Tuesday 31 December 2013

Browsing The Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario
Check out all of our upcoming courses and workshops, including a grant writing information session in Ottawa

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

The members of ACT II Studio
  • ACT II Studio is holding an Information Session on January 6, profiling their unique theatre school for older adults
  • Tarragon Theatre’s Playwriting course with Paula Wing starts on January 9
  • Deadline for applications for the 4th Line Theatre OAC Creators Reserve is January 10
Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions, job postings, and volunteer opportunities on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Browsing The Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario
Theatre Ontario's Grant Writing
Information Session with Pat Bradley
of the Ontario Arts Council
Check out all of our upcoming courses and workshops, including grant writing information sessions in London and Ottawa

New on The Bulletin Board
  • ACT II Studio is holding an Information Session on January 6, profiling their unique theatre school for older adults
  • Markham Little Theatre is holding an Introduction to Stage Management workshop on January 18
Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions, job postings, and volunteer opportunities on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Monday 23 December 2013

ONstage Openings for the weeks of December 23 and December 30

In South Central Ontario
Dec. 28, Cinderella at Burl-Oak Theatre Group (Oakville)

For more information on all the theatre playing across Ontario, visit Theatre Ontario’s ONstage theatre listings on our website.

ONstage Now Playing in St. Jacobs
Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Drayton Entertainment
Rachel Crowther, Kyle Blair, Jeff Irving, Jayme Armstrong, and the ensemble
Photo by Gary Moon


Friday 20 December 2013

Ontario Off Stage

by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Behind The Scenes at Ontario’s Theatres
Conversation Starters
  • In a guest post on Rebecca Coleman’s blog, Jeremy Stark writes about the rise of “niche social media sites.”  Four years ago, Theatre Ontario began exploring the idea of a social media site specifically focused on networking and collaboration within Ontario theatre—but the counter-argument was that these tools just fragment conversations. Do you believe in niche social media sites?

From The Wire
In Case You Missed It
You can also receive news from Theatre Ontario every month by email.  Our archives are online and the December issue is now available.

We’ll see you back in the new year on January 10

Thursday 19 December 2013

Propose a Course for the 2014 Theatre Ontario Summer Theatre Intensive

The 2014 Summer Theatre Intensive program will be taking place from August 10-16 in a university setting.  These courses are targeted to participants between ages of 18  to 65 and specifically to community theatre practitioners, but can be of interest to emerging professionals too. The week-long intensive begins Monday morning and ends Friday at dinner, with approximately six hours of teaching per day, with students rehearsing or studying in the evenings. One evening of the week will include a trip to a theatre performance. Instructors are paid for the week's instruction and provided with meals and accommodation.

If you are interested in submitting your course proposal for the Summer Theatre Intensive, please fill out the form below.  The submission deadline is 5pm on Monday, January 20th, 2014.  Selections will be finalized by January 31st, 2014, at which time you will be required to submit a current photo for our program publication.

Submit your Theatre Ontario Summer Theatre Intensive course proposal

For more information, contact Cornelia Persich, Education Coordinator, at info@theatreontario.org or 416.408.4556 x.10.

What’s Making Me Happy: Finding Abundance

By Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

In last year’s year-in-review column, I committed to seeking out the abundance in the theatre ecosystem.  As was well-argued on 2amtheatre.com, it’s easy to slip into patterns of “black magical thinking” that frame the theatre environment negatively in order to fit challenging circumstances, usually by assuming “stupidity or evil” on the part of the public, audiences, governments, funders, and other theatre-makers.  Scarcity thinking is a destructive force—we need to be intentional in counter-programming that noisy negativity.  We need to keep listening for abundance.  We need to keep talking about abundance.

Shaw Festival's Lady Windermere's Fan
Marla McLean
Photo by David Cooper
Our stages continue to be filled with an abundance of talent and creativity.  This past year I saw compelling theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and in Orangeville, and in Toronto on stages both large and small—and I also heard about far too much compelling theatre that I wasn’t able to fit into my limited budget and a 24-hour day.

Our community of Fringe Festivals continue to grow and explore their role in the ecosystem.  The Toronto Fringe Festival held its first “Town Hall”; there are people in new leadership roles in Hamilton, Ottawa, and Toronto; and in 2014, we’ll see the launch of an entirely new Fringe Festival in Durham Region.  Fringe continues to provide vital infrastructure to the lucky producers who win the Fringe lotteries, and make the most of their opportunities.

Theatres are getting better at blogging.  Whether it was Buddies In Bad Times’ Gay Heritage Blog Salon related to their production of The Gay Heritage Project; Acting Up Stage Company’s Musical Notes, sharing composers’ inspiration playlists, or reflecting on various influences of Canadian musical theatre production; or Theatre Passe Muraille’s flashbacks through the theatre’s forty-five year legacy in Canadian theatre history—more and more theatre blogs are and finding their way onto my reading list.  I’m having a hard time keeping up.  Meanwhile, the trail-blazers at Praxis Theatre and 2AMTheatre seem to be blogging less frequently—because they’re busy creating.  As it should be (not to say that they aren’t missed…)  Likewise, while social media continues to get noisier, and the loudest voices with the deepest pockets try to drown out conversation, authentic connections are still being made, bringing together artists, colleagues, and audiences.

