Preview: RARE by Judith Thompson

Premiering tonight at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts is the smash hit from last year's Fringe Festival, RARE. The piece was created and directed by the very talented Judith Thompson. We are so thankful for the Young Centre and its commitment to bringing fresh, new and engaging pieces of theatre to the stage. Look for our favourite from last year, pomme is french for apple on stage here at the end of February...

Show Description:

RARE is a raw and boldly emotional piece of theatre in which nine performers with Down syndrome reveal themselves for the world to see. Created and directed by playwright Judith Thompson, with the cast writing most of their own material, the RARE artists lift the mask of Down syndrome to show us their humour, their grace, their rage and their dreams. It was a hit, and a Patrons' Pick, at last year's Toronto Fringe Festival. Mature content.

RARE
RARE Theatre Company in association with Young Centre for the Performing Arts
Tickets: $15 - 30: Please CLICK HERE.
Created and directed by Judith Thompson
Written and performed by Sarah Carney, Dylan Harman, James Hazlett, Nick Herd, Suzanne Love, Mike Liu, Nada Mayla, Krystal Nausbaum, and Andreas Prinz with musician Victoria Carr
Produced by RARE Theatre Company

Fringe New Play Contest

2013 Fringe New Play Contest

Applications for the 2013 Fringe New Play Contest are now open!

Remember Kim’s Convenience? Remember Help Yourself? These Fringe shows were brought into the spotlight by the Fringe New Play Contest, sponsored by Exclamation Foundation and macIDeas. If you’re a playwright and want to be a household name, the Fringe New Play Contest is the best way to fast-track that success. Even better – this year is Fringe’s 25th Anniversary, so the media attention will be bigger and bolder than ever!

Details are available on the Fringe website.

 First Place Winner will receive the following:

1. A free spot in the 2013 Toronto Fringe Festival.

2. A cash prize of $1250 courtesy of Exclamation Foundation Inc. and macIDeas.

3. Production consultation courtesy of Exclamation Foundation and macIDeas.

 Applications close on Friday October 26th at 5pm, or when 80 applications are received.

Contact    416-966-1062 x 3  
or creation@fringetoronto.com for more information.

This is a great opportunity for a young playwright and we strongly encourage you to enter your work.  Even if it isn't finished.  The Fringe is a development vehicle and a great way to workshop and continue developing your play.

Next Stage Festival 2013 Line-Up Revealed...

NEXT STAGE THEATRE FESTIVAL – JANUARY 2 – 13, 2013

Announcing NSTF 2013’s exciting line-up:

Sudden Death, by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman, presented by Pyretic Productions
The Peace Maker, by Natasha Greenblatt, presented by Pomegranate Productions
Throne of Games presented by Bad Dog Theatre Company
AWAKE, by Laura Mullin and Chris Tolley, presented by Expect Theatre
Post Eden, by Jordan Tannahill, presented by Suburban Beast
Memorial, by Steven Gallagher, presented by Next Step Productions
Salt Baby, by Falen Johnson, presented by You Don’t Look It
With Love and a Major Organ, by Julia Lederer, presented by QuestionMark-Exclamation Theatre
Pitch Blond, by Laura Anne Harris, presented by Convection Productions
Liza Live!, by Jennifer Walls, presented by Jennifer Walls

Patron's Pick of the Fringe

The Patron’s Pick is decided after every company’s 4th show.  Selection is based on a combination of cash ticket sales after the first four shows coupled with media reception and overall ‘buzz’ of the production.  The winning plays are announced on the Fringe website, and listed at the Festival Box Office and all venue box offices.  100% of the tickets available for Patrons’ Pick performances can be sold in advance. Tickets are on sale now.

the 2012 patron’s picks are:

