SummerWorks call for submissions

Open for submissions


We are pleased to announce that Summerworks has officially opened submissions for the 2013 SummerWorks Performance Festival.  Currently SummerWorks is accepting submissions for both the Theatre Series (formerly Local Series) and the National Series. The call for submissions for the Live Art Series will be open in the new year.

NATIONAL SERIES
The National Series provides the opportunity for independent artists from outside Ontario to showcase their work in Toronto. The Festival will cover successful applicants travel, accommodation and shipping costs. Companies are responsible for production costs with some negotiated assistance from the Festival. Download the application package by CLICKING HERE. This year, artists are required to submit their work online as well as in hard copy.

Deadline for submissions are January 7th, 2013.

THEATRE SERIES
The Theatre Series is now open for submissions. Download the application package by CLICKING HERE. This year, artists are required to submit their work online as well as in hard copy. Please note that SummerWorks welcomes National and International applicants for the Theatre Series, though successful applicants are required to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses.

Deadline for submissions are February 1st 2013


Good luck to all applicants.

Planet IndigenUS is on at Harbourfront

Planet IndigenUS takes place at Harbourfront Centre, and at Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, ON. This is the largest contemporary international Indigenous cultural festival in the world, and will feature 10 days of theatre and dance, music, food, film and visual arts from Canada and around-the-world, with close to 300 performers from seven countries.

This weekend features I George, Nepia (New Zeland) The play is the story of a Maouri who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the world's best rugby players. On August 11th and 12th.

There are also several brand new work by native artists Santee Smith and Kaha:wi Dance Theatre with Susuriwka - Willow Bridge , which opens August 17-19.  Also on at the Natrel Pond is  Australia's Polytoxic with Trade Winds, on August 16-18.

Also August 18 there is another theatre production, Paddle Song (Canada) - a one-woman play celebrating the life of Pauline Johnson, beloved Canadian poet and performer.   Click here for more information on this interesting festival and all the events at the Harbourfront Centre.

Exculsive Invite for SummerWorks Soiree

The SummerWorks Festival would like to invite you to its second annual VIP fundraising dinner party!
Please join us on Thursday, July 5th for a special evening supporting SummerWorks hosted by award-winning playwright and actor, Michael Healey.

This event, taking place at the historic and beautiful Great Hall, will be an elegant sit-down three-course meal prepared by chefs Mark Cutrara + Alexandra Feswick, who are on the cusp of opening their new Samuel J Moore Restaurant on the main floor of the Great Hall.

Appetizers and cocktails will be served at 6:00pm followed by the meal at 7:00.

The meal will be served with wine, music, and an assortment of short performances and happenings from SummerWorks artists including Bob Wiseman, the Brick Lane Advice Booth and magic from James Alan, whose new one man show, Lies Damn Lies & Magic Tricks, will be featured in the Festival this year.

Tickets are $100.00 and you will receive a $75.00 tax receipt. Please purchase your tickets HERE If you are unable to join us on July 5th, kindly consider making a donation either with Eventbrite or with Canada Helps through our website www.summerworks.ca/donate.

PS: This year's Festival is from August 9-19. Ink it into your calendars. For more details click here!

