Stageworthy

On this holiday episode, host Phil Rickaby reflects on the year that was.

Adrianna is sometimes an actor, sometimes a playwright, but a full time geeky social media addict who supports mental health advocacy. She is the Host for the mental health storytelling podcast Stories Like Crazy. Adrianna was the Arts & History Host for the IAWTV award winning educational webshow Cranium Cookie, about all things edu-tastic in Canada, and the Geeky Host for Geektropolis, an online community talking about all things geek-chic in Toronto. Adrianna is also the Marketing Monster for Eldritch Theatre. http://www.adrianna-prosser.com Twitter: @adriannap Instagram: @adriannaprosser http://www.eldritchtheatre.ca/ Twitter: @eldritchtheatre Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eldritchtheatre

Thomas Gough was first on stage at the age of five, but clearly remembers acting before that. He works frequently in the Independent Theatre in Toronto, having appeared in the last few years with the Alumnæ Theatre, Safeword, Single Thread, the Storefront, Thought For Food, Theatre Lab, Plain Stage, and Unspoken Theatre, as well as Theatre By The Bay (Barrie) and the Kick And Push Festival (Kingston). Most recently he appeared in the Toronto Fringe Festival (2018) as Lionel Percy in Bakersfield Mist, and as The Reporter in Teatron Toronto Jewish Theatre's production of The Story of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg.Thomas appears in The Three Ships Collective and Soup Can Theatre's new and immersive adaptation of Dickens’ timeless holiday classic set in the historic Campbell House Museum! Soup Can Theatre: www.soupcantheatre.com Twitter: @soupcantheatre Instagram: soupcantheatre Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/soupcantheatre/ Tickets: https://christmascarolto.brownpapertickets.com/

Sue Edworthy has worked in theatre, dance and opera organizations in and around Toronto such as Luminato, Opera Atelier, and Theatre Passe Muraille. She is a 2010 Harold Award recipient and recipient of the CharPR Prize for best publicity 2012 and 2013, and the 2015 recipient of the Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award for Arts Leadership.Sue also runs Sue Edworthy Arts Planning, a freelance marketing/PR, producing and strategic planning company for the Toronto independent arts community.www.sueedworthy.ca@sueedworthy

Mairi Babb is Toronto based actor, originally from Ireland, who came to Toronto via Winnipeg. She's been seen in everything from The Rocky Horror Show, to The Pirates of Penzance, to War Horse. You can see her now in Eldritch Theatre's Space Opera Zero, on now until December 2 at the Red Sandcastle Theatre.Twitter: @mairibabb1Tickets to Space Opera Zero: eldritchtheatre.ca/tickets

A Toronto native and graduate of George Brown Theatre School, Lisa Norton has had the pleasure of splitting her time between the worlds of stage, screen and voice acting.Her twenty-year theatre career has taken her across Canada to major venues including The Arts Club (Vancouver), Citadel Theatre (Edmonton), Theatre Calgary, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, The Globe (Regina), The Segal Centre (Montreal), Odyssey Theatre (Ottawa), Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton), and Thousand Islands Playhouse, as well as throughout the U.S. on tour with Roseneath Theatre. At home in Toronto, some of Lisa's favourite stage appearances include The Model Apartment (Harold Green Jewish Theatre), Of Mice and Men (Canadian Stage), And Up They Flew (Theatre Columbus), Den of Thieves (Surface Underground), Better Living and Escape From Happiness (Factory Theatre), An Acre of Time (Tarragon), and The Innocent Eye Test (Mirvish Productions). Lisa premiered new work at the Blyth Festival for three summers, played the role of Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream for the inaugural season of Newmarket's Resurgence Theatre, and was a member of the esteemed Shaw Festival acting company for five years, performing in eleven shows including Picnic, Widowers' Houses, Hay Fever, andlate great director Neil Munro's full six-hour Man and Superman. While at the Shaw, she was chosen by then-Artistic Director Christopher Newton as the recipient of a Toronto Arts Protégé Honour. Busy treading the boards, Lisa got around rather late to trying her hand at fim and TV, but has since found success in that realm as well. Her most recent appearances are in the film A Deadly View and the new TV series Carter (Sony Pictures/Bravo). Other work includes a recurring role as famous anarchist Emma Goldman in Murdoch Mysteries (Shaftesbury Films); appearances on Reign (CBS/Warner Bros./The CW), Fringe (Warner Bros./Fox), Rookie Blue (Global/ABC); Magic Beyond Words: The JK Rowling Story (Lifetime Network); Degrassi (CTV); Living In Your Car (Movie Central), and the role of war widow Edith McCallum on Global Television's hit WWII series Bomb Girls. More recently, Lisa discovered a whole new crazy and rewarding job upon breaking into the world of voice acting. As well as using her dulcet tones to sell you everything from cars to tuna to cell phones in dozens of TV and radio ads, Lisa has voiced characters in numerous cartoons including Atomic Puppet (Disney XD), Rocket Monkeys (Teletoon), Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs: The Series (Sony/Teletoon), Creative Galaxy (Amazon); Doozers (The Jim Henson Company), The Mysteries of Alfred Hedgehog (Muse/TVO), Willa's Wild Life (Nelvana/YTV), and Detentionnaire (Teletoon). Lisa also provides the voice and motion capture perfornance of Lydia Frye in the Ubisoft game Asssassin’s Creed: Syndicate. She is currently recording one of the lead roles in the upcoming CBC Kids series Glowbles, and will be back on stage in March, in Pyretic Productions’ Blood of Our Soil at the Tarragon Extra Space. See Lisa in Eldritch Theatre's Space Opera Zero, at the Red Sandcastle Theatre, until Dec 2.Tickets: eldritchtheatre.ca/tickets

Johnny is the Artistic Director and a founding member of Theatre of the Beat. Studied Drama at the University of Waterloo & Theatre at the University of Sussex where he focused on politically oriented theatre & practitioners. He enjoys hypothetical jokes, riding his motorcycle and lives in Stouffville, ON. #CHURCHTOO Artfully depicted through a variety of scenes and relationships, #ChurchToo explores the struggle of wading into the realities of sexual assault and examines the difficulties of speaking out in a community where the topic of sex is often considered taboo. Follow an array of characters through seven vignettes, each bringing to life stories about hidden trends within our church communities. From the secret relationship of a young woman and her pastor, to discriminatory church policies, all the way to bringing forth allegations against persons in power, #ChurchToo illuminates the messy dynamics that accompany the complicated truths of power and sexual abuse. theatreofthebeat.ca Twitter: @TheatreBeat Instagram: theatreofthebeat

Crux Encounter Productions combines performance, research and development, and training to create a company unlike any other. Our mission is to be a home for stage combat. A sandbox for fellow fight directors and performers. A place to tell stories of conflict with honesty, reverence, and a commitment to safety. It is the world’s first multimedia, multiplatform stage combat company. Founders Siobhan Richardson and Jade Elliott McRae recognized that combattual theatre needs a place to live in its own right through their own work in theatre, film, and a multitude of martial disciplines. They have formed a world-class company of professional stage combat artists dedicated to the world-wide dissemination of exciting and authentic modern and historic techniques. CEP performances are simulcast so you can watch from anywhere in the world. Our research into historical systems will be available for study. And our training will further the understanding and practice of this artform for everyone from beginners to elite fighters. www.cruxencounter.com Instagram: cruxencounterproductions Upcoming: Why do we fight? Why do we love to watch others fight? From slapstick to sport, cartoons to armed combat, violence is an integral part of human interaction and storytelling, and yet we seldom recognize it on its own merits. Why is violence so linked to the human experience? Why do we find it satisfying, terrifying, and even amusing? In a series of scenes and sketches, WHY WE FIGHT takes on the challenge of dissecting, slicing, and pummelling our ideas of conflict into passionate, perplexing, and sometimes hilarious submission. SHOW TIMES: November 17, 2:00pm & 8:00pm November 18, 2:00pm The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St. E, TorontO Tickets for both Live Theatre and Streaming available at https://www.cruxencounter.com/upcoming

