Newsletter May 2024

• What the Prez Sez
• WODL Festival 2024
• Festival 2024 Award Nominations
• Interested in Participating on the WODL Board of Directors?
• Binbrook Little Theatre - Bravo Fundraiser - Saturday 1 June
• St Marys Community Players Needs a Director
• Community Theatre in the WODL Region
• What's on this Month in the Waterloo-Wellington Region
• What's Happening in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford Region
• What's Happening at Hanover Community Players
• Off the Wall - Summer Courses
• Playwrights Canada Press
• Playwrights Guild of Canada - Canadian Play Outlet
• Concord Theatricals New Plays
• If you are Producing Canadian Plays this Season - Check This Out
• Is your WODL Membership Information Up-to-date?
• Dates for your Diary

By Linda Lloyd McKenzie, WODL President, president@wodl.on.ca

Navigating Toxic Backstage Dynamics in Community Theatre:

Fostering a Culture of Respect and Collaboration

While community theatre is often celebrated for its inclusivity, creativity, and sense of camaraderie, like any community, it's not immune to interpersonal challenges. Behind the curtain, there can sometimes lurk toxic dynamics that undermine the very essence of what theatre stands for. In this blog, we'll shine a light on the issue of toxic backstage environments in community theatre and explore strategies for fostering a culture of respect, support, and collaboration.

Recognizing Toxicity

To address toxic backstage dynamics, it's crucial to first recognize their manifestations. Toxic behavior can take many forms, including gossip, cliques, bullying, manipulation, and power struggles. Whether it's actors vying for lead roles, directors exerting control through fear, or crew members feeling marginalized, these dynamics can poison the collaborative spirit that is essential to the success of any production.

Consequences of Toxicity

The repercussions of toxic backstage environments extend far beyond individual conflicts. They can impact the overall morale of the cast and crew, leading to decreased productivity, increased stress, and a lack of trust. Moreover, they can drive talented individuals away from participating in future productions, depriving the community theatre of valuable skills and perspectives.

Cultivating a Positive Culture

Creating a positive backstage culture requires intentional effort from everyone involved, from directors and producers to actors and crew members. Here are some strategies for fostering a healthier environment:

1. Clear Communication: Establish open lines of communication where concerns can be addressed respectfully and constructively. Encourage transparency and honesty among all members of the production team.
2. Setting Boundaries: Clearly define acceptable behavior and consequences for violations. Make it clear that toxic behavior will not be tolerated and outline steps for resolving conflicts peacefully.
3. Promoting Inclusivity: Ensure that everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their role or experience level. Celebrate diversity and create opportunities for all members to contribute their unique talents.
4. Building Trust: Cultivate an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect by acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of each individual. Encourage collaboration and teamwork, emphasizing that everyone plays a vital role in the success of the production.
5. Conflict Resolution: Establish procedures for addressing conflicts promptly and impartially. Provide resources and support for resolving disputes in a constructive manner, such as mediation or peer counseling.

Leading by Example

Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the culture of a theatre group. Directors, producers, and other authority figures must lead by example, demonstrating the values of respect, integrity, and professionalism in their interactions with others. By fostering a culture of empathy, accountability, and collaboration, they can set the tone for positive relationships and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Conclusion: Striving for Harmony Behind the Scenes

While the spotlight may shine brightest on the stage, the true magic of theatre lies in the collaborative efforts of those working behind the scenes. By addressing toxic backstage dynamics and fostering a culture of respect, support, and collaboration, community theatre groups can create environments where creativity flourishes, relationships deepen, and the transformative power of the arts can truly shine. Together, let's strive to make every backstage as welcoming and nurturing as the performances they support.

By Mona Brennan-Coles, WODL Past President, mona@wodl.on.ca

WODL FESTIVAL 2024

May 17 - 18, 2024

Delta London Armouries Hotel

AWARDS GALA!

• DINNER is sold out!

• Renata Solski is working with the hotel to add a limited number of additional seats for dinner. We very much appreciate the hotel folks working with us to increase the number of available seats for dinner.

• Email Renata at renata@wodl.on.ca to be added to the waiting list by the end of the day on Wednesday, May 8^th.

MENU

• Salad:  Spinach salad: baby spinach, raspberry honey vinaigrette, orange segments, strawberry, red onion.
• Main:  Supreme of chicken with white balsamic pan drippings, roasted new potatoes and asparagus spears.
• Dessert: Lemon Yogurt Torte: – vanilla sponge cake, lemon, yogurt, fresh crème.

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?

• Email Renata at renata@wodl.on.ca with details by the end of the day on Wednesday, May 8^th to ensure that the hotel can accommodate your dietary needs.

ATTEND AWARDS ONLY

• We can and will accommodate those who only wish to attend the Awards presentation. Email Renata to reserve your seat.

QUESTIONS, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS

• Please contact Renata Solski at renata@wodl.on.ca.

HOTEL – BOOK YOUR ROOM BY MONDAY MAY 6, 2024!

