Workshop: Say it, Shout it, Move it- A Playwrighting Masterclass with Judith Thompson, Nightwood Theatre

DATES: Sunday, February 20th and Monday February 21st, 2011, 10am-5pm
COST: $125+HST *
LOCATION: Nightwood/Tapestry Studio, 55 Mill St., The Cannery, Studio 315

Limited to 20 participants (first come. first serve)
Please call Hilary Green to reserve your spot at 416-944-1740 x 5
or email hilary@nightwoodtheatre.net

I believe that all my own best writing has happened under pressure, and very fast.  I also believe that I need to say it, shout it and move it before I give it to actors. I am very excited to lead a two day workshop for playwrights in which I will guide you through fast, immediate, uncensored writing, which will culminate in a performance of the most powerful theatrical words written in the workshop.  We can do this, and it will be breath-taking.

Judith Thompson playwright, director, actor, screenwriter, professor of theatre, is the author of fifteen plays including The Crackwalker, Lion in the Streets, and Palace of the End; her plays have been translated into many languages and are performed all over the world. She has written two feature films, Lost and Delirious and Perfect Pie, and numerous radio dramas. She is an Officer of the Order of Canada and has won two Governor General’s Awards, a Dora, a Toronto Arts Award, the Jean Gascon-Thomas Award, as well as the Susan Smith Blackburn Award for best play by a woman writing in English in the World (for Palace of the End) and the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award. She lives in Toronto with her husband and five children and two dogs and three cats.

Workshop: Stability with Mobility-Conditioning work for dancers with Ginette Hamel, Physiotherapist, Artists’ Health Centre

Saturday February 26, 2011

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Fee: $30 for your TAPA (regular price $40)
Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.

Location: CanStage Rehearsal Hall
26 Berkeley Street

This full-day, interactive workshop combines energizing stretches, deep core stability exercises, and the strengthening of specific muscles used in dance. Participants will focus on the ankles and lower legs, preparing the emerging dancer for a professional career, while helping the advanced performer to maintain strength and vitality. Emphasis will be placed on:

• Technique review and correction
• Injury prevention
• Self-massage techniques

Sessions involve practical components, so participants are asked to bring comfortable clothing/dancewear, a yoga mat and a towel.

Ginette Hamel, BSc PT, is trained in sports physiotherapy and is a certified Pilates instructor. She has more than 25 years of experience as a physiotherapist and specializes in the treatment of performing artists. Ginette has worked with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the National Ballet School , with musicals like Dirty Dancing, Aida and Chorus Line, with musicians from the Toronto Symphony, the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet Orchestra as well as on the movies Blindness and Billy Bishop Goes to War. She is currently consultant physiotherapist at the National Ballet of Canada and has been working with the Artists’ Health Centre since it opened in 2002.

To register please contact us at:
Phone: 416.351.0239
Email: info@ahcf.ca
Fax: 416.595.0009
Or visit our website to print off and mail or fax in a registration form at: http://ahcf.ca/stability.html

For your comfort, this is a scent-free workshop. Please refrain from wearing any perfume, cologne, aftershave or scented products. Thank you.

Classes: Private Voice, Performance and Career Strategy Sessions, Micah Barnes

Sometimes a private coaching session is the best way to work on the technical issues and the many Performance and Career challenges we face as singers. These one on one sessions last over an hour and are recorded to disc for you to practice with on your own. We can work on Voice Production, Physical Relaxation, Material Selection, Material Development, Stage Craft and Stage Fright Issues.

Also Career Strategy is discussed, such as Team Building, Artist Identity and “Branding”, Showcasing, Material Development and How to Find Producers, Managers and Agents; everything a singer needs to be ready for a successful career in this demanding business.

Please have a look at http://www.singersplayground.com/coaching.html for further details about the private coaching sessions.

Bookings: micah@singersplayground.com or (416) 403-5491
Queen Street West Location.

Workshop: The Artist Educators in Communities and Schools Exchange Conference, Canadian Stage

Canadian Stage and the Professional Arts Organizations Network for Education invite you to attend:

The Artist Educators in Communities and Schools Exchange Conference:

EVERYONE CAN PLAY!

