Celebrating Community Theatre at Theatre Ontario Festival

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012—and Theatre Ontario is excited to be returning for a celebration of community theatre at Theatre Ontario Festival 2012 from May 16 to 20.

The annual Theatre Ontario Festival is a showcase of outstanding community theatre productions chosen from regional festivals, bringing together theatre lovers from across the province.  This year’s Festival line-up features three plays written by Canadians.  The Festival opens with Gore Bay Theatre’s presentation of the Canadian classic The Attic, The Pearls And Three Fine Girls by Jennifer Brewin, Leah Cherniak, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Alisa Palmer & Martha Ross.  On Thursday is Peterborough Theatre Guild’s world premiere production of The Mouse House by Robert Ainsworth.  On Friday, Guelph Little Theatre takes the stage with their production of Steve Martin’s Picasso At The Lapin Agile.  On Saturday, The Curtain Club from Richmond Hill presents the Governor General’s Award winner The December Man / L’homme de décembre by Colleen Murphy.  Find out how to order tickets for all four shows on the Theatre SMC website.

Theatre Ontario Festival is also an educational experience.  After each performance, adjudicator Annette G. Procunier will give a public adjudication of the production.  Annette had adjudicated around the world, and this will be her first time adjudicating in her home province.  The following morning, there will be a detailed adjudication for the members of the company; all adjudications are open to Festival attendees.  Annette will also be leading an Adjudicator’s Workshop “Do You See What I See?”

But the educational opportunities don’t stop there.  Festival Honorary Chair Jack Wetherall will lead a workshop entitled “An Acting Lesson.”  This year’s Playwright-in-Person is Daniel Brooks who will be reading from his work, and then leading a workshop “The Blank Stage—Playmaking.”

Finally, Theatre Ontario Festival is a celebration of community theatre.  This year’s celebrations begin on May 14 when the City Council of Sault Ste. Marie will be proclaiming the official launch of Theatre Week.  On the evening of May 15, the Opening Gala “Growing Together” will give the Sault arts community an opportunity to come together to kick-off the celebration.  The Festival officially opens on May 16 with the Mayor’s Reception prior to the opening night performance.  There is also parties after each show where the participating groups are celebrated for their accomplishments.  Finally, on Sunday, May 20, Annette will present the Theatre Ontario Festival Awards, including the Elsie Award for Outstanding Festival Production.  As in past years, Theatre Ontario will be live-blogging the awards as they are announced.

All of your Festival 2012 event information can be found on the Festival page of the Theatre SMC website.  We look forward to seeing you in the Sault!