• $162 - $182 per night plus applicable taxes and fees.
• Rate available until Monday, May 6, 3024.
• Cancellation with no penalty – 48 hours ahead of arrival.
• Breakfast is not included – there are lots of options within easy walking distance of the hotel.
• Book your room at WODL Festival 2024 Hotel Room Booking.
• Questions? Please contact Renata Solski at renata@wodl.on.ca.

HOSPITALITY SUITE

• Hosted by Tom and Kathy Fahey in the Premier Suite at the hotel.
• Kathy and Tom will have hotel maps, menus of nearby restaurants and other local information.
• Thank you to an anonymous donor, we’ll enjoy Chocolate Martinis before the Gala.
• Laurel Gillespie (Workshops) and Kathy and Tom Fahey (Hospitality) have worked together to provide us with lots of opportunities to learn, play and visit with some opportunities for restorative “happy nappies”. See schedule below for details.

PLAYWRIGHTS CANADA PRESS

• Playwrights Canada Press are continuing to support our Festival by sponsoring Kat Sandler and providing discounted plays and theatre books for Anne Mooney and Mona Brennan-Coles to sell during the Festival on their behalf.

WORKSHOPS

Interested in one or more of the workshops? As a WODL member, you are invited to participate in the WODL Festival workshops in the Gunnery Room at the Festival hotel. At each workshop, discounted plays and theatre books from Playwrights Canada Press will be available for sale. No registration needed.

Friday, May 17^th at 10:30 am: Intimacy Workshop presented by Siobhan Richardson

Come and learn about setting boundaries and gaining consent and trust for any physical touching by actors on stage. And how to make actors comfortable while making any intimacy, physical or emotional, believable to the viewing audience.

Friday, May 17^th at 3:00 pm: Marketing and Audience Development Workshop presented by Michael Adams

All of our groups can use some new ideas about marketing our performances and increasing our audience. Join us to hear from Michael Adams, Senior Director of Marketing and Audience Development for the Stratford Festival.

Saturday, May 18^th at 10:30 AM: Canadian Playwright Kat Sandler

Kat Sandler is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter and the artistic director of Toronto’s Theatre Brouhaha. Join us to learn about Kat’s process of play writing, hear Kat read from one of her plays and participate in a Q&A session. Kat’s workshop is sponsored by Playwrights Canada Press and PlayConnect of Playwrights Guild of Canada.  

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:

The Hospitality Suite will be open throughout the Festival.

Thursday 16 May

6:00 pm onwards

Hospitality Suite Opens

• You may be asked to help finish the setup as you visit

Premier Suite

Friday 17 May:

10:30 am

Intimacy Workshop

• Siobhan Richardson

Playwrights Canada Press – books for sale

Gunnery Room

3:00 pm

·  Marketing and Audience Development

• Michael Adams, Senior Director of Marketing and Audience Development, Stratford Festival

Playwrights Canada Press – books for sale

Gunnery Room

Saturday 18 May:

9:00 am

Cereal and Cartoons in the Hospitality Suite

Premier Suite

10:30 am

Kat Sandler, Canadian Playwright – sponsored by Playwrights Canada Press

Playwrights Canada Press – books for sale

Gunnery Room

TBD

Paradigm Spirits Co. – Distillers & Blenders

• Tour and tasting 
• Details and sign up will be available in the hospitality suite.

100 Kellog Lane, London, ON

5:00 pm

Chocolate Martinis in the Hospitality Suite

Premier Suite

6:00 pm

Festival Awards Gala

Armouries Ballroom

10:00 pm onwards

Hospitality Suite

Premier Suite

WODL Festival and Reunion Gala 2023 Committee:

• Mona Brennan-Coles, Chair
• Peter Busby, Treasurer
• Bev Dietrich, Hotel/Gala
• Kathy Fahey, co-host Hospitality
• Tom Fahey, co-host Hospitality
• Laurel Gillespie, Workshops
• Ken Menzies, Adjudications
• Andre Paradis, Awards
• Renata Solski, Hotel/Gala

Best Juvenile

• Rendall Lackenbauer - Young Man - Last Romance - Theatre Tillsonburg
• Julia Trelford - Belle - Beauty and the Beast - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Jameson May - Lefou - Beauty and the Beast - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Katie Johnson - Chip - Beauty and the Beast - Kincardine Theatre Guild

Best Newcomer

• Mandy Davidson - Janine - Halfway There - Theatre Sarnia
• Stephanie MacDonald - Madame - Cinderella - Theatre Woodstock
• Becky Tanton - Charlotte - Cinderella - Theatre Woodstock
• James Black - Will Shakespeare - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Best Cameo

• Terina Wnuk - Babette - Beauty and the Beast - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Alexandra Porter - Diane Roeder - Radium Girls - Elora Community Theatre
• Linda Schinkel - Mildred - Cemetery Club - Theatre Kent
• Dan Herrick - Robin - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Best Visually Coordinated Costumes