We’re making progress in significant areas of collaboration.  The Ontario Ministry of Labour published the provincial health and safety guidelines for live performance online, making these important resources far more accessible.  Canadian Actors Equity launched new policies to facilitate small-scale theatre production.  The New Play Exchange is moving towards revolutionizing how theatres and playwrights can connect with each other.

Community theatres continue to explore new play development in new and exciting ways.  Playwrights from Grassroots: Original Plays From Ontario Community Theatres—our anthology published by Playwrights Canada Press—had new plays premiere in Elmira (Michael Grant’s Shorthanded at Elmira Theatre Company), North Bay (Kristin Sheppard’s Hope Op at Gateway Theatre Guild), and Toronto (Joan Burrows’ Gloria’s Guy at Alumnae Theatre.)  Joan’s Willow Quartet was published this year by Playwrights Canada Press, and I had the pleasure of participating in the reading at their Fall launch at Buddies.  Grassroots itself was cited with an honourable mention by the Canadian Association for Theatre Research for their Patrick O’Neill Award, recognizing Dennis Johnson’s work as editor of the anthology while he was our Community Theatre Coordinator at Theatre Ontario.

Peterborough Theatre Guild's P.S. Uncle Angus
Roy Braun, Justin Boyd, Pat Maitland,
Steve Russell, Susan Gontier, Laura Kennedy
Festivals are also connecting these original works to other community theatres.  Robert Ainsworth’s The Mouse House, presented by Peterborough Theatre Guild and winner of Outstanding Production at Theatre Ontario Festival 2012, was produced this past November at both Guelph Little Theatre and The Curtain Club in Richmond Hill: the respective Western Ontario Drama League (WODL) and Association of Community Theatres—Central Ontario (ACT-CO) representatives at Festival 2012.  Neil Marr’s P.S. Uncle Angus premiered at Markham Little Theatre in 2010, won the Outstanding Production of a Drama at that year’s ACT-CO Festival, and this past year was presented in Peterborough, directed by that ACT-CO Festival adjudicator, Bea Quarrie (our adjudicator at Theatre Ontario Festival 2014 in Sarnia.)

I’m looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings.  I want to find ways to see more theatre—both in our centres of Ontario theatre, and in our “maker communities” where the “research & development” happens.  I’m looking forward to continuing to find meaningful connections.  Brilliant ideas are out there.  They’re hard to find, but all it takes is a little listening.

Where did you find abundance in 2013?

(With a tip of the hat to Travis Bedard for inspiring the post’s framing device—second year in a row)

Related Reading

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Browsing The Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board
  • Deadline to apply to the Hamilton Arts Council’s Market Value, demonstrating the labour in creating art, is today
  • Deadline for submissions for the Theatre InspiraTO’s Ten-Minute Playwriting Contest is today; for the Playwriting Academy is tomorrow (December 19)
Theatre Inspirato's 2013 Playwriting Academy
Chris Whidden and Magdalena Barys
bagged by Madeleine Jullian
dramaturged by Theatre Ontario Talent Bank member Lindsay Price
New on The Bulletin Board
  • The De Colores Festival of New Works is a playwrights unit/festival, which focuses exclusively on the development of Latin American playwrights in Canada. The yearlong unit provides the chosen playwrights with access to professional dramaturges, actors, and directors. The writers receive one-on-one developmental and dramaturgical support throughout the year for works in progress, which culminates in a public presentation of the work (as it is at the moment of the reading).  Deadline for submissions is January 30, 2014.

Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions, job postings, and volunteer opportunities on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Tuesday 17 December 2013

How to Get the Most out of Your Mentorship

By Mairin Smit, Program Coordinator

On December 5, Theatre Ontario hosted our first “How to Get the Most out of your Mentorship” session for recent Professional Theatre Training Program grant recipients. This event is part of a new initiative to help connect current and past mentees with each other, allowing for shared learning and networking opportunities before, during, and after their mentorship programs. We understand that it can be challenging for mentees to navigate their new work environment, and sometimes the best way to work through those challenges is by connecting with people who have been through the same experience.

This session saw past grant recipients Scott Dermody and Rose Napoli, as well as past mentor Erica Kopyto, Literary Manager at Nightwood Theatre, speak to new grant recipients from the October 1, 2013 deadline about their experiences in the program. After I moderated a facilitated discussion, the group was given the opportunity to ask questions of each other freely, resulting in a lively discussion on topics ranging from what to expect on your first day, how to establish a dialogue with your mentor, and how to deal with changes to your training plan. Not only did this provide new mentees with insight into some of the successes and challenges they may face during their mentorship, but also provided past mentees with an important opportunity to reflect on their experiences and share their learning with others.

