of Theatre Ontario’s 2019 Youth Advisory Committee on our website

Welcome to Our Next Generation Showcase 2019 Panelists

Theatre Ontario is excited to host two panel discussions for participants in Next Generation Showcase, featuring esteemed professionals all working in theatre, film or television.

“The Business of Casting” on January 13th features Jesse Griffiths, Ron Leach, Bryan Misner, Andrea Scott, Tovah Small, and Matthew Willson.

“The Blueprint of Business” on January 14th features Brandon Antonio, Paul Beauchamp, Evan Buliung, Rebecca Burton, Kevin Frank, and Amaka Umeh.

Both panels are moderated by Andre Newell.

Our panelists will discuss their artistic journeys; the challenges that exist in the industry, and tips for navigating the ever-evolving world of early-career acting.

The panel is sponsored by Meridian Artists.

Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase Panelists

Join Us at Theatre Ontario Next Generation Showcase 2019

We warmly invite Directors, Artistic Directors, Producers, Casting Directors, Agents (EIC signed or TAMAC members), and other Industry Professionals to join us at Theatre Ontario’s 25th Annual Next Generation Showcase of graduating student talent.

When: Sunday, January 13th and Monday, January 14th, 2019
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue, Toronto

Learn more about Next Generation and RSVP on our website

We would like to recognize and extend a very special thanks to our 25th Annual Showcase confirmed Team of Champions!

Your partnership and support help our team commemorate this special milestone.

For partnership information contact development@theatreontario.org.

Create Space for Youth in Theatre Today

Emergence 2.0 from the 2018 Theatre
Ontario Youth Advisory Committee

Theatre Ontario’s Youth Advisory Committee is a place for Ontario’s Emerging Artists to engage with one another and with Theatre Ontario to develop themselves as they enter the theatre industry and become the next generation of thinkers and doers.

Our YAC is a platform for emerging artists across the province to gain professional development in theatre and arts administration by accessing mentorship and training opportunities with our full-time staff, our Board, and our network.

We’re looking for volunteers who have a passionate interest and involvement in Ontario’s Emerging Theatre Community to serve on our 2019 Youth Advisory Committee. Committee members who live outside of the GTA can participate via electronic means. Practical theatre experience is encouraged and welcomed, but not mandatory. This is a volunteer position and the committee is active for one year.

Learn more about applying for the Theatre Ontario Youth Advisory Committee

Seeking “New Faces” to Participate in Next Generation Showcase 2019

We invite applications for “New Faces” to participate in our Next Generation Showcase.

Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase is a unique two-day event, providing graduating theatre students the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of industry professionals, including casting directors, artistic directors, independent directors, producers, and agents. Many of the top theatre training programs from Ontario and beyond participate annually.

Each year we also provide spaces for “New Faces” to participate. “New Faces” is for recent graduates from other training programs wishing to pursue their performing careers in Ontario, and for artists from communities that have faced historical and/or systemic barriers to accessing this type of opportunity.

Theatre Ontario’s annual Next Generation Showcase will take place on January 13th and 14th.

The deadline for applications for New Faces is Friday, November 30th at 12:00 noon.

Learn more about New Faces at Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase

2018 Youth Advisory Committee Reflections… and Looking to 2019

By Deanna Galati, Chair, Youth Advisory Committee 2018

Being on the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) this past year has been such a lovely and eye opening experience filled with learning curves, opportunities, and successes. As I reflect on this past year of being Chair of the YAC, I think about all that we’ve done and all that I’ve learned. 

When I accepted my position on the YAC, I really didn’t know what to expect of my year. All I did know was that I was interested in learning new skills, meeting new people, and offering something special to the young theatre community; a community that I consider myself to be a part of. The early stages of the YAC consisted of our team talking about what excited us, what scared us, what was needed, and where many of the gaps were in our industry for young people of all different cultural backgrounds, races, abilities, genders, and sexualities. We were a mighty group with lots of vision, and as chair, it was difficult to narrow down what our year would look like—there were so many good ideas to choose from.

Our Emergence 2.0 "Advocating for Yourself" panelists:
Nikki Shaffeeullah, Sabah Haque and Kristina Lemieux

When it came down to selecting the content and topic for what became Emergence 2.0, I really thought about those early conversations. There were many conversations where our team felt that there was a lack of mentorship opportunities for young artists to grow, and that it was sometimes daunting to approach a mentor to talk about an early stage career in the industry. We also talked a lot about how young artists can be treated and how we must advocate for ourselves in many different ways, depending on a variety of different factors. I didn’t want to let that early work go. 