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

Preview: InspiraTO Festival

Every minute counts! InspiraTO is back and it’s bigger and better than ever. Canada’s largest ten-minute play festival launches its 7th successful season June 1-10, 2012 at Toronto’s Alumnae Theatre. InspiraTO 2012 is primed to produce its largest collection of plays to date: 24 fascinating and provocative ten-minute plays, created and brought to life by an incredibly talented slate of up-and-coming emerging artists. Tickets are only $12 each ($38 for the 4-show Festival Pass) available via TicketPeak or at the Alumnae Theatre Box Office one hour before each show.
InspiraTO’s theme this year is VISION – explored through a series of 4 shows (6 ten-minute plays per show) each with their own unique perspective. The redEye show: Visions with passion - plays that deal with our deep longings, and push our idea of obsession and desire. The yellowEye show: Visions that alert - plays that challenge the status quo, re-examine the way we live, and challenge our world view. The blueEye show: Visions with mystery - plays that make you think, and don't give you black and white answers. The whiteEye show: New voices - showcasing plays from InspiraTO's Playwrights' Mentoring Project. InspiraTO 2012 also features a series of fascinating after-show Talkbacks for all four series.
Each year, the InspiraTO Festival showcases the best ten-minute plays, as selected by a jury of experienced actors, directors, producers and other members of the theatrical community. For the 2012 Festival there were 311 submissions from Canada and around the world. Once the plays are on stage, your opinions become a key element of the InspiraTO Festival – audiences vote for their favourite plays and the top two from each colour group are showcased at the final Sunday matinee performance (June 10).
 Returning to InspiraTO this year is the Ten Day Playwriting Contest, which offers audience members the opportunity to write their own ten-minute play over the ten days of the Festival. The play must be on the theme of Vision, along with two elements that will be only be revealed when the contest opens at the start of the Festival. The winning audience playwright will receive a $250 prize plus a staged reading of their work during the final performance on June 10.
Dedicated to producing high quality short plays and making theatre more accessible for both artists and audiences, the InspiraTO Festival was launched in 2006 by founding Artistic Director Dominik Loncar. In 2008, Lumir Hladik joined the Festival as Associate Artistic Director to create a unified set design and lend his visual arts expertise. Since 2010 InspiraTO has been proud to partner with Pat the Dog, Ontario's playwright centre, helping emerging and established playwrights across the province. The InspiraTO Festival has produced 82 original ten-minute plays, showcasing over 190 actors and 80 directors. For more information about InspiraTO and this year’s plays, please visit www.inspiratofestival.ca!

Preview: Toronto Festival of Clowns

Toronto, ON (March 07, 2012) – The freaks are back to take over Toronto and this time it’s an international invasion. For four days only, some of the world’s top clowns, bouffons and physical theatre performers will be unleashed in Toronto for the seventh annual Toronto Festival of Clowns.

The festival, running from May 31 to June 3^rd, 2012 is filled with imaginative, outlandish, peculiar and hilarious shows.  All performances will take place in Toronto’s Pia Bouman Studio Theatre in the heart of Queen West’s Arts District.

This year, the Toronto Festival of Clowns goes international, with the premiere of a bouffon play by Master Clown Teacher Philippe Gaulier, directed by his son Balthazar.

Over 100 performers will shock and delight audiences in both full length productions and cabaret performances, including:

La Gnole de Tante Christine est Imbuvable (Aunt Aggie’s Gut Rot is Undrinkable) – Paris
Jayne Walling and Julie Maingonnat star in the modern bouffon play by world-renowned artist, Philippe Gaulier. This is the story of two women trying to have a baby, despite one being infertile and the other a virgin. Directed by Balthazar Gaulier, this work is performed in French with English surtitles.

Fools For Love - Edmonton
A romantic comedy in red-nose starring Edmonton-based performers Christine Lesiak and Adam Keefe and directed by Jan Henderson. Rocket and Sheshells are best friends on a hilarious roller-coaster ride that will plummet straight into your heart.

Bleed - Toronto
Today, something about Norman is off. Today, he didn’t go to work. Today, he stayed home. Now he is beginning to bleed. A hit at this year’s Rhubarb Festival and starring Phil Luzi, Bleed is directed by the festival’s Artistic Director Adam Lazarus.

Yorkville Bitches take on afFORDability - Toronto
Rob Ford is dead and the Yorkville Bitches (Suzanne Roberts Smith, Jamie Ebbs and Jesse Stanley) welcome you to his celebration of Life. This socialite trio intends to festoon the funeral proceedings with their own personal flavour and turn the memoriam into the see and be “scene” event of 2012!

Saucisse: A Foo Musical - Toronto
Foo, one of Toronto’s most beloved clowns, returns to this year’s festival in her own full-length show. Foo, a skeptical, nomadic peddler strikes an unlikely friendship with Saucisse, a new-age vegetarian pig. Directed by Susanna Hamnett and starring Helen Donnelly.

Each night of the festival features a hugely popular cabaret that brings together some of the most exciting performers in the clowning world. In true festival tradition, the Red Nose District will kick off the weekend with the beloved clown duo Morro and Jasp. Friday night, the freaks and outcasts take the stage for a satirical Night of Bouffon and Saturday night features the only west end performance of the exceptionally popular, one-of-a-kind Lunacy Cabaret – where anything and everything can and does happen.

