Monthly Archives: March 2010

Call for Submissions: Urjo Kareda Residency Grant for an Emerging Theatre Artist, Tarragon Theatre

This $10,000 grant is made possible by an annual donation from the Youssef-Warren Foundation and allows the successful applicant to spend up to 20 weeks at the Tarragon Theatre, working on a self-created program in collaboration with an artist or artists in the applicant’s chosen field of interest.

The grant is geared toward an emerging professional theatre artist, whether it is in the field of playwriting, direction, design or the technical arts. The residency period will occur between August 2010 and June 2011. The grant will be adjudicated by a committee consisting of senior theatre artists and a representative of the Foundation.

In the context of the theatre award, “emerging artist” is defined as an artist of any age who has spent no fewer than two years and no more than five in his/her chosen field (after training, if applicable), and who has demonstrated a strong interest in and potential for working in theatre. The applicant must have created, or participated in, at least one artistic work that has been presented, produced, or published. The applicant must become resident in the Greater Toronto Area for the duration of the proposed program. Applications are encouraged from artists of diverse cultures and artists working on non-traditional forms of theatre. The adjudicating committee will be most interested in the individual specifics of each application.

All applications must be received at Tarragon – by mail, courier, or in person (no faxes or e-mails) – by Friday, April 30, 2010.

The Urjo Kareda Residency Grant for an Emerging Theatre Artist will be announced on (or before) June 15, 2010.

For further information about the award and application procedures contact Andrew Lamb, Director of Education and Outreach, 416.536.5018 x229 or email andrew@tarragontheatre.com.

Event: Getting out of the FOG! Free Symposium April 12, York University

The Department of Theatre, Faculty of Fine Arts at York University is hosting a free symposium for production designers, producers and technicians about the use of fog on the theatrical stage.

Join us for hands-on presentations by industry representatives and professional theatre practitioners to:

  • Explain how atmospheric machines work and what materials they consume
  • Discuss current knowledge on the safe use of fog devices on the stage
  • Demonstrate the techniques used to light atmospheric effects on stage.

Featured Speakers:

  • Janet Sellery of Sellery Health+Safety, a leading Canadian consulting service on health and safety in arts practice
  • Thierry Pouliot of MDG Fog Generators, a global leader in the manufacture of atmospheric effects
  • Renee Brode, a professional lighting designer for theatre and dance, and instructor in York’s theatre program

Produced by York Theatre Professor James McKernan, this symposium is part of a series of professional development workshops focusing on current stage technology.

When:             Monday, April 12, 6 – 10pm
Where:            The Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, Accolade East Building

York University, 4700 Keele St. | Map & Directions

Admission is free, but registration is requested

Email James MeKernan at mckernen@yorku.ca asap to RSVP.

Event: ArtsVote Sundays, The Second City

There’s only one mayoral candidate that truly supports the arts! The Second City is inviting all artists and arts workers to catch our new hit show Second City for Mayor any Sunday night in April and support ArtsVote 2010.

Use the promo code ARTSVOTE to purchase $15 tickets and $5 from every ticket purchase will be donated to ArtsVote 2010, a coalition of arts workers and artists working to elect candidates who support the arts in the 2010 municipal election (www.artsvotetoronto.ca)
Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.secondcity.com or 416-343-0011, and proof of your arts worker status is required when you pick up your ticket (Equity card, recent show program, business card, for example). Offer is valid for 7:00 pm shows on Sunday April 4, 11, and 25. (No show April 18th)

“****smart, sassy, sexy and spectacularly funny” – Toronto Star
“early returns show [Melody A.] Johnson and her comedy troupe winning in a laugher” – Globe and Mail

About Artsvote:
www.artsvotetoronto.ca
ArtsVote 2010 is a coalition of arts workers and artists, working to elect candidates who support the arts in the October 25, 2010 municipal election. Our goals are to communicate the value of our contribution to Toronto, and mobilize all of us who earn our living in the arts to vote for candidates who are committed to building a vibrant and cultured community.