With help from the Theatre Ontario team, we decided to continue on the awesome momentum that was built from Emergence in 2017 and use the same name for our event as well. Thus, Emergence 2.0 was born.

Emergence 2.0 consisted of a panel discussion about advocating for yourself, followed by mentorship pairings where we brought in 9 generous and relevant theatre artists who acted as mentors for our participants. There was a lot of insight offered and I hope that the participants got what they needed to out of the conversations we had.

Dinner break and networking at Emergence 2.0

Being chair for the YAC has definitely taught me a lot about my leadership skills, my communication skills, my limits, my ambition, teamwork, and also that I have such a supportive and welcoming theatre community around me. I learned so much about myself in this position and am grateful for the experience it gave me to advocate for myself. 

The YAC is excited to part of the selection process for the 2019 team. Keep your eyes peeled for details to come...

My advice to the incoming year of YAC artists—putting together a comprehensive event for folks in the industry takes a lot of time, strategic planning, and organization from you! So do something that you’re passionate about. Strong communication skills as well as great outreach and marketing are also key aspects to running a successful event. I was glad to be surrounded by Kelsey Dann (YAC member), the Theatre Ontario staff who supported in various ways along the way, as well as the awesome artists involved in Emergence 2.0 throughout the entirety of this year. I am very excited to see what the 2019 cohort brings to the table next year!

Thanks to Annie Clarke for the Emergence 2.0 photography!

Learn more about Emergence 2.0 from Theatre Ontario's Youth Advisory Committee

Theatre Ontario will be launching our call for the 2019 Youth Advisory Committee later in November. Contact programs@theatreontario.org for more information.

Save the Date for the 25th Annual Next Generation Showcase

Theatre Ontario's Next Generation Showcase 2019 will be held on January 13th and 14th, 2019.

To celebrate 25 years of incredible talent, we are returning to the Jane Mallett Theatre at 27 Front St East in downtown Toronto.

Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase is an annual event that provides graduating students of post-secondary conservatory theatre training programs with the opportunity to audition for industry professionals. The event is attended by artistic directors, freelance directors, casting directors, and agents who are signed to the EIC or members of TAMAC.

Besides the students showcasing their talent in this iconic venue, we will also have several opportunities for students, faculty, and industry professionals to meet and network with each other at our nightly networking parties.

Read more about Theatre Ontario's Next Generation Showcase on our website

Students from Next Generation Showcase 2018 can also still access exclusive offers until December 31 through some of our past Showcase partners.

Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Showcase Graduate Exclusive Offers

Join Us at Emergence 2.0: Advocating for Yourself

The 2018 Theatre Ontario Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is excited to be presenting Emergence 2.0 on October 15, 2018.

In partnership with the Siminovitch Prize, the YAC is excited to bring a day focused on advocacy and mentorship for youth. During the afternoon, young artists from across Ontario are invited to meet other youth in theatre and engage in discussion. 

What is Emergence 2.0?  

Emergence 2.0 is a two-part event that will consist of the following: 

1. Advocating for Yourself: an open panel discussion for emerging artists
2. Coffee Dates: one-on-one mentorship coffee sessions with an artist

Join Us at Emergence 2.0 from Theatre Ontario’s Youth Advisory Committee

Emerging in the Industry: A Resource for New and Emerging Artists

by Theatre Ontario's Youth Advisory Committee

You’ve graduated from high school/college/university, or maybe you are changing your career path for one in theatre. Either way, entering the industry is something that requires patience, perseverance and hard work!

Getting your first gig in theatre isn’t easy, but you can certainly make it a lot easier for yourself through hard work, dedication, and understanding a few things. Every person tackles the industry from a different background. Some find that formalized training institutions are for them; others not so much. Some come into working right out of high school, while others have experience working in another field. Either way, there are similar entry points and things to consider when starting out your career.

