Wednesday 29 June 2011

Reminder: Theatre Ontario Seeks an Executive Director

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

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

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

Monday 27 June 2011

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

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

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

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

ONstage Openings for the week of June 27

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

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

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

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

For all the theatre 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 24 June 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

Conversations
TO Toasts
  • Congratulations to Philip Akin, Artistic Director of Obsidian Theatre Company, who received the Mallory Gilbert Leadership Award (PDF) from the PACT Communications Centre and Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre.
  • Part of the $5000 award includes $1000 to a protégée named by the recipient; Philip chose Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu who—among her many accomplishments—is currently training in directing with Ross Manson through a Professional Theatre Training Program grant
  • Congratulations to Naomi Campbell, recipient in the Theatre Category of the Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Award from the Canada Council
Highlights From The Bulletin Board
  • One week left to get in your applications to undercurrents at Great Canadian Theatre Company in Ottawa
Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

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

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

Assembled  by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Tuesday 21 June 2011

Spaces still available in Summer Theatre Intensive

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

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

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

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

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

Monday 20 June 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of June 20

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

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

For all the theatre 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 17 June 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

From The Wire
ToastsHighlights From The Bulletin Board
  • Great Canadian Theatre Company has issued the Call for Submissions for undercurrents; deadline is July 4
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

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Theatre Ontario Seeks an Executive Director

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


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

For full details and application information, please visit the Theatre Ontario website.

Monday 13 June 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of June 13

In Eastern Ontario
Jun. 14, Wingfield: Lost And Found at Thousand Islands Playhouse (Gananoque)
Jun. 14, Perfect Pie at King’s Town Players (Kingston)
Jun. 17, Moonfleece at Ottawa School of Speech And Drama

In Southwestern Ontario
Jun. 14, On The Rocks at The Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake) in previews
Jun. 14, What About Luv? At Victoria Playhouse Petrolia
Jun. 17, Prisoner Of Second Avenue at Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts

In Toronto
Jun. 13, Queer Pride 2011 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
Jun. 19, Day Of Delight at Clay And Paper Theatre

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

Friday 10 June 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

It was forty years ago today...

On June 10, 1971, the Ontario Theatre Conference opened in Geneva Park on Lake Couchiching in Orillia.  It was a four-day event focused on "education, youth theatre, community theatre, and the theatre professional."  By the end of the conference, a new central organization had been proposed, a steering committee had been struck, and - after much debate - the participants had agreed upon a name: Theatre Ontario.  Forty years later, we're thankful for their legacy, and look forward to continuing that proud tradition of serving Ontario's theatre artists.

Conversations
From The Wire
  • More sad news as we heard of the passing of Janet Short of Sault Ste. Marie earlier this week; she was a Life Member of Theatre Ontario and a former member of our Board of Directors; recently she had established with Theatre Ontario the Perry Short Award, a legacy in honour of her late husband, which promoted training and development for set designers through our Festival, Summer Courses and Talent Bank.  For those who wish to remember Janet, here is her online memorial guest book.
  • The Toronto Arts Council’s “Arts In The Park” handbook helps arts organizations navigate event programming in Toronto’s parks – check it out!
Highlights From The Bulletin Board
  • Bloor West Village Players in Toronto are holding evening workshops in August 15, 16, and 17 on the disciplines of sound operator, stage manager, and lighting operator
Check out all the latest postings of workshops, classified ads, recognition opportunities and more from Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board

Assembled  by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Thursday 9 June 2011

Application deadline approaching for 2012 Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival

The application deadline for the 2012 Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival is June 30, 2011 at 5pm.

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 contracts run approximately from mid-March to September, depending on the production schedule for the particular season.

Read more about the Neil Munro Intern Directors Project at the Shaw Festival on the Theatre Ontario website.

Wednesday 8 June 2011

Save the date for our next Adjudicators Symposium

Theatre Ontario’s 2nd Annual Adjudicators Symposium has been scheduled for October 1, 2011.

We have an exciting day planned.  We are setting up a panel with members of the regional community theatre associations to discuss expectations, feedback, hiring practices, and the strengths and weaknesses of the current system.  We will have sessions on professional development topics identified by the participants themselves.  We are also planning a “speed dating” session to connect adjudicator trainees with established adjudicators.

Dennis Johnson, our Community Theatre Coordinator, will be sending out invitations to our active adjudicators and trainees will full details.  Visit the Theatre Ontario website for more information.

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Welcome to our New Appointed Board Members

We are pleased to welcome Helen Landry of Sudbury and Sara Mackie of Thunder Bay who have been appointed to the Theatre Ontario Board of Directors from the Quonta Drama Region (northeastern Ontario) and northwestern Ontario regions respectively.

Helen Landry has been involved with theatre most of her life, starting with having to baby-sit her younger brother while her parents were at rehearsal for Espanola Little Theatre (ELT).  Her on-stage career began in high school.  When her children were older she became re-acquainted with the stage in 1996, as well as operating lights, sound, producing and stage management.  On the business side of things she started as Secretary, and then President of ELT, Third-Vice and President of the Quonta Drama Region.  After a six-year hiatus, she is now back on stage, on the executive of ELT and on the Quonta Board.  She enjoys the relationships that she has built over the years and the sense of family it brings.