The Festival closes with a Student Soiree that will feature the best work to come out of recent physical theatre workshops across the country and the presentation of the third annual Mark Purvis Bursary that funds a student’s future study in physical performance.

Founded in 2006, the Toronto Festival of Clowns provides new and established clowns and physical performers the opportunity to create and showcase their work. Producers Adam Lazarus and Dave McKay aim to create awareness of the various forms of physical theatre under the umbrella of “clown”, such as red-nose, mime, bouffon, busking, movement, slapstick, commedia del arte, vaudeville, mask and character work.

Past participants of this powerhouse festival of physical theatre include John Turner of Mump and Smoot, David S. Craig, Christel Bartelse, Rachelle Elie, Leah Cherniak, Rick Roberts, The Red Bastard, Fiona Griffiths, Michelle Smith and Dean Gilmour, Ginette Mohr, Anand Rajaram, Edwige Jean-Pierre, Keystone Theatre, Ravi Jain, Adam Paolozza, Sue Morrison and Melissa D’Agostino.

Toronto Festival of Clowns
Scotiabank Studio Theatre at Pia Bouman School
6 Noble Street

May 31st – June 3rd, 2012
Tickets: All full-length shows and cabarets are $10 each

Tickets are available at the door

For more information please visit www.torontofestivalofclowns.com

Summerworks Call for Musical Concert Submissions

We have been posting about festival submissions this season to give would-be producers out there a heads up about upcoming deadlines, and we have got another one to report today.  In 2010 the Summerworks festival expanded their submission categories to include musical theatre, through the Musical Works in Concert submission.  Musical theatre submissions to the Summerworks festival should submit their application through the Musical Works in Concert application, which can be found here.

It is not to say that a musical submission to the general application for Summerworks wont be selected but musical works will have a much better chance if they are submitted through the musical category.    We have made the mistake before of submitting a musical for consideration with a general application and we would hate to see someone out there make our mistake, and have their brilliant work over looked for this year's festival.  The deadline for the Musical Works category is March 1st.  Be sure to check out all the requirements on the Summerworks website, or by clicking here.  And be sure to read the categories clearly to decide which application you should use to submit your work.  Good luck!!!!

Preview: Love is a Poverty You Can Sell and Marro & Jasp: Go Bake Yourself

We are half way through the Next Stage Festival!

These shorter and vibrant pieces can be found in the Antechamber of the festival and there are only 4 more times to catch them!



Love is a Poverty You Can Sell
Soup Can Theatre
Playwright: Justin Haigh, featuring the music of Kurt Weill and others
Director: Sarah Thorpe
Musical Director: Pratik Gandhi

Enter the world of a 1920s Berlin cabaret and enjoy a pectacle of song, story, and sin! Hosted by emcees Hans and Jodel, this colourful tribute to the musical legacy of legendary composer Kurt Weill is sure to delight.

“Sultry ... Uniformly Delectable ... NNNNN” —NOW Magazine
“Stellar ... Constantly Delights ... ★★★★” —Eye Weekly

Schedule:
JAN 10 / 7:15
JAN 14 / 8:15
JAN 15 / 4:15
JAN 15 / 6:15



Morro & Jasp: Go Bake Yourself
Up your Nose and In your Toes (U.N.I.T.) Productions
By Heather Marie Annis, Byron Laviolette & Amy Lee

One battle cry, a dash of sibling rivalry, a generous serving of heart, and a blend of Martha Stewart and Hell’s Kitchen, garnished with danger and delight. Morro and Jasp’s eighth original creation is a culinary masterpiece you won’t soon forget.

Canadian Comedy Award Nominees 2011

Schedule:
JAN 11 / 7:45
JAN 14 / 4:00
JAN 14 / 6:15
JAN 15 / 8:15

For tickets please click the header!

Previews: Modern Love and The Washing Machine

Last night marked the second night of this year's Next Stage Festival.  It was also the opening night for two Studio Theatre productions.  Modern Love and The Washing Machine.  Both are running almost daily till the 15th.  (Schedules to follow.)

Theatre Caravel's production of Modern Love, was created by star Jessica Moss, with production development assistance from, Eric Double, Julia Nish-Lapidus and Kyle Purcell.  In keeping with many of the Studio Theatre pieces this year, Modern Love deals with isolation in the digital age.