Rare: Sunday, July 15th at 9:15pm – Tarragon Mainspace
Mahmoud: Sunday, July 15th at 9:15pm – Tarragon Extraspace
Tinfoil Dinosaur: Sunday, July 15th at 7:30pm – Solo Room
One In A Million (a micromusical): Sunday, July 15th at 9:15pm – Randolph Theatre
A Funeral for Clowns: Sunday, July 15th at 9:45pm – Annex Theatre
Help Yourself: Sunday, July 15th at 9:30pm – George Ignatieff Theatre
The Other Three Sisters: Sunday, July 15th at 6:45pm – St. Vlad’s Theatre
Medicine: Sunday, July 15th at 9:15pm – Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse
21 Days: Sunday, July 15th at 6:45pm – Robert Gill Theatre
pomme is french for apple: Sunday, July 15th at 6:45pm – Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace
With Love and A Major Organ: Sunday, July 15th at 7:30pm – Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace
The Dinner: Sunday, July 15th at 9:15pm – Factory Theatre Mainspace

Best of Fringe

Each year the Fringe jury selects the best eight show from that year to be showcased at the Best of Fringe Festival Uptown.  Well, the results are in and the line up for the Best of ... Uptown is here.  Among the notables are With Love and A Major Organ, The Wakowski Brothers, Rare  and our personal favourite of the festival pomme is french for apple.  Check them out below.

Help Yourself
Mahmoud
pomme is french for apple
Rare
The Shape of Things
The Taming of The Shrew
The Wakowski Brothers
With Love and a Major Organ


“The Best of Fringe Uptown”, is hosted at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Shows are selected by a panel of independent producers who take box office numbers and media responses into account when choosing the winning productions. Best of Fringe Uptown is produced by Toronto Centre for the Arts and will take place from July 18th – August 3rd. Click here for ticket info.  This is the best chance you've got to see one some of the highlights of Fringe which you may have missed.

The BEST shows of the Toronto Fringe (so far)...

Alright darlings I have been on a FRINGE binge and I have some fucking wonderful shows to recommend to you all! It has been such a pleasure seeing so much fresh, passionate theatre on those Toronto stages. How refreshing I must say. Ok so below are my favourite shows so far at the Fringe this year:

1. POMME FRENCH IS FOR APPLE
Written and performed by Liza Paul and Bahia Watson

Not sure if it is because I identify so strongly with being a black woman or not, but this piece of theatre had me roaring, rolling and sobbing with laughter from the opening moment until curtain call. These two actresses, Liza Paul and Bahia Watson are sublime and sparkle like something fierce. All their various characters are polished and the acting is razor sharp. I could rave about this show for hours so please just check these angels out!

Venue 10 – Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Avenue:

July 09 08:45 PM, July 10 04:30 PM, July 12 12:00 PM, July 13 06:15 PM, July 14 01:45 PM

2. SOULO

Written by the Soul Circus Collective, Directed by Tracey Erin Smith

Wow so I just saw SOULO this afternoon and I thought it was absolutely delicious. It was wonderfully warm and fresh, it felt very current, relatable and it was very smart. The three actors which carry the three vignette's Terrence Bryant, DJ Edwards and Marco Bernardi all deliver strong and soulful performances that feel natural and passionate. I can only say that I hope the piece moves on to a larger theatrical run, I'm thinking maybe Buddies in Bad Times? (Brendan Healy, hi!) and receives a longer running time where we can dive deeper into the more poignant, darker parts of their souls. Calling all queers (and everyone;) to the theatre! Check this piece out ya'll!!!

Robert Gill Theatre (214 College Street, 3rd Floor)
July 09 02:30 PM, July 10 06:45 PM
, July 11 04:00 PM, July 12 02:45 PM, July 14 07:00 PM

3. RARE

Written by Judith Thompson

Nine people with Down syndrome collaborated with director Judith Thompson to express their own personal stories of love, loss, frustration, liberation and triumph is this beautiful piece that will have you laughing, crying and cheering throughout. A powerful   show this is a true celebration of the human spirit told in poetry, dance and song. If you are capable of getting a ticket (this is a super HOT show at the Fringe this year) I urge you to do so! Only a few shows left so if you want tickets book in advance or arrive very early.

Venue 1 – Tarragon Mainspace (30 Bridgman Ave.)