Moving forward from the success of this event, Theatre Ontario will be hosting a variety of Professional Theatre Training Program “Learning Circles” to provide more opportunities for grant recipients to connect with each other and share their experiences. We’ll keep you posted on these events as they are scheduled in the New Year. In the meantime, we want to thank Scott, Rose, and Erica for sharing their stories, and once again want to congratulate all our new grant recipients!

Read below to see how some of those who attended “How to Get the Most out of Your Mentorship” benefitted from the event:
"From the onset, Theatre Ontario has been a real supportive ASO and convener. I really appreciated the opportunity to meet fellow PTTP 2013/14 interns and to have both a facilitated and an informal conversation with current interns and mentee. I am looking forward to the opportunity to foster and deepen our collective experience and to form new connections within the theatre, dance and live arts across Ontario.”
- Coman Poon, Mentoring in Artistic Producing with Erika Hennebury at Public Recordings Performance Projects
“Meeting with past PTTP grant recipients and mentors allowed me to ask questions about the process of mentorship and to see first-hand the confidence and professional skills developed during this process. I very much enjoyed meeting the other current grant recipients; connecting with other developing professionals who are passionate about their work is invaluable.”
- Crystal Jonasson, Mentoring in Producing with Claire Calnan at the Hamilton Fringe Festival
 "The chance to assemble and hear about the work of my PTTP peers was very inspiring.  Our theatre world is so connected that I was able to draw from the experiences of other recipients and colleagues and filter that into my own work.  Self-reflection is important but collective reflection is highly motivational. Thank you Theatre Ontario"
- Rose Napoli, Mentored in Literary Management/New Play Development with Erica Kopyto at Nightwood Theatre

Find out more about the most recent PTTP recipients

Read more about Theatre Ontario’s Professional Theatre Training Program

Monday 16 December 2013

ONstage Openings for the week of December 16

ONstage Now Playing in Toronto
Venus In Fur at Canadian Stage
Rick Miller
Photo by David Hou
Mid-December is always a quiet time for openings.  But for the first time in the nearly four years I’ve been preparing this column, there isn’t a single show opening in Ontario this week at any of our member theatres.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities for theatre-going.

For more information on all the theatre playing across Ontario, visit Theatre Ontario’s ONstage theatre listings on our website.

Check out last week’s openings

Friday 13 December 2013

Thursday 12 December 2013

Join us at Theatre Ontario's Next Generation Showcase 2014

When: Sunday, January 19 and Monday, January 20, 2014

Where: Young Centre for the Performing Arts
Michael Young Theatre
50 Tank House Lane, Toronto

We warmly invite Directors, Artistic Directors, Producers, Casting Directors, Agents EIC signed or TAMAC members and other Industry Professionals to join us for our annual showcase of graduating student talent.

RSVP required by Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Please call 416.408.4556 x.10 or email: info@theatreontario.org
#TOshowcase

Schedule of Events – Approximate Times
Lunch and Refreshments Provided

Sunday, January 19, 2014
  • 9:30am - Opening Remarks
  • 9:40am - Canadore College
  • 10:45am - University of Windsor
  • 11:45am - Humber College
  • 1:05pm - University of Toronto, Mississauga/Sheridan
  • 2:05pm - National Theatre School
  • 2:45pm - York University
  • 3:25pm - Ryerson University
  • 4:40pm - George Brown College
  • 5:30pm - Networking Party – Soulpepper Theatre, host
  • 7:30pm - Panel Discussion – “The Business of Casting”

Monday, January 20, 2014
  • 10:30am - Opening Remarks
  • 10:40am - New Faces
  • 12:05pm - Centre for Indigenous Theatre
  • 12:25pm - London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art
  • 1:45pm - St Clair College
  • 2:55pm - St Lawrence College
  • 3:50pm - Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts
  • 4:45pm - Networking Party – Sheridan College, host

Read more about Theatre Ontario's Next Generation Showcase

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Browsing The Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario
Check out all of our upcoming courses and workshops

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

The deadline for nominations for the Gina Wilkinson Prize is December 15
Photo by David Cooper Photography
  • Deadline for nominations for the Gina Wilkinson Prize for female theatre artists transitioning from one theatre discipline to directing is December 15
  • Deadline for eligibility forms to apply to the Ontario Trillium Foundation's Youth Opportunities Fund "Grassroots Innovations" stream is December 12
  • The Canadian Stage Berkeley Block Party is coming up on December 13
  • Deadline to apply to the Hamilton Arts Council’s Market Value, demonstrating the labour in creating art, is December 18
  • Deadline for submissions for the Theatre InspiraTO’s Ten-Minute Playwriting Contest is December 18; for the Playwriting Academy is December 19
New on The Bulletin Board
  • The Thousand Islands Playhouse Playwrights’ Unit, now in its second year, is a year-long residency program designed to nurture promising playwrights.  The deadline for applications is January 15.
  • The Shaw Festival Education program for 2014 has been launched: an extensive variety of programs for teens and adults, with particular focus for teachers

Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions, job postings, and volunteer opportunities on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Tuesday 10 December 2013

Grant Writing Information Sessions Coming to Your Community

We are thrilled to be bringing our popular, free Grant Writing Information Sessions to communities across Ontario.

