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