Theatre in Toronto, Canada
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Canadian puppeteer and theatre artist Adam Francis Proulx is bringing his latest creation, "Ferry Tale!," to the 2025 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. This cinematic puppet love story, based on a true 1933 event from Proulx's hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, tells the tale of a couple separated by the Canada-U.S. border who ride a ferry daily to be together, eventually catching Hollywood's attention. "Ferry Tale!" is performed by Proulx under his company, The Pucking Fuppet Company, and blends puppetry, cinema, history, romance, and theatrical magic. Adam Francis Proulx is known for his innovative solo shows such as "The Family Crow: A Murder Mystery," "Baker's Dozen: 12 Angry Puppets," and "Emilio's A Million Chameleons." His work has toured extensively across North America, earning critical acclaim and awards like Best Solo Show at the Montreal Fringe and Best Original Script at the Orlando Fringe. Beyond his original productions, Proulx has performed in the first Canadian casts of "Avenue Q" and "Disney's Frozen," and has collaborated with institutions like Neptune Theatre, Tarragon Theatre, and Walt Disney World Entertainment. He also appears as Fuzz the hamster on the Canadian Screen Award-winning "The Fabulous Show with Fay & Fluffy" on Family Jr., contributing as both performer and writer. Audiences can catch Ferry Tale! at the Silver Venue during the Orlando Fringe Festival on the following dates: May 15 at 6:35 PM May 17 at 3:35 PM May 18 at 6:15 PM May 21 at 6:30 PM May 22 at 8:50 PM May 24 at 6:45 PM May 25 at 1:55 PM Tickets are priced at $15, and the show is suitable for audiences aged 7 and up. OrlandoFringe.org
Artistic director, Jerome Davis, talks with Montreal-based actor and director, Mike Payette about his life, the arts, and PAINT ME THIS HOUSE OF LOVE. Mike is the artistic director of the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, Canada, where our upcoming play, PAINT ME THIS HOUSE OF LOVE by Chelsea Woolley, premiered.
This week Fika with Vicky is welcoming Author Janice Barrett back, and there's a lot to talk about. You'll remember Janice visited with her first novel Authorized Cruelty last September, and I was blown away by it. Once again, with Cash for Life, I found myself looking for something to hold on to. My stomach churned while the plot sped, suddenly took corners, and picked up even more momentum as the ending grew closer. What does justice mean to you? Is there one justice for the mean streets…another for the picture perfect suburbs? And where does love, loyalty, and gratitude fit in? About Cash for Life - Lies and guarded secrets dominate Jackie's life, from age eleven, when Gino rescues her from an orphanage. Mother had warned her that Gino was a hoodlum. Jackie learns that everything has a price. He needs her home and she needs him. Gino, a likable drug dealer, teaches her, “Blood ain't about DNA, it's about sharin' a life.” When Jackie is an adult, Gino marries Paula, a coke-snorting opportunist. Motivated by greed, Paula kills Gino and claims it is self-defence. It's a lie. Raised on street justice, Jackie knows Paula must pay. Vengeance is what Gino expects and deserves. Manipulation, deceit, and fraud twist the ugly truth into a tragic reality as both women bait the police knowing one of them will be sent to prison. About Janice Barret - Janice is a proud mother of three. She worked at the Unemployment Insurance Office in Hamilton from 1973-1988 at which time she became a stay-at-home mom. She was a freelance journalist for The Weekend Focus and The Grimsby Independent newspaper where she was given her own column. An article she wrote for The Ottawa Citizen garnered attention from the producer of W5 who invited her to be a guest on their show, which she declined. She was the opening act for Coast to Coast Canada's Tenacious Literary Series held at The Laura Secord Homestead. She gave a seminar on How to Write a Memoir at The Niagara Falls Literary Festival. The first play she wrote, Dearly Departed, won a playwright contest where she was paid and a snippet of her play was performed at The Essential Collective Theatre. That afforded her an interview at The Tarragon Theatre. Her first historical fiction, Authorized Cruelty was published on October/1st/2023. You can find Janice at her publisher's website: Blue Denim Press: www.bluedenimpress.com, Or her website: www.janicebarrett.ca
Blurb: Husein and I talk about shared traditions, taking faith seriously but being open and curious to all cultures and not eating at Ramadan, writing a pilot together about South Asians, Canada's Thanksgiving, India's holidays, his father not trusting his career until Husein showed up in a suit and my father punching up the jokes my dates told. Bio: Actor and storyteller Husein Madhavji, has taken on diverse roles throughout his career most notably playing Dr. Shahir Hamza for 5 seasons in the hospital drama Saving Hope, on stage starring in the Soulpepper production of Yasmina Reza's 'Art' in Toronto, and the world premiere of Tarragon Theatre's acclaimed play “Behind The Moon”. He was also in the Emmy award winning seasons of Schitt's Creek and Daniel Tiger. He can be currently be seen in the Netflix film Donkeyhead, the Disney+ animated series Mira, Royal Detective and on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Paramount+, and on Bell Media's lighthearted drama “The Spencer Sisters”. As a writer his short film “The Time Traveller” that he developed with director RT, won best short film at the Canadian Film Fest and a received a best foreign film nomination at the San Francisco Black Film Festival. And Husein's pilots “Desi Family” and “Huse Right” both placed at the Launchpad Screenwriting Competition in the US. Prior to his acting career, Husein was a TV presenter where he hosted a daily national entertainment show in Canada, interviewing some of the most famous and celebrated faces in the world.
Actor Sergio Di Zio talks about FLASHPOINT being shot in Toronto, his over 100 credits in TV/film/theatre, working the stage with Megan ‘Anne of Green Gables' Follows, his movie debut in National Lampoon's Senior Trip with Jeremy Renner & Tommy Chong, his interactions with Russell Crowe/Ron Howard/Jeff Daniels, why he is NOT a huge fan of AI, and who he sometimes gets mistaken for! Sergio stars with Megan Follows in “Four Minutes Twelve Seconds" until May 12 at Tarragon Theatre's Extraspace...for full info please visit https://tarragontheatre.com/ TORONTO LEGENDS is hosted by Andrew Applebaum at andrew.applebaum@gmail.com All episodes available at https://www.torontolegends.ca/episodes/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome back to the 177th episode of The Cup which is our a weekly (give or take, TBD, these are unprecedented times) performing arts talk show presented by Cup of Hemlock Theatre. With the theatres on a come back we offer a mix of both reviews of live shows we've seen and continued reviews of prophet productions! For our 177th episode we bring you a a Duet Review of Four Minutes Twelve Seconds, written by James Fritz, presented by Studio 180 Theatre, directed by Mark McGrinder, and starring Megan Follows. Join Mackenzie Horner and Ryan Borochovitz, as they discuss the ethical challenges of being a good parent, the inadequacy of retributive justice, and an unconventional detective from Avonlea. Four Minutes Twelve Seconds is playing at Tarragon Theatre (30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, ON) until May 12th, 2024. Tickets can be purchased from the following link: https://studio180theatre.com/productions/four-minutes-twelve-seconds/ CONTENT WARNING: Four Minutes Twelve Seconds contains discussions of sexual assault, child pornography, implied spousal abuse, and toxic masculinity; this review, likewise, speaks directly to these topics. Viewer discretion is strongly advised. Less importantly, this review contains many SPOILERS for Four Minutes Twelve Seconds. It will begin with a general non-spoiler review until the [14:40:24] mark, followed by a more in-depth/anything goes/spoiler-rich discussion. If you intend to see the production, we recommend you stop watching after that point, or at least proceed at your own risk. Follow our panelists: Mackenzie Horner (Before the Downbeat: A Musical Podcast) – Instagram/Facebook: BeforetheDownbeat Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3aYbBeN Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3sAbjAu Ryan Borochovitz – [Just send all that love to CoH instead; he won't mind!] Follow Cup of Hemlock Theatre on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @cohtheatre If you'd like us to review your upcoming show in Toronto, please send press invites/inquiries to coh.theatre.MM@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cup-of-hemlock-theatre/support
Diane Flacks has always felt the power of Jewish guilt. But when when she decided she wanted a divorce, that guilt grew to a whole new level. She constantly questioned the process, even while she was going through it, thinking about whether it was the right move or not. To process these thoughts and emotions, the theatre artist decided to transform this experience into her latest one-woman show, Guilt (A Love Story). Using humour and self-reflection, Flacks lays bare the story of what happened between her and her ex-wife, the impact of divorce on their kids and all the things she feels guilty about from a generational lens. The show just finished its run at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, and is going to the Montreal's Centaur Theatre from Mar. 12-30 before heading to Winnipeg at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre from Apr. 3-20. Ahead of those tour dates, Flacks joins old friend Ralph Benmergui on Not That Kind of Rabbi, a show about personal journeys and spirituality, to describe the story behind the play and how Jews default to comedy to analyze life. Credits Not That Kind of Rabbi is hosted by Ralph Benmergui and produced by Michael Fraiman. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network. To support The CJN and receive a charitable tax receipt, please consider a monthly donation by clicking here.