Looking for tips and must-dos for preparing an application to the Ontario Arts Council?  Pat Bradley, Theatre Officer of the Ontario Arts Council, will share her perspective, information, and tips about project grants, particularly the OAC’s three theatre project programs.

Upcoming sessions include:
  • Toronto  – Monday, January 13, 2014 at 6pm in the Theatre Ontario Boardroom
  • London – Monday, January 27, 2014 at 6pm in the Jessica Tandy Rehearsal Hall at The Grand Theatre
  • Ottawa – Monday, March 24, 2014 at 6pm in the Omni Board Room at Great Canadian Theatre Company
We are also planning sessions in Barrie and Sudbury.

Grant Writing Information Session with Pat Bradley at Theatre Ontario

Monday 9 December 2013

ONstage Openings for the week of December 9

In South Central Ontario
Dec. 12, Beck Festival at Theatre Erindale (Mississauga)

In Southwestern Ontario

Dec. 11, The Sound Of Music at Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton)
Dec. 13, A Christmas Carol at London Community Players, with a preview on Dec. 12

In Toronto
Dec. 13, Venus In Fur at Canadian Stage*

ONstage Now Playing in Smiths Falls
Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs
at Smiths Falls Community Theatre
Check out last week’s openings

For more information on all the theatre playing across Ontario, visit Theatre Ontario’s ONstage theatre listings on our website.

Theatre Ontario individual members can access discount ticket offers for shows marked with an * asterisk

Read more about our members discount tickets program

Friday 6 December 2013

Ontario Off Stage

by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Behind The Scenes At Ontario’s Theatres
 
All The Ladies by Sasha Kleinplatz
from Buddies In Bad Times' Rhubarb Festival 2013

Conversation Starters
Migrations
TO Toasts
  • Congratulations to all of the recipients of the Capital Critics Circle Awards, including John P. Kelly (Talent Bank member and director of best professional theatre production November from Seven-Thirty Productions), Ottawa Little Theatre (Best community theatre production for Steel Magnolias), Rona Waddington (past Shaw Intern Director and winner of best director—professional for St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival’s Hamlet) and Joan Sullivan Eady (past Festival best director and winner of best director—community for OLT’s All My Sons)

Thursday 5 December 2013

Nominations Now Open for the 2014 Maggie Bassett Award

Do you know someone who has made a significant, sustained, and unselfish contribution to the development of theatre in Ontario?  Nominations are now open for Theatre Ontario's 2014 Maggie Bassett Award.

The deadline for nominations is February 28, 2014 and the award sponsored by Alumnae Theatre.

Past recipients of the award are Ken Watts, Elsie Thomson, Jean Roberts, Herbert Whittaker, Heather McCallum, Herman Voaden, Dennis Sweeting, Jack Medhurst, Jack Blacklock, Sandy Black, Patricia Beharriell, Wilf Pegg, Virginia Reh, Lib Spry, Wayne Fairhead, Richard Howard, Dusty Miller, Kay McKie, Beth McMaster, Sandra Tulloch, Jeff Burke, James Alexander, Ron Cameron-Lewis, Angela Rebeiro, Kim Renders, Yvette Nolan, Alex Mustakas, Don Fleckser, Diana Belshaw, Dave Carley, and Tom Mackan.

Read more about Theatre Ontario's Maggie Bassett Award, including full award guidelines and nomination form, on our website

Tom Mackan receiving the 2013 Maggie Bassett Award

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Browsing The Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario
The Sandra Tulloch Award for
Innovation in Arts and Culture
Check out all of our upcoming courses and workshops, including free grant writing information sessions across Ontario

Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions, job postings, and volunteer opportunities on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Celebrate GivingTuesday with Your Story of Giving to Theatre

Today is GivingTuesday, the "opening day of the giving season."  It is a day when charities, companies and individuals join together to share commitments, rally for favourite causes, and think about others.


Theatre Ontario is thrilled to be part of GivingTuesday - sharing the importance of giving to theatre in Ontario.  Thank you also to everyone who has already given to us at Theatre Ontario in 2013.  For over forty years Theatre Ontario has been fostering theatre in Ontario, nurturing theatre artists at every stage of their careers, and supporting and advocating for theatre across the province.  Donors are an important part of this vibrant theatre network - we sincerely thank you for your generosity, encouragement, and commitment.  We hope you take pride in the part you have played in creating an extensive and vital theatre network.  (It's not too late to be part of this critical work - Donate to Theatre Ontario today!)

Today's post is open - we invite you to share your stories of why you give to theatre, or why you give to Theatre Ontario.

Is it creating outstanding mentorship opportunities that has changed lives through the Theatre Ontario Professional Theatre Training Program or the Neil Munro Intern Directors Project?

Is it showcasing outstanding theatre, celebrating excellence, and bringing together passionate and dedicate theatre artists in communities across Ontario at Theatre Ontario Festival?

