Call for Submissions: Directors for 2009/2010 Seasons, Alumnae Theatre Company

Alumnae Theatre Company is inviting non-union directors to submit proposals for any of the four shows in our 2009/2010 season:

• A Delicate Balance, by Edward Albee September 25 – October 10, 2009 (Mainstage)
• Palace of the End, by Judith Thompson November 13 – 28, 2009 (Studio)
• Hay Fever, by Noel Coward January 15 – 30, 2010 (Mainstage)
• The Queens, by Normand Chaurette, translated by Linda Gaboriau April 17 – May 1, 2010 (Mainstage)

Copies of the full scripts are available at the Toronto Reference Library (Performing Arts Dept., 5th Floor), and at Theatre Ontario. Interviews will be held in June, 2009.

TO BOOK AN INTERVIEW: Please submit a letter of interest by Sunday May 31 at 6pm to dinahwatts@sympatico.ca At the interview you will be expected to present a proposal to the Directors Selection Committee (made up of Alumnae Theatre Company members) outlining your ideas for a full production, followed by a short interview. A template outlining what a director’s proposal includes is available and will be sent to you upon request.

**NOTE: This is a non-Equity/ACTRA and non-paying engagement**

Workshop: Tuning with Felix Marchand and Perspectives on Dance/Theatre with Christopher Winkler, Toronto Dance Theatre

TDT presents workshops with Berlin-based choreographers Felix Marchand and Christoph Winkler.

Saturday May 9th 11am-2pm Winchester Street Theatre, Studio C T

Tuning with Felix Marchand

The focus of this mini-workshop will be to explore different composition strategies. Through improvisation scores we will highlight our awareness towards the space and our relationship to it. We will start with a warm-up where we will sharpen and sensitize our perception skills. Then we will tune in different scores, where the key questions are: How do I perceive the space? What are my personal compositional strategies? How can I enlarge my point of view?

Felix Marchand studied at the Erika Klütz School (school for dance pedagogy) in Hamburg, Germany as well as the European Dance Development Centre (EDDC) in Arnhem, Netherlands. He has been a freelance choreographer and performer in Berlin since 2002. Recently, he performed with Thomas Conway in the festival “Intimate strangers/Parcours” curated by Meg Stuart in the Kaaitheater in Brussels. In 2007, he began studying towards his Master’s in Solo Dance Authorship (SoDA) at the Co-operative Dance Education Centre in Berlin.

Sunday May 10th 11am-3pm Winchester Street Theatre, Studio C

Perspectives on Dance/Theatre with Christoph Winkler

The workshop examines the meaning of context and framing in contemporary dance. Relevant concepts and terminology will be presented, put up for discussion and illustrated in simple exercises. In order to exemplify the diversity and flexibility of perspectives, the workshop will also suggest a model to describe elements of performing arts. In addition, the course of the inquiry will provide insight into the specific working methods of Christoph Winkler. The workshop is conceived as a first introduction to contextual choreographic practice and is open to all interested amateur or professional dancers.

Christoph Winkler was born in Torgau, East Germany, and studied choreography at the Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch. He has been working as an independent choreographer in Berlin since 1998, developing over 26 solo and group pieces. He received invitations to, among others, the German Dance Platform 2002 and 2004, to the Rencontres Chorégraphiques Internationales de Seine-Saint-Denis in Paris 2003 and to ImPulsTanz Wien 2003 with an adaption of the piece Hinter den Linien. Mr. Winkler was an Artist in Residence at the Tanzfabrik Berlin e.V from 1999-2004.

Felix Marchand and Christoph Winkler are currently in Toronto creating new works for TDT, to be presented from May 21-30 at the Winchester Street Theatre. $25 per workshop, or $40 for both To register – call Rachel at 416-967-1365 x28 or email press@tdt.org. Space is limited

Call for Submissions: HATCH Emerging Performance Projects for the 2009-2010 Series, Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre is pleased to announce an Open Call for proposals from Toronto-area artists and companies working in the field of performance for HATCH: emerging performance projects for the 2009-2010 series. Companies and artists selected to participate in HATCH will receive a one-week residency in Harbourfront Centre’s Studio Theatre.

HATCH: emerging performance projects at Harbourfront Centre Deadline for Proposals: July 3, 2009

HATCH is designed to incubate and foster invention and innovation in the local performance scene. Entering its seventh year, this programme has become an important element in the milieu of local performance development.

Full criteria, qualification information and instructions for applicants can be found at here or call Laura Nanni at 416-952-7969.

HATCH is a key initiative in Harbourfront Centre’s mission to develop local artists and their unique practices. The HATCH residency and mentorship programme provides resources and professional assistance to a new generation of engaging and innovative contemporary artists to reach the next stage in the development in their work and careers.

HATCH is seeking artists committed to the development of contemporary, inventive and creative performance-based work and invites projects from emerging creators and established artists engaging in new collaborations or entering into new artistic territory. Proposals are encouraged from artists working across all disciplines, including, but not limited to, dance, theatre, performance art, music, multi-media, etc. Of particular interest are proposals that can demonstrate how HATCH will benefit the project or the artist during this stage of development.