To commemorate the 100<sup>th</sup> Anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War, this worldwide premiere takes a look at the conflict through a lesser-known perspective. In November 1917, on a yam field in Nigeria, a farmer is approached by a Canadian war recruiter to join the Allied troops to push back the German advance in East Africa. The Nigerian farmer’s morality is challenged in ways he never expected. An allegory interwoven with traditional Nigerian music and stories, this new play by Zazu Oke and Vince Deiulis challenges audiences to question what they truly know about the World’s First War. DATES & TIMES: Thursday November 8th, 2018 @ 8pm (Pay-What-You-Can Preview Night) Friday November 9th, 2018 @ 8pm (Opening Night) Saturday November 10th, 2018 @ 2pm & 8pm Sunday November 11th, 2018 @ 2pm Tuesday November 13th, 2018 @ 8pm Wednesday November 14th, 2018 @ 8pm Thursday November 15th, 2018 @ 8pm Friday November 16th, 2018 @ 8pm Saturday November 17th, 2018 @ 2pm & 8pm VENUE: Factory Theatre Studio Theatre 125 Bathurst Street Toronto, ON M5V 2R2 TICKETS:General Admission: $35 plus applicable feeswww.theatrenidana.com Twitter: @TNidana Instagram: theatrenidana Tickets: https://www.factorytheatre.ca/what-s-on/godslikeus/

The Spur-Of-The-Moment Shakespeare Collective (SOTMSC) was founded in 2010 by Victoria Urquhart and Sean Horbatiuk, to cultivate a community of emerging artists with a shared interest in Shakespeare and community engagement.Annually the SOTMSC performs "Shakespeare in Hospitals". A project that is exactly what it sounds like: we create new shows, using Shakespeare’s words, designed specifically to bring to patients in hospitals across the GTA, like Mount Sinai, Sunnybrook and CAMH and more, at no charge to the hospitals or the patients.The SOTMSC continues to grow and develop projects in 2018 under the mandate of: Establishing and cultivating community engagement in areas in and around Toronto experiencing isolation based on economic, social, and physical barriers. Our mission statement is to marry classical text, contemporary performance, and audience interaction to invite and encourage people to engage with their community.https://www.spurofthemomentshakespeare.com/ Instagram: @shakespur Twitter: @shakespur

Jordi O'Dael Jordi is a Toronto based trans nonbinary performer, director, dramaturg, and producer. A UWinnipeg/Randolph College alum, Jordi has based their career on portraying 12 year old children, ancient evil constructs, and creating queer punk feminist impressionist pieces. In 2017, Jordi served as co-writer, dramaturg, producer, and performer for the award winning, breakout hit ‘NASTY’ at the Toronto Fringe. Their primary interests are the unexplained and unsettling, ghosts and ghouls, serial killers, destroying the gender binary, corgis, and using theatre as a vehicle for social change.Andrew Gaunce Born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Andrew is a Toronto based performer, writer, producer, and lifelong devotee of the horror genre. Andrew honed his performance skills at Fanshawe College’s Theatre Arts program, and has spent the last few years performing with various indie theatre companies in Toronto, including Seven Siblings Theatre, the Spur-of-the-Moment Shakespeare Collective and Monkeyman Productions (where he now also holds a production role). Most recently, Andrew found himself at the Halifax Fringe for Aberrant Theatre’s award-winning inaugural production “Something Wrong” - a solo horror show that he also wrote and performed.The Ghost Light Anthology The Ghost Light Anthology is a curated evening of thrills, horror and the unknown: 5 short, scary plays tied together to create an immersive live horror experience.Instagram:@AberrantTheatreFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AberrantTheatreTickets:https://ghost-light-anthology-2018.brownpapertickets.com/

Philip Akin has been acting and directing for over 40 years. In 2000, he was a founding member of Obsidian Theatre, Canada’s leading black theatre company, and has served as its Artistic Director since 2006. In this role, he has worked tirelessly to provide opportunities and guidance for emerging artists. In 2002, he was part of the team that launched the Obsidian Mentor/Apprentice Program, a one-of-a-kind program that has so far helped 61 black artists embark on exciting careers as directors, dramaturges, producers, production managers, lighting, set and costume designers with some of the most established performing arts companies nationwide.The Men in White by Anosh Irani Directed by Philip AkinA heartwarming tale of life, love, and cricket.When Abdul’s cricket team want to end their losing streak, they decide to recruit his brother, Hasan, who is an expert all-rounder. But bringing Hasan from India to Canada will take more than just a plane ticket, and not all of the team agree with the cost. Alternating between Mumbai and Vancouver, this touching story follows these unforgettable characters as they discover that home can be found in a sport and unite family across nations.Tickets: https://www.factorytheatre.ca/2018-19-season/the-men-in-white/

Rosanna Saracino is an Italian-Canadian director, dramaturge, educator, acting coach and costume designer, who has worked in the professional theatre industry for more than twenty years, with forays into directing and acting coaching in film, TV, video and documentaries. She received her MFA from York University in Directing, was the Director in Residence at the Canadian Stage Theatre and at Shadowpath Theatre as part of the Femme5 Operative, is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of art & lies productions. She held the post of the Head of the Acting Division of the Randolph College for the Performing Arts for twenty years, and has been an instructor with the college for as long. Currently, she is teaching at George Brown, in the Theatre Department, as well as at TFS. Her freelance work has extended to companies such as the Classical Music Conservatory, the Canadian Opera Company, the PowerPlant. She is specialized in working with large casts, and stylized and physical theatre, and has worked extensively in classical and modern adaptations, new play work, and devised theatre. Directing credits include: Nasty by the Maelstrom Art Collective (winner of the 2017 Patron’s Pick/TOFringe and Storefront Theatre’s Feminist FuckIt Festival), Suitcases (Artscape Sandbox/Canadian Stage, art&lies), Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard (Helen Gardiner), Killing Game by Eugene Ionesco (art & lies), No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre (Passe Muraille/art&lies), Lord of the Flies by William Golding (all female adaptation), Fear and Misery of the Third Reich by Bertolt Brecht (Young Centre for the Performing Arts/George Brown Theatre), and the world premiere live actor version of Provenance by Ronnie Burkett.

Dark Day Monday is a curated monthly performance series featuring artists who defy expectations and break boundaries. We seek out acts that explore, play, and fuck with performance forms or genres. www.darkdaymonday.com Instagram: darkdaymonday Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/darkdaymonday Thea Fitz-JamesThea Fitz-James is part academic, part journalist, and part theatre practitioner. She is a theatre maker and performance artist, having created work with FADO in Toronto, Secret Theatre in Halifax and the School of Making/Thinking in New York. Her shows NAKED LADIES and Drunk Girl have been nominated for awards, and have toured the fringe circuit internationally.Thea is also a theatre producer, festival curator, and arts residency facilitator with the Cucalorus Festival in Wilmington, NC. Her most recent work explores contemporary depictions of women and feminism, integrating performance art and theatre to ask difficult questions around cultural norms.Thea is currently a PhD candidate in Performance Studies at York University, looking at knitting and textiles in activism and performance.www.theafitzjames.comWes BabcockWes Babcock is a Toronto-based writer, performer, and theatre designer. Recent design credits include I Cannot Lose My Mind (2018, Watah Theatre - Lights), Bone Cage (2017, Matchstick, Halifax - Set). He was selected as lighting design apprentice to Kimberly Purtell as part of Crows Theatre's Artist Cross Training Program in 2017.His most recent written work, Your Princess is in Another Castle, a play for two actors co-created with Nancy Kenny, is currently in its second stage of development following a successful Fringe tour in 2017.You can find him on Instagram @wildrnesswes, or online at www.wesbabcock.com.