Making Contacts

Knowing people within the theatre industry is one way to start gigging and getting work. A lot of times, you will be referred to a job or even asked to work on a gig (not always, but it does happen). How do you begin making contacts? Do your research. In Ontario, there are so many theatre organizations doing great and different things. Figure out what you like, what you don’t, where you want to be working, and how you want to impact the industry. Then—reach out! Send a quick and specific email to the artistic director, or managing director to ask if you can chat with them over coffee. If the organization is larger, speak with someone in a role that you might be interested in working in. A lot of times, people are willing to answer some questions and give their advice.

Volunteer!

Volunteering is great way to connect with people and start getting experience. If you work a full-time or part-time job (‘cause let’s face it, we all have to), and can only commit a few hours a week to volunteer, that’s better than nothing! If you treat a volunteer position like a paid position, then the organization is more likely to hire you, be a reference for another paid job, refer you to different positions, or at the very least, give you an insight to what is going on within the industry. Be conscious! Respect your personal boundaries, and don’t exert yourself with volunteer tasks.

Watch shows

Good shows, not-so-good shows, shows that makes you excited, and shows that makes you cringe. One of my mentors told me: in order to get good at what I do, I have to know what kind of work is out there. You won’t become the next biggest director or performer overnight by watching many shows, but there are many benefits in attending live performances often. You get to know the theatre companies that exist and create art within your city, which helps you decide if you fit into their mandate and the work that they do or if you don’t. It also opens opportunities to meet people—going to opening night especially, as the cast and crew of the show are usually there. It helps you stay connected, and talk to people about what’s relevant. If your budget is tight to pay for all these tickets, many theatre companies offer Pay-What-You-Can performance, discounted tickets for youth (under 30), and rush tickets. All it takes is a few clicks on their websites. Folks sometimes offer free tickets on Bunz Theatre Zone, too.

Now I have done the volunteer thing, watched some shows, how do I get a mentor?

Getting a mentor always seemed like an arbitrary concept to me. People around me would say “my mentor told me this…” and “my mentor told me that…” I just couldn’t grasp the concept of getting a mentor. Until one day, it just sort of happened. I had committed myself to a volunteer position with a theatre company in Toronto. The General Manager of the company was my direct supervisor and that opened opportunities up for me to shadow her, assist her outside of my volunteer commitment and ask her questions. A bit later on down the road, I needed a job reference and she was more than happy to provide that for me. I continued to maintain a relationship with her and then she wound up calling ME for an assistant position to work with her again. The relationship continued on after that and I owe much of my theatre career to her. But it is interesting to see how that relationship formed and how I never asked her to be my mentor, but the relationship sort of flourished.

Now, GET PAID!

We all want, and ultimately need to find work that pays us. We can’t keep volunteering forever. But a job isn’t going to fall in your lap. There are different ways to find work, but one key way is to have patience and do your research. Yes, sites like WorkInCulture and Indeed post opportunities, but some smaller organizations may not use those sites and therefore you can be missing out on some cool opportunities.

If you are a recent college/university grad, or even someone stating post-secondary studies, you can seek opportunities to work as an intern or summer student. Regularly check company websites and social media pages, as many of them post great paid opportunities online.

Other things to help you out!

Here are some super cool organizations that help support youth and young artists, In Toronto and beyond the GTA. Many of their missions are to foster the next generation of artists and provide them with tools and resources to succeed!

Theatre Ontario - https://www.theatreontario.org/ - Theatre Ontario offers programs for young artists who want to train in Stratford through their Summer Theatre Intensive Program. They also offer PTTP grants for artists and some emerging artists may qualify. Lastly, the YAC is an excellent opportunity for an eager group of young theatre artists to get in a room and develop programming that they want to put out.

Paprika Festival (Toronto) - http://paprikafestival.com/ - Paprika Festival offers excellent opportunities for emerging artists to create work (through performance, direction, playwriting and more). They also offer excellent opportunities to gain mentorship. They really helped kick-start the careers of many Toronto artists.

Generator (Toronto) - http://generatorto.com/ - Generator offers so much support in various different ways. For artists emerging into the field of producing, they run a year long program for artist producers to train. They are also great supporters in giving artists the tools and resources needed to succeed. Check out their artistproducerresource.com!

Fringe TENT program (Toronto) - https://fringetoronto.com/get-involved/youth/tent - the TENT program at Fringe is a great way for emerging producers (and artists in general) to gain experience and knowledge in producing and various other performance related topics. It also provides opportunities for networking (meeting new people!) and watching a bunch of theatre! 