Saturday February 19, 2011
8:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts (Jane Mallet Theatre)
27 Front Street East, Toronto

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for this exciting one-day conference bringing together artist educators, organizational staff, curriculum specialists, teachers, community partners, funders, policy-makers and program participants from across the GTA to exchange ideas, theories and skills that will enhance their arts education practice in communities and schools and explore ways to ensure that EVERYONE CAN PLAY.

Register NOW! (click here) (Please enter February 19, 2011 in Event Dates)

The Exchange Conference features a selection of specialized sessions offered by the region’s top facilitators including Pat Quigley, Ruth Howard, Melody Johnson, Bea Pizano, Varrick Grimes, Jan Stirling-Twist, Jo Hunter, and Eddy Robinson. Conference attendees will choose from the following participatory and topical sessions:

• OLD WISE & WILLING, facilitating arts-based workshops with seniors
• ABORIGINAL DOWNTOWN, insight into aboriginal life in an urban context
• CAPICHE?! working in a language that is not your own
• 30 GAMES IN 60 SECONDS, break the ice with activities that will heat any group up
• ACCESS FOR ALL AGES, facilitating inter-generational workshops
• THE BIGGER THE BETTER, directing large-scale plays with participants of various abilities
• ART SMART, creative communication for students with mental health barriers
• NEXT IN LINE, mentorship and how to make sure things carry on once you’ve gone
• YES AND… improvise an hour away and fill your back pocket with fun on demand
• INVOLVING A MILLION STUDENTS, how one UK organization had the whole country singing
• SPEAK THE ELEVATOR SPEECH, learn to promote yourself in under 30 seconds
• GAY AND PROUD, evaluate your queer sensitivity and the importance of inclusive language
• THE COMMUNITY ARTS MYTH,  a snapshot of the history of this practice and how it looks today
• TINY TOT TALENT, creative ways to play with little people ages 0 to 3

We are pleased to present acclaimed and award-winning keynote speaker Jennifer Kolari, offering an inspiring and active session on making immediate connections with collaborators, participants and often-hard-to reach youth.

Jennifer Kolari is a therapist who has been helping children, teens and families get connected for 20 years. Jennifer published her first book in 2009 with Penguin Group USA and Penguin Canada. She has appeared in magazines such as Today’s Parent and Canadian Family, and on Canada AM, Breakfast Television, and CBC’s Steven and Chris. Her insightful strategies, shared with warmth and humour make her a highly sought-after speaker with schools, organizations and agencies throughout North America. Jennifer spent several years counseling children, teens and parents for the Toronto District School Board and serving as a field supervisor for the University of Toronto faculty of Social Work. Before that she was a family therapist at Integra, a children’s mental health centre in Toronto.

The conference will culminate with the launch of the Artist Educator Online Database created in partnership with Casting Workbook. Conference participants will have the opportunity to register for this industry service throughout the day.

The conference fee is $25 and includes lunch.  There is limited enrollment.

To sign up, follow this link and enter the date of the conference in Event Dates. (February 19th, 2011)

Announcement: $10.00 Tickets to Barefoot in the Park, Amicus Productions UPDATED!!!

Please note that the Wednesday, Feb. 2nd night performance has been CANCELLED due to inclement weather. If you have tickets for this and have not already done so, please contact our Box Office manager at amicustickets@rogers.com and he will make sure you get a seat on another night.

 

Amicus Productions is having a SPECIAL TICKET PRICE for their presentation of Barefoot in the Park at the Fairview Library Theatre on February 2nd at 8:00pm.  All tickets are $10. (Regular Prices $20).   Call 416-860-6176 and quote “ABPTB10″ to get your tickets today!  Visa & Mastercard orders accepted.

Job Posting: Part Time Bookkeeper, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Position: Part Time-Temporary, 3 days per week (24 hours). This is a one-year position covering a maternity leave.

Reports To: General Manager

Start Date: Monday April 4/11

About Buddies:
Established in 1979, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is a professional Canadian theatre company dedicated to the development and presentation of queer theatre. Over the past 30-something years, it has evolved from a small production company into the largest facility-based queer theatre company in the world. The theatre sits in the heart of downtown, adjacent to Toronto’s Gay Village, and its primary constituencies are the city’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities, and an urban alternative theatre-loving audience, both LGBT and straight. In addition to being a theatre, Buddies is a popular gay nightclub with weekly late-night events occurring year-round.

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is committed to employment equity. We encourage applications from queer, First Nations, transgendered, two-spirited, people of colour, and people with disabilities.