July 09 06:15 PM, July 10 08:45 PM, July 13 07:00 PM, July 14 02:15 PM

4. WITH SOMEBODY WHO LOVES ME (A GAY DANSICAL) 

Conceived by Frank Manzo

You know I wasn't expected to be moved by this piece as I thought it was going to be all juice and flash, but I will tell you that I really felt this one. As a yoga teacher I have become more appreciative of the human body and all its capabilities... and this show is a fucking brilliant celebration in the human body. Not only its form (there is lots of sexiness going on here, and I was sure not complaining) but also the human body's ability to impact, to tell a story and to heal. This show is packed full of buoyant, strong, masculine and feminine dance pieces. Also, it is super fun and charming. 

Factory Theatre, room: Mainspace, 125 Bathurst
Jul 9 at 8:30 pm, Jul 10 at 1:15 pm, Jul 11 at 9:15 pm, Jul 13 at 5:45 pm, Jul 14 at 11:30 pm

Tick Tonight at FringeTO

Justin and I are seeing our first show together tonight at the Fringe Festival.  Check it out!  

Toronto Fringe Festival 2012 Top Picks (so far)...

Alright here we go! The Toronto Fringe Festival kicks off tomorrow! 
The festival provides a vessel for 155 shows to be staged and produced across the city. The festival of theatre magic will be held at 12 venues, 14 site-specific locations, and at the now infamous Fringe Tent. We have always adored the festival and truly believe it to be a powerful source of community building and artistic development.

To celebrate the festival's launch tomorrow we have compiled a list of our top picks so far:

POMME IS FRENCH FOR APPLE
A Comedy in 60 minutes
Paul Watson Productions
Written by: Liza Paul and Bahia Watson


Show Description:
A series of vignettes about women and their most embarrassing and empowering moments. This piece has loads 
of buzz surrounding it and has a lot of critics talkin'.

At Theatre Passe Muraille: Mainspace, 16 Ryerson
Dates and Times: Jul 6 at 11 pm | Jul 8 at 4 pm | Jul 9 at 8:45 pm | Jul 10 at 4:30 pm | Jul 12 at noon | Jul 13 at 6:15 pm | Jul 14 at 1:45 pm

ANNABELLE'S TAILS FROM JAIL
A Comedy/ Play in 60 minutes
A Modern Attitudes Production
By: Morgan Ewen


Show Description:
A woman tries to make the best of her 8-year jail term in this solo comedy. Going by the poster photo this woman Morgan Ewen is EAP city!
At Tarragon Theatre in the ExtraSpace, 30 Bridgman
Dated and Times: Jul 6 at 9:15pm | Jul 7 at 3:30 pm | Jul 8 at 4:45 pm |Jul 11 at 5:45 pm | Jul 12 at 3:30 pm | Jul 13 at 1:45 pm | Jul 15 at 7:30pm

ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE OF GRIEF

A Comedy, Sketch in 60 minutes

A Town Toast Theatre Company Production

Written by the cast

Show Description: 

The talented cast of ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE OF GRIEF performs a sketch-comedy show inspired by Shakespeare. Eclectic yet fluid, dark but strangely uplifting, twisted yet touching, the piece it is a celebration of contradiction.

At the Randolph Theatre, 736 Bathurst, Toronto
Dated and Times: Jul 6 at 7 pm | Jul 8 at 3:30 pm | Jul 9 at 10:30 pm | Jul 11 at 1:45 pm | Jul 12 at 9:15 pm | Jul 14 at 2:15 pm | Jul 15 at 5:15 pm

FISHBOWL

A Comedy in 60 minutes 

Produced and Written by Mark Shyzer

Show Description:
Four characters' lives collide in Shyzer's comedic solo show. Mark Shyzer and Evalyn Parry(!) have been working together on the show from its inception and throughout every incarnation of the show - the workshop performance during the Young Creator's Unit, Fishbowl's premiere as part of the Buddies In Bad Times 2009 season, the 2010 North American Fringe Festival tour, and the current 2012 Canadian Fringe tour.