ArtsVote was founded in 1993 by a dedicated team of arts workers and artists, with the goal of raising awareness among the cultural community of the importance of their vote for candidates who supported the cultural sector in the city of Toronto. Through four municipal elections, beginning in 1994, ArtsVote created and distributed the excellent and effective Report Card and was instrumental in getting arts-savvy voters out to the polls. Between elections, ArtsVote organized deputations to City (& Metro) Council at budget time, encouraging councillors to continue investing in the arts community.

Job Posting: Executive Director, Playwrights Guild of Canada

Who Is:

  • Passionate about Canadian theatre, Canadian writers and Canada’s culture
  • An enthusiastic, energetic self-starter and a committed team player able to oversee and motivate a full-time, part-time and contract staff
  • Experienced (5 years+) running a membership-driven organization, reporting to a Board or Executive Committee and implementing its policies
  • Versed in all three levels of Canadian arts funding partners, and has written successful grant applications
  • Strong financial management skills
  • An experienced not-for-profit fund-raiser
  • Articulate and diplomatic with strong writing and verbal communication skills

Playwrights Guild wants to find a dynamic and proactive individual who will:

  • Take on the priorities of the organization – the business of playwriting, advocacy and creating a sense of connection with the community– with creative drive and innovation.

IF THAT’S YOU:

E-MAIL A COVERING LETTER AND COMPLETE RESUME (including references) TO: shirleybarrie4@gmail.com Or SNAIL MAIL LETTER AND RESUME TO:

PGC Search Committee

c/o 462 Clendenan Ave.

Toronto, ON M6P 2X6

BEFORE APRIL 23, 2010

Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted. This is a full-time, contract position. Full job description available online at: www.playwrightsguild.ca

No phone calls, please.

PLEASE NOTE: POSITION IS BASED IN TORONTO

ABOUT PLAYWRIGHTS GUILD OF CANADA:

Playwrights Guild of Canada is the voice of Canadian playwrights. We are a professional organization, an advocacy group and a community network. We believe that the arts are absolutely vital to society’s well-being, and we work tirelessly to champion the role of the playwright in the creation of a vibrant theatre culture, within Canada and internationally.

Announcement: 2010 Festival Programming Announced, Magnetic North Theatre Festival

Magnetic North has officially announced the full festival programming this morning.  The full announcement can be seen on their website here.  If you haven’t yet already, please visit to find out which productions will be featured at the festival, what’s happening at Magnetic Encounters, how the community will be involved with Magnetic Vibrations and much more!

Job Posting: Assistant Chair – Administration in the Department of Drama, University of Alberta

The University of Alberta invites applications for the position of Assistant Chair – Administration in the Department of Drama, well-recognized as a major leader in theatre education and training.  The Assistant Chair provides strategic planning, leadership and management of Departmental operations, which include academic and studio based theatre programs, a formal six play theatre season and more than twenty other theatre events per year. This position is accountable for effective administration of the Department’s financial and human resources, theatre operations and the day-to-day functioning of the department’s administrative structure.

For more information about this dynamic theatre department, see www.ualberta.ca/drama

Working with the Chair, the Production Manager, a strong administrative staff, and other units on campus, the Assistant Chair will be responsible for:

  • managing the Department’s operating budget, endowments, research and other funds
  • supervising a team of administrative staff
  • overseeing financial, communications and front-of-house activity for Studio Theatre and other public theatre events
  • applying the terms and conditions of professional theatre and university policies, procedures and  collective agreements
  • designing administrative processes to ensure operational effectiveness
  • development and fundraising, student recruitment, as well as student supervision and orientation to arts administration

The salary range is per year.

The salary range is $64,429 to $107,389 per year. There is a comprehensive benefits package — for benefits details visit http://www.hrs.ualberta.ca/Benefits/Glance/T8.pdf.

SEE MORE DETAILS ABOUT THIS POSITION AT:

http://www.drama.ualberta.ca/opportunities.cfm

Submission should include: a letter of application which addresses the position expectations; your resume, and names and contact information of three references.  Final dues date: 15 April 2010.  Submit to:

Jan Selman, Chair                                                             Email: jan.selman@ualberta.ca
Department of Drama
3-146 FAB, University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada  T6G 2C9

Event: 11th Annual Fine Wine Auction, Canadian Opera Company

THE COC’S WINE AUCTION OFFERS OVER $250,000 WORTH OF FINE WINES UP FOR BID!