Is it connecting new talent and directors, agents, and casting directors at Theatre Ontario's Next Generation Showcase?

Celebrate GivingTuesday with a story of giving.

Monday 2 December 2013

ONstage Openings for the week of December 2

ONstage Opening in Toronto
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
at Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts
Photo by D. Spencer
In Toronto
Dec. 3, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts
Dec. 6, A Christmas Story at Scarborough Players
Dec. 7, Miracle On Mercer at The Second City
Dec. 8, The Company We Keep Cabaret Series at Theatre 20

In Eastern Ontario
Dec. 5, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Smiths Falls Community Theatre
Dec. 6, The Sound Of Music at National Arts Centre, English Theatre (Ottawa) with previews from Dec. 2
Dec. 7, Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. at Seaway Valley Theatre Company (Cornwall)

In Northeastern Ontario
Dec. 4, Game Show at Sault Theatre Workshop

ONstage Now Playing in Orangeville
A Snow White Christmas at Theatre Orangeville
Amy Sellors and Rebecca Poff
Photo by Pete Paterson
Check out last week’s openings

For more information on all the theatre playing across Ontario, visit Theatre Ontario’s ONstage theatre listings on our website

Thursday 28 November 2013

Join the Theatre Ontario Talent Bank of Theatre Instructors

Looking to bring your skills as a professional theatre trainer to community theatres and educational organizations?

Join Theatre Ontario's roster of skilled theatre trainers and workshop leaders by becoming a member of the Theatre Ontario Talent Bank.  The application deadline is January 15.

Theatre Ontario is committed to connecting a theatre community that craves knowledge and growth with talented professional theatre trainers who can help them achieve their goals.  We believe that our Talent Bank of talented professional trainers can bring innovative, fresh, and energetic expertise to the development and learning of theatre craft for community theatre companies and educational organizations.

Read more about applying to Theatre Ontario's Talent Bank

Wednesday 27 November 2013

Browsing The Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario
Check out all of our upcoming courses and workshops, including free grant writing information sessions across Ontario.

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

OAC Theatre Creators Reserve at Odyssey Theatre
  • Upcoming OAC Theatre Creators Reserve deadlines at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre (November 29) and Odyssey Theatre (December 1)
  • Lottery Applications for the Ottawa Fringe Festival are due on November 28
  • Deadline to submit to Bottle Tree Productions One-Act Play Competition for unpublished plays is November 30
  • Canada Council deadlines on December 1 for: Developmental Support to Aboriginal Theatre Organizations, the Molson Prize (distinguished contribution to the arts contributing to the cultural heritage of Canada), Theatre International, and Theatre Touring and Special Initiatives
New on The Bulletin Board
  • 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook invites applications for their OAC Theatre Creators Reserve.  Funding priority is for regional playwriting projects; secondary priority is projects that align with its artistic mandate: to preserve our Canadian cultural heritage through the development and presentation of regionally-based, environmentally-staged historical dramas.  Deadline is January 10.
  • Hamilton Arts Council invites submissions from Hamilton-area artists for Market Value, aiming to build awareness of the value of artist labour by demonstrating creative work in the Hamilton Farmers’ Market. Over six days, artists practicing in various disciplines will work in a visible location that will draw attention to the time artists dedicate to creating art – often invisibly and without compensation.  Submission deadline is December 18.
Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions, job postings, and volunteer opportunities on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Congratulations to Fall 2013 Professional Theatre Training Program Recipients

We are pleased to announce the latest recipients of training grants through Theatre Ontario’s Professional Theatre Training Program (PTTP).  We thank all those who applied to the program.  It was a competitive application round and we are happy to be able to support such a diverse group of artists.

$38,012 was awarded in total among the following recipients:
  • Jessica Anderson to train in new play development with Lisa O’Connell at the Pat The Dog Playwright Centre (Kitchener)
  • Ashley Comeau to train in producing with Paul Snepsts at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival (Toronto/Picton)
  • Sophia Fabiilli to train in artistic producing with Kelly Thornton and Denyse Karn at Nightwood Theatre (Toronto)
  • Natasha Greenblatt to train in directing with Sarah Garton Stanley at the National Arts Centre and Factory Theatre (Toronto/Ottawa)
  • Crystal Jonasson to train in producing with Claire Calnan at the Hamilton Fringe Festival
  • Luke LaRocque to train in general management and development with Gideon Arthurs at Tarragon Theatre (Toronto)
  • Shaista Latif to train in directing with Nina Lee Aquino at Cahoots Theatre Company (Toronto)
  • Annie Lefebvre to train in wig design with Amanda Mitchell at the Houston Ballet
  • Marilo Nunez to train in directing with Richard Rose and Andrea Donaldson at Tarragon Theatre (Toronto)
  • Zita Nyarady to train in directing with Renee Jaworski at Pilobolus Dance Theatre (Washington Depot, CT)
  • Coman Poon to train in artistic producing with Erika Hennebury at Public Records Performance Projects (Toronto)
  • Clare Preuss to train in artistic directing with Ross Manson at Volcano Theatre (Toronto)
  • Andrea Thring to train in community-engaged theatre arts with Beth Helmers at Community Arts Guild (Scarborough)
The next application deadline for this program is March 3, 2014.