Welcome back to the 161st episode of The Cup which is our a weekly (give or take, TBD, these are unprecedented times) performing arts talk show presented by Cup of Hemlock Theatre. With the theatres on a come back we offer a mix of both reviews of live shows we've seen and continued reviews of prophet productions! For our 161st episode we bring our last episode 2023 and it's a duet review of the world premiere of Hypothetical Baby, written and performed by Rachel Cairns, directed by Courtney Ch'ng Lancaster, presented by The Howland Company. Join Jillian Robinson and Ryan Borochovitz, as they discuss the least myopic solo show they've ever seen, the ongoing need to vocalize and equalize reproductive facts and rights, and what living with a uterus can do to your brain! Hypothetical Baby played at Tarragon Theatre (30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto, ON) for a limited run from December 8 to 17, 2023. To learn more about the production, please see the following link: https://howlandcompanytheatre.com/shows/hypothetical-baby/ This review contains wall-to-wall SPOILERS for Hypothetical Baby. Due to the run already being complete by the time of this episode's release, we felt no need to begin with a “non-spoiler” section before diving deeper. If a revival of the production happens to be on the horizon at your time of viewing/listing, we recommend waiting until after you've seen the show before tuning in, or at least proceeding at your own risk. Check out Rachel Cairns's other thematically-relevant project, ABORSH: A Podcast about Abortion in Canada: https://www.aborsh.com/ (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever else you do your listening). Follow our panelists: Jillian Robinson – Instagram: @jillian.robinson96 Ryan Borochovitz – [Just send all that love to CoH instead; he won't mind!] Follow Cup of Hemlock Theatre on Instagram/Facebook/Twitter: @cohtheatre If you'd like us to review your upcoming show in Toronto, please send press invites/inquiries to coh.theatre.MM@gmail.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cup-of-hemlock-theatre/support
In this episode, host Phil Rickaby, talks with Sex T-Rex member, Lowen Morrow. Together, we explore everything from the dynamic theatre scene in Canada to the origins of D&D live shows, the joys and challenges of self-promotion in the entertainment industry, and much more. Lowen gives us insight into Sex T-Rex's hit show Swordplay, discussing its physical comedy and evolution over time. Later, we explore the origins of D&D live. Also in the discussion we explore the evolving role of gender identity in their performances, and hear their thoughts on working in a theatre troupe over a long period of time, and how that can be like being part of a family, with all that that entails Don't miss out on the latter part of the episode where we discuss the fascinating world of puppetry and producing in the film and TV industry. It's a jam-packed episode you wouldn't want to miss! Bio Lowen Morrow is a trans masculine theatre and filmmaker, physical comedian, actor, improviser, and puppeteer based in Toronto. They are a core member of comedy company Sex T-Rex: winners of over two dozen awards including 2x Just for Laughs' Best Comedy and Second City's Outstanding Comedy awards. Lowen has toured Canada, the US and parts of China with Mermaid Theatre and was awarded the Honourary My Theatre Award for excellence in puppetry. Recently they played the titular character in Tarragon Theatre's Orphan Song, workshopped a new production of Pinocchio with Bad New Days, and were featured in Featured Creatures' upcoming film, Dead Lover set to debut next year. Currently they are producing and performing in Swordplay a play of Swords with Sex T-Rex and directing an improvised show for young audiences with Bad Dog Theatre called Captain Galactic as part of Bad Dog's Comedy on Queen Festival. Coming up they will be co-producing and curating Blockbuster Week- an improvised comedy festival with Bad Dog Theatre and are about to enter pre-production for their short film, Mothballs. sextrexcomedy.com Twitter: @lowenmorrow Instagram: @lowenmorrow Tickets to Swordplay: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/swordplay-a-play-of-swords-at-comedy-on-queen-street-tickets-751784566877 Support Stageworthy Donate: tips.pinecast.com/jar/stageworthy
Carolyn Fe is a late-blooming Filipino-Canadian, award winning tri-lingual Actress (English/French/Tagalog), an award winning Singer-Songwriter-Lyricist and a former contemporary Dancer-Choreographer. Carolyn's continuous pursuit of artistic evolution adds new instruments to her creative portfolio as a published Writer and emerging Playwright. Her short stories have been published in magazines and a poem is part of the Toronto Catholic School Commission's curriculum teaching grade 10 and 11 students on the importance of intergenerational relationships. A budding playwright, she wrote her first plays while simultaneously participating in two different 2022 residencies: Montreal's Teesri Duniya Theatre's 2022 Fireworks Playwrights' Programme where she developed “Go Fish!”, a play that was conceived in Tarragon Theatre's Playwright Course with Paula Wing and, Factory Theatre's 2022 The Foundry New Work Creation Group where she adapted her published short story into a play entitled “Still Life in Death”. Carolyn has also translated “Cross Sea” by Kyungseo Min from English/Korean to French/Korean. The play telling the story of two women's experiences as comfort women during the Japanese occupation of Korea. As an actor, some TV/streaming credits include Lola (Grandma) in the Nickelodeon reboot of the children's show “Blue's Clues & You!”, Madame Z in the award winning French series “Meilleur Avant”, “ABROAD” a bilingual Tagalog-English sketch comedy series and, voices on various animated series such as DreamWorks' “Pinecone & Pony” and PBS Kids' “Work It Out Wombats”. Some Theatre credits include: Uncle Vanya (Crow's Theatre), Three Women of Swatow (Tarragon Theatre), Calpurnia (Nightwood/Sulong), Through the Bamboo (Uwi Collective) and Miss Orient(ed) (Teesri Duniya Theatre). When Carolyn is not on the theatre's stage or front of the camera, she is most likely performing her original songs from her four albums or doing song writing collaborations with musicians around the globe. Carolyn is the assistant director for Tarragon Theatre's Paint Me This House of Love. Instagram: @thecarolynfe Twitter: @TheCarolynFe Support Stageworthy Donate: tips.pinecast.com/jar/stageworthy
Are you an acting coach but can't find a community to guide you? Are you an acting educator who wants to update your teaching skills and knowledge? In this week's episode, Actor/Painter/Teacher/Activist, Jennifer Wigmore would take us on a journey on how AACE was established to create a community amongst acting coaches and educators in Canada. AACE members share best practices and create standards for performers and workers in the entertainment industry. Together we can make acting training safer and more empowering for everyone! In this episode: How an unfortunate casting experience evolved into Jennifer's green light to quit acting. How pursuing another artistic passion lead Jen to discover all creative endeavours are drawn from the same well. Just because you're a good actor doesn't mean you're a good teacher; sometimes your acting experience does not correlate into good teaching skills. The conversations about what we need to know as acting coaches and educators have changed so much that everyone needs to update their knowledge about how to create respect based classrooms and how not to hurt people. A little about Jennifer: Jennifer is a multidisciplinary artist in acting, writing, and visual art, and has worked for over twenty years as a professional artist. She has performed in theatre's across Canada including The Arts Club, Citadel Theatre, Tarragon Theatre, Theatre Center, Canadian Stage Company and the Stratford Festival. Jennifer has also appeared in numerous television series and films including; Dream Scenario, Christmas as the Drive In, The Winter Palace, Y: The Last Man, Malory Towers, Adult Adoption, Happy Place, Designated Survivor, Anne with an E, Impulse, Killjoys, Suits, Kart Racer, Little Men, and I Was a Sixth Grade Alien. She has just been cast as Chief April Anderson in the highly anticipated series Cross, based on James Pattersons novels, starring Aldis Hodge. She also narrated Todd Babiak's novel, The Spirits Up. She completed her BFA and MFA at OCAD University and continues to work as an acting coach and educator as well as a painting instructor. In addition to being a core member of the activist group Got Your Back, Jennifer is also a coordinator and steering committee member for AACE – The Association of Acting Coaches and Educators. Jennifer is also currently writing her first play called Measure Follow Jennifer! Online: jenniferwigmore.com, aactingcoacheseducators.com Instagram: @jenniferwigmore @jenniferwigmoreart @aactingcoacheseducators Facebook: Jennifer Wigmore Jennifer Wigmore Art AACE – Association of Acting Coaches and Educators