With over 600 friends at our fingertips how can we feel so alone?  Modern Love, takes a look at the ways we connect with and disconnect from each other every day." (Press release.)  The show was originally presented at Canadian Stage's Festival of Ideas and Creation and was well received by critics and audiences.  And Jessica Moss was lauded with an Outstanding Performer distinction for the 2008 Summerworks festival.  The 2011 Fringe festival also awarded the show Outstanding Ensemble.

Modern Love runs:
Jan 6 / 9:00
Jan 7 / 5:00
Jan 8 / 7:30
Jan 9 / 6:30
Jan 12 / 5:15
Jan 13 / 5:30
Jan 14 / 7:15
Jan 15 / 2:45

Run is 60 min.

Last night's late show was, The Washing Machine,  presented by Red Betty Theatre.  In this drama, set in India, Isabella, "a bereaved mother and wife," (press release) hopes to start fresh, literally.  She wants to transform her childhood home from dusty fields and mangy animals into, "tennis court and a washing machine".  But with the help of her childhood homeland, gurus, meddling spirits and some very pesky monkeys, Isabella realizes her, "dirty laundry" can't be cleaned in the spin cycle.  Both Sasha Kovacs and Jonathan Heppner accepted Outstanding Ensemble and Production awards for the Fringe 2009.

Cast and Creative: Playwright: Radha S Menon / Director: Sasha Kovacs / Cast: Aparajit Bhattacharjee, Steve Cumyn, Mina James, Jivesh Parasram, Cydney Penner, Dipal Patel, Ronical Sanjnani, Asha Vijayasigha / Associate Director and Script Coordinator: Jonathan Heppner

The Washing Machine runs:
Jan 6 / 6:45
Jan 7 / 9:00
Jan 8 / 3:00
Jan 10 / 8:30
Jan 11 / 6:15
Jan 12 / 9:15
Jan 14 / 5:00
Jan 15 / 9:15

Run is 90 min

Preview: HYPNOGOGIC LOGIC

Coming into the Next Stage Festival with REALLY strong reviews and a lot of hype is Hypnogogic Logic.

Acclaimed comedy troupe Uncalled For tickle your frontal lobe with Hypnogogic Logic: an energetic, refreshingly intelligent and endlessly hilarious trip through the world of dreams. Winner of the Just For Laughs Best Comedy Award (Montreal Fringe 2010), the show rides the wild rollercoaster of a mind falling asleep. A tour-de-force of inspired writing and joyful performance, this is comedy that treats the audience like adults, but leaves them giggling like children. WAKE UP!

Schedule:
JAN 5 / 5:00
JAN 6 / 7:15
JAN 7 / 9:15
JAN 8 / 7:15
JAN 10 /5:45
JAN 12 / 6:45
JAN 13 / 9:15
JAN 14 / 4:45
JAN 15 / 9:00

For tickets please click the header!

UNCALLED FOR PRESENTS

HYPNOGOGIC LOGIC

Created by: Uncalled For
Cast: Matt Goldberg, Dan Jeannotte, Colin Munch and Anders Yates

Preview: LOVING THE STRANGER OR HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN INVERT

Premiering tonight on the Factory Mainstage is this fascinating and truly unique investigation of sexuality that crosses generations and time. Loving the Stranger has some really fine buzz surrounding it and we are excited to catch the opening tonight!!!

For tickets please click the header!

Show Description:
Meet Montréal’s Peter Flinsch: theatre designer, visual artist, and gay survivor of Nazi Germany, arrested in 1942 for kissing a friend at a Luftwaffe Christmas party. From the cabarets of 1920’s Berlin, to the ongoing battle over gay marriage, all the way to the office of the Prime Minister; sexuality, spectacle, and satire launch a musical Blitzkrieg on apathy. Provocative Expressionist cabaret developed with Buddies in Bad Times Theatre and the 2010 SummerWorks Festival.

