Seeking Community Theatres Willing to Host Trial Adjudications

Theatre Ontario's 2018 Introduction to Adjudication class

At Theatre Ontario Festival 2018 in London, we completed our fourth “Introduction to Adjudication” course. Now the students, fresh off their intensive study of adjudication techniques, are looking for opportunities to practice their skills.

We are now looking for community theatres willing to host these Trial Adjudications. There are some administrative requirements for theatres: we need seats and space—and most importantly we need an enthusiastic, open-minded attitude. If you think this is a fit for your community theatre, let us know!

Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Trial Adjudications program

Join Us at our "Introduction to Adjudication" Course in London

Our Introduction to Adjudication course returns to London in 2018. This course is an opportunity for individuals interested in learning adjudication skills in an intensive festival setting.

"Introduction to Adjudication" is for emerging and potential adjudicators. Participants will receive training in the principles of adjudication, attend community theatre performances at Theatre Ontario Festival 2018, and practice adjudicating presentation skills in a private setting. After the course, participants have the opportunity, at their discretion, to perform a practice adjudication at an Ontario community theatre.

The course is taught by Ron Cameron-Lewis who has adjudicated well over 2,000 productions throughout Ontario and internationally, and taught adjudication at Festivals in Ontario and the U.S.

This course will run May 16 to 20, 2018 in London as part of Theatre Ontario Festival 2018.

Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Introduction to Adjudication Course

Join us at Introduction to Adjudication

"Introduction To Adjudication" is a course for emerging and potential adjudicators. Participants will receive training in the principles of adjudication, attend performances of the 2016 Eastern Ontario Drama League Festival of community theatre, and practice adjudication presentation skills in a private setting. After the course, participants have the opportunity, at their discretion, to perform a practice adjudication at an Ontario community theatre.

The course runs April 6 to 10 in Peterborough and is led by Ron Cameron-Lewis. The registration deadline is March 3.

"I loved the mix of theory, personal experience and practical application. The course gave a clear indication of what adjudication is and whether or not it's something I want to pursue." - from one past participant

This course is made possible in part by the support of the Eastern Ontario Drama League and Peterborough Theatre Guild.

Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Introduction to Adjudication course

Seeking Enthusiastic Community Theatres for Trial Adjudications

by Brandon Moore, Community Theatre and Communications Manager

Earlier this month, I shared some of my own feelings about adjudication, my belief in the potential of adjudication, and our Adjudicators Symposium program of professional development for adjudicators.

Another part of training adjudicators is our Trial Adjudications, when we “audition” new adjudicators.  Some adjudicators have gone through a classroom training program and are ready to be “tested in the field”, others may be new to Ontario and looking to demonstrate their ability.  Whatever their backgrounds, these prospective adjudicators are eager to share their enthusiasm and experience as theatre instructors in an adjudication setting.

Sandy Macdonald and Deanna Clatworthy meet
following her trial adjudication at Aylmer Community Theatre.

This program wouldn’t work without our community theatre participants.  As a new community theatre season kicks off, we are looking for theatres willing to volunteer time, tickets, and an enthusiastic attitude to participate in the Trial Adjudication process.

There are some administrative requirements for theatres: we need a space and a script, and we will need you to give us your feedback on the process.  But if you think this is a fit for your community theatre, let us know!

Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Trial Adjudications program

Related reading:

• "Training a New Generation of Adjudicators"
• Learn more about Theatre Ontario’s Adjudicators Symposium
• “A Lifelong Love of Adjudication"

Training a New Generation of Adjudicators

By Anne Mooney, Community Theatre Coordinator

The community theatre adjudication season has begun.  Adjudicators are travelling the province choosing the productions which will ultimately represent their regions at the Theatre Ontario Festival 2014, to be held in Sarnia from May 14 to 18.