Duties:

• Acts as the theatre’s Bookkeeper ensuring all accounts are kept up to date providing information, account breakdowns, cash flows and financial reports as required by the General Manager, Artistic Director and Board of Directors
• Maintains up to date accounting records of all income received & expenditure incurred
• Works with the auditors to prepare year end accounts in audit format, including the compilation of the year end file
• Maintains and Develops the use of the theatre’s accounting systems to ensure maximum efficiency
• Monitors cost of utilities (eg. gas, electric)
• Trains staff in the use of financial procedures as appropriate
• Manages the administration of employee benefits
• Works with the General Manager and Artistic Director to control the theatre’s income and expenditure
• Manages the theatre’s detailed financial functions using appropriate accountancy software and other packages as appropriate on a day to day basis
• Ensures that the confidentiality of information is maintained at all times
• Reconciles weekly Box Office and Bar receipts with monies actually banked
• Posts and Codes supplier invoices
• Reconciles statements and post sundry invoices
• Processes bi-weekly payroll
• Completes all Canada Revenue returns
• Covers all audit inspections
• Checks and identifies errors in financial transactions
• Informs the General Manager and Artistic Director of developments, which may impact the budget and cash flow
• Other duties pertaining to book keeping as may be assigned by the General Manager

Knowledge & Experience:

• Accounting and financial training–minimum 3 years experience
• Government policy surrounding tax, payroll and the administration of employee benefits
• Background in the arts or not for profit sector, as well as knowledge of the Canadian Theatre Agreement and other Artists Agreements is considered an asset

Please send resume with cover letter to the attention of Shawn Daudlin, General Manager by Friday March 11/11. Include salary expectations and references. Chosen candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Apply by mail, fax or email:

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
12 Alexander Street
Toronto, ON
M4Y 1B4
Fax: 416-975-9293
Email: shawn@buddiesinbadtimes.com.

Job Posting: Accounting Coordinator, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall

Employment Opportunity – Contract

General Description

We are currently looking for a contract Accounting Coordinator. The term of the contract is expected to be approximately 12 months for maternity leave coverage, with the possibility of extension.  The ideal candidate will primarily be responsible for Event Settlements and maintenance of the Accounts Receivable sub ledger. The incumbent will also be performing Accounts Payable duties until March 2011 and Accounting Coordinator responsibilities starting May 2011. He /she will assist the Finance Manager in ensuring thorough preparation of controlled test data for system user acceptance tests and related evaluation of results.

Accounts Receivable

• Prepare and issue invoices.
• Reconcile the sub ledger to the general ledger control account monthly
• Enter invoices and deposits into AR Module and prepare weekly sub ledger reports
• Follow up with various department contacts, regarding outstanding Accounts Receivable

Event Settlements

• Review and complete rental and catering settlements, including shows at GGS and Queen Elizabeth Theatre
• Ensure compliance with contracts, tax rulings, charitable status, SOCAN and other obligations
• Prepare and post related journal entries including accruals and reversals
• Prepare cheque requisitions and/or invoices as required
• Maintain the event settlements  for all venues

General Ledger Responsibilities

• Prepare and post journal entries in General Ledger.
• Prepare General Ledger/Event Ledger reconciliations as assigned
• Identify and recommend ways to improve business processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• University or college diploma in Accounting, enrollment in CGA or CMA program is a definite asset
• Minimum 2 years of accounting experience in a computerized environment
• Intermediate knowledge of MS office applications, especially Excel, Word and Outlook
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, team player
• Ability to get things done in time and work under deadline pressure
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP
• Experience with ACCPAC AP Module would be an asset
• Prior working knowledge on system implementation preferred

Application Deadline:  February 15, 2011

Please forward applications and/or resumes by fax or email to:

Human Resources Manager
The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall
60 Simcoe St. Toronto, ON M5J 2H5
Email – careers@rth-mh.com Fax – (416) 593-4224

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position.  Please note that only applicants granted an interview will be acknowledged.  No phone calls please.

Job Posting: Box Office Representative, The Theatre Centre

The Theatre Centre is seeking a Box Office Representative. The position is part-time (evening and weekend), on an as-needed basis.  All shifts are a minimum of 5 hours.  Box Office staff report to The Theatre Centre’s Marketing Director.