Jennifer Walls is a performer producer, and voice-over actor. As a musical theatre performer she has played leading roles in a wide variety of musicals including RENT, Beauty And The Beast, The Wizard of Oz and number of Canadian premiers as well as the Dora Award nominated original musical review Off-Broadway, On Stage. She was also a finalist in the CBC hit show How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?As a voice actor she has voiced recurring characters on a number of animated series' including PBS' Peg+ Cat and Amazon's Creative Galaxy and I am currently the voice of Family Jr.Jennifer is also the director of Hart House Theatre’s production of Heathers: The Musical.www.jenniferwalls.com Twitter: @jeni_walls Instagram: jeniwallstowww.harthouse.ca Twitter: @HHTheatre Instagram: hhtheatre Tickets: https://tickets.harthouse.ca/

The second Halifax Fringe Roundup! In this episode we check in with Andrew Gaunce, Laura Thornton, and Mariel Kathryn Hunter to see how their Fringes have been going, talk about shows they have loved, and about surviving Fringe exhaustion!Andrew Gaunce Instagram: @TempleGaunceAberrant Theatre Instagram: @aberranttheatreSomething WrongLaura ThorntonWalesong TheatreTwitter: @whalesongprod Instagram: @whalesongtheatreThe BirthdayMariel Kathryn Hunter Instagram: @comehomeplayI Want to Come Home

Mariel Kathryn Hunter hails from Saint John, New Brunswick and moved across the country to pursue her acting career in 2012. She has since appeared in a number of independent films and web series, as well as on stage. Most recently she has performed her one woman show on both coasts to tremendous reviews and oversold houses. Recent credits include Sarah in Donald Margulies’ Time Stands Still. She has also founded Fort Heart Productions and directed under their banner a number of shows including Two Rooms by Lee Blessing and Lepers by Robert G Barone. In the weeks prior to flying East for the Halifax Fringe Festival Hunter produced a sold out run of Welcome to the Moon & Other Plays by John Patrick Shanley. Mariel's solo play, I Want to Come Home is currently playing at the 2018 edition of the Halifax Fringe Festival. Twitter: @marielkhunterInstagram:@unknownmariel I Want to Come Home The Old Pool Hall Theatre, 6050-6070 Almon Street Thursday August 30th 6pm Friday August 31st 9pm Saturday September 1st 3:30pm Sunday September 2nd 8pm Tuesday September 4th 7:30pm Thursday September 6th 8:30pm Saturday September 8th 1:30pm Sunday September 9th 3:30pm Instagram:@comehomeplayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/comehomeplayTickets:https://halifaxfringe.ca/2018/07/26/i-want-to-come-home/

<img src= "https://stageworthypodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Halifax-Fringe-Logo-Option-3-1024x791.png" alt="" width="537" height="415" /> The first of two Fringe Roundups for Halifax Fringe, with Andrew Gaunce, Laura Thornton, Emilie Alexandre, and Mariel Kathryn Hunter! Andrew Gaunce Instagram: @TempleGaunceAberrant Theatre Instagram: @aberranttheatreSomething Wrong Laura ThorntonWalesong TheatreTwitter: @whalesongprod Instagram: @whalesongtheatreThe Birthday Emilie AlexandreHouse XII Theatre Instagram: @housetwelvetheatreThe Easy Lovin’ Blues Mariel Kathryn Hunter Instagram: @comehomeplayI Want to Come Home

A graduate of The Randolph Academy of Performing Arts as well as The Players Academy Toronto, Kendall completed her Undergraduate BFA in Performing Arts at Concordia University Alumna 2013. Focusing her gifts in the direction of clown and comedy, Kendall set out to fulfill her calling as a professional clown. She has trained with the likes of Francine Coté, Aron DeCasemaker, Joe DePaul, Aitor Basauri, Philippe Gaulier and her Clown mentors Mike Kennard and John Turner of Mump and Smoot. Currently she finds herself at the helm of a Clown Festival. MTLClownFest.com She will be attending The Second City Conservatory in Toronto, Ontario this fall. Twitter: @kendallsavage www.mtlclownfest.comTwitter: @mtlclownfestWild Bill’s Facebook Livefeed Feeding-Time Youtube Yeeeehaw!!Wild Bill, a youtube star pet goldfish. Edward, his childlike, fame-drunk owner/producer. Alone in his basement apartment, he dreams of a bigger fishtank, and his chosen mission: to teach kids everywhere about recycling, through the power of the internet. When their youtube puppet show goes viral, an army of fawning, trolling, giggling internet commenters arrives— and so does an unexpected threat to Bill's life. Then, Ted must go face to face with the biggest danger yet to Wild Bill’s life— himself. A wacky new comedy by a graduate of École Philippe Gaulier, and a live goldfish. The Old Pool Hall Theatre, 6050-6070 Almon Street Friday August 31st 10:30pm Saturday September 1st 8pm Sunday September 2nd 9:30pm Tuesday September 4th 9pm Thursday September 6th 5:30pm Friday September 7th 6:30pm Saturday September 8th 7pmTickets on sale now!

A roundtable discussion featuring Fundy Fringe artists Franny McCabe-Bennett (actor/playwright of Bar Star), Elliot Delage (actor/playwright of 25), and Mark Foster (playwright of The Waiting Gentlewoman).Franny McCabe-Bennettwww.frannymcb.com Twitter: @Franny_McBElliot Delageelliotdelage.artfolio.com Twitter: @elliotdelageMark Fostertabootheatre.wordpress.com Twitter: @tabootheatre

James McClure is an award-winning writer, journalist, scholar and undergraduate instructor. In 2018, James’ newest play, Glass Closets, was chosen to be workshopped at Mount Allison University as part of the 2018 Playwrights’ Colony hosted by the Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre. 'Glass Closets' is his second Fundy Fringe Festival production. In 2017, he wrote and directed ‘Faking It,’ a coming-of-age comedy that was also one of three winners in the Saint John Theatre Company’s playwrighting competition ‘Script Happens.’James also writes poems, short stories and novels. In 2018, his unpublished YA novel Playing like a Girl was the first runner-up for the David Adams Richards Prize awarded by the Writers Federation of New Brunswick. Judge Michelle Butler Hallett praised the manuscript as “polished YA fiction” and noted that “the first-person narration is especially skillful.”James currently works as the editor of Civilized.life - a cannabis culture and lifestyle website. Previously, he pursued a doctoral degree in English at the University of Ottawa, specializing in Shakespearean drama.Glass Closets on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/212114789478703/

Sarah Rankin is an actor educator, and the director of the Fundy Fringe.Twitter: @sarahrankin03www.fundyfringefestival.com Twitter: @fundyfringefest

Aleena resides in London, ON with her husband William – who Directed “Passing Notes.” Aleena and William are very proud parents to their two sons, Lennon and Fletcher. Aleena is an actor, playwright and the proprietor of My Neighbour’s Attic. She has co-written and appeared in “Two Prozacs Short of a Hap-P Meal” and “Occupy the Man Cave,” both of which were produced by Theatre Provocateur. She is thrilled to be premiering her new solo project, “Passing Notes,” at Fundy Fringe Festival in Saint John New Brunswick, this August 21<sup>st</sup> to 25<sup>th</sup>. Details and Tickets: https://www.fundyfringefestival.com/show/passing-notes/

Married to a spouse who works for the foreign service, American born Alexander, has lived in London, Berlin and currently in Toronto. He made his Toronto stage debut in HANGMAN at Storefront Theatre. Last summer he performed at the Toronto Fringe Festival in LETTERS TO ANNEBELLE as well as the Summer Works Festival in THE NAILS and was most recently seen in the world premiere of FOR BOTH RESTING AND BREEDING for Talk Is Free Theatre in Barrie. And A GIRL LIVES ALONE another Summer Works project. His solo play, THROW PITCHFORK, premiered off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop and ran regionally at the Kitchen Theatre Company in Ithaca, NY, and won a Special Honors Award at the Thespis International Monodrama Festival in Kiel, Germany. He has worked often at the Kitchen Theatre Company appearing in OPUS, BROKE-OLOGY, AFTER ASHLEY, THE WHIPPING MAN and SUNSET BABY. His international stage credits include ON THE WATERFRONT directed by Steven Berkoff, which played London`s West End, the Edinburgh Festival and the Hong Kong Arts Festival. He played the role of Ross in the Actors Repertory Theatre Luxembourg’s inaugural production of Edward Albee s, THE GOAT or WHO IS SLYVIA? in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. His play SCHWARZ GEMACHT* was produced in spring of 2014 at the English Theatre of Berlin, in Berlin Germany and brought back for a 2nd run in 2015. His training includes the Stella Adler Studio, and the Meisner technique with Richard Pinter. Alexander is appearing in Theatre Mischief's A Girl Lives Alone, starting August 11 at the 2018 Summerworks Festival. He will also be appearing in Soulpepper's fall production of The Royale by Marco Ramirez directed Guillermo Verdecchia. *Now retitled CHWARZ GEMACHT (or) How Klaus Found His Blackness

Dauntless City Theatre presents Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.In this fast-paced queer contemporary staging, the hijinks and heartbreak of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing come to life as you've never seen them before. You'll follow the story around the park on foot, getting up close and personal with all the adventure, romance, and deception of this timeless tale. This event is welcoming to humans and dogs of all ages, and is wheelchair-accessible. Berczy Park, Toronto. Admission is by PWYC donation. Dauntless City Theatre produces classical theatre where you least expect it.