At the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St George, Toronto
Dated and Times: Jul 4 at 6:30 pm | Jul 6 at 8:45 pm | Jul 8 at 1:30 pm |Jul 11 at 11 pm | Jul 12 at 7:45 pm | Jul 13 at 1:45 pm | Jul 14 at 3:30 pm

TICK
A Comedy in 75 minutes
A Lallygag Theatre Production
Written by Matthew MacKenzie

Show Description:
A 10-year old and her friends lead a revolution against the ruling adult class in this comedy which stars the delightful Jessica Moss. Laughter and warmth expected in this piece.

At the George Ignatieff Theatre, 15 Devonshire, Toronto
Dates and Times: Jul 5 at 8:15 pm | Jul 8 at 7:30 pm | Jul 9 at 2 pm | Jul 11 at 2:15 pm | Jul 12 at 4 pm | Jul 13 at 8:30 pm | Jul 14 at 5:45 pm

HOW I LOST ONE POUND, THE MUSICAL
A Musical Comedy in 90 minutes
From ToyBox Productions
Written by Lesley Carlberg

Show Description:
This collection of songs and monologues looks at freeing ourselves from the body as measured by the scale.

At Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace, 16 Ryerson, Toronto
Dates and Times: Jul 5 at 8:15 pm | Jul 6 at 5:15 pm | Jul 8 at noon | Jul 9 at 10:30 pm | Jul 10 at 6:15 pm | Jul 13 at 2:15 pm | Jul 14 at 10:30 pm

THE JUDY MONOLOGUES

A Play in 50 minutes 

From Baby Gumm Productions 

Written by Darren Stewart-Jones

Show Description:

This performance piece is based on recordings Judy Garland made in the 60s for her never-written autobiography. Starring last year's Fringe sensation Michael Hughes!

At the Annex Theatre, 730 Bathurst, Toronto
Dates and Times: Jul 6 at 7 pm | Jul 7 at noon | Jul 9 at 6:45 pm | Jul 11 at 11 pm | Jul 12 at 1:45 pm | Jul 14 at 2:15 pm | Jul 15 at 1:45 pm

THE GRAVITY HOUR 

A Dance piece in 60 minutes
Produced by Kiri Figueiredo Dance
Written by Kiri Figueiredo, Michael Caldwell and Shannon Litzenberger


Show Description:
Three dancers explore the hidden corners of human nature through four physically intense works. 

At the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College, Toronto
Dates and Times: Jul 6 at 7:30 pm | Jul 7 at 1 pm | Jul 8 at 10:15 pm | Jul 11 at 6:15 pm | Jul 12 at 8:30 pm | Jul 13 at 4 pm | Jul 14 at 3:30 pm

TWO WEIRD LADIES BOMB THE FRINGE

A Comedy, Sketch in 60 minutes

A Two Weird Ladies Production

Written by Laura Salvas and Mandy Sellers

Show Description:

A labyrinth of eccentric sketch comedy spun from reality, insanity, awkwardness and rage. Two Weird Ladies is a sketch comedy duo comprised of Mandy Sellers, who is set to join the cast of The Second City National Touring Company this summer and was nominated for a 2011 Canadian Comedy Award for Best Female Improviser, and Laura Salvas, a 2009 Toronto Standup Comedy Brawl Finalist. The Ladies joined forces in November, 2010

At the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A St George, Toronto
Dates and Times: Jul 6 at 1:15 pm | Jul 7 at 9:15 pm | Jul 9 at 10:45 pm |Jul 10 at 4:45 pm | Jul 12 at 9:30 pm | Jul 13 at 5:15 pm | Jul 14 at 1:45 pm

WITH SOMEBODY WHO LOVES ME: A GAY DANSICAL 

A Dance/ Musical in 60 minutes 

From Manzo Entertainment Inc. 