Amy Lee Lavoie is an award-winning playwright and a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada's Playwriting Program. Her first play, Rabbit Rabbit, received its premiere production with Infinitheatre, earning Amy Lee two MECCA's for Best Text and the Revelation Award. Rabbit Rabbit has since been produced across Canada and in the US. Other plays include Me Happy (co-written with Matthew Mackenzie/Summerworks Festival), Stopheart (Factory Theatre) Genetic Drift (Pi Theatre/Boca del Lupo) My Tom (Railtown Lab Series), Scout's Honour (Radio Play/Imago Theatre) and C'mon, Angie! (Touchstone Theatre/Leroy Street Theatre) which was hailed as “visceral, important, life-changing theatre.” Amy Lee was also the Head Digital Writer for the CBC drama Strange Empire, which won a Gracie Award (Women's Alliance Media) for Best Website in recognition of its interactive Storytelling. Amy Lee is currently developing an original play, Women Do Not Go on Strike, with Odd Stumble Theatre, as well as co-writing multiple projects with her husband/fellow writer Omari Newton. They include: Blackfly, an adaptation of Titus Andronicus, originally commissioned by Repercussion Theatre and recently supported by CCA's Digital Now, as well as an adaptation of Dante's Inferno for re:Naissance Opera. Amy Lee & Omari's audio drama Doubletree, commissioned by Factory Theatre, was recently presented on iTunes and Spotify as part of their You Can't Get There from Here, Vol. 2 series. Twitter: @amyleelavoie Omari Newton is an award-winning professional actor, writer, director and producer. As a writer, his original Hip Hop Theater piece Sal Capone has received critical acclaim and multiple productions, including a run at Canada's National Arts Center. Omari and his wife, fellow professional playwright Amy Lee Lavoie, received a Silver Commission from The Arts Club Theatre to co-write a new play: Redbone Coonhound. A bold and innovative satirical comedy that confronts instances of systemic racism in the past, present and future. Omari co-directed the first in a series of rolling world premieres at The Arts Club Theatre in October of 2022. The play is set to open at Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, followed by a run at Imago Theatre in Montreal. The husband and wife duo have also just completed "Black Fly," a satirical adaptation of Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus that centers on Aaron and Lavinia. Newton's work in Speakeasy Theatre's production of Young Jean Lee's The Shipment earned him a 2017-2018 Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor, as well as a nomination for Best Direction. He has recently completed directing critically acclaimed productions of "The Mountaintop" by Katori Hall, and "Pass Over" by Antoinette Nwandu. Notable film & TV credits include: Lucas Ingram on Showcase's Continuum, Larry Summers on Blue Mountain State and lending his voice to the Black Panther in multiple animated projects (Marvel). Most recently, Omari has a recurring role as Nate on Corner Gas (the animated series) and a recurring role as Corvus of Netflix's hit new animated series The Dragon Prince. Twitter: @omariakilnewton Instagram: @omariakilnewton Redbone Coonhound Out for a walk in their West End neighbourhood, Mike and Marissa—an interracial couple—meet a dog with an unfortunate breed name: Redbone Coonhound. This small detail unleashes a cascading debate between them about race and their relationship that manifests as a series of micro-plays, each satirizing contemporary perspectives on modern culture. Through its hard-hitting comedic elements, Redbone Coonhound explores the intricacies of subtle and overt polemics of race, systemic power and privilege in remarkable, surprising and hilarious ways. A wild and subversive journey back through history and into the future. Redbone Coonhound reveals deep fears, rage, insecurities and, ultimately, hope. Tickets and Info: https://www.tarragontheatre.com/redbone-coonhound/ Twitter: @tarragontheatre Instagram: @tarragontheatreto Support Stageworthy Donate: tips.pinecast.com/jar/stageworthy
Playwright Yolanda Bonnell discusses her new play, My Sister's Rage, and why she wanted to explore the joy and laughter that can come with grief. Canadian music icon Céline Dion opens up about her latest album, Courage, and how she coped after the passing of her late husband, René Angélil. Mike Payette, the artistic director of the Tarragon Theatre, talks about directing Tarell Alvin McCraney's play Choir Boy for Canadian Stage, and how it changed his outlook on life. Musician Patrick Haggerty of Lavender Country discusses the role he's had in a budding queer country scene and what it's like releasing a sophomore album in his late 70s.
Playwright Yolanda Bonnell discusses her new play, My Sister's Rage, and why she wanted to explore the joy and laughter that can come with grief. Canadian music icon Céline Dion opens up about her latest album, Courage, and how she coped after the passing of her late husband, René Angélil. Mike Payette, the artistic director of the Tarragon Theatre, talks about directing Tarell Alvin McCraney's play Choir Boy for Canadian Stage, and how it changed his outlook on life. Musician Patrick Haggerty of Lavender Country discusses the role he's had in a budding queer country scene and what it's like releasing a sophomore album in his late 70s.
What is the biggest issue that is plaguing us as a society? Is it climate change? COVID? Actor/Activist, Ali Momen, firmly believes the most significant challenge facing society today is faction and division. He implores us that if we don't collaborate to solve the different challenges we are facing today, we will not get anything done to solve these eminent challenges facing society both locally and globally. He also encourages us to have a cultural shift in how we engage with each other. and believes creatives are can play a big role in addressing the challenges facing us today. Artists can help solve this because we don't view human beings as a statue, but as somebody who is always on the verge of movement in favour of progress and moving forward. Ali is encouraging everyone to get more involved and join a political party! In this episode: What doubt is signalling to you and why it is imperative you embrace it. The importance of having a cultural shift in the manner that we engage with each other. Why Patience and curiosity are a core competency that one needs to develop The importance of exercising your right to vote in these times Share This Episode >>> www.thisischelseajohnson.com/218 A little about Ali: Ali Momen is an accomplished and award winning actor who has graced many of the largest stages North America; appeared and starred in independent and major films and has appeared in guest star, and recurring roles on many television shows. A classically trained singer, Ali's conservatory training was at Sheridan Institute's Music Theatre Performance program where he graduated with the highest overall achievement in performance, and after many years as a pro, has returned to Sheridan as an acting instructor. His theatre credits include three seasons at The Shaw Festival, and productions with Mirvish, Canadian Stage, Tarragon Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary and Why Not Theatre. He originated the role of VIKRAM in Mira Nair's stage adaptation of her hit film, MONSOON WEDDING. Most recently, Ali played Kevin J in the Canadian sit-down production COME FROM AWAY. On the screen, Ali played the leading role of Nep in Oscar Nominated Director Deepa Mehta's BEEBA BOYS and his other film and television credits include Kamran Gant on STAR TREK : DISCOVERY (CBS), Recurring roles in TRANSPLANT(NBC), WORKIN' MOMS (CBC), THE LA COMPLEX (CW), and THE STRAIN (FX); guest stars on many shows including NURSES (CITYTV), HUDSON AND REX (GLOBALTV) HOUDINI & DOYLE (iTV, FOX), INCORPORATED (SYFY), KIM'S CONVENIENCE (CTV), CRACKED (CBC), SATISFACTION (CTV), COMBAT HOSPITAL (ABC), and HOW TO BE INDIE (YTV) You can catch Ali talk about arts, politics and how they intersect every week with Torquil Campbell on his podcast SOFT REVOLUTION – softrevcast.com Follow Ali! Facebook: @alimomen Instagram: @alimomen Twitter: @alimomen
Dennis Garnhum was hired as the Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre in 2016; a move that was a coming home for Dennis. Growing up in London, his theatre career began at the Grand with a role in Antler River at age 13. Since his return to London, Dennis has created several new programs: COMPASS New Play Development Program, 100 Schools educational outreach, and 1000 Seats community initiative. He also launched a new partnership with Sheridan College's Canadian Music Theatre Program that partners with the Grand's High School Project. Dennis' career has taken him across North America, directing plays, musicals, and operas at a number of companies including Vancouver Opera, National Arts Centre, Shaw Festival, Stratford Festival, Tarragon Theatre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Florida Grand Opera, American Conservancy Theatre (A.C.T.), Bard on the Beach, Pacific Opera Victoria, Belfry Theatre, and Neptune Theatre. His co-adaptation (with author Cathy Ostlere) of Lost – A Memoir was nominated for a 2012 Governor General's Literary Award. Grand Theatre Website
Daniel Levinson has been performing, directing and teaching stage combat professionally since founding Rapier Wit in 1991. Rapier Wit is Canada's oldest stage combat school and production company. Daniel is proud to be counted among Fight Directors Canada's Fight Masters. He has had a long history with FDC. He was one of the founding advanced actor combatants at FDC's inaugural workshop. Daniel has created fights for companies such as The Stratford Festival (5 seasons), Canadian Stage, Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway, Volcano Theatre, Actors Repertory Company, Second City, A.C.T. Productions, Shakespeare In the Square, Factory Theatre, Shakespeare in the Rough, Theatre Aquarius, The Actor's Repertory Company, Theatre Passe Muraille, The Tarragon Theatre and The Guild Festival Theatre. Daniel is proud of his years teaching at the University of Waterloo, Sheridan, and the University of Toronto Mississauga. www.rapierwit.com Twitter: @RapierWitCombat Instagram: @Rapierwit Support Stageworthy Tip Jar: tips.pinecast.com/jar/stageworthy