Kristi Boulton an improv artist and is one of the members of the Improv Troupe, The Understudies, presenting Waaaay Off Broadway at the 2018 Hamilton Fringe.Waaaay Off Broadway: A Musical Improv Show!Waaaay Off Broadway is the musical improv show that you’ve always dreamed of seeing, especially because you create the show! Watch as the Understudies improvise dynamic scenes peppered with songs, topped off with a mini-musical inspired entirely by audience suggestions! Musical accompaniment provided by Steve McRae and Aaron Bruinsma. Grab your opera glasses and hold on to your playbills, people! It’s gonna be a HIT!The Staircase Theatre Friday, 20 July @ 9:50pm Saturday, 21 July @ 7pm Sunday, 22 July @ 3pm Monday, 23 July @ 6pm Tuesday, 24 July @ 8:35pm Wednesday, 25 July @ 7:25pm Thursday, 26 July @ 8:55pm Friday, 27 July @ 9:55pm Saturday, 28 July @ 8:25pm Sunday, 29 July @ 4:40pm

Carolyn Bennett is an award-winning writer (2013 TIFF Screenwriting Intensive Jury Prize) and comedian living in Toronto. She was part of the 2017 Thousand Islands Playwrights' Unit and developed the full-length play The Monarchists. Produced plays include Mixed Media, Pure Convenience (CBC Radio), Runtkiller, The Short List,Hitler's Ass, Canis Familiaris and Sick Kids Wanna Talk To You. Her debut novel Please Stand By from Vancouver's NON Publishing will be released Fall 2019. Etc, etc...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolyn_Bennett_(comedian)Jennifer McKinley was a co-artistic director of Alumnae Theatre’s New Ideas Festival (2014-2017) in Toronto. She is a lead coordinator with the Feminist Art Collective, and wrote, produced and performed her solo show, Operation SUNshine at the 2017 Toronto Fringe. Operation SUNshine also had a run at the 2018 Feminist Fuck It Festival in Toronto Double Down HelixA dark comedy that examines the implications of retail genotyping, DoubleDownHelix (DDH) asks the audience "to whom do you belong?"DoubleDownHelix is directed by Jennifer McKinley, a co-artistic director of Alumnae Theatre’s New Ideas Festival (2014-2017) in Toronto. She is a lead coordinator with the Feminist Art Conference, and wrote, produced and performed her solo show, Operation SUNshine at the 2017 Toronto Fringe. DDH is stage managed by Natasha Rotondaro, an emerging theatre artist and soprano.Open To The Public Theatre presents: DoubleDownHelix Kingston Storefront Fringe Festival Venue 3 • Saturday July 21 @ 2PM • Sunday July 22 @ 6PM • Tuesday July 24 @ 10:30PM • Wednesday July 25 @ 4PM • Friday July 27 @ 8:30PM • Saturday July 28 @ 6PM

A roundtable conversation about Toronto Fringe on the last Saturday, as Tom McGee (Featherweight), Janelle Hanna (Robert.), Al Lafrance (I think I'm Dead), Danny Pagett (Prank), and Rebecca Perry (Bikeface) join host Phil Rickaby to talk about Toronto Fringe so far, what they’ve seen, what they are looking forward to seeing and much more. Recorded 10:00, July 14, 2018.Tom McGeeTwitter: @mcgeetd Website: www.tdmcgee.com Theatre Brouhaha: www.theatrebrouhaha.com/ Featherweight: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/featherweightJanelle Hanna Twitter: @janellemhanna Robert: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/robertAl Lafrance Twitter: @notsoweirdal Instagram: @notsoweirdalwww.al-lafrance.com/ I Think I'm Dead: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/al-lafrance-i-think-im-deadDanny PagettTwitter: @spoonydanInstagram: @danquoPrank: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/prankRebecca Perry Twitter: @rebeccaperry21www.rebeccaperry.ca Bikeface: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/bikeface

​Eliza was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. She graduated from Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts with a Drama Specialist before attending the Theatre and Drama Studies program at the University of Toronto and Sheridan College.Eliza workshopped her one-woman show O, an exploration of Hamlet’s Ophelia as an early version in 2014 before creating and developing O in partnership with Ali Joy Richardson in the 15th annual Paprika Festival in 2016. The show has since been performed at the Artscape Wychwood Barns in November 2017 and is headed to the United Solo Festival in NYC in November of 2018. Her second solo show Harvey & The Extraordinary was workshopped in July 2017 under the direction and dramaturgical support of Neil Silcox, and is currently playing at the 2018 edition of the Toronto Fringe Festival Twitter:@lizeydolittleInstagram: lizey_dolittlewww.elizamartin.ca Tickets to Harvey and the Extraordinary: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/harvey-extraordinary

A roundtable conversation about Toronto Fringe on the first Saturday, as Tom McGee (Featherweight), Janelle Hanna (Robert.), Belinda Corpuz (Lighters in the Air), Danny Pagett (Prank), and Rebecca Perry (Bikeface) join host Phil Rickaby to talk about Toronto Fringe so far, what they’ve seen, what they are looking forward to seeing and much more. Recorded 10:00, July 7, 2018.Tom McGeeTwitter: @mcgeetd Website: www.tdmcgee.com Theatre Brouhaha: www.theatrebrouhaha.com/ Featherweight: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/featherweightJanelle Hanna Twitter: @janellemhanna Robert: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/robertBelinda Corpuz Twitter:@belindarona Instagram: belindacorpuzwww.belindacorpuz.com Lighters in the Air: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/lighters-airDanny PagettTwitter: @spoonydanInstagram: @danquoPrank: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/prankRebecca Perry Twitter: @rebeccaperry21www.rebeccaperry.ca Bikeface: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/bikeface

Hayley Pace – Artistic Director, Playwright, Performer, DesignerHayley Pace is an award-winning performer from Kitchener, Ontario. She is a graduate of the Devised Theatre & Design programs at York University and since has worked internationally in Antwerp, Prague, Edinburgh Minneapolis and New York. Her storytelling shows include the The Teeny Tiny Music Show and High School Symphony which have played in various venues and festivals throughout Ontario. Other devised work includes A Language for Dogs and Paperweight at the Hamilton Fringe Festival. Other performances include RENT, The Beggar’s Opera and Curtains. Set design credits include set for Peep! (Nuit Blanche/Theatre Panik), and Hamletmachine (Theatre@York). Costume design credits include The Village Green (Applebox Film Company/Rockzeline) and Plato’s Atlantis (Canada’s National Ballet School). Hayley graphic designs all promotional material for her shows, and for various artists such as Socratic Theatre, emerging singer-songwriter T. Thomason, and Broadway and television star, Tovah Feldshuh. Daniel Walsh – Musical Director, Composer, Arranger, Sousaphone, Bass Guitar Daniel Walsh is a York University trained multi-instrumentalist based out of Toronto, Canada. He built the beginnings of his career as a street performer and the founder of Turbo Street Funk in 2010 where he served as the manager, arranger, front man and composer for the group for 3 years. Since that time he has moved on to work as a sideman and featured artist for a number of acts around Toronto such as DLO, Busty and the Bass, Saul Torres, The Shuffle Demons, Red Pepper Spectacle Arts, Zakary Miller, Riotron, Ted Peters and Gumbo YaYa and many others and has had his original compositions featured on Jazz FM as well as on Indie FM. Daniel is renowned as a high energy performer who’s completely unafraid of making a crowd dance and, having played on stages such as Roy Thompson Hall and the Air Canada Center to the Smiling Buddha, Rebel Nightclub and The Opera House, Daniel is a seasoned performer, improviser and entertainer. High School SymphonyAn eight-piece, Big Band "Mean Girls". A remarkable friendship between two grade school girls is tested when they face suspension for sexual harassment toward their teacher. The drama unfolds with a cast that consists of an immersive marching band who double as hot teachers, note-passing BFFs, and of course, the enemy popular group. Ignoring the guy who always plays "Wonderwall", the soundtrack is decked with video game references, anime theme songs, and slicked-up sounds from the early 00's that got every millennial through their pimply prepubescence! Twitter: @teenytinymusic Instagram: teenytinymusicshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teenytinymusicshow Tickets: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/high-school-symphony