“...a politically charged musical about the modern construction of the homosexual that’s ambitious in scope, well-researched, and aesthetically brilliant.” —NOW Magazine

Schedule:
JAN 5 / 7:30
JAN 7 / 2:45
JAN 8 / 5:15
JAN 9 / 6:15
JAN 11 / 8:30
JAN 12 / 9:00
JAN 13 / 5:15
JAN 14 / 7:00
JAN 15 / 7:00

LOVING THE STRANGER OR HOW TO RECOGNIZE AN INVERT

Ecce Homo Theatre
Written and Directed by Alistair Newton
Cast: Hume Baugh as Peter Flinsch
Ensemble: Seth Drabinsky, Matthew Eger, Kimberly Persona, Geoff Stevens / Dancer: Laurence Ramsay
Musical Director: Dan Rutzen
Original Choreography by: Graham McKelvie
Choreography adapted by: Sky Fairchild- Waller
Accompanist: Adam Weinmann

Preview: THE TIKI BIKINI BEACH PARADISE PARTY A-GO-GO!

If you are looking for a something a little lighter at the Next Stage Festival then Tiki Bikini is definitely one to check out!

Show Description:

An ultra enthusiastic, hyper-speed-a-go-go keen teen musical that is a loving parody of the Beach Party movies of the 1960’s. Freddie and Jeannette just want to hold an end of summer party on Bikini Beach, much to the chagrin of the Big Tuna. Hula hoops, surf boards and energetic dance numbers make for a fan-tiki time! With rave reviews across the (surf) boards, you’ll Go-Go wild for this Tiki-tastic show!

Schedule:
JAN 4 / 6:45
JAN 5 / 9:15
JAN 6 / 5:15
JAN 7 / 7:15
JAN 8 / 9:30
JAN 9 / 8:00
JAN 12 / 5:00
JAN 14 / 2:45
JAN 15 /5:00

THE TIKI BIKINI BEACH PARADISE PARTY A-GO-GO!

Allison Beula Productions
Written, Directed and Choreographed by Allison Beula
Cast: Ashley Arnold, Chris Beck, Rory Bray, Kevin Clarke, Stephan Dickson, Evan Dowling, Thomas Duplessie, Rachelle Ganesh, Christopher Johnston, Sarah Kuzio, Stephanie Hope Lawlor, Stan Macdonald, Nick Nasrallah, Amelia Sirianni
Original songs composed by Jeffery Straker
Live music by the von Drats

Previews: LOVESEXMONEY and Tomasso's Party

Opening tonight at the Next Stage Festival are two shows about intimacy and love.  Both LOVESEXMONEY and Tomasso's Party are on in the Studio Theatre, at Factory.

In LOVESEXMONEY, created by writer/director Kat Sandler, Olivia sells her virginity online.  Her boyfriend Jim tries to stop her, and a guy named Simon buy it.  This show was a big hit at the Factory Theatre last year, which is why it is back as part of the Next Stage Festival.  Presented by Theatre Brouhaha, LOVESEXMONEY is a naughty, hilarious and fast paced new play about intimacy in the Information Age." (Press release)

Cast: Hannah Barnett-Kemper, Len Batta, Scott Clarkson, Gwen Cumyn, Brooke Morgan, and Daniel Pagett.


LOVESEXMONEY runs:

Jan 4 / 7:15
Jan 7 / 6:45
Jan 8 / 9:15
Jan 9 / 8:15
Jan 10 / 6:00
Jan 12 / 7:00
Jan 13 / 7:15
Jan 14 / 9:15
Jan 15 / 4:45

Tomasso's Party, by Rooftop Creations, is the story of a young couple. Their relationship, though comic at times, is plagued with insecurity and jealousy.  But as Tomasso's Party looms Hugo and Madeleine's relationship steps up its frantic pace as the two's emotions and interactions swing wildly from the realistic to the absurd.  This show reflects modern intimacy and reminds the audiences about the fragility of love.  It is about the balance of power in relationships and how quickly they can become unhinged.

Cast and Creative: Playwright, Jules Lewis / Director, Nigel Shawn Williams / Cast: Simon Bracken and Leah Doz / Producer André du Toit.

Tomasso's Party runs:

Jan 4 / 9:30
Jan 5 / 7:15
Jan 6 / 5:00
Jan 7 / 3:00
Jan 8 / 5:30
Jan 11 / 8:45
Jan 13 / 9:30
Jan 14 / 3:00
Jan 15 / 7:15

Click here for more information about these two shows or anything on at the NSF.  You can click here for ticket information.  Or call 416.966.1062.  See you at the Factory!