How do you juggle multiple skillsets? How do you keep your skills sharp? Joining the conversation on Cue To Cue this week is Performer/Fight Director/Intimacy Professional Siobhan Richardson who advises us to always reassess and rebalance on what makes us happy, not what other people think you should be. Are you suffocating because you're selecting what you should show the world? Are you being the fullest version of yourself? Release yourself from those shackles! You can be more than one thing at a time and still find fulfillment. You can enjoy and thrive in the diversity of your passions! In this episode: How breaking the shackles from the expectations of others allowed her to thrive in different forms of art and creativity How ballet triggered her journey in movements arts to discovering stage combat and scenes of intimacy The importance of points and pathways in embodying the required movements for scenes of violence The impact of communication in knowing if someone is in trauma response versus being uncomfortable with scenes of intimacy A little about Siobhan: Siobhan Richardson is an award-winning actor/fighter/singer/dancer, Fight Director and Instructor, and Intimacy Director and is a pioneer voice in the Canadian Theatre Industry regarding Intimacy in Performance. She is the preferred Fight Director and Instructor for a number of theatre companies, actors and directors, and a certified Fight Director with Fight Directors Canada. Stage combat teaching has, likewise, taken her across Canada, the USA and Europe. She has taught at international events such as the “Paddy Crean International Art of the Sword Workshop”, “The World Stage Combat Certification and Teacher’s Conference”, “Fight Directors Canada's National Workshops”, and the “Nordic Stage Fight Society's Summer Workshops”. In 2009, she received a “Chalmers Arts Fellowship Award” from the Ontario Arts Council, which allowed her to travel to Washington (DC), England and Sweden to study with some of the world's foremost Fight Directors: Brad Waller, Jonathan Howell, Tim Klotz and Peppe Östensson. She has completed three separate teaching tours of Europe which included Sweden, Norway, Estonia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Finland, Germany and France. Siobhan's approach to teaching stage combat draws parallels to the actor’s process in order to connect fight technique to the characters objectives, obstacles and tactics. From a physical perspective, her classes examine structure and biomechanics to prevent injury, while expanding physical vocabulary. She had been teaching Intimacy extensively across Canada for the 2.5 years before Pandemic, travelling from Vancouver to Halifax to teach this work, in professional and amateur settings, and in educational institutions. She has also shared these techniques across the United States and in Europe. She is the first certified Intimacy Director in Canada (Intimacy Directors International), was the first ACTRA “Intimacy Coordinator” contract and the first Intimacy Coordinator contract at Ubisoft. Her work as a fight director and/or intimacy director has appeared at The Shaw Festival, the National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre and English Theatre, The Stratford Festival, Native Earth Performing Arts, Tarragon Theatre, Factory Theatre, Soulpepper, Canadian Musical Theatre Projects, The Grand Theatre (London, ON), Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company, Young Peoples’ Theatre, Starvox Entertainment, and Coal Mine Theatre, to name a few. Meanwhile, she continues to perform as an actor/fighter/singer/dancer, most recently Faking It (#canadaperforms, NAC), The Penelopiad (Grand Theatre, London, ON) and A (musical) Midsummer Night’s Dream (Driftwood Theatre). When at home, she and her partner, Matt Richardson, teach stage combat (private lessons, workshops for actors, and workshops in schools). In the 2013-2014 school year, Burning Mountain was on the Ontario Arts Council’s “Artists in Education” roster, a program that subsidizes professional artists in high schools. In 2011, they won the Stage Combat Competition at CombatCon (Las Vegas), and later shot their scene “Trespasser” for film. Always infusing Joyfulness and Curiosity into the work, Siobhan is dedicated to the growth and development of the art forms, the artists and the workplaces. She builds upon current practices, inspired by historical sources, drawing upon a variety of styles and approaches, infused with some science and developing ideas. Her approach to teaching movement arts draws parallels to the actor’s process in order to connect movement technique to the characters objectives, obstacles and tactics. From a physical perspective, her classes examine structure and biomechanics to prevent injury, while expanding physical vocabulary. She endeavors to foster and support a vibrant and healthy artistic community, and to help performers around the world connect more through their bodies to continually grow as storytellers and joyful co-workers. Follow Siobhan! Instagram: @fighteractress Twitter:@fighteractress Facebook: Fighter Actress Facebook: Siobhan Richardson Fighter Actress
“El placer es un regalo que yo les di, y es un regalo que no solo se le da a los demás, sino que también puedes dártelo a ti misma.” Bienvenidos al Studio Serie: experimentaciones de narrativas de audio creadas por algunos de los artistas de teatro más interesantes de nuestra comunidad TransAmericana en Canadá. En este episodio podrás escuchar un trabajo en proceso, seguido por una breve charla del artista sobre su proceso creativo. Esta presentación también está disponible en Inglés. Un viaje de un hogar a otro. The Cunning Linguist cuenta la historia de Mónica, una joven mexicana que a los 12 años se da cuenta que Dios la hizo “queer”. Lo que Monica ve como un honor, las personas cercanas a ella lo ven como algo incorrecto. Gracias a un programa de televisión, Mónica decide mudarse a Toronto con Diosito a su lado, donde comienza a aprender más sobre sí misma, sobre la libertad y el sexo. Mónica Garrido es una artista, cineasta, escritora, productora, directora, comediante y performer mexicana basada en Toronto, que usa la comedia como una herramienta y un escudo para expresarse. Sus cortometrajes "Diferente" y la comedia de terror "Love You to Death" han sido parte del LGBT Festival Inside Out. Mónica forma parte del elenco de “Sketch Comedy Extravaganza Eleganza” , show ganador de un Canadian Comedy Award. En el 2018 Mónica recibió el “Queer Emerging Artist Award” de Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Ella es un tercio del grupo Latinx Drag King Boyband y actualmente es copresentadora y coproductora de “Merendiando, parte de Radio Aluna Theatre. Mónica es Tauro y te desea lo mejor. Beatriz Pizano (Directora) es una destacada directora y escritora teatral, con más de veinte años de experiencia trabajando como actriz en teatro, cine y televisión. En el 2009 el Consejo para las Artes de Canadá otorgó a Beatriz el prestigioso premio John Hirsch en Dirección Teatral. Beatriz ha sido galardonada con varias becas y premios, entre ellos: el premio de dirección Ken McDougall, la beca Chalmers, el premio Urjo Kareda (en Tarragon Theatre) y la beca para las artes escénicas de la Fundación Metcalf. Ha sido Directora Artística Asociada en Theatre Revolve y Nightwood Theatre. Su trilogía de obras sobre la mujer y la guerra: For Sale, Madre, y La Comunión, recibió tres nominaciones para el premio Dora Mavor Moore a la Mejor Obra Original. Beatriz también ha creado y dirigido múltiples programas para jóvenes en Colombia y Canadá. El más reciente de estos proyectos fue un taller de fotografía y teatro que facilitó en Medellín, Colombia, con jóvenes excombatientes y víctimas del conflicto armado. The Cunning Linguist fue creado con el apoyo de la Unidad de Creadores Emergentes de Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, y ganó el Premio del Público “Queer Acts 2016”. El desarrollo de esta pieza ha sido apoyado por el Ontario Arts Council y Aluna Theatre. Esta grabación ha sido producida por Aluna Theatre en nuestro estudio en Toronto. Escrita y actuada por Mónica Garrido Dirigida por Beatriz Pizano Ingeniero de Sonido, Steph Raposo Edición y diseño de sonido, Miquelon Rodriguez con asistente, Lucia Linares Canción adicional, Monroü Jefa de producción, Mónica Garrido Coordinación de guión, Camila Diaz-Varela Todos los episodios de Radio Aluna Teatro son en Inglés, Español y Spanglish. Nuevos episodios de Radio Aluna Teatro cada Miércoles. Síguenos y suscríbete a este podcast en iTunes, Google Play, y donde sea que escuches tus podcasts. Radio Aluna Teatro es una producción de Aluna Theatre con el apoyo de Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, Department of Canadian Heritage, Metcalf Foundation y TD Bank. Aluna Theatre es Beatriz Pizano & Trevor Schwellnus, con Sue Balint. Para más información sobre Aluna Theatre, visita nuestra página alunatheatre.ca, síguenos en twitter @alunatheatre o en instagram, o haz click en “me gusta” en facebook.