This year, you might want to add to your theatrical experience by attending a trial adjudication.  For the third time in recent years, Theatre Ontario held the Introduction to Adjudication course for people interested in the art of adjudication.  While not everyone “graduates” or choose to pursue adjudication further, seven new adjudicators applied and were accepted to the Theatre Ontario Talent Bank after the first two courses.  The most recent course took place last year at the Western Ontario Drama League Festival in Guelph, and was five days of intensive study and practice with the highly respected adjudicator, Ron Cameron-Lewis.

As part of their training, each “trial adjudicator” has the chance to work with a community theatre company and present a public and detailed adjudication after one of the theatre’s regular performances.  The trial adjudicator benefits from the practice and from the input of an adjudicator mentor and the theatre company.  The company benefits from the chance to get feedback from an adjudicator and the audience benefits from hearing more about the production they just viewed.  Boards of the regional theatre groups, and in particular Adjudication Chairs, are invited to attend to get the chance to see these potential adjudicators in action.

There are nine participants who are in the process of having trial adjudications.  Several adjudications have been completed: Heiner Piller adjudicated a performance of The Odd Couple—Female Version produced by Mississauga Players in June, and Rita Huschka worked with the cast and crew of Theatre Woodstock’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace.  Thank you to all the groups who have opened their productions to the trial adjudication process.

Deanna Clatworthy adjudicated 1-900-DEE-LITE at Aylmer Community Theatre.  “Having Deanna provide a trial adjudication was an absolute pleasure,” said Sandy Loponen, the first-time director of 1-900-DEE-LITE.  “The cast and crew gained an objective, third-party assessment of the show from someone who had really done their homework.  Deanna keenly observed the production, and came well-prepared with questions regarding characters and the production’s design.  In turn, we felt that we were able to give Deanna some practice at providing an adjudication to improve her process.  By providing this experience, we are supporting Theatre Ontario’s ability to train professionals who will encourage community theatre groups to continue to meet high standards in production value.”

Sandy Macdonald and Deanna Clatworthy meet
following her trial adjudication.

Sandy Macdonald served as the mentor at Aylmer Community Theatre.  “Increasing the number of adjudicators will be of great benefit to regions and groups,” Sandy said.  “The trial adjudication program is an excellent way to facilitate increasing the numbers.  I am pleased to be part of the process.”

I am working with other Theatre Ontario community theatre members to provide more trial adjuducations.  If your group is interested in having a trial adjudication please contact me at anne@theatreontario.org

Tentative adjudications are set for Colin Legge at Elmira Theatre Company on November 28 for Having Hope at Home and for Carey Nicholson at Northumberland Players in Cobourg on December 7 for It’s a Wonderful Life.  I hope to see you there!

Introduction to Adjudication returns in 2013

In response to feedback from our membership, Theatre Ontario has been working over the past three years to improve the quality of adjudication in the province.  We have been creating professional development opportunities for established adjudicators, improving the calibre of trial adjudications, and exploring methods for gathering feedback from participants and engagers.

We’ve also been training new adjudicators and providing opportunities to practice adjudication skills and to network with experienced mentors.  We are pleased to announce our third annual Introduction to Adjudication course, running Tuesday, March 12 to Saturday, March 16, 2013 in Guelph, during the Western Ontario Drama League Festival.  Under the instruction of Ron Cameron-Lewis, the course covers the principles of adjudication (including public adjudications, private/detailed adjudications, written adjudications), evaluation schemes, award selection, and more.  Participants will see shows in the Festival, and practice “public” adjudications in private with their fellow students.

Following the course, participants will also have an opportunity during Fall 2013/Spring 2014 to hone their skills at a practice adjudication at a community theatre in their region.  Over the past two years, many community theatres across the province have demonstrated their commitment to education by participating in these practice sessions, while many established adjudicators have generously given their time and shared their talent by mentoring a new generation of “graduates” from the classes of 2010 and 2011.

As one past course participant shared, “I love the mix of theory, personal experience and practical application.  The course gave a clear indication of what adjudication is, and whether or not it’s something I want to pursue.”

