Wednesday 27 January 2010

Scene Study Training For Youth

Theatre Ontario is pleased to announce that our Youth Scene Study Program, first introduced last year, will be held again this coming June in two locations: Toronto and Ottawa.

This is a unique theatre training experience for youth aged 14 to 18, featuring four days of rigorous textual analysis and acting.  The courses will run June 26 to June 29, and financial support is available through Theatre Ontario's Judy Silver Scholarship Program.

Read more about the courses on the Theatre Ontario Website.

Tuesday 26 January 2010

Thank You To Our Supporters

Theatre Ontario is extremely grateful to everyone who has supported our "Behind The Scenes" campaign. The financial support of our donors ensures that Theatre Ontario can begin 2010 with the resources necessary to bring a wider range of programs with increased accessibility. As a thank-you for your contribution, supporters will be receiving your first issue of Backstage within the week. We look forward to this opportunity to keep you in touch with all the amazing work your generosity makes possible.

It's not too late to join...visit "Behind The Scenes" on the Theatre Ontario website, and consider adding your name to the list of our wonderful supporters.

Monday 25 January 2010

Recommended Reading

Micheline McKay writes about the impact of amalgmating the Ministries of Culture and Tourism.

Jessica Ruano starts an interesting discussion arising out of the ongoing publicist's dilemma of comping tickets to bloggers.

Simon Ogden started a spirited discussion on filmed theatre.

Anyone looking to have their stereotypes shattered about "audiences that you'll never reach" should read what Kapisanan Philippine Centre for Art and Culture thought about the Toronto Fringe's Next Stages Festival.

And a discussion that I've had with people before...is the absence of a mobile telephone the thing that can date a play the most?

Thursday 21 January 2010

Call for Applications for the Professional Theatre Training Program

Theatre Ontario is now inviting applications for the March 1, 2010 deadline for the Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP), funded by the Ontario Arts Council.

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, the most recent mentorships funded by this program and some testimonials from past participants and mentors.



Wednesday 20 January 2010

Showcase Panellists Share Their Experience With Theatre Graduates

As part of Showcase - our annual event presenting the graduating classes of conservatory theatre programs - Theatre Ontario held professional panels on the evening of January 17th.  The Showcase Panels gave the graduates a chance to talk to industry professionals about the realities of the business from a variety of perspectives. This entertaining and informative evening is always a favourite. Our generous panelists answered questions and shared a wealth of experience.

"The Business of Casting" panel featured casting director Tina Gerussi, agent Alicia Jeffery from Caldwell Jeffery Talent Agency, and Eda Holmes, Associate Director of The Shaw Festival.

The "Surviving a Career in Acting" panel featured five actors sharing their personal experiences in the business: Richard Lee, Ross Manson, Rick Roberts, Nicole Underhay, and Jenny Young.

The 2010 panels were moderated by Theatre Ontario's Professional Theatre Coordinator Tim Chapman, and held at Theatre Passe Muraille.

Monday 18 January 2010

Recommended Reading

Catching up on some recommended reading from early 2010.

The conversation between Simon Ogden of The Next Stage, Michael Wheeler of Praxis Theatre, and Kris Joseph tries to wrap itself up.  A must-read for any artist, any administrator mulling over the whole "social media thing."  And because these conversations cannot end, DennisBaker weighs in.

Simon Ogden also fires us up for 2010.

Lyn Gardner of The Guardian wants her 2010 theatre to change us.  And Chris Wilkinson highlights the question and growing debate: is it possible to pin down artistic quality?

Thursday 14 January 2010

New Theatre Safety Guidelines For Working At Heights

Theatre Ontario is pleased to make available the latest health and safety guidelines for “Working at Heights” in live performance.

These guidelines were developed by the Health & Safety Advisory Committee for Live Performance to assist Ontario employers/engagers, supervisors, and working professionals in meeting the various requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and relevant regulations.  They are published by the Ontario Ministry of Labour.

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Call For Nominations for the 2010-2011 Board

Theatre Ontario is pleased to issue the Call For Nominations for our 2010-2011 Board of Directors. The Board will be elected at Theatre Ontario’s Annual General Meeting on May 22, 2010 in London, Ontario.

Read all about it on the Theatre Ontario website.

Tuesday 5 January 2010

Congratulations to the Fall 2009 Youth Theatre Training Program (YTTP) Recipients

Theatre Ontario is pleased to announce the latest recipients of training grants through Theatre Ontario's Youth Theatre Training Program (YTTP). $19,500 was awarded in total among the following recipients:

Monday 4 January 2010

Introduction to Adjudicating

Theatre Ontario is proposing to hold an "Introduction To Adjudicating" course for people interested in learning to become adjudicators.  It would be held in conjunction with the 2010 Festival in London.