Duties are as follows:

• Handle Advance ticket sales
• Manage and handle in-person door sales
• Process phone and online ticket orders
• Keep accurate record of sales
• Capture accurate marketing data
• Supervision of volunteer ushering staff during your shift
• Providing effective customer service and efficient, proactive solutions for customers’ needs
• Assist with the execution of appropriate health and safety, building security and emergency procedures.
• Ensuring that the Front of House is kept professional and presentable

Other Responsibilities:

• Report any concerns or problems to the Marketing Director
• Assist as required with other Box Office work
• Participate in staff meetings when required

Experience and Skills required:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Positive, pro-active and personable
• Organized, efficient, detail-oriented, and creative team player
• Ability to keep calm and collected in a hectic environment
• Computer skills such as excel, word and database entry skills
• Flexible schedule.

Experience in customer relations and cash handling is a requirement. The ideal candidate will also have familiarity with ticketing systems. Box Office training will be given to the candidate.

About The Theatre Centre:

Established in 1979, The Theatre Centre is a not-for-profit organization currently located in the heart of Toronto’s West Queen West neighbourhood. The Theatre Centre develops, presents and produces new work that seeks to challenge, inspire, provoke and push the boundaries of live contemporary performance.

More information can be found at www.theatrecentre.org.

The Theatre Centre is an equal opportunity employer, and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Interested parties should apply to Ruth Waters, Marketing Director, ruth@theatrecentre.org, with a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or faxes, please. Applications must be received by Friday February 11, 2011.

We thank all applicants for their interest in The Theatre Centre; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Space for Rent: April 18 – May 15, 2011, The Theatre Centre

The Theatre Centre has space available to rent during April 18 – May 15, 2011.

The space is a flexible black box, with a seating capacity of up to 125.  Rentals include box office services and can include up to 35 hours of technical support.

For more information please visit http://www.theatrecentre.org/rentals.php

For rates and further enquiries please contact Franco at franco@theatrecentre.org or call 416-534-9261

 

Workshop: Alexander Technique for Performers Uniting the mind/body relationship, Artists’ Health Centre

Alexander Technique for Performers Uniting the mind/body relationship with Kelly McEvenue Alexander Technique Educator and Movement Coach

Tuesday February 15, 2011

Time: 10:00pm – 2:00pm

Fee: $30 for TAPA Members (regular price $40)
Pre-registration is required, as space is limited to 12 participants.

Location: Artists’ Health Centre
Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street (West wing, 3rd Floor)

Alexander Technique is a study of movement with principles that re-direct the body to move with greater ease, helping to eliminate unwanted physical habits and tensions in the body and voice. Through practical exercises, artists will learn to observe and ground the body and breath through the physical awareness of functioning in presentation situations. Participants will identify individual habits, and will be guided to experience release and freedom in their physicality. Please come dressed for movement, and be prepared to work on mats on the floor.  Emphasis will be placed on:

• Improving physical performance
• Injury prevention
• Freedom of movement

Sessions involve practical components, and participants are asked to bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.

Kelly McEvenue is the preeminent Alexander Technique teacher in the world of classical theatre. She’s been a valued movement coach with the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for 27 seasons. She is an Associate Artist at Soulpepper Theatre Company and has worked at the University of Toronto’s Opera School,  Humber College, Mirvish Productions (The Lion King) and CanStage (The Syringa Tree). She is the author of The Actor and the Alexander Technique. Internationally, she has assisted renowned voice teacher Patsy Rodenburg in several International Workshops for Voice Teachers, and has taught at the Guildhall in the U.K.

Kelly is a guest artist at Interlochen School for Performing Arts and Wayne State  University. She has taught communication and performance skills to politicians,  corporate executives, lawyers and teachers. A movement consultant for numerous films and television programs, she coached Shawn Ashmore to play Terry Fox in Shaftesbury Films’ Terry. She assisted film director Jeremy Podeswa on script and character development workshops for his films The Five Senses and Fugitive Pieces. Her master classes can be seen on CBC’s Triple Sensation.

To register please contact us at:

Phone: 416.351.0239
Email:  info@ahcf.ca
Fax: 416.595.0009
Or print off a registration form at http://ahcf.ca/alexander.html to fax or send by mail.

For your comfort, this is a scent-free workshop. Please refrain from wearing any perfume, cologne, aftershave or scented products. Thank you.