The Canadian Opera Company’s 11th annual Fine Wine Auction brings wine enthusiasts and novices together to bid on over $250,000 worth of hard-to-find fine wines on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at the trendy Crush Wine Bar in Toronto.

The live auction, led by Stephen Ranger, features an impressive assortment of exquisite wines from private collections, including:

  • 1970 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port (Half Bottles), Oporto, Portugal
  • 1995, 2003 Harlan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
  • 1994 – 2004 Marilyn Merlot, 11 bottle Vertical, Napa Valley, California
  • 1989 & 2002 Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, France
  • 1976 Château D’Yquem, Sauternes, France
  • 1990 Ornellaia Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia, Bolgheri, Italy

In addition to bidding on exclusive wines, guests can indulge in an irresistible array of culinary delicacies, cheeses, and Austrian tasting wines, and can participate in a silent auction featuring items such as theatre experiences, restaurant gift certificates, winery tours, plus a raffle for a piece of jewellery, courtesy of Royal de Versailles.

To find out more, explore the auction’s wine catalogue, watch an interview with auctioneer Stephen Ranger as he discusses the incredible line-up of wines, or check out images of the COC’s previous Fine Wine Auctions.

This is a great night out not only for those who want to add to their already established wine cellars, but also for those who are just starting out their collections.  All proceeds benefit the Canadian Opera Company.

COC’s 11th ANNUAL
FINE WINE AUCTION
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Crush Wine Bar, 455 King St. W.
Reception at 6 p.m.  ∙ Auction at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $60
coc.ca ∙ call 416-363-8231

Presented in part by Crush Wine Bar and Restaurant, the Austrian Trade Commission, The Cheese Boutique, Royal de Versailles, as well as CTV and The Globe and Mail.

About the Canadian Opera Company
Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and third largest in North America, and celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2009/10.  Under its new leadership of General Director Alexander Neef and Music Director Johannes Debus, the COC continues its international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation.  The COC currently enjoys a remarkable 100% attendance rate and the highest subscription rate in North America.  The COC performs in its opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects.  From its inauguration in 2006, the Four Seasons Centre has been hailed internationally as one of the finest opera houses in the world.  The Four Seasons Centre is also the performance venue for the National Ballet of Canada.

Workshop: Children’s Puppetry Workshops, Puppetmongers Theatre

Almost a repeat of last year’s highly successful series: 8 – 12 year olds discover the basics of puppet construction, staging and manipulation, in hands-on workshops with Master puppeteers Ann Powell and David Powell of Puppetmongers Theatre.  Post show workshops and in-studio performances for children also available.

  • May 8th, 2010 Marionette Making
  • May 15th, 2010 Toy Theatre
  • May 29th, 2010 Shadow Puppetry

Registration and Policies
TO REGISTER for any course please contact David at 416-469-3555 or email school@puppetmongers.com to confirm that there is still room in the course.

PAYMENT can be made by cheque made out to the Toronto School of Puppetry and mailed to 401 Logan Ave., suite 219, Toronto. Ontario. M4M 2P2

Due to limited class sizes, registration is on a first paid basis. Our receipt of your cheque confirms your registration in class.

Waiting List
If a class is full, you may still reserve your place on the waiting list by mailing your cheque. Places do sometimes become available when other registrants cancel. Your placement on the waiting list will be established in the sequence of cheque arrivals. We will hold your waiting list cheque and return it to you if no place becomes available for you.

Cancellations
If you cancel in advance of two weeks before your first class we will refund your fees less a 20% administrative charge. We regret that there can be no refunds for cancellations made in the two weeks leading up to the first class.

We will refund your full fee in the unlikely event that we have to cancel your course.