Soulpepper (Toronto) - https://soulpepper.ca/youth-community/youth/programs - Soulpepper has an entire program dedicated to supporting youth and young artists wanting to make a career out of the arts! Check out their various programming.

York Region Arts Council (Toronto) - http://www.yorkregionartscouncil.com/ - for artists living just north of the city, there are opportunities available with the York Region Arts Council to gain mentorship and/or experience. They offer mentorship for artists, a business accelerator for artists as well as other opportunities that may be of interest to emerging artists who live and/or want to work in York Region.

Magnus Theatre (Thunder Bay) - https://magnustheatre.com/education/ - Magnus Theatre in education is the premiere theatre training facility in the Thunder Bay area. Their classes and masterclasses are taught by professional actors, directors and educators. There are new classes starting every quarter.

The Hive@GCTC (Ottawa) - https://www.gctc.ca/for-youth - The Hive @ GCTC introduces high school and university students to the inner workings of GCTC and the Ottawa theatre community.

The MT Space (Waterloo Region) - http://www.mtspace.ca/ - Aside from their regular season productions, The MT Space offers educational programs and professional development workshops, and provides mentoring and assistance to local artists. The MT Space continues to promote the cultural richness of their community by providing a space for meaningful interaction.

Blue Canoe (Kingston) - https://bluecanoetheatrical.com/ - Blue Canoe hires and works with young artists (aged 13-30) in various capacities, including as actors, producers, directors, etc. They provide a unique platform for creation and working in the Kingston area.

Blyth Festival Young Company - https://blythfestival.com/educational-programs-young-company/ - For emerging theatre makers aged 14-19, the Blyth Festival in Blyth, Ontario offers a summer workshop to gain skills in playwrighting, directing and creation.

There are also many other opportunities for emerging artists to gain mentorship and experience! 

These are just a select few suggestions. Do your research to find out what might be best for you.

Learn more about Theatre Ontario's Youth Advisory Committee

Save the Date: Theatre Ontario’s Youth Advisory Committee Pairs with the Siminovitch Prize

Speed Ideating from the Theatre Ontario Youth
Advisory Commitee's Emergence event in 2017

Our Youth Advisory Committee has paired up with the Siminovitch Prize’s Finalist Celebration, for Emergence 2.0 on Monday, October 15, 2018. The event will take place at the Hart House Theatre in Toronto and will include workshops, panels and mentorship led by youth, for youth in theatre.

The Youth Advisory Committee is excited to launch an afternoon of theatre discussion and workshops for youth. The afternoon component will be directed to young theatre artists working in all disciplines, including: actors, directors, producers, playwrights, designers, theatre administration, and others who want to learn or who are emerging as a theatre artist. We welcome all levels of experience to learn from one another. The afternoon festivities will then be followed by a dinner, the Siminovitch Finalist’s panel discussion and then a reception to end off the evening.

Keep your eyes peeled for our finalized programming, speakers, workshop leaders and mentors that will be involved! To stay up to date, like the Youth Advisory Committee on Facebook and join Theatre Ontario’s mailing list.

See you October 15!

Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Youth Advisory Committee Initiatives

YAC: Thoughts from the Youth Advisory Committee

Summer Kick-Off Reading list

Summer is finally here (we hope), and with that, comes beaches, road trips, camping, and summer reading lists! We’re here to help. If you’re hoping to develop a new understanding for the industry, relate to theatre professionals, or simply to get inspired, here are a few books you might want to check out.

New Understanding

Audition by Michael Shurtleff

Audition outlines 12 guideposts; how to make a lasting impression, create a good character in a small amount of time, how to interpret a script quickly, to name a few. Essentially, this book has everything you need to know to successfully audition. Great for actors, directors, writers, technicians, and creative artists.

Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus by Marina Calderone

The Actor’s Thesaurus is a great book that breaks down “action-ing” (a technique for analyzing scripts). It gives examples on how to action out a script and then gives a thesaurus of verbs that leads the artist to be even more specific in the breaking down of a scene. 

Empty Space by Peter Brook

This book takes different theatrical styles, and develops them into four modes, or points of view on theatre; Deadly, Holy, Rough, and Immediate. A great read for anyone interested in exploring issues facing any theatrical performance.