Madeleine Brown is a Toronto-based actor. Select acting credits: Imp (Filament Incubator/Epigraph Collective), Seasons (Toronto Fringe), Madeleine Says Sorry (Toronto Fringe), She Kills Monsters (Orphaned Egret) and Rowing (Chrysalis Workshop/Then They Fight/Filament Incubator). A Loran Scholar and 2016/2017 Nightwood Theatre Young Innovator, she is a graduate of Sheridan College/UTM and has trained with Theatre Gargantua, Mermaid Theatre, Second City and Pro Actors Lab. She serves as a volunteer with L'Arche Toronto's Sol Express, a performance troupe for adults with developmental disabilities and has assisted under such directors as Diana Leblanc and Tamara Bernier Evans. Her debut play, Madeleine Says Sorry, premiered at the 2017 Toronto Fringe.@prairiefireplzWhen Beatrice Little sinks her potato-based start-up, she must ascend the ranks of an imposing pyramid scheme in order to rebuild her career. From the "whip smart" losers behind 2017 Toronto Fringe sellout, Madeleine Says Sorry, comes a twisted comedy about entrepreneurial failure, commercialized feminism and how to sell a shit-ton of t-shirts.Tickets: https://fringetoronto.com/festivals/fringe/event/everyone-wants-t-shirt

A place for everyone and everyone in their place! In order to keep the economy moving, individuals are frequently assigned different jobs, names, religions, and relationships. When a Life Commissioning Agent unexpectedly shows up one evening to re-assign a loving married couple, the couple refuses to separate regardless of punishment. The situation spins further out of control when another newly assigned couple arrives the same evening to take possession of the house and begin their lives together. Secrets, passions, and ideologies collide against a bureaucratic authority. By the end, everyone must deal with either a comfortable yet inhuman status quo or the struggle of dreaming up an alternative world from scratch.CALEB YONG (Director) After a long hiatus, Caleb Yong is pleased to be making theatre again. Caleb most recently co-created and performed in Suck and Blow, which later becameThe Book of Judith (Selfconscious Theatre), and assisted director Jennifer Tarver for That Time — Five Beckett Shorts (Theatre Extasis.) Caleb sits on the Board of Directors for SelfConscious Productions, and is a Professor of the Humanities at Humber College. VINCE DEIULIS (MUHAMMAD/Producer/Media Relations) Vince has trained with some of Canada’s brightest theatre talents including: Gil Garratt, Hume Baugh, Maja Ardal and Anna Chatterton. Recent credits include: Echoes of the War (EotW Collective), Nerve (Shining Star Theatrical Co.), Blue Remembered Hills (Good Old Neon), It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (The LOT), Out in the Open, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (To Be Determined Theatre Co.). Vince is also a volunteer puppeteer with The Concerned Kids Charity of Toronto.

Kris Hagen is an actor and writer, known for Imposters (2017), Kim's Convenience (2016) and Tugg N Chugger (2015). Kris is also the creator of Lighters in the Air, premiering at the Toronto Fringe Festival. krishagen.com Lighters in the Air A musician named Leo returns to his former hangout, The Empty, a dive bar where the mic is always open. With the help of old friends, a lost love, and The Empty's newest off-beat barflies, Leo rediscovers his passion for the music he left behind. A play about artistic integrity, unfulfilled expectations, nostalgia, romance, and an uncertain future, the show features live performances of original songs. An open mic scene includes different guest musicians and standup comics every night, making each show a unique experience. Written & Directed by Kris Hagen Starring Natalia Bushnik, Belinda Corpuz, Cody Crain, Anna Douglas, Raechel Fisher, Kris Hagen, Olaf Sham, Amanda Silcoff and Taylor Whittaker Monarch Tavern | 12 Clinton St. Showtimes: Wednesday, July 4 - 8pm Thursday, July 5 - 8pm Friday, July 6 - 6pm Saturday, July 7 - 7pm Sunday, July 8 - 7pm Tuesday, July 10 - 8pm Wednesday, July 11 - 6pm Thursday, July 12 - 6pm Friday, July 13 - 7pm Saturday, July 14 - 3pm Twitter: @divebartheatre Instagram: divebartheatre Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/divebartheatre

Michael Ross Albert is the author of several plays including Miss (FringeNYC; Unit 102 Actors Company); The Farmers Lit the Fields on Fire (Edinburgh Fringe Festival); The Grass is Greenest at the Houston Astrodome (FringeNYC, published by Applause in Best American Short Plays 2014-2015); and Karenin’s Anna (Toronto Fringe Festival, “Outstanding New Play,” — NOW Magazine).Along with the Storefront Theatre, Michael produced the sold-out world premiere production of his play Tough Jews in the heart of Toronto’s Kensington Market. The production was nominated for 6 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, including Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Production.His play Starfishes opened Off-Broadway at the Theatre at Dance New Amsterdam and is included in Best American Short Plays 2010-2011. It has since been performed across the United States and Canada.Michael received an MFA in Playwriting from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University. Michael is an associate member of the Dramatists Guild of America, and a member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada.Michael is the playwright of two shows in the 2018 Toronto Fringe: Anywhere and The Grass is Greenest at the Houston Astrodome.

Eric Petersen is a graduate of the University of Toronto and Northwestern University. He has returned to Toronto after stints in New York, Chicago and Vancouver. While in Chicago, he was a board member of Halcyon Theatre and brought Ninaz Khodaiji's work to Chicago for its premiere performance. His shorter playlets are often performed at Sing-for-Your-Supper (at various locations around Toronto). In addition to writing plays, he occasionally turns his hand to poetry and has been published in White Wall Review, Gyst, xib, and A House Divided.Eric's play, Final Exam appears as part of the 2018 edition of the Toronto Fringe Festival.

AdamSeelig is the founder and Artistic Director of One Little Goat Theatre Company. He is the author of Every Day in the Morning (slow) (New Star Books, finalist for the 2011 ReLit Award in poetry) and his plays include Ubu Mayor (BookThug 2014), Talking Masks (BookThug 2009), Antigone:Insurgency (2007) and, for children, PLAY: A (Mini) History of Theatre for Kids (Toronto 2016-18). Adam is the writer, director, and composer of MUSIC MUSIC LIFE DEATH MUSIC: An Absurdical, running May 25 - June 10 at Tarragon Extraspace. Tickets: http://onelittlegoat.org/music-music-life-death-music

Carlyn Rhamey is an actor, writer and co-founder of Squirrel Suit Productions, a theatre collective passionate about creating new work and making a positive impact on their community. Through Squirrel Suit, Carlyn wrote and performed her very first one-woman show "SAOR (Free)" on the 2016 CAFF Fringe Tour. Carlyn's latest solo play, The ADHD project can be seen in the 2018 editions of the London, Edmonton, Victoria and Vancouver Fringe Festivals.Carlyn is a Fanshawe College Theatre Arts graduate. Her theatre credits include "Lavinia Andronicus” in Titus Andronicus (Funeral Pyre Theatre),"Ophelia" in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (Passionfool Theatre), "Abigail Williams“ in The Crucible (Passionfool Theatre), performer/playwright of In Their Shoes (Squirrel Suit), "Bridget” in Moonshine (Toronto Irish Players), Shakespeare on a Subway (Spur of the Moment Shakespeare Collective). "Ophelia" in Hamlet (Fanshawe Theatre), "Sissy" in Unity (1918) (Fanshawe Theatre).Web: www.squirrelsuit.ca Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squirrelsuitproductions Twitter: @SquirrelSuitTStageworthy:https://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPod

Since Ann Powell and David Powell founded Puppetmongers in 1974, the company has become internationally recognized as a leader and innovator in the field of puppetry. So far we have created a dozen new plays for both young and general audiences, which have earned us and our collaborators a mass of awards.Puppetmongers continues to develop new work on their own and also in collaboration with others, and hosts an annual conference called Fresh Ideas in Puppetry for established and emerging artists to share their passion and expertise in puppetry. This year, the Fresh Ideas in Puppetry day is May 27th, at Aki Studios.In 1996, we started The Toronto School of Puppetry to share our creative approach and provide a collaborative learning space for the puppetry community, and for multi-disciplinary artists interested in expanding their theatrical palette. We also work with students from elementary school up to the post-graduate level.www.puppetmongers.comwww.torontoschoolofpuppetry.com

Belinda CorpuzBelinda is active in Toronto's professional and independent theatre scene. She has developed new Canadian works with Carlos Bulosan Theatre (CBT), Fu-GEN, Cahoots, Soulpepper Theatre, Pencil Kit Productions, and Expect Theatre (as part of the Beats + Intentions Emerging Artist Program). Selected theatre credits include: Through the Bamboo - Staged Reading (Soulpepper Theatre, as part of the Shen Development Series), Perfect Couples (Pencil Kit Productions, 2017 Toronto and Hamilton Fringe Festivals), Hilot Means Healer - Staged Reading (Cahoots Theatre Projects), ANAK (Carlos Bulosan Theatre), Kaldero (Carlos Bulosan Theatre) In the Shadow of Elephants (Carlos Bulosan Theatre), Shotgun Wedding (Carlos Bulosan Theatre, 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival). Belinda has also worked with Toronto-based theatre company, Carlos Bulosan Theatre, as former Artistic Associate and member of their Collective Creation Ensemble, as a theatre creator and performer. Most recently, she debuted Carlos Bulosan Theatre's original play, ANAK, as co-playwright, actor, and sound designer/music composer. www.belindacorpuz.comTwitter: @belindaronaInstagram: belindacorpuz Isabel Kanaan Isabel is a Second City graduate and Seneca College Acting for Camera and Voice alumna. She has been awarded the NBC Universal Bob Curry Fellowship. She is a member of CBC’s sketch comedy troupe Air Farce, the Canadian Comedy Award winning sketch troupe The Sketchersons, and Second City’s House Ensemble and Educational Company. Isabel is a Filipino-Canadian film and theatre actor fluent in Tagalog and English. Aside from her successes in comedy, she is also known for her lead role in the series Haunted or Hoax, which won the NYC Web Fest’s Audience Choice Award. She regularly performs with the Asian Canadian theatre company fu-GEN Theatre and the Filipino Canadian theatre company Carlos Bulosan Theatre. She even co-wrote and performed in CBT’s production Anak. www.isabelkanaan.comTwitter: @isabelkanaan Instagram: isabelkanaan Prairie Nurse It’s winter in the prairies, late 1960s. Two young nurses, just off the plane from the Philippines, arrive at a rural hospital in Arborfield, Saskatchewan – population 300. No one can tell the two nurses apart; including the dim-witted lab technician at the hospital who falls in love with one of them but accidentally courts both. Homesickness, unfamiliar customs, and amorous advances complicate the women’s lives. A culture-clashing comedy of errors with heart, PRAIRIE NURSE was inspired by the playwright’s mother and the legacy she and others with similar experiences have contributed to the fabric of Canada. PRAIRIENURSE Written by Marie Beath Badian | Directed by Sue Miner Featuring Layne Coleman, Belinda Corpuz, Mark Crawford, Catherine Fitch, Janelle Hanna, Isabel Kanaan, Matt Shaw Set Design by Jung-Hye Kim | Costume Design by Anna Treusch Lighting Design by Jareth Li | Sound Design by Lyon Smith Factory MainspaceApril 21 – May 13, 2018 For More Info and to Connect with Factory: factorytheatre.ca Twitter: @FactoryToronto Facebook: @FactoryTheatreTO

Stephen Near is a playwright and performer from Ottawa, ON and a graduate of York University. His plays have been performed across Canada in such festivals as the Ottawa Fringe, the Toronto Fringe, the Hamilton Fringe, New Ideas, and Summerworks. He is an alumnus of the Sage Hill Writing Experience and the Banff Centre and has studied playwriting with Linda Griffiths, David Copelin, Daniel MacIvor, Brian Quirt, and Beverley Cooper. In 2015, Stephen established the First Stage Series of new play development at the Players Guild of Hamilton. Stephen is a member of the Playwright’s Guild of Canada and the Theatre Aquarius Playwrights Unit. Recent writing credits include Monstrous Invisible (Theatre Aquarius), Interface (2011 Hamilton Fringe – New Play Contest 1st Prize), Plain Speak (2012 HamilTEN Festival), Test (2013 Hamilton Fringe – New Play Contest 2nd Runner-Up), The Conspiracy of Michael (2014 Hamilton Fringe), and Finding Mr. Right (2015 Hamilton Fringe). He lives in Hamilton with his wife Leanne, daughter Rebecca, and son Brenden.Twitter: @snear23Same Boat Theatre:www.sameboattheatre.com Twitter: @sameboattheatreYour Own Sons: Pauline’s son travels overseas to fight for ISIS while Dan’s son joins the Canadian Forces. Desperate to understand, both parents set out on a journey to confront the fate of their sons. But as their paths draw them closer to each other, will they be ready for the answers that await them? From the creators of Finding Mr. Right and Test, comes this searing and critically-acclaimed drama tackling the politics of faith and fear and the collision between love and loss.Written by Stephen Near Directed by Aaron Joel Craig Stage Managed by Rose HopkinsFeaturing: Terri Brunsting, Adam Lemieux, Stephen Near, Jennifer Walton, Amber Wood, and Ramzey ZourobVENUE: The Pearl Company Arts Centre, 16 Steven Street, Hamilton, ON TICKETS: $20 (purchase at Brown Paper Tickets) OPENING: Thursday, April 19 at 8:00 PM Friday, April 20 at 8:00 PM Saturday, April 21 at 8:00 PM Thursday, April 26 at 8:00 PM Friday, April 27 at 8:00 PM Saturday, April 28 at 2 PM CLOSING: Saturday, April 28 at 8:00 PM

#ShakesbeersShowdown is where Toronto’s hottest indie Shakespeare companies face-off in a battle of winner-takes-all, loser-drinks-most, as contestants cold read scenes from Shakespeare’s notoriously-hard-to-read First Folio. The rules are simple: if you screw up, you drink! The winner is crowned the revered Shakesbeers Showdown Heavyweight Champion (complete with championship belt), and the losers…get a lot of beer. All funds raised go towards the 2018 Shakespeare-In-Hospitals Program, set to launch this fall. INTRODUCING YOUR 2018 COMPETITORS: Spur-Of-The-Moment Shakespeare CollectiveShakey-Shake and Friends Theatre CompanyShakespeare in the RuffSkipping Stones TheatreTheatre By CommitteeShakespeare BASH'dTheatre ARTaud The Reviewers The People AndStratford Festival LET'S GET READY TO RRRRUMBLE! **************************<wbr />********** Spur-Of-The-Moment Shakespeare Collective is proud to present the seventh annual Shakesbeers Showdown: Jurassic Bard April 27th, 2018 at918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media & Education Doors: 6:00pm Show: 7:00pm General: $25 Student/Arts Worker: $22 at the door ($18 online) Honorary Judge: $100 TICKETS NOW ON SALE: http://www.nowtickets.ca/<wbr />events/52109998/<wbr />shakesbeersshowdown-jurassi<wbr />c-bard