Please mail proposals to: HATCH Proposals c/o Laura Nanni, Artistic Associate, Programme Coordinator,

HATCH: emerging performance projects Performing Arts,

Harbourfront Centre 235 Queens Quay West Toronto,

ON M5J 2G8

Sorry, applications by fax or email are not accepted.

Workshops: A Series of Activities In Support of the Berlin/Toronto Project, Toronto Dance Theatre

In support of the upcoming Berlin/Toronto Project performances (May 21st-23rd and 27th-30th), TDT is proud to present
a series of activities made possible in part by the Goethe-Institut Toronto and the Canadian Embassy in Berlin. All events take place at the Winchester Street Theatre. For more info please visit tdt.org.

• Workshop: Tuning with Felix Marchand Saturday May 9th 11am-2pm  $25 (or both workshops for $40) Open to all dancers.  Pre-registration is required – please call Rachel at 416-967-1365

• Workshop: Perspectives on Dance/Theatre with Christoph Winkler Sunday May 10th 11am-3pm $25 (or both workshops for $40) Open to all dancers. Pre-registration is required – please call Rachel at 416-967-1365

• The Process Revealed: A behind-the-scenes look at upcoming world premieres from Felix Marchand and Christoph Winkler Monday May 11th 7pm FREE – Open to everyone

• Discussion: On Dramaturgy-of-the-Body, with German dramaturge and scholar Susanne Foellmer, dramaturges Guy Cools and Jacob Zimmer, and choreographers Ame Henderson, Christopher House, Felix Marchand and Christoph Winkler Monday May 18th 7pm FREE – Open to everyone

• Lecture: Dance in Berlin, with Susanne Foellmer Tuesday May 19th 7pm FREE – Open to everyone

• Post-performance discussion: On the works of Felix Marchand and Christoph Winkler, with Suzanne Foellmer Friday May 22nd 9:30pm FREE – Open to everyone

• TDT GoGos: A fabulous fundraiser to benefit TDT Saturday May 23rd 8pm $50 – Space is limited Please call 416-967-1365 or visit tdt.org for tickets

TAPA Membership: Dicounted Tickets for Tuesday’s With Morrie, Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company

The Harold Green Jewish Theatre Company would love to extend an invitation to all TAPA members.

By Quoting the word “ARTIST” – all members of TAPA are entitled to $30.00 dollar tickets (tier 2 and 3)  for Tuesday’s With Morrie for the following dates.

• Saturday May 9th
• Sunday May 10th
• Both shows on Wednesday May 13th

Tuesday’s With Morrie stars Hal Linden and Rick Roberts and is directed by Ted Dykstra.
Starting Thursday April 30th call 416-872-5555 and quote “ARTIST”

Hope to see you there!!!!

Job Posting: Head of Wardrobe, Tarragon Theatre

Tarragon Theatre is seeking a Head of Wardrobe to fill a full-time seasonal position in the Production Department. Tarragon produces a season of between seven and eight productions in our Mainspace and Extra Space theatres, with a focus on the production of new Canadian plays. Costumes can range from period to contemporary and cast sizes usually range from 1 to 13. The Head of Wardrobe reports to the Technical Director and Production Manager. This is a key position within the theatre with a primary focus on costume construction, purchase, alteration and maintenance. The position requires a self-motivated, organized individual with the ability to work independently, multi-task and prioritise.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Interpreting wardrobe designs and working with designers to create appropriate costumes for each character in all of our productions
• Preparing wardrobe cost estimates from designs to present to the production manager and designer
• Scheduling and coordinating wardrobe assistants as needed by each production
• Coordinating any wig and makeup needs of each production
• Liaising with Stage Management in order to respond to rehearsal and show notes and to schedule fittings
• Maintaining Tarragon’s wardrobe stock and facilitating wardrobe rentals

The ideal candidate will have some experience as a senior person within a Wardrobe department, or as a Head of Wardrobe, have the ability to work independently, be comfortable working with and directing assistants, have excellent communication skills and be highly organized. The position requires a high degree of flexibility and the willingness to with a team to accomplish a goal. As with most positions in the theatre the hours of work can be extremely variable. The seasonal contract usually runs from mid-August to early-May. Interested applicants should apply either via email or in writing to: Michael Freeman, Production Manager, 30 Bridgman Avenue, Toronto Ontario M5R 1X3. Applications should include a cover letter and resume. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. The deadline for applications will be May 30th, 2009. www.tarragontheatre.com

Call for Submissions: HATCHLab with James Yarker of Stan’s Cafe, Harbourfront Centre

HATCHLab with James Yarker of Stan’s Cafe

Applications due: Thursday, April 30, 2009

Harbourfront Centre is thrilled to announce that we’re now accepting submissions for the upcoming HATCHLab with renowned, genre-breaking UK theatre company Stan’s Cafe.