The Artists’ Compass: A Complete Guide to Building a Life and Living in the Performing Arts by Rachel Moore

Written by the president and CEO of The Music Centre in Los Angeles, Rachel Moore writes about how to make your life as a performer more successful, secure and sustainable. Insight on how to launch your career, and a focus on strong women in leadership.

Getting inspired

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

This book may help you get through some feelings of doubt and artist block on a regular basis. Basically, it is a 12-week course designed to bring out your inner creativity. It allows you to connect to your past, and open yourself up to possibility. Ideal for anyone who wants to feel more fulfilled creatively, whether or not you work in a traditionally ‘creative’ career.

Drama by Raina Telgameier

A fun summer read! This graphic novel is about a girl navigating her life while also set designing her very first show.

Awakening your Ikigai by Ken Mogi

This book illustrates the japanese concept of Ikigai, which basically means “a reason for being.” Ken Mogi explains the concept and talks about waking up every day with happiness and hope. Mogi focuses on five pillars; starting small, releasing yourself, harmony and sustainability, the joy of little things, and being in the here and now.

Other must-reads

Lady Parts by Andrea Martin

This book is a riot. If you like to laugh, like to read fun stories about the early days of SCTV, and if you’ve ever wondered if Andrea Martin is Canadian, this book is for you. 

Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theatre by Eddie Shapiro

If you love musical theatre, you need to read this book. Eddie Shapiro interviews twenty of Broadway’s leading women. Laura Benanti, Chita Rivera, Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, and Sutton Foster are just some of the performers interviewed. This book is funny, interesting, motivational, and inspiring. Check it out!

This is just a short list of some amazing books out there! We hope this will kick off some summer reading, and inspire you to find some great reads on your own! Have any more book ideas? Leave a comment below!

Until next time!

Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

P.S. Here are a couple links to more reading resources!

https://bookriot.com/author/danielle-bourgon/

http://www.playbill.com/article/11-must-read-and-must-give-theatre-books-of-2017

https://www.goodreads.com/genres/theatre

Learn more about Theatre Ontario's Youth Advisory Committee

Ontario Off Stage

by Brandon Moore, Community Theatre and Communications Manager

Conversation Starters

After the Blackout ensemble
Photo by Elias Campbell

• Prince Amponsah, one of the cast members of After the Blackout (opening at Soulpepper Theatre) wrote in Intermission about the representation of artists with disabilities on stage.
• Nicole Serratore defended “Brand Name Art” – like the multi-Tony nominated SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical – for exeunt New York City.
• Rachel Bykowski wrote for HowlRound about the “body-shaming” epidemic plaguing collegiate theatre programs.

Behind the Scenes at Ontario’s Theatres

• In our latest Theatre Ontario Festival 2018 video, Festival Co-Stage Manager Mark Mooney walks you through the load-in and set-up that the four participating companies will be going through at Festival.
• The Londoner has also profiled our Festival celebrating the “Bedrock of Theatre.”
• Jennifer Walls will be directing for the first time at Hart House Theatre next season for their production of Heathers: The Musical.
• Season announcements for 2018/19 from Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto and Ottawa Little Theatre (autoplay video.)

In Case You Missed It

• Congratulations to the Spring 2018 recipients of Youth Theatre Training Program grants.
• ONstage Openings this week in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Jacobs, Sarnia, and Toronto—and with many more shows now playing in communities across Ontario.
• Browsing Our Bulletin Board, including workshops, scholarships, courses, calls for submission, and more.

Stories from Next Generation Showcase: “Like Suddenly Discovering Game of Thrones, Seven Seasons In”

by Andre Newell

When I first came across the Theatre Ontario Next Generation Showcase, my only thought was, ”How have I not been here before?” I’m embarrassed to admit that after seven years of running the Toronto Monologue Slam, this gigantic, annual showcase of actors had completely slipped under my radar. It was like suddenly discovering Game of Thrones, seven seasons in. It felt as if I’d been living under a rock, but was excited to binge watch dozens of new actors performing for two straight days. 

I showed up the first day as an agent, one of the many changes I’ve made over the past seven years. The energy felt like the first day of school; youthful exuberance racing to get ready, and bleachers filled with senior agents and important industry members. At the Monologue Slam you have to face three judges (and you’ve had a drink), but this was an entire room of them. I could feel the stakes for the students who were about to take the stage. Everything had been leading up to this. If they only knew this was only the beginning. 