Set in and around the Princess Margaret Hospital, the story of Alan and Moira exposes the harsh realities of the solitude and fears that accompany cancer treatment with brutal honesty and wry humour. Pettle’s writing comes from a place of awful familiarity, as he explains in his forward, "It’s July 15, 1995, and I’m back in the hospital - radioactive iodine therapy, cancer treatment’s answer to solitary confinement. Why did I write this play? I wrote it to survive days like this. [...] I wrote it not only for those who have passed on to other journeys, but for all those who remain in Therac corridors everywhere. People that are not just statistics in flimsy pamphlets or black numbers on manila envelopes, but individuals with brilliant minds and raging spirits, with awe-inspiring courage and beautiful children."It was the personal connection to this story that brought this production into existence and provides the motivation to engage in the realities of the content beyond the story-telling. As well as donating a percentage of both the ticket proceeds and additional fundraising efforts to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto , the production is coordinating with several organizations to provide talk-back opportunities and other activities in support of the individuals and families fighting the disease both known and unknown to us.Cass Van Wyck: Twitter: @classvanwyck Instagram: classvanwyckJessie Fraser: Instagram: slackbabyChristopher Lewis:http://www.majorcallisto.com/ Instagram: majorcallistoTickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3373355 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1886254528331793/

These awesome indie theatre creators sat down with host Phil Rickaby as part of the first Indie Theatre Creators Roundtable: Christel Bartelse, Victoria Urquhart, Victoria Velenosi, and Janelle Hanna. Christel Bartelse is an Actor, Comic, Writer, Teacher, and Solo Show creator living in Toronto. She is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory Program, Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts and has studied Clown extensively with John Turner & Michael Kennard (Mump and Smoot) as well as Sue Morrison, Philippe Gaulier and Francine Cote.She had the pleasure of performing with Mump and Smoot in “Something” at the Westbury Theatre in Edmonton. She is a member of Faustwork Mask Theatre/Prologue for the Performing Arts and performs the show The Mask Messenger in schools regularly. In 2008 she developed her first solo show “CHAOTICA” which went onto to win numerous awards and garnered rave reviews. She developed 2 other solo shows “ONEymoon” & “Significant Me” and all three solo shows have been nominated for a Canadian Comedy Award “Best One Person Show”.Christel continues to tour her work, and has toured across Canada, to the US & the UK. She has been teaching for over 15 years. She has taught Improv at the Second City, teaches Mask, Clown, Dance, Movement, independently to schools all across the GTA and currently teaches Clown/Movement at the Toronto Film School and teaches and directs Clowns at Humber College in the Comedy & Writing Program. http://christelbartelse.com/ Twitter:@cbartelse Victoria Urquhart is a Toronto-based actor and director from Caledon. She is also a graduate from the University of Windsor’s 2010 B.F.A. Acting Program. This training has helped her to develop a focus on marrying Physical Theatre Practices with Classical Text. This fascination, combined with her leadership and organizational skills developed through working six consecutive summers at a residential camp have led her to a passion for directing, and the creation of The Spur-Of-The-Moment Shakespeare Collective in Toronto. Through the SOTMSC, she has directed, produced, and sometimes performed in several community projects, including the Shakespeare-On-The-Subway Project, several sessions of Shakespeare-In-Hospitals, and JULIUS CAESAR PROJECT, garnering 4 N’s from NOW magazine at the 2014 Toronto Fringe Festival. Other theatre credits include: Waiting for Alonzo with Empty Box Theatre (2015), Teach Me with Newborn Theatre, and Macbeth with Hart House Theatre. Twitter: @gnitenet Victoria Velenosi is a storyteller and tells stories to anyone who will listen. She is half of the partnership that runs Brick and Mortar, home of The Attic, The Box and The Commons. At any given time, she can be found either on stage, behind a computer, or under a pile of cats. Most impressive credits include a list of shows you’ve probably never heard of. ☺ Vikki is a graduate of the University of Windsor Acting Program and Straeon Acting Studios. Vikki believes that every artist has an important voice and, with the right stage, they can change the world. #DREAMBIGGER @VikkiVelenosi Janelle Hanna is an actor, educator, and short sassy woman, and is thrilled to be premiering her first full length solo show Bad Baby Presents: Rules Control the Fun at the Toronto Fringe. Other Fringe credits include: Eternal Friendship with a Spotless Smile (Patron’s Pick),Virginia Aldridge, BSc, Sitting in a Tree, and Fantastic Extravagance. Other credits include: Frankenstein Live (The Arts Engine), Knot Tied (Lab Cab Festival), Eligible(BravoFact), Neighbourhood Watch, The Duvet (Film Army), Swell Broad,Commencement (Convection Productions), Last Man Hanged, Ring Round the Moon, Pillar to Port Walkabout (Gairbraid Theatre), Anne of Green Gables (Stirling Festival Theatre). Janelle is a graduate of the Masters in Acting program at York University where she played such roles as Cordelia/Foole in King Lear, the Knight in The Knight of the Burning Pestle, Volumnia in Coriolanus, Alcestis in Alcestis, and Flute/Thisbe in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She is also a graduate of the joint acting program at Sheridan College and the University of Toronto Mississauga (Theatre Erindale) @janellemhanna Stageworthy:https://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPod

Since moving to Toronto in the fall of 2014, Sri Lankan tenor Asitha Tennekoon has firmly established himself as a versatile singer, performing in a wide range of repertoire. He won the Dora Award for Best Male Performance as Paul in Tapestry Opera’s Rocking Horse Winner and earned glowing reviews as Gernando in Haydn’s L’Isola disabitata with Voicebox: Opera in Concert.Asitha recently starred in Edith Smyth’s The Boatswain’s Mate with Opera 5, and in 2018 debuts as Polidoro in Scarlatti’s Erminia with Opera Lafayette in Washington and New York.Asitha shared the stage with soprano Erin Wall in Songmasters Recital Series and has appeared as a soloist with Toronto Bach Festival, Theatre of Early Music, Ottawa Bach Choir and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra.Twitter: @asithatennekoon Instagram: asithatennekoonStageworthy:https://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPod

Ryan M. Sero is a professional actor and writer. Past roles include Herbert Milk (A Modicum of Freedom), The Raccoon (Inbetween Places), Sancho Panza (Don Quixote), Mephistophiles (Doctor Faustus), Romeo (Romeo & Juliet: An Escapist Comedy), and Don John/ Don Pedro (Much Ado About Nothing). Plays he has written include A Modicum of Freedom, Romeo & Juliet: An Escapist Comedy, The Cheese, Miracles Don't Come Cheap, and the upcomingFor 'Daws to Peck At - which will be part of the Pearl Company's StaycationFestival in August. He frequently works with Decoder Ring Theatre (an online audio drama group), Artword Theatre, and The Mysterious Players (improv murder mysteries). He is the artistic director of Make Art Theatre. Richard III At the end of the War of the Roses, Richard feels miserable. He wants nothing more than the crown won by his brother, Edward IV. He sets out to take the crown by force and cunning, fueled by his envy and pride. He weaves a spider's web of lies, turning allies into enemies, and threatening to topple the entire kingdom as soon as he gains it... Richard III is William Shakespeare's most lovably evil villain, as renowned for his charm as for his horrific acts. His scheming politician archetype is seen to this day in dramas such as House of Cards and Game of Thrones, and, far too often, in real life as well. Richard III plays until March 24 at the Staircase Theatre.The Staircase Theatre 27 Dundurn Street North Hamilton. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/make.art.theatrehttps://makearttheatre.weebly.com