“Love is what raised me, and that’s what influences the things that I create.” - this week’s guest, multi disciplinary artist and evolving spirit isi bhakomen! isi bhakomen is an Afro-Latinx poet, playwright, photographer, filmmaker based in Toronto. They are currently entering their final year studying acting at the National Theatre School of Canada, and have developed work withTIFF’s next wave festival, Tarragon’s Young Playwright’s Unit and Soulpepper’s City Youth Academy. In this episode we talked about isi’s connection with different artistic mediums, the importance of Afro-Latinx representation in art and media, their journey in theatre and arts training, the effects of history and family on their art, and how Victoria Santa Cruz saved their life. Show Notes The Insomniac Film Festival Paula Wing, theatre artist whom isi connected with at the Soulpepper’s City Youth Academy U For Change program in Regent Park Isi’s new poem Somewhere over the Rainbow will be part of Soulpepper’s Queer Youth Cabaret on Thursday June 25 (come watch!) Tarragon Playwrights Unit, where isi developed their play BOOM Jennifer Villaverde TIFF Next Wave Festival AGO Youth Council National Theatre School of Canada, or NTS isi’s letter on twitter, about an experience they had as a student at NTS Angélique by Lorena Gale, a play in which isi played the titular character in their first year at NTS ahdri zhina mandiela d’bi.young anitafrika Paprika Festival Miquelon Rodriguez Nina Lee Aquino Beatriz Pizano Victoria Santa Cruz, and her famous poem Me Gritaron Negra Chavela Vargas Augusto Bitter’s solo show Chicho Isi’s ongoing photo project X Lido Pimienta Princess Nokia Celia Green’s solo show Wah Wah Wah Donna Michelle St. Bernard "El amor es lo que me crió, y eso es lo que influye en las cosas que creo." – ¡Esta semana tenemos como invitadx artista con múltiples talentos y de espíritu en evolución, isi bhakomen! isi bhakomen es poeta, dramaturgx, fotógrafx y cineasta Afro-Latinx con sede en Toronto. Actualmente está por empezar su último año en el programa de actuación en la Escuela Nacional de Teatro de Canadá, y ha trabajado con el festival TIFF Next Wave, la unidad de escritores jóvenes de Tarragon Theatre y el programa City Youth Academy de Soulpepper Theatre. En este episodio, hablamos sobre su trayectoria en el teatro y su formación artística, la importancia de la representación Afro-Latinx en el arte y los medios, los efectos de su familia reflejados en su arte, y cómo Victoria Santa Cruz le salvó la vida. Bibliografía: Insomniac Film Festival, festival de cine Paula Wing, artista de teatro con la cual isi conecto a traves de Soulpepper’s City Youth Academy U For Change programa en Regent Park nuevo poema de isi Somewhere over the Rainbow que sera parte de Soulpepper’s Queer Youth Cabaret este Jueves 25 de Junio Tarragon Playwrights Unit, unidad de escritores donde isi desarrolló su obra de teatro BOOM Jennifer Villaverde TIFF Next Wave Festival, festival de cine para jovenes AGO Youth Council, o Consejo Juvenil de la Galería de Arte de Ontario. Escuela Nacional de Teatro de Canadá o NTS Carta de isi en twitter, donde habla de una experiencia que vivió como estudiante en NTS Angélique de Lorena Gale, obra de teatro en la que isi interpretó al personaje titular en su primer año en NTS ahdri zhina mandiela d’bi.young anitafrika Paprika Festival, festival de teatro para jovenes Miquelon Rodriguez Nina Lee Aquino Beatriz Pizano Victoria Santa Cruz, y su famoso poema Me Gritaron Negra Chavela Vargas solo show de Augusto Bitter, Chicho X , proyecto fotográfico en curso de isi Lido Pimienta Princess Nokia solo show de Celia Green, Wah Wah Wah Donna Michelle St. Bernard All Merendiando episodes are in Spanglish. New episodes of Radio Aluna Theatre are released every Wednesday. Follow and subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and wherever else you get your podcasts. Radio Aluna Teatro is produced by Aluna Theatre with support from the Metcalf Foundation, The Laidlaw Foundation, The Canada Council for the Arts, and The Ontario Arts Council. Aluna Theatre is Beatriz Pizano & Trevor Schwellnus, with Sue Balint & Gia Nahmens; Radio Aluna Theatre is produced by Camila Diaz-Varela and Monica Garrido. For more about Aluna Theatre, visit us at alunatheatre.ca, follow @alunatheatre on twitter or instagram, or ‘like’ us on facebook. Todos los episodios de Merendiando son en Inglés, Español y Spanglish. Nuevos episodios de Radio Aluna Teatro cada Miércoles. Síguenos y suscríbete a este podcast en iTunes, Google Play, y donde sea que escuches tus podcasts. Radio Aluna Teatro es una producción de Aluna Theatre con el apoyo de Metcalf Foundation, Laidlaw Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, y Ontario Arts Council. Aluna Theatre es Beatriz Pizano & Trevor Schwellnus, con Sue Balint & Gia Nahmens. Radio Aluna Theatre es producido por Camila Díaz-Varela y Mónica Garrido. Para más información sobre Aluna Theatre, visita nuestra página alunatheatre.ca, síguenos en twitter @alunatheatre o en instagram, o haz click en “me gusta” en facebook.
Lauren Griffiths joins Jimmer Lowe for an Episode of Q'd Up.Lauren Griffiths is a Toronto trained actor and comedian, who just faced Alberta’s terrifying winter for the first time ever! She is extremely happy to be back home for the enchanting Coronavirus, however she’ll definitely be looking forward to going back out West to work with Jubilations Dinner Theatre again once all of this is over...and there’s no one left to watch live theatre anymore. Lauren is a graduate of York University’s acting conservatory, as well as The Second City conservatory, where she first met little Jimmy Lowe. This is where their award- winning (now disbanded) sketch troupe, Erotic Friend Fiction, first blossomed! Lauren has recently been expanding her horizons by studying directing at Tarragon Theatre with Richard Rose, studying Baby Clown & Mask in Manitoulin Island with John Turner, and coaching Vanier’s Improv Company at York University. Lauren has also spent some time stage managing and producing shows throughout the city, however her most recent show at Jubilations Dinner Theatre was her first ever attempt at musical theatre... so who knows! Keep trying new things, and maybe one day you can learn mediocrity at many different roles, too!
Karen is an award-winning writer, director and performer and the artistic director of Keep Frozen: Pochsy Productions, which develops Hines’ dark comedies for stage and screen. She is the author of Drama: Pilot Episode, Citizen Pochsy, Hello…Hello (A Romantic Satire),Oh, baby and Pochsy’s Lips as well as several short plays and the Neo-Cabaret Pochsy Unplugged, which have been presented across North America and in Germany at venues such as Alberta Theatre Projects, Tarragon Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Joe’s Pub (Public Theatre, NYC), Word Stage, Factory Theatre, Magnetic North, One Yellow Rabbit and Beme Theatre in Munich.Featured Theatre Company Many theatres and theatre companies that have shut down their productions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot of these companies are in desperate need of help to ensure that they can keep their doors open once the current crisis is over, and many are turning to crowdfunding in order to do that. In the coming weeks Stageworthy will highlight some companies that need your help.The Assembly Theatre Due to this current mandated closure and the multiple cancellations of shows and events, The Assembly Theatre is taking a significant financial loss and is struggling to stay afloat. This is a very difficult time for all of us societally, and in the arts community, independent theatre is uniquely vulnerable. GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-assembly-theatre-covid19-help
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Andrew Kushnir. Andrew Kushnir is an actor, director, and playwright with a keen interest in verbatim theatre. He is also playwright-in-residence at Tarragon Theatre, the creative director of Project: Humanity, and his most recent verbatim play Towards Youth: A Play on Radical Hope premiered at Crow’s Theatre this past February. In our conversation today we discuss the importance of relationships and trust in the both work he does with verbatim theatre as well as in our industry as a whole, how as a director he tries to navigate the relationship with the audience and the space a piece of theatre is being performed in, as well as the idea of “the circle” and it’s importance in how we interact with each other. We also discuss his latest play Towards Youth, that challenges of having adults portray children onstage and the important discussions around not assuming we automatically understand a young person’s experiences because we were once young, as well as how we continue to develop a meaningful relationship with audiences and where he sees this growth taking the theatre industry in the future.