The event was very well-organized. My background is in event planning and I’ve worked on some pretty big ones including Toronto Caribbean Carnival and NBA All Star Weekend, so I don’t say that lightly. From the moment I arrived I felt welcomed and there were nothing but incredible people offering directions or information everywhere I turned. They didn’t even get annoyed by the thousands of questions I had throughout the event. I tend to ask a lot of questions when I’m nervous. 

Next Generation Showcase Industry Fair

Later on in the evening I changed into my Toronto Monologue Slam hat and attended the reception as one of the presenters. I was grateful for the opportunity to stand beside organizations like George Brown College, AFC, ACTRA, Second City, Factory Theatre and TAAS to inform graduates about what we have to offer. I had so much fun talking with everyone. Their enthusiasm was infectious and I felt my own being renewed. I invited several actors to the upcoming Monologue Slam; many came, some even taking the stage. I was thrilled to aid in continuing their experience from the Theatre Ontario Showcase—seeing them meet other actors in the city, networking with agents and casting directors and also getting to perform their monologue again; a few days older and probably a lot wiser. It was an honor to welcome these talented new faces into our little community. 

A lot of things have changed over the years. Aside from becoming an agent, I’ve also stepped into the roles of writer, director, producer, and became an advocate for artists. I’ve had the great opportunity to mentor and work with actors in almost every capacity and I was wearing all my hats that weekend. As an agent, I was looking for fresh new talent to add to my roster. As a writer/director/producer I was looking for interesting new characters to bring these stories I have running around my head to life. Finally, as an advocate, it became clear to me just how important it is for us to help build an industry that can support the hopes and dreams and careers of so many talented and hard working artists. 

Not only will I be attending this showcase every year from now on, I look forward to getting involved and helping any way I can. 

Related Reading 

• A Future Bright with Possibility, by Kiana Woo, Showcase Participant from the University of Alberta
• Sharing Passion for Performance at Next Generation Showcase by Rachel Kennedy, Professional Theatre and Education Manager 
• Catch up on the all the tweets from Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase 2018 in Twitter Moments
• Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase
• Andre will be our guest instructor at Launching Your Career on March 14

Ontario Off Stage

Don Herbertson

by Brandon Moore, Community Theatre and Communications Manager

In Memoriam

• Don Herbertson, a former Executive Director of Theatre Ontario, passed away on December 12 after a long battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Marble Arts Centre in Actinolite (Tweed) on Sunday April 15th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
• Sandy Macdonald, longtime Theatre Ontario Talent Bank adjudicator, passed away on February 28, one day shy of his 78th birthday. We've updated Sandy's Talent Bank bio on the Theatre Ontario website with his obituary.

Conversation Starters

Sandy Macdonald

• Alisa Palmer, AD of the English Section of the National Theatre School and Director of the Acting Program, discusses on SpiderWebShow's #CdnTimes the  NTS philosophy of actor training

Behind the Scenes at Ontario’s Theatres

• Staging and eating a fictional meal—Sara Farb and Richard Lee wrote on Intermission about their challenges with food on stage in The Humans at Canadian Stage. 

In Case You Missed It

• Stories from our Professional Theatre Training Program, featuring projects in directing, directing and designing, producing, and teaching Pure Movement.
• Congratulations to Sue Perkins, who is the 2018 recipient of the Michael Spence Award for Contribution to Community Theatre.
• ONstage Openings this week in Hamilton, Toronto, and Ottawa.
• Browsing Our Bulletin Board, including workshops, community events, calls for submission, grant deadlines, and more. 

Stories from Next Generation Showcase: A Future Bright with Possibility

By Kiana Woo (University of Alberta)

When I flew to Toronto with my classmates, I had no idea what would be in store for me. Coming from Edmonton, Alberta, meant that we had very little idea of what to expect when we visited this city. We had been planning to come to the Theatre Ontario Next Generation Showcase since our first year in the program, so it was a bit surreal to already be sitting on a plane to Toronto after what felt like no time at all. 

I was raised in Calgary and I have always had a love for performance. I started out doing competitive Ukrainian dance, but as I got older I was drawn towards the theatre. I started taking drama in junior high and my love for it grew steadily from there. Once I graduated from high school I moved to Edmonton to study Drama at the University of Alberta. My goal was always to train in the BFA Acting program and after three auditions attempts I was admitted. This program has challenged me in ways I never expected and offered me opportunities and experience I could have never even have dreamed of, alongside an incredible ensemble and wonderful professors. I have been studying drama and acting at the University of Alberta for six years now and, as I head into the final months of my acting training, I find myself nervous and excited for what the future brings. 