Bryce Hodgson (Director, Co-Writer, Co-Set Designer) Bryce is a graduate of the Neighbourhood Playhouse in New York City, co founder of the Blind Pig Theatre in Vancouver, long time member of the Godlight theatre company (NYC) and Artistic director of the Blood Pact Theatre. Bryce writes, acts, and creates music for theatre productions. Bryce also shoots pictures, makes zines and over the years has played in many different punk bands. Theatre credits include In the Heat of the Night, Deliverance, (Godlight) Much Ado About Nothing (Unit 102), Piranha Club (Blood Pact), Kitty Kitty Kitty, Suburbia, This is our Youth, and Frankenstein (Blind Pig). Some TV and Film credits include The Killing, Kid Cannabis, Supernatural, Farely Legal, Diary of a Whimpy Kid, Falling Skies and is currently has a regular role on the series iZombie which is about to start production on its 4th season.In 2015 he was nominated for a drama desk award for his work in DeliveranceInstagram: @bryce_hodgsonCharlie Kerr (Co-writer, Hogan) Charlie Kerr is an actor, a musician and a playwright. His extensive work in these three fields has awarded him recognition last year as a 'Star To Watch' according to Variety Magazine, E! Canada and the Whistler Film Festival. He recently starred in 'Lost Solace' directed by: Chris Scheuerman (due out this year) and 'Ice Blue' directed by: Sandi Somers (currently doing it's festival run). "After Wrestling" is the third play he has written together with Bryce Hodgson, the other two being "Piranha Club" which premiered in Vancouver and "Kill Your Parents In Viking, Alberta" which premiered in Toronto as a collaboration with The Storefront theatre. He wants to thank everyone at Factory theatre, and everyone involved with Blood Pact, but mostly whoever is reading this program. You could be anywhere in the world right now, and you're here with us, we appreciate that. Enjoy the show.Twitter:@mattandsamsbroInstagram: @mattandsamsbrotherAfter Wrestling When your best friend kills himself and Facebook stalking your ex-girlfriend just ain't what it used to be, look no further than rolling in duck feces and living in the park. Unfortunately for Hogan, his sister and the cops don't share his same enthusiasm for DIY self-help. After Wrestling is a slacker-comedy turned suicide-mystery that finds itself in a booze- and grief- fuelled magic realism debate on love, life, and after-death.Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BloodPactTheatre/AFTER WRESTLINGWritten by Bryce Hodgson and Charlie Kerr Directed by Bryce Hodgson February 24 – March 18, 2018World PremiereFactory Studio Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street Starring Gabe Grey, Charlie Kerr, Libby Osler, Anthony Shim Tuesday - Saturday @ 8pm, Sunday @ 2pmSingle tickets start at just $20 for previews and range from $30-$50 for regular performancesStudent, Arts Worker and Senior prices also availablePurchase in person at Factory, 125 Bathurst Street, visit factorytheatre.ca or call 416.504.9971

Massimo Pagliaroli is a graduate of York University’s Directing program and has been working as an actor, writer and director for over fifteen years. Playwriting credits include Cheapskate (a winner in the 2005 Toronto Fringe New Play competition) Happy Together and Young Couple in Love. His current project, Inch of Your Life, was workshoped in Toronto and received it's U.S premiere at Edgemar Theatre in Santa Monica, California. He is a co-founder of The Theatre Circuit and currently serves as it's Artistic Director. Instagram: massimillions Massimo Pagliaroli's INCH OF YOUR LIFE: EPISODE 1 was the comedy hit of 2016's Toronto Fringe Festival, receiving the coveted “Patron's Pick”. INCH OF YOUR LIFE: THE TRILOGY stars eight of Toronto's rising stage stars: Luis Fernandes; Antonino Pruiti; Alex Clay; Ceridwen Kingstone; Giovanna Pandullo; Brandon Knox; Jonathan Sconza; and Jack Everett. The performance dates for INCH OF YOUR LIFE: THE TRILOGY are: Episode 1/The Pilot - March 7-17, 2018 - *MARCH 8th OPENING*Episode 2/The Middle Part - May 9-19, 2018 - *MAY 10th OPENING*Episode 3/The Last Bit - July 18-28, 2018 - *JULY 19th OPENING* Tickets for INCH OF YOUR LIFE: Episode 1/The Pilot are on sale TODAY at www.artsboxoffice.ca The Theatre Circuit was created with the intention of producing work that celebrates and highlights the artistic diversity of Toronto; cultivating an artistic hub in which to nurture, support, and promote Toronto-based theatre artists; fostering a community in which emerging, established, and returning theatre artists can connect and develop fruitful creative partnerships; and, engaging and entertaining the people of Toronto while attracting broader audiences to support local theatre productions. Also as part of its first season is THE LAST PERFORMANCE by Hole in the Wall Productions starring Jonathan Sconza & Steven Vlahos and directed by Ceridwen Kingstone. The Theatre Circuit is comprised of founding members Massimo Pagliaroli (Artistic Director) and Carlo Vitelli (Managing Director), and Susan Lock, Alex Clay, Ceridwen Kingstone, Jonathan Sconza, Steven Vlahos & Andrea Healey (Resident Artists & Associate Producers). www.thetheatrecircuit.com@theatrecircuit Stageworthy:http://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPod

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

Emmilia Gordon Emmelia is a Vancouver actor making the big leap into the Toronto theatre scene. Fierce will be her first semi professional debut in Toronto and couldn’t have ask for a more supportive and kick ass team. She is two time Jessie Richardson award winner (New Canadian Kid, Green Thumb Theatre & Dissolve, Shameless Hussy Productions) Acting credits include: Lady Parts (Pi Theatre); The Food Project (Theatre by Committee); Perter and the Starcatcher, (Arts Club Theatre); Proud, (Firehall Arts Centre (Jessie nominated)); Dirty Old Woman (wet ink collective); Fat Pig (Short, Sharp & Pointy); Measure for Measure (Honest Fishmongers/Pacific Theatre); The After Party (Sum Theatre/Pull Fest); Twelve Angry Men (Hardline Productions); She’s also had the pleasure of being co-creator, alongside Pippa Mackie, of the touring Fringe hit The Progressive Polygamists and an improviser in The Life Game created by Keith Johnstone. Emmelia is a graduate of Studio 58 and the recipient of the Antony Holland Scholarship for dedication and outstanding ability. ​Co-founder of Criminal Girlfriends. http://www.emmeliagordon.com/ Twitter: @emmmmelia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emmeliagordon Wes Berger Fierce will be the fourth World Premiere production of a play by George F. Walker for which Wes has served as director, after Parents Night (CrazyLady), The Bigger Issue (CrazyLady) and, most recently, The Chance (Leroy St Theatre). Wes also directed Walker's Criminal Genius (Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects) and acted in first productions of Walker's plays, The Ravine (Lyndesfarne Theatre Projects) and The Damage Done (Canadian Rep). Other directing credits include Rukmini's Gold (Red Betty), The Beauty Queen of Leenane (Connemara Collective), Scenic View (ECT), Larger Than Life: The Musical (Ghostlight Projects), Speed-the-Plow (Theatre Proteus), and his own play, FOOL (SummerWorks Festival). Wes also served as director and dramaturge for his partner Sarah Murphy-Dyson’s play The Naked Ballerina (SOULO Festival, In The Soil Festival, Toronto Fringe Festival) for which he was cited by NOW Magazine for Outstanding Direction. Fierce Two women. A retired professional woman, arrested while wandering in traffic is found to be under the influence of a potent "drug cocktail." She is ordered by the court to undergo treatment, and placed in a clinic run by a psychiatrist who has her own difficult history. A volatile 75-minute encounter, fuelled by painful revelations - and their mutual distaste of politeness - provocatively ensues. Filled with Walker's trademark ferocious and finely-honed wit,Fierce stars Vancouver / Toronto / Montreal actor and performance artist Marisa Crockett as the psychiatrist Maggie and Vancouver's Emmelia Gordon (two-time Jessie Richardson award winner making her Toronto debut) as her patient, Jayne. These two starry-eyed drifters met while taking an acting workshop with the playwright. Kindred spirits, the two women created Criminal Girlfriends to produce this edgy comedy, born out of a common desire to make intense, punchy theatre happen in intimate spaces http://www.criminalgirlfriends.com/ Criminal Girlfriends proudly presents the world premiere ofFierce by George F. WalkerDirected by Wes BergerStarring Marisa Crockett and Emmelia Gordon Previews February 15 & 16, Opens Saturday, February 17 and runs to March 3, 2018Red Sandcastle Theatre, 922 Queen St. East, TorontoMonday-Saturday @ 8pm (except no show on Monday February 26); Sunday matinee on February 25 @ 3pm Ticket Prices: February 15 & 16 Previews & February 25 Matinee - Pay-what-you-can Regular Run: February 17-March 3 - $25 (Arts Workers/Students/ Seniors $20 and Youth 25 & under $15) Tickets at: https://fiercetoronto.brownpapertickets.com/ Stageworthy:http://www.stageworthypodcast.com Twitter @stageworthyPod Facebook: http://facebook.com/stageworthyPod