Read more about the Introduction to Adjudication Course or submit your application on the Theatre Ontario website

Join Us at Theatre Ontario Festival 2011

On May 18 to 22, the 2011 Theatre Ontario Festival travels to Richmond Hill.  Are we going to see you there?

The annual Theatre Ontario Festival is a showcase of outstanding community theatre productions chosen from regional festivals across the province.  The Festival brings together theatre lovers from all over Ontario, and is an excellent learning experience, with adjudications, workshops, networking, and play readings by Canadian writers.  It's also a celebration of community theatre: awards recognizing outstanding achievements, and lots of parties!

The networking starts with the Festival organization itself.  The Festival is a partnership between Theatre Ontario, the local regional association (ACT-CO, the Association of Community Theatres—Central Ontario), and the host group.  This year’s host company is The Curtain Club, a community theatre with over 55 years of history presenting outstanding theatre in the Town of Richmond Hill.

This year’s line-up of productions features the musical comedy Suds by Steve Gundersen, Bryan Scott & Melinda Gilb, the classic Canadian comedy Balconville by David Fennario, the new Canadian triumph Trying by Joanna McClelland Glass, and the 20th century masterpiece Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee.  These four outstanding productions from Whitby, Espanola, Kingston, and Windsor take the stage at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts.  Tickets are available at 905.787.8811.

At the opening reception on Wednesday night at The Curtain Club, we will be launching Grassroots: Original Plays From Ontario Community Theatres, our partnership with Playwrights Canada Press to publish a collection of full-length scripts that premiered on our province’s community theatre stages.  After each performance, we’ll be returning to The Curtain Club for the Green Room receptions.

Beginning Thursday morning through to Sunday, there will be a detailed adjudication of the previous night’s performance at 10am.  Our adjudicator is Jane Carnwath; previously she adjudicated our 2005 Festival in Belleville.  Thursday afternoon features her Adjudicator’s Workshop: “Directing: Working With Actors” at 2pm; and on Friday afternoon, playwright Emil Sher will be our Playwright-in-Person, reading from his work, also at 2pm.  Saturday afternoon at 11:30am, Theatre Ontario will hold its AGM.  All of these events are at The Curtain Club.

On Thursday and Saturday afternoon, heritage buffs can take advantage of tours of the historic parts of Richmond Hill, a Town whose roots date back to the 18th century.

On Sunday morning at noon, we will be recognizing outstanding achievements from the productions at the Festival awards brunch.  We will also be presenting the 2011 Maggie Bassett Award to Diana Belshaw.  Doors open at 11:30am.  Our Festival awards live-blog in 2010 was a big hit…stay-tuned for news about our plans for 2011.

And while Jane adjudicates this year's productions, a new generation of adjudicators will be taking part in our Introduction to Adjudication course lead by Ron Cameron-Lewis.

All of your Festival 2011 event information can be found at the Official Festival website www.tofestival2011.ca.  We look forward to seeing you in Richmond Hill!

On The Art Of Adjudication

by Dennis Johnson, Community Theatre Coordinator

Adjudicators are like painters. Each has a unique style.  Some adjudicators are avant-garde. Some have a classic style.  As I travel around to Ontario’s community theatre festivals this month, I am struck not by the adjudications, but by the reaction of the organizers and performers. They have bought a painting without always knowing the style of the painter, and this requires them to adjust and question their concept and expectations of adjudication.

Learning how to adjudicate

There is just over two weeks left to get in your application for our “Introduction to Adjudication” course.

Adjudication brings together theatre professionals with the community and secondary school theatre sectors with the goal of expanding knowledge and artistic excellence.  Under the leadership of Ron Cameron-Lewis, Theatre Ontario's “Introduction to Adjudication” course combines a mix of theory, personal experience, and practical application.  Held in conjunction with the 2011 Theatre Ontario Festival in Richmond Hill (May 18 to 22), the course also gives participants an opportunity to practice adjudication skills at one of Ontario’s community theatres.