Written by Frank Manzo

Show Description:

 A slick, fun (and a little dirty) dance show similar to a musical but without cheesy singing; no tutus or abstract motifs, either. This dansical tells the story of MANNY, a gay man in search of love, and DINA & LYNNE, a lesbian couple that must deal with the harsh reality of job loss and the strain it has on a relationship. 

At the Factory Theatre, room: Mainspace, 125 Bathurst, Toronto
Dates and Times: Jul 6 at 1:15 pm | Jul 7 at 7:30 pm | Jul 9 at 8:30 pm |Jul 10 at 1:15 pm | Jul 11 at 9:15 pm | Jul 13 at 5:45 pm | Jul 14 at 11:30 pm

                                                   
RAW

A Dramatic/Comic Play in 60 minutes
A Ten Foot Pole Theatre Production
Written by Rob Salerno


Show Description:
A relevant and provocative piece. A young artist confronts the man who he believes knowingly gave him HIV in this darkly comic drama.

At the Robert Gill Theatre, 214 College, Toronto
Dates and Times: Jul 6 at 11 pm | Jul 7 at 2:45 pm | Jul 9 at 8:45 pm | Jul 10 at 5 pm | Jul 11 at 11:30 pm | Jul 13 at 5:45 pm | Jul 14 at noon

Fringe Starts Next Week

It will be an exciting 4th of July in Toronto this year.  No we aren't celebrating American Independence, we'll be celebrating Toronto Theatre with the start of the 2012 Fringe Festival.  Check out the line-up here.  Be sure to get a subscription package before they are gone!  This is one of the highlights of summer so don't miss it.  We will be blogging all festival long about shows and other events.  So be sure to check back about what is going on at Fringe 2012.  

Next Stage Deadline Extended to Friday

Hello All Theatre Lovers & Makers

We have some exciting news…The 6th annual Next Stage Theatre Festival (NSTF) has extended its application date to Friday, May 25th at 5:00pm!!!

 The Next Stage Theatre Festival is now in its 6th year and was created to encourage artists who have participated in Canadian Association of Fringe Festival (CAFF) member festivals to move beyond the summer production model and showcase their work to a wider audience, including discerning artistic decision makers who could be interested in programming their shows on main stages across the country.  In five years, we have seen incredible success – audiences have grown by more than 130% and more than a third of our productions have gone on to other stages.

NSTF is interested in projects from emerging and established artists from any genre and style who are developing new work and exploring new artistic avenues, and who are challenging traditional definitions of theatre.  Please note we are accepting applications this year for our Ante-Chamber series, performed in the Factory Theatre bar space – these shows should be low-tech and appropriate for a bar venue.
 If you are interested in applying please click here for rules, regulations and application.

Fringe Needs You

Hello Friends,

We here at EAP love celebrating theatre in "The Big Smoke" and we know you do too.  That's why we are bringing you this very important message from the Toronto Fringe Festival's Gideon Arthurs.
The Fringe needs your loose change to continue bringing new theatre to the local public.  Check out how you can get involved below:

If you want to make a donation click here.  See you at the theatre!

Preview: The Next Stage Festival hits Toronto!

Opening this week in the city is one of our favourite festival's in the city! The Next Stage Festival is a brilliant collection of works that have premiered already in the country, but need more love and exposure! What joy we say! Exactly what the city needs this time of year and we say Here, Here! The Festival begins this Wednesday evening and runs until the 15th of the month.

Festival Description:

Theatre lover or arts novice, we hope you’ll join us for the fifth anniversary of Toronto’s fastest growing theatre event. The shows in Next Stage are chosen by a panel of industry experts from an incredibly talented pool of “Fringe artists” from across North America, just about to emerge into the mainstream. These are the most talented, most exciting artists from across the Fringe circuit.

On offer this year is our most diverse line-up ever of productions by independent artists. In the intimate Studio Theatre take a look at relationships – amorous and familial – through 21st century eyes. On the Main Stage, four bold productions harness the power of spectacle to tell their unique stories - these are big shows full of laughter, tears and energy.