We landed in Toronto full of excitement. I had visited before but never with this sense of buzz and electricity. The idea that we would get the chance to perform in this city sent that familiar thrill down my spine. When we landed in the city, we were all overjoyed. 

Attendees at the Showcase Panel

This was one of the first steps out of education and into the profession and it was very exciting to be on this journey with my classmates of three years. It felt like we had come to accomplish something. I spent the first day rediscovering my love for the city. Roaming the streets of a city that seemed to buzz with possibility. That night, we went to attend the first of the networking parties. The room was full of recent grads or about-to-be grads. Some had performed that day and some were like us—waiting for their moment, wanting to scope things out and get the lay of the land for tomorrow. It was amazing to see a room full of people all filled with the same drive and passion for the arts as me. We then went to the panel discussion, and were able to see the stage that we would perform on the next day. The theatre was vast but rapidly became filled with an upbeat and hopeful energy as all the other graduates poured in. It made me excited to take the stage tomorrow. The panel was wonderful. It made this wild crazy profession we’ve chosen, seem not so impossible. The way the panelists talked about everything with such authenticity and sincerity was inspiring. It was extremely refreshing to have a panel of professionals and artists speak with such honesty. It made the reality of this profession and this kind of work sink in, made it seem like this city could become a place where I could come practice the craft I’d worked to train in all these years. 

I went to sleep that night looking forward to the morning and what possibilities it could bring. Before I knew it, it was our turn to take the stage, I remember looking out into the house and feeling ready. I could see all the possibilities that lay before me, and I was still full of inspiration from the night before. I was proud to share my work, and to allow myself to be able to take the space and own the room. I remember the joy of that morning carried us all the way to the networking party that evening where we were able to make some many new friends and amazing connections. I was extremely proud of our little group for coming so far and thriving at this event. 

Showcase Students from the University of Alberta

Since we are still in school our turnaround was incredibly quick, the next morning we were on a plane back to Edmonton to make it back in time for our final dance performance that afternoon. I remember dragging my body back to school, feeling so tired but incredibly happy and proud of what we managed to accomplish. The Theatre Ontario Next Generation Showcase was an eye-opening and joyful experience, that made me believe that my future is bright with possibility. I am so grateful for the opportunity to perform and demonstrate what I have been working towards all these years. As I continue the final semester of my studies, I feel just a little less overwhelmed by what the future might bring.

Related Reading 

• Sharing Passion for Performance at Next Generation Showcase by Rachel Kennedy, Professional Theatre and Education Manager 
• Catch up on the all the tweets from Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase 2018 in Twitter Moments
• Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase

Sharing Passion for Performance at Next Generation Showcase

by Rachel Kennedy, Professional Theatre and Education Manager

Theatre Ontario has hit the ground running in 2018, with our 24th annual Next Generation Showcase! Over the course of two days from January 14-15th we welcomed 270 emerging professionals to take the stage in the Al Green Theatre before an audience of established producers, artistic directors, agents and casting directors. As in previous years, we were blown away by the talent and dedication that continued to pour from the theatre’s wings. Our industry guests were treated to a plethora of different monologues, songs and approaches to storytelling, but every performer had one thing in common – a determination to share their passion for performance with everyone in attendance.

Next Generation Showcase Warm-Ups

One of my favourite things about Showcase is that the schools are given very loose parameters for showing off their students’ work. Each group is given 2.5 minutes per student, leaving the structure of their stage presentation open to be filled in whatever way the school sees as the best fit for their class. This results in monologues, medleys, dance numbers, scenes and a different energy coming with each group that takes the stage. I can only guess how much this variety is appreciated by the industry members who sit through upwards of 130 auditions per day during this event! Needless to say, we try to keep the coffee flowing, but it is truly the energy of the students that keeps everything rolling from 9am until our nightly networking parties. 

On Sunday night our post-audition party (sponsored by Randolph College) included an industry fair which showcased different companies with opportunities for emerging professionals. Joining us this year we had representatives from AFC, ACTRA, Factory Theatre, George Brown College, TAAS (Toronto Association of Acting Studios) and Toronto Monologue Slam. Once introduced I don’t think that many of these representatives had a free moment for the rest of the night, as students eagerly gathered to hear about the best ways to get their feet wet in the professional world. 