Call For Submissions

It is that time of year again producers.  Time to get your proposals together for a number of Toronto theatre festivals.  The Habourfront Centre put out a call for submissions for their Fresh Ground new works series.  Prize winners can win up to $20,000 towards creating their work.  Fresh Ground submissions must be, new, collaborative, artistic creations, incorporating more than one discipline or field.  The work will be presented at the Harbourfront Centre between September 2013 and June 2014.  The deadline for submissions is January 30th.  All letters of intent must be received by 5pm on Monday January 30th to be considered.  More information about submissions is available here.

The application for the 2012 SummerWorks festival are also available now.  Check out the website here for applications.  Deadline dates for the SummerWorks festival are also up.  National Series Submissions are due January 3rd 2012.  While Local Series Submissions  are due February 1st 2012.

These are two great opportunities for local arts creators to have their work staged for local audiences.  Both the Harbourfront Centre and SummerWorks are mainstays in the Toronto theatre, dance and live performance scene.  If have have ever considered applying to have your work show here, this is the year!  Don't delay.  And message us here if you would like advice or insight into applying for either of these festival and grant programs.  We have done them a few times.  

Good Luck!

SummerWorks Theatre Festival on Now

Last night, SummerWorks kicked off their summer theatre festival's 20th season. The opening party was held at this years festival headquarters, Art Bar, on Queen Street. The party started at 4pm and went late into the evening, with local bands, and food provided by The Lakeview, for guests to enjoy.

This year's festival features over 40 plays and 10 nights of music at the Art Bar, Thursdays through Sundays, during the festival run. The festival runs from the 4th to the 14th. Click here for the full schedule. And click here for the program guide and show descriptions. Justin and I are going to stop by the headquarters tonight to get press kits for each of the show. We will be featuring a selection of shows over the next ten days here on the blog. Please join us at this years SummerWorks Festival.

Click the header for the full guide and ticket information. See you at the theatre!

Preview: Second Week at The Rhubarb Festival!

THE 32ND RHUBARB FESTIVAL - WEEK TWO OVERVIEW
February 23 - February 27, 2011
Ticket availability:
Week Two: Feb 23 - 27

click here to see full programming info for Week 2.

MAINSTAGE EVENINGS
8:00pm Bravislovia
8:00pm Guns
8:30pm On Livingston's Method
8:30pm And then there were 4...
9:00pm Who Who Who's Got a Crush on You? (A Slumber Party for Boys)
9:00pm Airship
9:30pm (Wed only) The Centre for Sleep and Dream Studies
10:00pm (Fri only) Weekend in Alphaville
10:30pm (Fri only) THE BIG THAW
6:00pm (Sat only) Young Creators' Unit Presentations
9:30pm (Sat only) The Me Show

SUNDAY SOCIALS
2:30pm Young Creators' Unit Presentations
5:00pm A conversation with Adrian Howells
7:00pm Upper Toronto - Community Consultation

MOBILE WORKS
Dear Neighbour: Homecoming
Intersection Project
k[NO]w places
News Commutes

TICKETS
Wednesday-Saturday Tickets, $20
Sundays, PWYC
Mobile Works, FREE
call or visit the Box Office: 416-975-8555

Preview: The Rhubarb Festival

Opening this week is the always exciting and interesting Rhubarb Festival over at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Here is the press release below and to be redirected to Buddies website please click the header of this post!

THE 32ND RHUBARB FESTIVAL
Festival Director Laura Nanni

February 16 - 27, 2011
Evening Tickets now on sale 416-975-8555

For two weeks, Canada's premiere experimental performance festival returns to Buddies. Over 100 local and international artists offer up fresh live encounters in contemporary theatre, dance, performance art, music and hybrid forms. This year's line-up includes sacrilegious celebrity impersonations, utopian science fiction, mass pop-up performances in secret spots around the city, and all kinds of glorious transgressions.