For more information, please visit our “Introduction to Adjudication” page on the Theatre Ontario website.  The deadline for applications is April 4.

Training new adjudicators

In 2010, Theatre Ontario ran its first “Introduction to Adjudication” course in over twenty years.  Due to popular demand, we are bringing the course back for 2011.

Lead by Ron Cameron-Lewis, who work as an adjudicator is well-known around the province, the course  combines a mix of theory, personal experience, and practical application.  Held in conjunction with the 2011 Theatre Ontario Festival in Richmond Hill in May 2011, it culminates with the opportunity to practice adjudication skills at one of Ontario’s community theatres.

As one of last year’s participants said, “the course gave a clear indication of what adjudication is, and whether or not it’s something I want to pursue.”

For more information, please visit our “Introduction to Adjudication” page on the Theatre Ontario website.

Productions Needed for Adjudicator Training

In May, Theatre Ontario held an Introduction to Adjudication course in London as part of our 2010 Festival.  As the next step in that training, we are now looking for community theatre productions to give the trainees an opportunity to practice the skills that they learned at the course.

We are looking for productions that are not already scheduled for adjudication by someone else.  (We would prefer not to subject you and your cast/crew to two adjudications for the same production!)  Although we would prefer to do this in the fall, some course participants may ask to defer the event until later in the year because of other commitments. There may be a need for one or two available productions later in the season.

We would want to run the evening as a full adjudication, with a public adjudication immediately after the show, and then an hour-long private adjudication with company members. There will be no cost involved to the host group other than supplying the visiting adjudicator with a copy of your script.

Community Theatres interested in volunteering one of their productions should contact Dennis Johnson, Community Theatre Coordinator, at dennis@theatreontario.org, and let him know the title of the show, the playwright, and the available dates when a trial adjudication could take place.

Theatre Ontario Festival: Day Two

by Mandy Rumbolt, Membership Coordinator

Thursday of the Theatre Ontario Festival got off to an early start with the Detailed Adjudication with Sears And Switzer.  The room was packed, with a big number of the previous night's audience turning out to hear the adjudicators speak.  AND... an informal poll showed that over half of the folks who came to the adjudication weren't members of other participating groups, but were simply interested audience members!  So great to see an audience so enthusiastic.  Way to go, London!

The afternoon workshop "Wake it up, Shake it up!" with Sears And Switzer was a hot ticket this today.  This free class filled up FAST the day before as soon as the sign-up was posted!  The high-energy workshop got directors and actors on their feet, exploring fresh ways to liven up a scene.

The Association of Community Theatres--Central Ontario's contribution to this year's Festival was Norm Foster's comedy The Long Weekend.  Whitby Courthouse Theatre's production of this popular comedic look at married life drew a big audience, and big laughs. The quick and funny show was invigorating for the crowd, and was the perfect follow-up to last night's serious drama.  The public adjudication was quick, and focused on how the great script was brought to life with four very strong performances.  Kudos went out for the use of projection in the set, and special mention was made of the costume and hair design choices.

Friday will be a full day, with Playwright-In-Person Maja Ardal joining us.  And the "Introduction to Adjudication" course continues through the weekend, with our crew of eager new adjudicators being put through their paces with instructor Ron Cameron-Lewis.

Introduction to Adjudication

Thanks to everyone who provided feedback on our ideas for an "Introduction to Adjudication" course.  (Catch up on the discussion here)

The planning for the course is now complete.  Ron Cameron-Lewis will be our instructor, and we are now accepting applications.  Read all about it on the Theatre Ontario website.

Introduction to Adjudicating

Theatre Ontario is proposing to hold an "Introduction To Adjudicating" course for people interested in learning to become adjudicators.  It would be held in conjunction with the 2010 Festival in London.