Next Generation Showcase Panel
Sponsored by Meridian Artists

After the networking party we brought students back down to the Al Green Theatre for our Panel Discussion “The Business of Casting” (sponsored by Meridian Artists.) Moderated by producer/director/playwright/actor Andrea Scott, our panel consisted of Kevin Frank (Artistic Director, Second City Training Centre), Karen Glave (Stage, TV and Film Actor), Kishwar Iqbal (Partner, Gary Goddard Agency), and Beth Russell (Casting Director, Stratford Festival). For the first 45 minutes Andrea was at the helm and the group discussed topics including what the panel would change now about the casting business, tips for a successful audition, and myths about the profession that they want to dispel. At 8:15pm Andrea handed the reigns over to the audience and after some initial hesitation the questions flowed easily until our cut-off at 9:00pm. Some highlights that I took away from the discussion were the freedom that self-tapes are providing artists who don’t wish to live in major city centres, the importance of preparation for every audition, and a great quote that Kevin shared with us—“ success is not final and failure is not fatal.”  (Speaking of which, I failed to write down who this quote is originally from and Google is unsure of its origin, so Kevin has now gained credit for it in my eyes.)

Given the recent flow of accusations regarding harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry and educational institutions, Theatre Ontario wanted to take the opportunity to arrange a group discussion between school representatives, Intimacy Directors International (IDI), CAEA, and a few other special industry invites. This is a piece of a much bigger pie, so please keep your eyes peeled for more information on what came out of this roundtable discussion. However, I think it’s important for now to celebrate the openness and eagerness that all school representatives brought to the table for this session. It is inspiring to see the passion and determination that is being harnessed into the fight to protect and prepare emerging actors for changes in the professional world.

Next Generation Showcase Networking Parties
Sponsored by Sheridan College and Randolph College

So with this (and a few well-deserved hours of sleep) we launched into day two of Showcase 2018 and another round of fabulous auditions! Beginning with our New Faces independent artists on Monday morning, we hit the ground running toward another shift in tempo as our Musical Theatre programs began taking the stage. As always, each performance brought something new and spectacular to the table and we hope that everyone involved is proud of the work that they shared. On Monday night the energy at the networking party (sponsored by Sheridan College) was palpable as all in attendance celebrated the success of the past two days.

The excitement and relief was well-deserved, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped to make this event a success for another year whether it was as a sponsor, performer, volunteer or industry guest. This event is built on collaboration and celebration, and we couldn’t do it without all of your help.

Now as I sit back in our office at 401 Richmond St West, I am already looking forward to next year’s Showcase—our 25th annual event!! If you still haven’t had enough of Showcase for this year, stay tuned for a blog post from University of Alberta’s Kiana Woo to hear about her experience!

Related Reading

• Catch up on all of the tweets from Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase on Twitter Moments
• Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase

Meet Our Youth Advisory Committee for 2018

Our Youth Advisory Committee is focused on creating greater accessibility to youth interested in a career in theatre.

The goal is to achieve a greater connection with youth already engaged in theatre across the province, to examine ways to engage more youth in the province in theatre, and to help foster the next generation of theatre practitioners, professionals, and patrons across the province.

We’re pleased to welcome the members of our 2018 Youth Advisory Committee:

• David Beisel (Co-Chair)
• Kelsey Dann
• Blaine Dickens
• Deanna Galati (Co-Chair)
• Ava Patterson

Meet the members of Theatre Ontario’s Youth Advisory Committee 2018 on our website

The Business of Casting: A Panel for Theatre Ontario’s Next Generation Showcase Participants

We are hosting a panel discussion on "The Business of Casting" for participants in Next Generation Showcase, featuring esteemed professionals all working in theatre, film or television.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Corrine Koslo. Kevin Frank, Karen Glave, Kishwar Iqbal, and Beth Russell will join us as panelists. The panel follows the networking party on Sunday, January 14 at 7:30pm.

Our panelists will discuss their artistic journeys; the challenges that exist in the industry, and tips for navigating the ever-evolving world of early-career acting. Bring your most burning questions!

The panel is sponsored by Meridian Artists.

Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s The Business of Casting panel at Next Generation Showcase