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Andrew Kushnir. Andrew Kushnir is an actor, director, and playwright with a keen interest in verbatim theatre. He is also playwright-in-residence at Tarragon Theatre, the creative director of Project: Humanity, and his most recent verbatim play Towards Youth: A Play on Radical Hope premiered at Crow’s Theatre this past February. In our conversation today we discuss the importance of relationships and trust in the both work he does with verbatim theatre as well as in our industry as a whole, how as a director he tries to navigate the relationship with the audience and the space a piece of theatre is being performed in, as well as the idea of “the circle” and it’s importance in how we interact with each other. We also discuss his latest play Towards Youth, that challenges of having adults portray children onstage and the important discussions around not assuming we automatically understand a young person’s experiences because we were once young, as well as how we continue to develop a meaningful relationship with audiences and where he sees this growth taking the theatre industry in the future.
In this episode, Sandy and Nora talk about the radical possibilities of community, the joy of being social active and why artists need to engage in politics. And, because there is still an election on, we also talk about Justin Trudeau’s right-ward shift in the campaign. Show note: we talk about the lawsuit launched by... The post Episode 78 – Live Show at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto appeared first on Sandy & Nora Talk Politics.
The Tita Collective, an all Filipina collective of multidisciplinary artists in Toronto, will present Tita Jokes as part of the 2019 Toronto Fringe FestivalJuly 3 - 14 at the Tarragon Theatre. They sing, they dance, and they’ll make you snort-laugh halo-halo through your nose!Tita Jokes is a musical sketch comedy spectacle to remember. The show revolves around the Filipinx people in their lives such as aunts, moms, daughters, and partners. Tita Jokes reveals their struggles and heartaches, but also how they cope through comedy and songs. Tita Collective are an all Filipina collective composed of award-winning playwrights, comedians, musicians, dancers, theatre makers and actors. They explore different mediums to tell the stories about the Filipinx diaspora. Directed Tricia Hagoriles, Tita Jokes is created and performed by Ann Paula Bautista, Belinda Corpuz, Isabel Kanaan, Ellie Posadas, Alia Rasul, and Maricris Rivera. The Music Director is Ayaka Kinugawa and Stage Manager is Justine Cargo.In addition to Toronto Fringe, Tita Collective will also appear at TAWA Festival May 27 and 28 at Bad Dog Theatre, Celebration of Filipino Heritage Month at Earl Bales Park on June 1, and Notorious’ Music Comedy Festival on June 14 - 15. Tita Collective will host a workshop called “Powered by Community” on May 23 at Artscape Daniels Launchpad.Tita Collective is Ann Paula Bautista (Disenchanted US Tour), Belinda Corpuz (Prairie Nurse), Isabel Kanaan (CBC’s Air Farce), Alia Rasul (Generally Hospital), and Maricris Rivera (A New World Being Born). Tita Collective won the 2019 Steamwhistle Producers’ Pick at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival and were named as part of “19 Asian Millennial Women You Should Know” by Cold Tea Collective. Twitter:@tita_collectiveInstagram:tita.collectiveFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/titacollectiveTickets:https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/tita-jokesTita Jokes July 3 - 14, 2019 at Toronto Fringe Tarragon Theatre, Mainspace 30 Bridgeman Avenue Thursday July 4, 8:30PM Saturday July 6, 4:45PM Sunday July 7, 1:15PM Tuesday July 9, 9:45PM Wednesday July 10, 8:00PM Friday July 12, 4:00PM Sunday July 14, 6:00PM
John Wamsley is a gay, Indigenous actor, dancer, and choreographer born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario. Since graduating from the Theatre and Drama Studies program at Sheridan College and the University of Toronto, he has been fortunate enough to work both on and off stage developing a passion-project entitled off my chest., which was presented at this year's Dark Crop Performance Festival. John's recent credits include the sold out run of the Fringe 2018 Patron's Pick, Everyone Wants a T-Shirt!, Private Harris in The Grand Theatre's production of Timothy Findley's The Wars, and participation within the 31st annual Weesageechak Festival. John is currently the Communications Manager for the Paprika Festival, and continues to do graphic and video design for several theatre companies in the GTA. He also works in a restaurant… typical.Bryn Kennedy has been an actor ever since she can remember, but found her passion for directing in high school when she lead a production of ‘night Mother at the Sears Drama Festival, winning an Award of Excellence in Directing and Producing. Since then, Bryn has continued this journey, taking Directing with Richard Rose at Tarragon Theatre and as a member of Nightwood Theatre’s Young Innovators Unit. She is also an arts educator and is growing her experience as an arts administrator with companies such as SOULO Theatre, Rabbit in a Hat Productions, Binocular Theatre and Nightwood Theatre. Her directing credits include, Jean Anouilh’s Antigone(co-director Rachel VanDuzer, UTMDC), Overtones, Beneath the Bed (Erindale Fringe Festival), Happy Family (Toronto Fringe Festival), Selections from Vitals (Paprika Festival Directors’ Lab), Reasons to be Pretty (RTBP Collective), Vitals (Theatre Born Between) and A Bear Awake in Winter (Assistant Director, Canadian Stage Workshop and Next Stage Theatre Festival with Binocular Theatre). She is a graduate of the joint Theatre and Drama Studies Program at Sheridan College and University of Toronto earning an Acting Diploma and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree. Her special skills include baking, knitting and finding a way to mention her recent haircut in almost any situation.BENEATH THE BED Written by Gabe Golin Directed by Bryn Kennedy In the aftermath of a trauma, a young child meets a monster living under their bed and together they discover through searching the stars that this too will pass. An exploration of childhood and imagination, grief and loss, Beneath the Bed is a twisted tale exploding with music, wit, heart, and joy.SHOW DATES: Thursday, July 4 – 7:00 p.m. – Performance 1 Friday, July 5 – 8:00 p.m. – Performance 2 Saturday, July 6 – 2:00 p.m. – Performance 3 Sunday, July 7 – 2:00 p.m. – Performance 4 Monday, July 8 – 7:00 p.m. – Performance 5 Tuesday, July 9 – 8:00 p.m. – Performance 6 Thursday, July 11 – 8:00 p.m. – Performance 7 Friday, July 12 – 2:00 p.m. – Performance 8 Friday, July 12 – 8:00 p.m. – Performance 9 Saturday, July 13 – 3:30 p.m. – Performance 10 Sunday, July 14 – 2:00 p.m. – Performance 11www.theatrebornbetween.comTwitter: @tbornbetweenInstagram: theatrebornbetweenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theatrebornbetweenTickets:https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/beneath-bed (on sale June 6)
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Larissa Pohoreski. Larissa Pohoreski is an actor, singer, dancer, musician, and was recently selected as one of the Top 30 Under 30 by the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts. In our conversation today we discuss how she was introduced to theatre and her background in Ukrainian dance, her training at Grant MacEwan and the main lessons she took from her time in school, as well as some her experiences performing in the industry and the rise in popularity of actor/musician shows. We also discuss what she has learned through her experiences with her theatre company Mavka Theatre, the upcoming Toronto production of “Blood of Our Soil” which she will be music directing and performing in from March 7th to 16th at Tarragon Theatre’s Extraspace, as well as where she see theatre in Canada headed in the future.