RHUBARB'S NEW TWO-WEEK FORMAT
Mainstage Evenings: Wed - Sat, beginning at 8pm - Different programming each night
Sunday Socials: an affably social day of politically-minded performances and events -PWYC
Mobile Works: artists infiltrate the streets of Toronto with surprising performances designed for public spaces - FREE

TICKETS
Wednesday-Saturday Tickets, $20
Sundays, PWYC
Mobile Works, FREE
call or visit the Box Office: 416-975-8555

Festival Sponsor TD
Media Sponsor NOW MAGAZINE

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

FRINGE FESTIVAL TORONTO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!

Canada is another year older and we all know what that means... another year of the best theatre festival in the country!


The Toronto Fringe Festival begins today!!!

Please go to http://www.fringetoronto.com/index.htm for all the details on shows, tickets and individual show times. As we see shows we will be posting little reviews and recommendations.

First suggestion: go and see SARA HENNESSEY. We aren't even friends and we are plugging her, however, the girl makes us laugh and her exuberant stage presence is infectious and exactly what the doctor ordered. Enjoy!

Week One at the Rhubarb Festival

WEEK ONE: FEB 4 - 8, 2009

GRAHAM & DIANE
8pm, The Cabaret
Created and performed by Lex Vaughn
Directed by Walter Boscariol
Meet Diane: A meek admin assistant who is trying her hand in the performing arts, after being inspired by a visit from corporate comedians at her workplace. Meet Graham: a brash and utterly foul-mouthed ventriloquist doll and Diane's only friend for twenty years.

A HISTORY OF THE CAGE
8pm, The Chamber
By Amos Latteier
A History of the Cage is a lecture/performance uses zoo architecture as a lens to explore a wide variety of topics including nature, freedom, spectatorship, identity, and our complex relationships with animals. The interdisciplinary performance blurs the genres of PowerPoint and documentary film, producing a unique synthesis of education and humour.

ASSALAAMU `ALAYKUM (PEACE BE UPON YOU)
8:35pm, The Cabaret
Created and Performed by Jon-Paul
Because we need each other, we believe in one another, and I know that we're going to uncover what's sleeping in our souls. Who cares about a description? Take a chance on someone. What, you haven't got 25 minutes to spare?

SWEET ECSTASY: PLANS FOR AN ESCAPE ROUTE
8:35pm, The Chamber
Created and Performed by Don Simmons
Employing cinema's methods of emotional manipulation this performance will develop cinemagraphic moments into magical moments lived inside the theatre, questioning - which is more "real" our current lived experience, or the more fictional experience of the movies? This performance will explore the emotional rollercoaster of a Summer Blockbuster.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?
9:10pm, The Cabaret
Created and Performed by David Bateman
Directed by Chad Dembski
Mixing spoken word with stand-up, theatre, and performance poetry, What's It Like? provides a serio-comic response to the sincere, well meaning, yet frequently frustrating questions one is inundated with upon particular forms of personal disclosure.

MONTPARNASSE
9:10pm, The Chamber
A Sheep No Wool/Groundwater Productions presentation
Created and performed by Maev Beaty and Erin Shields
Created and Directed by Andrea Donaldson
Montparnasse is an erotic submersion into the world of artist models in Paris in the 1920s. Peek behind the canvas and discover a rich culture of voyeurism, paint, sexual autonomy, nakedness, identity, anonymity, jealousy, ego, cruelty and the Divine Muse.


Buddies In Bad Times Theatre presents
A RHUBARB FEATURE PRESENTATION
THE BE(A)ST OF TAYLOR MAC (New York)
THURS - SUN 4 SHOWS ONLY!
9:45pm, The Chamber (90min)
By Taylor Mac
Directed by David Drake
A flamboyant chameleon of words, music, and sociopolitical tirades, visual and vocal phenomenon Mac employs gender-bending surrealism to explore the human condition and challenge the contemporary culture of fear.



RHUBARB WEEK ONE SPECIAL EVENTS:

FESTIVAL KICK-OFF BASH
Wed, Feb 4, 10pm, The Cabaret
Celebrate Rhubarb's 30th Anniversary following the opening of Week One with libations, revelry and performances by very special guests.

TALKING TO CHRIS DUPUIS
Chris Dupuis aka the "Barbara Walters of the performance art scene," interviews three participants from the 2009 Rhubarb Festival and shows you a side of these artists you never new existed.
Thurs, Feb 5, 7 pm

(Photo: Taylor Mac)