HATCHLab is an intensive peer-to-peer learning opportunity presented as part of Harbourfront Centre’s HATCH: emerging performance projects and World Stage programmes. HATCHLab’s goal is to create a space for conversation about practice and to cross distances between artists in Toronto’s performance community and our international peers. Previous HATCHLab’s have featured New York’s TEAM (Theatre of the Emerging American Moment) and Australia’s Back to Back Theatre. This time, Stan’s Cafe Artistic Director James Yarker will lead a workshop on performance creation, devising, and the meetings of theatre, visual and performance art cultures. This rare opportunity should be of interest to all artists working in and across these fields of practice.

HATCHLab accompanies two presentations of Stan’s Cafe as part of World Stage: The Cleansing of Constance Brown (May 5-9) is a study of character that bends time with intimate theatricality, while the the massive and provocative performance installation Of All The People In All The World (May 13-24) tells the statistical story of the Americas with 580 million grains of rice and a handful of live performers.

HATCHLab is Wednesday, May 6. 3:30-6pm. Note that James Yarker will also be giving a free lecture for all members of the community on Thursday, May 7, 4-6pm. All events take place in Harbourfront’s York Quay Centre. All events are entirely free.

Space in HATCHLab is limited. Interested participants should apply no later than Thursday, April 30. The workshop is being created for the participants, so please include a bio and resume in your email, and tell us why you’d like to be part of the workshop and what you’d like to get out of it. Email your submissions to hatch@harbourfrontcentre.com. Successful applicants will be notified no later than Friday, May 1. See you there.

Event: Big Ideas Festival, Alumnae Theatre

Alumnae Theatre’s New Play Development group presents Big Ideas-A Festival of Readings.  Works-in-progress from the award-winning writers of the Alumnae Theatre’s New Play Development group!  Short plays, long plays, scenes from full-length plays.

The line-up includes:

• Lucy Brennan, Whispering Land
• Flora Danziger, Who Is Lieserl?
• Ilene Cummings, Wedding Ring Cycle
• Francine Dick, Permafrost
• Jordan Hall, Kayak
• Cate Frid, Guineapigging
• Norma Crawford, Moving
• Marianne Fedunkiuw, Ashes To Ashes

Saturday May 2nd, 2009 Alunmae Studio Theatre 12:30pm tp 5:30pm Free Admission

Drop in for an hour or stay for the whole afternoon and sample the next big hits.

Call for Submissions: 2009 Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award, TAPA

The Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award was founded by Elizabeth Comper. Elizabeth is a past Board Member at the Tarragon Theatre, and a long-time supporter of the arts in Toronto, particularly recognized with her association to the Siminovitch Prize. Last year the inaugural Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award was presented to Jim LeFrancois.

The Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award (LMJH) recognizes the work of theatre, dance and opera administrators. The scope of “administrators” is broad and diverse and includes but is not limited to; producers, general managers, executive directors, publicists, marketing managers, directors of development, business managers, box office managers and front of house managers.

Eligibility Criteria for the Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award

Individuals eligible for the LMJH award are not emerging administrators but must have demonstrated a minimum 10 year commitment and impact to the performing arts industry in Toronto (defined for these purposes as theatre, dance and opera);

The winner will be chosen by the Selection Committee from nominations received from the TAPA membership;

The winner will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and a plaque awarded by TAPA through the generous sponsorship of Elizabeth Comper.

Please send submissions with the following information to: Jacoba Knaapen, Executive Director, jacobak@tapa.ca (pls note: nominations will only be accepted via email)

• Nominator’s Name, title, company, phone and email
• Name of nominee
• Bio and resume of nominee
• Why you have selected the nominee and why you think they should be recognized and deserve to win the Leonard McHardy and John Harvey Award (up to 3 pages)
• Headshot or photograph of nominee (if possible)

Submissions will be reviewed and considered by the LMJH Committee. The Committee is Chaired by Sandy Tulloch, and also is comprised of Derrick Chua, John Harvey, Gayle Matthews and Jacoba Knaapen. The recipient for the Leonard McHardy and John Harvey will be announced at the Dora press conference on June 3, 2009.

The submission deadline is Thursday May 15, 2009 at 5:00pm.  Email submissions only please.

Announcement: Discount for TAPA Members to The Marriage of Anansewa, AfriCan Theatre Ensemble

AfriCan Theatre Ensemble is very pleased to offer a discounted ticket price to any TAPA Members who wish to attend any of the Harbourfront Centre Studio Theatre shows. The ticket price for Members will be $15 as opposed to $25.  For more information about the show and AfriCan Theatre Ensemble please click here.

The Marriage of Anansewa is a finely crafted play by Ghanaian writer Efua Sutherland that shows us  the famed cunning of Ananse, the west African spider man storyteller. The play features an original creation by Sutherland in the character of Anansewa, who as the daughter of Ananse helps us observe the famous trickster with fresh eyes. Strapped for cash,
Ananse decides to auction his daughter to four wealthy suitors to raise money for her school fees. But how can a modern young woman go along with such a scheme? Don’t miss this lively meditation on dissembling as an art and as a survivor’s game! Featuring gifted African-Canadian actors and live music.