Wednesday 21 December 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

Conversations
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

Tuesday 20 December 2011

Congratulations to Fall 2011 Youth Theatre Training Program Recipients

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.

Monday 19 December 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of December 19 and December 26

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 currently 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

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

Monday 12 December 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of December 12

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 currently 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

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

Friday 9 December 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

Conversations
From The Wire
TO Toasts
Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Tuesday 6 December 2011

Theatre Ontario Showcase 2012

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.

Monday 5 December 2011

Browsing The Bulletin Board

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

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

Monday 28 November 2011

Browsing The Bulletin Board

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

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

Thursday 24 November 2011

Give The Gift of Theatre

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

Wednesday 23 November 2011

Celebrating 40 Years Together

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.

Tuesday 22 November 2011

Welcome To Our New Community Theatre Coordinator

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!”

Monday 21 November 2011

Browsing The Bulletin Board

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

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

Friday 18 November 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

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
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

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Congratulations to Fall 2011 PTTP Recipients

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.

Monday 14 November 2011

Browsing The Bulletin Board

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

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

Friday 11 November 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

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
Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Monday 7 November 2011

Browsing The Bulletin Board

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

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

Friday 4 November 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

Conversations
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
Assembled by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Monday 31 October 2011

Browsing The Bulletin Board

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

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

Friday 28 October 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

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

Conversations
From The Wire
Migrations
TO Toasts
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

Thursday 27 October 2011

Second Spring

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.


Tuesday 25 October 2011

Remembering Ed Procunier: The Man, The Mission

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.

Monday 24 October 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of October 24

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

Thursday 20 October 2011

Theatre Ontario Schedules Next Emerging Professional Workshops

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.

Monday 17 October 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of October 17

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

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Things I have learned in this job...

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…


Tuesday 11 October 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of October 11

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

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Theatre Ontario Congratulates 2012 Shaw Intern Directors

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.

Tuesday 4 October 2011

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

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.

Monday 3 October 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of October 3

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

Friday 30 September 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

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

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

Wednesday 28 September 2011

Theatre Ontario Seeking Community Theatre Coordinator

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

Monday 26 September 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of September 26

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

Friday 23 September 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

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
Migrations
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

Monday 19 September 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of September 19

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

Friday 16 September 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

Migrations
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

Wednesday 14 September 2011

My 2011 Summer Theatre Travels

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.

Monday 12 September 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of September 12

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

Wednesday 7 September 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of September 6

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

Friday 2 September 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

Conversations
From The Wire
Migrations
  • Ron Lenyk is the new CEO of the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga
TO Toasts!
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

Wednesday 31 August 2011

Summertime in Waterloo

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!

Tuesday 30 August 2011

Theatre Ontario Launches Fall Workshops

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.

Monday 29 August 2011

Theatre Ontario Welcomes Carol Beauchamp As Executive Director

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

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.

Tuesday 23 August 2011

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

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.

Monday 22 August 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of August 22

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.

Friday 19 August 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

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