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Larissa Pohoreski. Larissa Pohoreski is an actor, singer, dancer, musician, and was recently selected as one of the Top 30 Under 30 by the Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts. In our conversation today we discuss how she was introduced to theatre and her background in Ukrainian dance, her training at Grant MacEwan and the main lessons she took from her time in school, as well as some her experiences performing in the industry and the rise in popularity of actor/musician shows. We also discuss what she has learned through her experiences with her theatre company Mavka Theatre, the upcoming Toronto production of “Blood of Our Soil” which she will be music directing and performing in from March 7th to 16th at Tarragon Theatre’s Extraspace, as well as where she see theatre in Canada headed in the future.
For Nightwood:Grace by Jane Doe,Lo (or Dear Mr. Wells) by Rose Napoli - Dora Nominations Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Performance, Quiver by Anna Chatterton - Dora Nomination Outstanding Sound Design, and currently in fifth season as the Program Director for Write From the Hip,Elsewhere:TomorrowLove (UW), A Beautiful View (FPPEC), The Taming of the Shrew (SLSF), Snowman (Soulpepper Academy), Love and Information (RCPA), Sequence (Tarragon), These Peaceable Kingdoms (NTS), Romeo & Juliet (Ruff), Janet Wilson Meets the Queen (GCTC), Soliciting Temptation (Tarragon), Beautiful Man (Summerworks), CLEAVE (NTS), Tyumen Then (Fringe/Revolver), Within the Glass - Governor General Award Nomination (Tarragon), Mistatim (Red Sky – International Tour), The Atomic Weight of Happiness (Theatre Direct), Montparnasse (TPM), Offensive Fouls (Theatre Direct), The Unfortunate Misadventures of Masha Galinski (National tour). Andrea was Tarragon Theatre’s Assistant/Associate Artistic Director for four seasons, and is a regular guest artist at the National Theatre School.Awards: Stratford Festival’s Jean Gascon Award for Direction, Best Director -International Youth Drama - Shenzhen, China, twice nominated for the Pauline McGibbon & John Hirsch Directing Awards. Her projects have received over a dozen Dora nominations and awarded Outstanding Performance (Ensemble) & Outstanding Production for And By the Way, Miss (Theatre Direct). Upcoming:Beautiful Man by Governor General Award winning playwright Erin Shields at Factory TheatreNightwood Theatrewww.nightwoodtheatre.net Twitter: @nightwoodtheat Instagram: nightwoodtheat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nightwoodtheatre/ Tickets for Grace: https://tickets.crowstheatre.com/TheatreManager/1/login?event=167
Kevin Fraser has been at the Stratford festival for 30 years and designed the lighting for over 500 productions since graduating from Ryerson Theatre School in the late 1970’s. He invited me to his home in Stratford Ontario in August of 2018 and we spoke about his early career and beginnings in Toronto at the Adelaide Court and the Tarragon Theatre and his move into the large festivals including Stratford and Drayton. Find examples of his work here: www.kevinfraserlighting.com.
Having performed from her hometown of Brantford, Ontario to Singapore, Melody has enjoyed moving from dramatic to comedic roles for over the last twenty years. Soon after graduating with a BFA from York University’s Theatre Performance program she began work with now Artistic Director of the Tarragon Theatre, Richard Rose on the Manitoba Theatre Centres’ The Glass Menagerie. Melody then became one of a core group of actors with Necessary Angel Theatre Company. The group dedicated themselves to bringing new Canadian plays to life, (It’s All True, Swollen Tongues, and The Piper). Having worked with many of Canada’s most respected theatre companies, Melody has originated many memorable theatre roles such as Sugar in Claudia Dey’s Trout Stanley for Factory Theatre, Olive/Eva in Jason Sherman’s It’s All True for Tarragon Theatre and a Dora win for the titular role of Mercy in Little Mercy’s First Murder/Tarragon-Shaw Festival. Other favourites include: Assassins for Talk is Free/Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, 7 Stories/ Theatre Calgary/CanStage (Betty Mitchell award nomination), In the Next Room Tarragon/MTC, Florence Gibson's I Think I Can YPT/National Arts Centre, Our Town/Two Planks and a Passion (Merrit Award nomination), Blithe Spirit/Soulpepper. Logging 8 Dora nominations for acting over the years Melody also co created the musical Mimi with Rick Roberts and Allen Cole for the Tarragon Theatre in 2009.www.melodyjohnson.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Melody-Johnson-214058295823079/ Tickets to Person of Interest: http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/person-of-interest/Stageworthy:http://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPod
Maureen Gualtieri, playwright and general word-wrangler, was born and raised in Toronto. Her newest play, Odd One Out, will be premiering at the 2017 Toronto Fringe. Her work has been seen at previous editions of the Toronto Fringe (BQ, as part of Trip; Monkey Love), Protestival (Whose Body is This; The Franklin Street Elementary School Grades 1, 2, & 3 Present Their Spring Pageant, “Officer Bubbles Goes to Hell, Or, Civil Disobedience is for Everybody!”), and other local festivals. She has directed, assistant directed, stage managed and script coordinated in venues such as Hart House Theatre, the Hamilton Fringe, and Tarragon Theatre. She graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada's playwriting program in 2012. Odd One Out:1950. A love triangle. A secret attraction. A college student disappears in the woods. Ten years later, her rival lovers reunite in an attempt to solve the otherworldly mystery: what really happened to Clementine Yates?Playwright: Maureen Gualtieri Director: Elizabeth Traicus Cast: Krystina Bojanowski, Jesse Byiers, Mattie DriscollAt the Tarragon Theatre ExtraSpace (30 Bridgman Ave) as part of the Toronto Fringe: Friday July 7 at 8:30pm Saturday July 8 at 11:15pm Monday July 10 at 4:15pm Tuesday July 11 at 2:45pm< Thursday July 13 at 7:45pm Saturday July 15 at 5:15pm Sunday July 16 at 2:30pmStageworthy:http://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter: @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPo
Eo Sharp joined me at the Shaw Festival in May of 2016 to discuss her growing up at the Tarragon Theatre in the 1970's and her time at the National Theatre School and Working in Montreal. We also talk about her process for Alice in Wonderland at the Shaw festival and the mirrored set that brought her an Director Peter Hinton together. Find her complete portfolio here.
Starting December 9, Toronto’s Soulpepper presents the cherished holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life, reimagined as a 1940s live-radio broadcast. Directed by Soulpepper Artistic Director Albert Schultz and designed by Lorenzo Sovoini.Albert SchultzAlbert Schultz was born 1963 in Port Hope, Ontario and was drawn to acting through his mother's community theatre work. He trained at York University and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before joining the Stratford Festival Young Company under Robin Phillips where he played several leading roles including a lauded turn as Romeo.Beginning in 1992, Albert spent three years on CBC's hit television series Street Legal, followed by two seasons as the lead in the series Side Effects. His feature film work includes Beautiful Dreamers, I Love a Man in Uniform, Maximum Risk, Balls Up, Under My Skin, and most recently the lead in CTV's made for TV film Shades of Black (a biography of Conrad Black) which aired in December 2006.Albert is the Founding Artistic Director of Soulpepper Theatre Company and General Director of the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. Albert regularly directs and appears on stage with Soulpepper. As an actor, recent highlights include Hamlet (2004 & 2005), Uncle Vanya (2001, 2002 & 2008), Our Town (1999, 2006 & 2007), The Real Thing (2006) and The Odd Couple (2008 & 2016). He also leads the Soulpepper Academy and the company's youth outreach and access initiatives.Albert's many honours include The City of Toronto Barbara Hamilton Memorial Award, the DareArts Foundation Cultural Award, The Toronto Arts Council William Kilbourn Award, the Salute to the City Award and the Joan Chalmers National Award for Artistic Direction. For his work on behalf of UNICEF, Albert received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.Albert has received Honorary Degrees from Queen's and Bishop's Universities in recognition of his contributions to Canadian Theatre. In 2013 Albert Schultz was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada, and in 2014 he received the National Arts Centre Award for Artistic Achievement by the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation.Lorenzo SovoiniBorn in Thornhill, Ontario.YOUNG FAMILY DIRECTOR OF DESIGN, RESIDENT ARTIST, SOULPEPPER 2016: Set & Lighting Designer: Incident at Vichy, The Testament of Mary. Set Designer: A Doll’s House, Father Comes Home From the Wars (Parts I, II, III), The Odd Couple.FOR SOULPEPPER: Set Designer: Marat/Sade, Happy Place, The Dybbuk. Set and Costume Designer: Eurydice. Set and Lighting Designer: Of Human Bondage (Dora Award).OTHER THEATRE: Stratford Festival, Tarragon Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Belfry Theatre, Neptune Theatre, COC, Canadian Stage and many theatres across the country.OTHER: Graduate of the Soulpepper Academy.www.soulpepper.ca Twitter: @soulpepper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulpepperTheatre Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/soulpeppertheatre Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/soulpeppertheatreStageworthy:http://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPod
In this next episode of The Bellows, a conversation about contracts and fees. How do you negotiate to your advantage? What are the necessary parts of a contract and is it worth having an agent or being a member of the Associated Designers of Canada? Moderator Kevin Hutson talks to Kesta Graham, business agent at The Tarragon Theatre, designer Simon Rossiter, and the executive director at the ADC Shiela Skye. This was recorded on October 17th 2016 at The Central bar in Mirvish Village, Toronto, Ontario.