Read more about Theatre Ontario's Professional Theatre Training Program on our website

This program is funded by the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Monday 25 November 2013

ONstage Openings for the week of November 25

In Southwestern Ontario
Nov. 28, Striking 12 at Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
Nov. 29, Nuncrackers at Theatre Woodstock

In Toronto
Nov. 26, Jabber at Young People's Theatre
Nov. 27, Munsched at George Brown Theatre School
Nov. 27, Under Milk Wood at ACT II Studio Theatre
Nov. 27, King Lear at Ryerson Theatre School
Nov. 28, Parfumerie at Soulpepper Theatre, with a preview on Nov. 27
Nov. 28, Cinderella at Ryerson Theatre School
Nov. 28, The Community Arts Guild’s Lost And Found 3: Train Payanam from Jumblies Theatre

In Central Ontario
Nov. 26, Cinderella at Peterborough Theatre Guild
Nov. 28, The Sneeze at Talk Is Free Theatre (Barrie)
Nov. 29, A Snow White Christmas at Theatre Orangeville, with a preview on Nov. 28

ONstage Opening in Morrisburg
A Christmas Carol at Upper Canada Playhouse
In Eastern Ontario
Nov. 26, Christmas Belles at Ottawa Little Theatre
Nov. 26, Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet) at Great Canadian Theatre Company (Ottawa)
Nov. 29, Jesus, My Boy at St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival (Prescott)
Nov. 29, Humbug at Mississippi Mudds of Carleton Place
Nov. 30, A Christmas Carol at Upper Canada Playhouse (Morrisburg) with previews from Nov. 28

In Northeastern Ontario
Nov. 29, The Snow Queen at Sudbury Theatre Centre

In Northwestern Ontario
Nov. 28, Great Expectations at Magnus Theatre (Thunder Bay)

ONstage Now Playing in Toronto
The Gay Heritage Project at Buddies In Bad Times
Andrew Kushnir, Paul Dunn, Damien Atkins
Photo by Guntar Kravis
Check out last week’s openings

For more information on these shows and other theatre playing across Ontario, visit Theatre Ontario’s ONstage theatre listings on our website.

Friday 22 November 2013

Ontario Off Stage

by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Conversation Starters
Theatre Ontario Talent Bank instructor Daniel Levinson
and stage combat training at Rapier Wit

From The Wire
TO Toasts
In Case You Missed It
You can also receive news from Theatre Ontario every month by email.  Our archives are online and the November issue is now available.

This column is off next week – we’ll see you on December 6th!

Thursday 21 November 2013

Health and Safety Awareness Training for Ontario's Theatres

By Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Occupational health and safety awareness training will be mandatory for all workers and supervisors in the province of Ontario starting July 1, 2014.  What does that mean for theatres?

The Ontario Ministry of Labour Advisory Committee for Health and Safety in Live Performance (of which I’m a proud member) is reviewing the requirements of the regulation for our industry.

Don’t panic!  If your theatre has an effective health and safety program (and took advantage of the free resources from Theatre Ontario’s "To Act In Safety" program in 2003) you may already comply with the requirement.  There are also a number of free resources available from the Ministry of Labour to assist you.


Read more about Theatre Ontario’s To Act In Safety program

Deadline Extended for Nominations for the 2014 Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture

Theatre Ontario is thrilled to announce that thanks to the generosity of Marinucci & Company, Chartered Accountants, the Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture will now include a $1000 prize for the recipient(s) in addition to the traditional bronze statuette that has been awarded since the first presentation in 2000.

We are extending the deadline for nominations to December 19, 2013 for this exciting opportunity to recognize innovators in arts and culture in Ontario.

Marinucci & Company’s support will also ensure that the Award will continue to be presented through to 2018.

The Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture is presented annually to an individual or a collective whose leadership, activism, 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.

The award was established in 1998 by friends and colleagues of Ms. Tulloch on her retirement as Executive Director of Theatre Ontario.  This award pays tribute to the outstanding contribution that Sandra Tulloch has made to the arts in Ontario.  For nearly twenty years, Ms. Tulloch played a pivotal role at Theatre Ontario, facilitating numerous visionary initiatives in the community, professional and educational theatre sectors.  As an arts administrator, producer, arts advocate, project leader, and community activist, she has continued to devote an enormous amount of time and energy to the arts throughout the province.

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, Judy Harquail, and Heather Young.