Next Stage isn’t a normal night at the theatre. The heated McAuslan Beer Tent in the courtyard at Factory Theatre is buzzing all festival long with little concerts and art installations. This is independent theatre at its finest and your chance
to catch artists at that “I saw them when” moment on their way to stardom.

For tickets or more info on shows (and stay tuned for individual show descriptions this week!) please click the header!!!

Best of Fringe 2011

Well another Fringe Festival has passed. It has overall been a VERY strong year in terms of quality. A collection of some of the very best are showing uptown at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. Below is the list of performances and for tickets please click the header!

ELLAmentary
Aug 3,4 & 5
7:00 PM
45min.

Hypnogogic Logic
Jul 20
7:00 PM
60min.

Kim's Convenience
Jul 24, Aug 2 & 5 - 9:00 PM
Jul 26, 27, 29, 30 - 7:00 PM
90min.

Living With Henry
Jul 21, 22, & 23
9:00 PM
90min.

Love Virtually
Jul 22 & Aug 2 - 7:00 PM
Jul 29 - 9:00 PM
80min.

Mickey & Judy
Jul 21
7:00 PM
55 min.

Pitch Blond
Jul 23
7:00 PM
60min.

Remember Maggy?
Jul 27, Aug 3 & 4
9:00 PM
90min.

The Soaps
Jul 20 & 30
9:00 PM
60min.

Tiki Bikini Beach Paradise Party A-Go-Go
Jul 24 - 7:00 PM
Jul 26 - 9:00 PM
60min.

The Travelling Salesman & His Magical Suitcase of Desires!
Jul 29 & 30
4:00 PM
60min.

HORSE at the Toronto Fringe

Our friend Diana Bentley is in a very fascinating show at the Fringe Festival this year and although tickets are very limited and hard to get, we urge you to try and check this site specific show out!

Show Description:

Cassie and Lou live on the streets.

Now Lou is gone.
A cop is dead.
And Cassie knows too much.

At a loss, Cassie checks herself into the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to make sense of the disturbing series of events she has witnessed in a Toronto alleyway.

"You are a very small part of a very large, hungry, very fucking permanent machine."

Director: Leora Morris
Cast: Diana Bentley, Eleanor Hewlings, Stevie Joffe, Steve Schwabl, Tim Walker

JULY 6 - 11 & 13 - 17
All shows at 7pm
No latecomers
12 Kensington Avenue
Toronto, ON

Tickets go on sale the day of the performance at 5:30pm outside the alley in Kensington!

Mickey and Judy at the Fringe Festival

This show is gathering lots of buzz at the Fringe Festival so far this year. Lots of people are talking about it and according to one of our favourites, Sharron Matthews, you HAVE to check it out!

Show description:

Mickey & Judy is a hilarious pseudo-memoir, chronicling Hughes’ childhood obsession with musicals and his journey from psychiatric ward to Off-Broadway. Chock-full of comical anecdotes from his youth, dramatic readings from his actual doctor’s charts, and a musical score that borrows from Broadway classics and the Judy Garland songbook. "Mickey & Judy" is about falling in love and following your dreams.

Starring: Michael Hughes
with Musical Direction by Chris Tsujiuchi.

Performances:
Opening Night: Friday, July 8th @ 5:45pm
Saturday, July 9th @ 7:00pm
Sunday, July 10th @ 10:30pm
Tuesday, July 12th @ 10:30pm
Wednesday, July 13th @ 4:00pm
Thursday, July 14th @ 1:45pm
Closing Night: Sunday, July 17th @ 3:30pm

Tickets: $10-$11

Get your tickets today! Click the header!


www.mickeyandjudy.ca

Ambiguous at the Fringe

Our friend Geoff Stevens is in a production at the Fringe Festival this year. It is called Ambiguous and it is playing at the Annex Theatre. It seems totally bizarre and completely interesting to be honest. For information on tickets please click the header!