Our 2011-2012 Board of Directors is: Julianne Snepsts (President), Cam Lund (Vice-President), Mark Mooney (Secretary), Chris Scholey (Treasurer), Michael Grit (Member-at-Large), Barry Freeman, Emma Mackenzie Hillier, Helen Landry, Sara Mackie, Debra McLauchlan, Angela Rebeiro, Deb Sholdice, Ken Stephen, Andy Trasuk and Brian Van Norman.   Bios for all of the members of the Theatre Ontario Board of Directors for 2011-2012 can be found on the Theatre Ontario website.

Launching Our New Strategic Plan

At our Annual Meeting on May 21, President of the Board Julianne Snepsts gave a presentation on our new strategic plan for 2011-2014.  Based on the positive feedback we received at the meeting, several members asked for us to make the presentation widely available.  The presentation has now been posted to Theatre Ontario’s SlideShare page.  The presentation contains highlights of the Plan as it presently exists: in draft form and unapproved by the Board of Directors.

As indicated, this presentation is intended to give Members a sense of the general direction of the plan and to allow feedback before its completion.

Our Annual Report for 2010 has also been published on the Theatre Ontario website.

Monday 6 June 2011

ONstage Openings for the week of June 6

In Toronto
Jun. 9, Bye Bye Birdie at Avenue Road Arts School

In Central Ontario
Jun. 9, The 39 Steps at Port Hope Festival Theatre
Jun. 10, The Wizard Of Oz at Drayton Entertainment: King's Wharf Theatre (Penetanguishene) with previews from Jun. 7

In Eastern Ontario
Jun. 6, Jake's Gift at St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival (Prescott)
Jun. 9, Later Life at Domino Theatre (Kingston)
Jun. 11, The Sensuous Senator at Upper Canada Playhouse (Morrisburg) with previews from Jun. 9

In Southwestern Ontario
Jun. 9, Dance Legends at Drayton Entertainment: Drayton Festival Theatre with previews from Jun. 7
Jun. 10, Real Estate at Theatre Sarnia
Jun. 10, The Solid Gold Cadillac at London Community Players
Jun. 12, Hairspray at Drayton Entertainment: Huron County Playhouse (Grand Bend) with previews from Jun. 8

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 3 June 2011

7 Days In Ontario Theatre

From The Wire
  • It was sad to hear the news of the passing of Jake Mackan of Gore Bay – many of our Festival regulars will remember Jake’s award-winning performance in 2007 in Kiss The Moon, Kiss The Sun
  • Two of the playwrights in Grassroots – the anthology of plays that premiered at Ontario community theatres – were profiled in their local media (and are available online): meet Kristin Shepherd of North Bay and Michael Fay of Minden
  • Postal strike contingency announcements from the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts
Highlights From The Bulletin Board
  • On Sunday, June 5, Puppetmongers Theatre is holding “Fresh Ideas In Puppetry”, a one-day “conference, festival and good time”
  • The Toronto Public Library (TPL), the Neighbourhood Arts Network and Culture Days are pleased to announce an exciting partnership called Culture Days @ The Library to help artists and arts organizations to share their creative work with the public. The Toronto Public Library is offering free venues to Toronto-based artists and arts organizations wishing to be part of Culture Days.  Application deadline is June 10.
  • Deadline for the Siminovitch Prize in Theatre (for playwrights) is also June 10
  • The Harbourfront Centre is currently seeking proposals from Toronto-area artists and companies working in the field of performance for the HATCH 2012 series with guest curator, Jess Dobkin.  Application deadline is June 20.
  • On July 23-24, the Shaw Festival will be holding The Speed Of Ideas—A Theatrical Forum to celebrate the 50th anniversary season of the Festival and debate the core of the Shaw mandate: “the necessity of provocative ideas”  The event will feature Tony Kushner, Michael Billington, Suzan-Lori Parks, plus panels involving national and international directors, playwrights and actors
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

Thursday 2 June 2011

Summer Courses deadline is approaching

There are two weeks left to the deadline to register for our 2011 Summer Theatre Intensive, running August 7 to 13 in Waterloo.

While Terry Tweed’s “When I Am On Stage...Who Am I?” scene study course already sold out and is on a waiting list, there are still places available in four courses:
  • “Now What Do I Do?”, with Brenda Bazinet
  • “Curtain's Up”, with David Warrack
  • “Shakespeare's Conservatory”, with Andrew Tidmarsh
  • “Directors Symposium”, with Dean Gabourie, Eda Holmes, Christopher Newton, Yvette Nolan, and Richard Rose
There are also places remaining in our one-day workshop “Marketing On A Shoestring” with Cheryl Ewing, running on Wednesday, August 10.

The application deadline for all courses is June 17.  For over thirty years, our successful workshops have earned praise from drama teachers, theatre schools, community theatre and professional theatre people, agents and actors getting started in the business.  Read more about our Summer Courses on the Theatre Ontario website.

Wednesday 1 June 2011

Congratulations to Spring 2011 YTTP 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, $21,600 was awarded in total among the following recipients:
  • 4th Line Theatre (Millbrook); TEAM
  • Arts4All (Toronto); Standing Tall
  • b current (Toronto); Raiz’n Summer Arts Project
  • Lookup Theatre (Owen Sound); Grey-Bruce Circus Theatre
  • Odyssey Theatre (Ottawa); Youth Theatre Apprenticeship Program
  • Paprika Festival (Toronto); Paprika Training Programs
  • Soulpepper Theatre (Toronto); Youth Leadership Project
  • Suitcase in Point Theatre (St. Catharines); Summer Theatre Intensive
The next application deadline for this program is October 17, 2011.

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.