Read more about the Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Browsing The Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario
  • Grant Writing Information Session on November 26 in Toronto: Looking for tips and must-dos for preparing an application to the Ontario Arts Council?  Pat Bradley, Theatre Officer of the Ontario Arts Council, will share her perspective, information, and tips about project grants, particularly the OAC’s three theatre project programs
  • Getting Ready for the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (PDF) on November 27: a free webinar providing a fast-paced, 101-level introduction focused for Ontario arts organizations
  • Collective Creations: Crafting a Performance Piece weekend intensive on November 29 to December 1 in London with Jim Warren and David S. Craig: Learn how to fine-tune your approach to developing new works of theatre with this introduction to the approach and tools needed to create and continue developing stories to perform on stage, whether individually or collectively with a group
  • Getting Started for Actors workshop with Mairin Smit on December 4 in Toronto: Answers to your FAQs about the business of acting.  We welcome Claire Acott, emerging actor and collaborator, as our “guest actor” at the workshop
  • Targeting Your Audience: Surviving and Thriving on Less and Less full-day workshop on December 7 in London: How do you make the most with the minimal marketing resources? The world is changing quickly and the methods for reaching your audience are rapidly expanding. Is it the method or the message that makes the difference?
Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

Stage carpentry at Markham Little Theatre
  • Markham Little Theatre is hosting an Introduction to Stage Carpentry workshop on November 23
  • The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts’ next TAPA Trade Series workshops are Photoshop for Social Media on November 21
  • Young Associates upcoming workshop on Researching Your Database: Advancing Fundraising Through Prospect Research is on November 27
  • Lottery Applications for the Ottawa Fringe Festival are due on November 28
  • Upcoming OAC Theatre Creators Reserve deadline at Buddies In Bad Times Theatre is November 29
New on The Bulletin Board
  • Theatre InspiraTO is expanding their Playwriting Academy for emerging playwrights; the application deadline is December 19 and the program starts on January 15

Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions, job postings, and volunteer opportunities on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Monday 18 November 2013

ONstage Openings for the week of November 18

In South Central Ontario
Nov. 21, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Peel Panto Players (Brampton)

In Southwestern Ontario
Nov. 20, Elf at The Grand Theatre (London)
Nov. 20, Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Drayton Entertainment: St. Jacobs Country Playhouse
Nov. 20, Peter Pan at Drayton Entertainment: Dunfield Theatre Cambridge
Nov. 22, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum at Theatre Ancaster (Hamilton)

Opening ONstage in Toronto
Needles and Opium at Canadian Stage
Marc Labrèche
Photo by Frank-Nicola Vachon
In Toronto
Nov. 18, UnCovered: Sting and The Police at Acting Up Stage Theatre Company
Nov. 19, Heaven Above, Heaven Below at Theatre Passe Muraille (currently in previews)*
Nov. 19, Ryerson Dances at Ryerson Theatre School
Nov. 20, Pieces Of Me at Promise Productions
Nov. 21, The Gay Heritage Project at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (currently in previews) - world premiere
Nov. 21, The Game's Afoot, or Holmes For The Holiday at Stage Centre Productions
Nov. 22, Needles And Opium at Canadian Stage

In Central Ontario
Nov. 20, West Side Story at Algonquin Theatre (Huntsville)
Nov. 22, Rapunzel - a hairy tale at Stirling Festival Theatre

In Northeastern Ontario
Nov. 20, A Christmas Carol at Take Two Theatre (Timmins) with a preview on Nov. 19

Now playing ONstage in Cobourg
Broadway on the Rooftop at VOS Theatre

Check out last week’s openings

For more information on these shows and other theatre playing across Ontario, visit Theatre Ontario’s ONstage theatre listings on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can access discount ticket offers for shows marked with an * asterisk

Read more about our members discount tickets program

Friday 15 November 2013

Ontario Off Stage

by Brandon Moore, Communications Coordinator

Behind The Scenes At Ontario Theatre
  • We were sorry to hear about the passing of Sharon Dyer, actor / singer / playwright and one of our former Professional Theatre Coordinators here at Theatre Ontario.  Scott White is performing in Smile Theatre's current production of Sweet Marie, one of Sharon’s shows, and remembered her in Goodnight, Sweet Sharon
Conversation Starters
From The Wire
TO Toasts
Governor General's Literary Award recipient Nicolas Billon
with Ravi Jain, who directed all three Fault Lines premieres

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Browsing The Bulletin Board

Coming Up from Theatre Ontario
  • We’re seeking unpaid Volunteer Youth Committee members: Theatre Ontario is currently undergoing major changes in order to become more accessible to young adults and young professionals (16-25).  In order to accomplish this, we are looking to form a Youth Advisory Committee. Application deadline is November 18.
  • Self-Start: The Basics of Producing workshop with Mairin Smit on November 20 in Toronto: 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!  We’re thrilled to welcome Katherine Devlin (General Manager of Paprika Festival, General Manager of Outside the March Theatre Company, Associate Producer of Crow's Theatre) as our Guest Producer at the workshop
  • Grant Writing Information Session on November 26 in Toronto: Looking for tips and must-dos for preparing an application to the Ontario Arts Council?  Pat Bradley, Theatre Officer of the Ontario Arts Council, will share her perspective, information, and tips about project grants, particularly the OAC’s three theatre project programs
  • Collective Creations: Crafting a Performance Piece weekend intensive on November 29 to December 1 in London with Jim Warren and David S. Craig: Learn how to fine-tune your approach to developing new works of theatre with this introduction to the approach and tools needed to create and continue developing stories to perform on stage, whether individually or collectively with a group
  • The deadline for nominations for the Sandra Tulloch Award for Innovation in Arts and Culture is November 30, honouring individuals or collectives whose leadership, activism, and service has contributed to the development and strengthening of arts and culture in Ontario through innovative and practical initiatives
  • Getting Started for Actors workshop with Mairin Smit on December 4 in Toronto: Answers to your FAQs about the business of acting.  We welcome Claire Acott, emerging actor and collaborator, as our “guest actor” at the workshop
  • Targeting Your Audience: Surviving and Thriving on Less and Less full-day workshop on December 7 in London: How do you make the most with the minimal marketing resources? The world is changing quickly and the methods for reaching your audience are rapidly expanding. Is it the method or the message that makes the difference?
Check out all of our upcoming courses and workshops