Suzette McCanny is a theatre actor and a film director specializing in ensemble work. She is currently playing Blaire in We Three by Cue 6 Theatre at The Tarragon Theatre. She has played Josie in The Skriker at the Storefront Theatre by Red One Theatre. The Skriker was included in the Top Ten Indie Productions of 2014 by Toronto's Now Magazine. Other credits include Mistress Ford in Merry Wives of Windsor and Rosaline in Love's Labour's Lost for Shakespeare Bash'd and Isabelle in Norman Yeung's Theory directed by Joanne Williams.She played 'Stage Manager' in Play: The Film by Kelly McCormack which won the People's Choice Award at the Canadian Film Festival. Suzette directed her first short film, 99 . 7% (Official Selection of aGliff) in Nov 2013. She directed, edited and starred in a trio of short films that called Triptych Triptych Triptych including The Garfield Appreciation Club, Can't Close a Painted Eye and We Think it Belongs in the Sea; due to hit the 2016 festival circuit. Suzette works to change the way that women see themselves and their contribution to society by telling fresh stories.@suzettemccannywww.suzettemccanny.comWE THREE: http://cue6.ca/Stageworthy:http://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPod
This special The Bellows episode features carpenter Kevin Hutson, our moderator, joining writer/director Kat Sandler, technical director Dean Johnson, independent producer Aislinn Rose, technician and stage manager Pip Bradford, and designer and technician Rebecca Vandevelde discussing how to work with your friends while remaining professional. It was recorded live at Theatre Passe Muraille on January 18th. The first 10 minutes of the introductions was lost because SOMEone forgot to hit record: it happens. This audio starts with with Rebecca Vandevelde introducing herself. As well, the audio has been panned in order to facilitate the identification of the speaker with the audio field being layed out as they presented: Kevin, Kat (who joins later), Dean, Aislinn, Pip, and Rebecca. KEVIN HUTSON Kevin is the head carpenter at The Tarragon Theatre in Toronto and one of the founders of The Bellows. Kevin has also performed as a production manager, technical director, lighting designer and general technician in Toronto for may years. DEAN JOHNSON A technician and technical director in Toronto. KAT SANDLER Kat is a writer/actor/director working in Toronto. She is the Artistic Director of Theatre Brouhaha, and has staged six or her original plays; LOVESEXMONEY (Next Stage Festival), Help Yourself (Best of Fringe, winner of the Fringe New Play Contest), Delicacy (Summerworks), Rock (Storefront Theatre), We Are the Bomb (Toronto Fringe, Sucker (Storefront Theatre) and directed Twenty-Seven Wagons Full of Cotton, and The Unseen Hand (Playwrights Project). As an actor she has appeared onstage with Theatre Gargantua in the world premieres of FiBBer and Imprints. She is a graduate of Queen’s University. Kat will be writing Retreat while in Tarragon’s Playwrights Unit. AISLINN ROSE Aislinn is an independent producer, theatre maker, member of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts’ Board of Directors, and Co-Chair of TAPA’s Indie Caucus. She recently joined the producing team for Luminato’s 2013 festival as Associate Producer, and produced the festival’s L’Allegro by the Mark Morris Dance Group, Feng Yi Ting directed by Atom Egoyan, and Ronnie Burkett’s The Daisy Theatre. This year she will be guest curating Harbourfront Centre’s HATCH 2014 season along with her Praxis Theatre colleague, Michael Wheeler. As the Artistic Producer of Praxis Theatre & Co-Editor of praxistheatre.com, she led the Open Source Theatre Project for Section 98 at Harbourfront Centre, created the experimental Dungeons & Dragons (not) The Musical, was Artistic Producer of You Should Have Stayed Home, and Producer for Jesus Chrysler in Association with Theatre Passe Muraille. She will be producing their upcoming cross Canada tour of You Should Have Stayed Home in Whitehorse, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. She and Michael Wheeler were named Theatre VIPs for 2012 by Toronto paper, The Grid, after having been named “People to watch” that year by Torontoist. Last year she produced Aluna Theatre’s inaugural PANAMERICAN ROUTES Festival of Theatre for Human Rights, and was Co-Producer with Fides Krucker on the electroacoustic opera Julie Sits Waiting (nominated for 5 Dora Awards including Outstanding Production – Opera/Musical). Other recent projects include producing The Lesson For Modern Times Stage Company (nominated for 8 Dora Awards, including Outstanding Production). Social media experiments include working as a consultant & online creator for the sold-out run of Michael Healey’s Proud and developing “The Brain”, the online counterpart for Liza Balkan’s Out The Window for The Theatre Centre’s biennial Free Fall Festival. Aislinn is the recent recipient of a Canada Council for the Arts Professional Development grant as an Independent Theatre Producer. SARAH ‘PIP’ BRADFORD Pip has lived and worked in the Toronto theatre community for the past five years. She freelances as a technician and stage manager for many companies in Toronto, inclu
Tom is the co-founder and Associate Artistic Director of Theatre Brouhaha. A dramaturge, playwright, puppeteer, and producer, Tom is also the co-creator and Artistic Director of Shakey-Shake and Friends Puppet Shakespeare Company, where he adapts and performs Shakespeare for young audiences. Tom has been the dramaturge and occasional co-creator on all of award-winning playwright Kat Sandler's plays, most recently 'Liver,' 'Retreat,' 'Punch Up' and the forthcoming 'Mustard,' which opens as part of the Tarragon Theatre season next year.Tom also works as an independent communications consultant, focusing on media and presentation training with an audience-centric focus.Recently, he worked as an arts consultant on John Tory's successful mayoral campaign. Tom has a Masters Degree in Theatre Studies from the University of Toronto and a BAH from Queen's University in Theatre and Classics. He also runs a nerd blog (WhaHappen.ca) where he analyses modern mythologies and a podcast that analyses sequels ('Please Sir, I Want Some More' available on iTunes). Next up, Tom will be directing David Ives' All In The Timing at the Highland Arts Theatre in Cape Breton as well as dramaturging the new Theatre Brouhaha play in Fringe. For Shakey-Shake and Friends Tom will be writing and performing Twlefth Night...A Puppet Epic! in FringeKids this summer well as remounting Hamlet...A Puppet Epic in the Best of FringeKids at Solar Stage in April/May.Twitter: @mcgeetdWebsite: http://tdmcgee.comBlog and Podcast: http://www.whahappen.caShakey-Shake and Friends: http://shakeyshakeandfriends.comTheatre Brouhaha: http://theatrebrouhaha.com/Stageworthy:www.stageworthypodcast.comTwitter @stageworthyPodFacebook: facebook.com/stageworthyPod
Michelle Ramsay, a Toronto-based lighting designer, agreed to be my guinea pig for episode one of the podcast. This is the first of two 30 min sessions we taped. Here is Michelle's bio (updated March 18 2014)Michelle is a lighting designer for dance and theatre based in Toronto.Companies she has designed with include: Modern Times, Cahoots Theatre Company, Blue Ceiling Dance, fu-Gen, The Theatre Centre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Stand Up Dance, New Harlem, Shaw Festival, Human Cargo, Theatre Rusticle, National Arts Centre, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Native Earth Performing Arts, Mirvish Productions, Theatre Passe Muraille and Tarragon Theatre. She has received several Dora Mavor Moore Awards, a SATAward, and in 2008 she received the Pauline McGibbon Award.The beginning has a few rough audio spots, with some "peakyness" but I should be able to iron out the problems in the future.In the interview we refer to "Wonderland" and failed to give any context. Canada's Wonderland is an amusement park north of Toronto, ON, and was a training ground for many young technicians just out of school. Other things we glanced over: The Shaw FestivalTheatre Smith GilmoreTheatre ColumbusTheatre KingstonRedManual Lighting Boards