Show details c/o the official facebook page:

A writer named Gabriel, and a queer ear-wig named Wigworm collaborate on a perfect character. Can Kyle ever live up to their expectations? Every action is put under a microscope, and Kyle feels the strain. Wigworm tries to spice up the story with a homoerotic fantasy, and Gabriel's survival mode kicks in. Panic and Hysteria manifest to fight off Wigworm. In the process more characters form. Nick is a former best friend, Claire is the right one for Kyle, but somethings wrong. Rachel is perfect for any man, but it falls apart, Tyler may not be who he seems to be...
The battle royale in Gabriel's brain will only leave one...
www.afterglowtheatre.com

Annex Theatre,
730 Bathurst Street (South of Bloor).

Friday, July 8, 2011 7:00pm
Saturday, July 9, 2011 12:00pm
Monday, July 11, 2011 6:45pm
Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:00pm
Thursday, July 14, 2011 9:15pm
Saturday, July 16, 2011 2:15pm
Sunday, July 17, 2011 1:45pm

AMBIGUOUS
Written & Directed by Aaron Rothermund
Stage Managed by Garth Droog

The Cast:

Adam Barrett as GABRIEL
Geoff Stevens as WIGWORM
Greg Willmot as KYLE
Timothy Eckmier as NICK
Emily Jefferies as PANIC
Tashieka McTaggart as CLAIRE
Lea Russell as HYSTERIA
Jessica McGann as RACHEL

Fringe Toronto 2011

The Cast of SWOON

I wanted to compile a little collection of great Fringe articles that I have been reading and put them together here for easy access. NOW Magazine again seems to be the king of promoting Fringe shows and it is so lovely to see. Always comprehensive and insightful, NOW is always the best when it comes to what is going on in the Toronto theatre community.

Click here the article on the endearing sounding new show about love, Swoon.

Click here to find out what Canadian Classics are worth checking out this year.

Click here for an article on what dance shows to look into.

Click here to read a featured NOW article on the up and coming theatre artist Ins Choi. His new show at Fringe allegedly has some "hard hitting immigrant truths". Sounds pretty good to me.

Click here to check out a great article on five artists to watch over this year's festival.

Stay tuned for more Fringe previews!

Pride Productions at the Fringe Festival

PHOTO: MICHAEL HUGHES IN MICKEY & JUDY.

Starting tomorrow is the annual Fringe Festival here in Toronto. The festival runs from the 6th of July to the 27th. I just read this cute little article in Now Toronto on queer productions to see over the next few weeks.

Click here or the header to be rerouted to the article.

Next Stage Festival

The Fringe Festival, one of summers' hottest theatre tickets, is heating up the winter now-a-days. The fourth season of the Next Stage Festival started this past Wednesday at Factory Theatre, and from what we hear it is sure to be a smash. Next Stage was conceived as a way to advance the best from the Fringe, giving them wider audience and further development.

Next Stage is a a much needed niche in the City's theatre scene. Tons of great shows get their first shot at production during the Fringe, but many never go anywhere from there. We applaud Fringe for recognizing and seizing an opportunity to continue to promote and develop shows, with great potential. Below are a few links that will tell you more about the shows on at this years Next Stage Festival and what people are saying about them.

This years line up can be found here

EyeWeekly's coverage is here

Richard Ouzounian from The Star had this to say about the festival.

And Now's coverage is here

The Next Stage Festival runs until January 16th. See you at the Festival

Well this is very interesting -Fringe Festival '10

Now Magazine is reporting that the Toronto Fringe Festival is joining forces with Mirvish and the Randolph Centre for the 22nd year of the Fringe Festival. This partnership is hoping to establish the Bloor/Bathurst area, and Mirvish village as a hub for the annual festival. "The Randolph Centre, just across the street from the new Fringe Club, will host over 180 performances by 26 companies. The centre, which includes the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, the Bathurst Street Theatre and the Annex Theatre, will also be the site of the Fringe’s central box office... The new plan makes Bathurst Street the spine of the Fringe, with direct access to venues to the north (the two Tarragon spaces) and south (Theatre Passe Muraille and Factory)." Click here to read the full article from Now Magazine