Upcoming on The Bulletin Board

Nightwood Theatre's project dramaturg, Erica Kopyto,
reviewing last year’s Theatre Creators Reserve applications

  • Deadline for OAC Theatre Creators Reserves at Nightwood Theatre, Festival Players of Prince Edward County, and fu-GEN Theatre Company are all November 15
  • Upcoming Ontario Arts Council deadline for the Northern Arts program is November 15
  • ArtsBuild Ontario’s Energy Conservation Training in the Arts workshop is November 15 in Toronto
  • Jumblies is offering micro-grants and internships for Toronto-based artists and arts managers interested in developing projects and skills in community-engaged arts; application deadline is November 15
  • The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts’ next TAPA Trade Series workshops are WordPress for Beginners on November 19 and Photoshop for Social Media on November 21
  • Young Associates workshop on Managing Data: Policies and Procedures for Populating Your Database is November 20

Check out these items, and other postings from our members of funding opportunities, workshops, calls for submission, awards, and more—on Theatre Ontario’s Bulletin Board on our website

Theatre Ontario individual members can also access auditions, job postings, and volunteer opportunities on our Theatre Ontario Individual Member Resources on our website

Tuesday 12 November 2013

A New Venue for Theatre Ontario Showcase 2014

There have been some exciting developments here at Theatre Ontario regarding Next Generation Showcase, our annual industry audition days for graduating students of post-secondary conservatory theatre training programs from across Ontario.

We're proud to announce that Next Generation Showcase 2014 has a new venue!

Young Centre for the Performing Arts
Michael Young Theatre
50 Tankhouse Lane, Toronto
Sunday, January 19th and Monday, January 20th, 2014

We are delighted to be partnering with the Young Centre and Soulpepper Theatre on this and look forward to creating a dynamic Showcase event for all participants!

To celebrate this exciting year for Showcase, we will be hosting a variety of events over the two days. Highlights include:
  • Sunday night networking party sponsored by Soulpepper Theatre
  • Sunday night “Business of Casting” panel discussion
  • Monday night networking party sponsored by Sheridan College
Read more about Theatre Ontario's Next Generation Showcase on our website


Monday 11 November 2013

ONstage Openings for the week of November 11

In South Central Ontario
Nov. 13, Private Lives at Markham Little Theatre
Nov. 14, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some) at Whitby Courthouse Theatre
Nov. 14, Pygmalion at The Oakville Players
Nov. 14, Rebel Daughter at Theatre Erindale (Mississauga)
Nov. 15, The Mouse House at The Curtain Club (Richmond Hill)*

In Southwestern Ontario
Nov. 15, Having Hope At Home at Elmira Theatre Company
Nov. 15, Peter Pan at Elora Community Theatre (Fergus)

In Toronto
Nov. 13, The Valley at Tarragon Theatre (currently in previews)
Nov. 13, FireWorks at Alumnae Theatre Company – world premiere
Nov. 13, The Chosen at TEATRON Toronto Jewish Theatre
Nov. 14, Winners And Losers at Canadian Stage (currently in previews)*
Nov. 14, Annie (TYA) at Young People's Theatre, with previews from Nov. 11
Nov. 14, Is He Dead? at Amicus Productions
Nov. 14, The Crucible at Alexander Showcase Theatre
Nov. 14, Heaven Above, Heaven Below at Theatre Passe Muraille (in previews)*
Nov. 17, The Gay Heritage Project at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre (in previews)

In Central Ontario
Nov. 15, Broadway On The Rooftop at VOS Theatre (Cobourg)

In Eastern Ontario
Nov. 12, HAMLET (Solo) at National Arts Centre—English Theatre (Ottawa)

In Northeastern Ontario
Nov. 13, Hope Op at Gateway Theatre Guild (North Bay) – world premiere

Now playing on Ontario's stages:
Spamalot at Scarborough Music Theatre
Check out last week’s openings
For more information on these shows and other theatre playing across Ontario, visit Theatre Ontario’s ONstage theatre listings on our website.

Theatre Ontario individual members can access discount ticket offers for shows marked with an * asterisk

Read more about our members discount tickets program