Workshop: MASTERCLASS with Denise Clarke, Factory Theatre

Factory Theatre is pleased to offer a  MASTERCLASS with Denise Clarke

Date: Friday, April 23rd 2010
Time: 1pm to 3pm
Location: Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst Street at Adelaide)
Cost: $65 ($50 for members of CAEA) GST included

To enroll, please contact:

Andre du Toit
Associate Producer
andre@factorytheatre.ca
or 416-504-4473 ext. 235

Payment must be made at time of booking to reserve your place

Enrollment is extremely limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment

Denise Clarke is a Calgary-born, innovative performance artist, choreographer and Associate Artist of Calgary’s famous One Yellow Rabbit.  She has created or co-created several shows for OYR including The Erotic Irony of Old Glory, Touch, Breeder, So Low, Permission, Featherland, Sign Language, Heavens To Murgatroid and A Fabulous Disaster. Denise created and became director of the OYR Summer Lab Intensive school in 1997. She continues to teach, give master classes and lecture, most recently at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Other work includes choreography and direction throughout Canada. She recently created a new work for Peggy Baker Dance Projects which premiered in 2008. Denise finished by 2009 performing as Dorothy Arzner in the Urban Curvz production of Camera Woman. She has toured extensively in OYR shows including Ilsa, Queen of the Nazi Love Camp, Mata Hari: Tigress at the City Gates, Doing Leonard Cohen, Thunderstruck, Sign Language, Dream Machine and Five Hole: Tales of Hockey Erotica.

Denise is in Toronto performing her solo show A Fabulous Disaster at Factory Theatre’s Performance Spring Festival from April 21 – 25.  Tickets available by calling 416-504- 9971 or www.factorytheatre.ca

Call for Submissions: 2010/2011 Season Director Search, Alumnae Theatre Company

Alumnae Theatre Company is inviting interested directors to submit proposals for any of the following shows, which are part of our 2010/2011 season.

You Are Here, by Daniel MacIvor September 24 – October 9, 2010 (Mainstage)

In this dark comedy we see a series of luminous moments and encounters.  We’re drawn into Alison’s world: love that fades, hopes that die, but then, enduring friendship that offers the promise of redemption.

Cast:  3W, 5M

Special Notes: This is a one-woman show with 18 characters.

Hedda Gabler, by Henrik Ibsen, translated & adapted by Judith Thompson November 12 – November 27, 2010 (Studio)

Hedda is considered by some critics as one of the great dramatic roles in theatre, the “female Hamlet,” and some portrayals have been very controversial. Depending on the interpretation, Hedda may be seen as an idealistic heroine fighting society, a victim of circumstance, a prototypical feminist, or a manipulative villain.

Cast: 4W, 3M

Special Notes: Adapted through the poignant voice of Judith Thompson, this piece is irresistible.

The Real Inspector Hound/After Magritte, by Tom Stoppard January 21 – February 5, 2011 (Mainstage)

The Real Inspector Hound follows two theatre critics named Moon and Birdboot who are watching a ludicrous setup of a country house murder mystery, in the style of a whodunit. By chance, they become involved in the action causing a series of events that parallel the play they are watching.

Cast: 3W, 5M (Possibility of Critics being played by women)

After Magritte

After Magritte is a hilarious farce in which different versions of the same, extremely simple story are superimposed one upon the other creating a dizzying confusion surrounding a supposed crime that the enterprising Inspector Foot of the Yard and the plodding Constable Holmes simply cannot unravel. The end of the play is a totally surreal and totally logical tableau, entirely worthy of the painter who inspired it all.

Cast: 2W, 3M

Special Notes: These one-act pieces will be presented together as a double bill.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Interviews will be held evenings of Tues May 18, Wed May 19, Thurs May 20, 2010

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION

Please submit a letter of interest by Saturday May 1, 2010.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Please submit a resume along with an e-letter of interest outlining which play you would like to pitch for and why… before the deadline of Saturday May 1, 2010.

At the interview, you will be expected to present a proposal to the Directors Selection Committee (made up of Alumnae members) outlining your ideas for a full production.  A template outlining what a director’s proposal includes is available and will be sent upon request.

Copies of the full scripts available at the Toronto Reference Library. (Performing Arts Dept., 5th Floor)

WHERE TO SUBMIT

Please submit/contact us at program@alumnaetheatre.com.

~ Alumnae Theatre is a non-professional/non-paying theatre company ~