• Deanna Clatworthy - CLUE the Musical - Ayr Community Theatre
• Catherine Tilley - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre
• Debra Chantler - Dracula - London Community Players / Odesa Company
• Barbara Pollard - Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? - Theatre Burlington

Best Sound Design

• Holly Calnan - Dracula - London Community Players / Odesa Company
• Mandy Carson - The Mousetrap - Cambridge Community Players
• Tiffany Clark - Radium Girls - Elora Community Theatre
• Matt Martin - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Best Set Design

• Chris Smalley - Dracula - London Community Players / Odesa Company
• Ruth Innes - Last Resort - Thistle Theatre
• Michelle Spanik - Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? - Theatre Burlington
• Corina Dunn - The Mousetrap - Cambridge Community Players

Outstanding Lighting Design

• Rob Coles - Dracula - London Community Players / Odesa Company
• Tricia Ward - Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? - Theatre Burlington
• David Tanner/Nora Wardell - Radium Girls - Elora Community Theatre
• David Beisel - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Best Production of a Canadian Play

• Opening Night - St. Marys Community Players
• The Last Resort - Theatre Thistle
• Halfway There - Theatre Sarnia
• Bear Bare Bones - Guelph Little Theatre

Outstanding Performance in a Lead Role (x2)

• Kimberly Jonasson - M'Lynn - Steel Magnolias - Binbrook Little Theatre
• Laura Williams - Van Helsing - Dracula - London Community Players / Odesa Company
• Pete Matthews - Ralph - Last Romance - Theatre Tillsonburg
• Rob Grundy - Solomon - Little Heaven - Penny & Pound Theatre Productions
• Mark Ellis - George - Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? - Theatre Burlington
• Kelly Kimpton - Martha - Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? - Theatre Burlington
• Rachel Estok - Grace Fryer - Radium Girls - Elora Community Theatre
• Jamie Smith - Nick Bottom - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role (x2)

• Jessica O’Connor - Cillia Fraser - Opening Night - St. Marys Community Players
• William Flood - Renfield - Dracula - London Community Players / Odesa Company
• Chloe Weir - Julia /Jessica - The Last Resort - Theatre Thistle
• Holly Wenning - Rita - Halfway There - Theatre Sarnia
• Kassidy Davies - Marie - Cinderella - Theatre Woodstock
• Micha Beech - Christopher Wren - The Mousetrap - Cambridge Community Players
• Lacey Mooney - Nancy Nostradamus - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre
• Becky Robinson - Bea Bottom - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Outstanding Direction

• Costin Manu - Opening Night - St. Marys Community Players
• Jan Walker - Halfway There - Theatre Sarnia
• Deb Dagenais - Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? - Theatre Burlington
• Kathleen Cassidy - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Outstanding Ensemble Production

• Cast of Steel Magnolias - Binbrook Little Theatre
• Cast of CLUE the Musical - Ayr Community Theatre
• Cast of Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? - Theatre Burlington
• Cast of Halfway There - Theatre Sarnia

Best Visual Production

• Dracula - London Community Players / Odesa Company
• The Mousetrap - Cambridge Community Players
• The Last Resort - Theatre Thistle
• Radium Girls - Elora Community Theatre

Outstanding Production

• Opening Night - St. Marys Community Players
• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Theatre Burlington
• Halfway There - Theatre Sarnia
• Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Travelling Adjudicator's Awards

Clarity & Consistency of an accent/dialect

• "Louisiana" - Entire cast of Steel Magnolias - Binbrook Little Theatre
• “Various” accents - Stephanie Kraus (Miss Scarlet) Kieron Higgs (Mr Green) and Ashley Grimshaw (Mrs White) - CLUE the Musical - Ayr Community Theatre
• “New York” - Erin Blackmore - Mrs Macneil - Radium Girls - Elora Community Theatre
• “French” Fabio Saposnik- Mr. Paravicini - The Mousetrap - Cambridge Community Players

Outstanding Direction by First Time Director

• Kayla Rulys - Steel Magnolias - Binbrook Little Theatre
• Chris Smalley & Scott Smalley - Dracula - London Community Players / Odesa Company
• Deb Dagenais - Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? - Theatre Burlington
• Emil Wijnker - Cinderella - Theatre Woodstock

Outstanding Musical Direction

• Shannon Wijnker - Cinderella - Theatre Woodstock
• Joy King - Beauty and the Beast - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Alexander W. Halma-Reed - Little Heaven - Penny & Pound Theatre Productions
• Gord McConachie-Anderson - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Outstanding Choreography

• Nora Wardell - Radium Girls - Elora Community Theatre
• Paula Mercer - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Creative Production Design in a Limited Stage Space

• Steve Sherry - CLUE the Musical - Ayr Community Theatre
• Don Wells - Opening Night - St. Marys Community Players
• Tamar Malic-Burnett & Kieth Burnett - The Cemetery Club - Theatre Kent
• Paul Nicolson - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Award of Merit Behind the Scenes

• Amanda Jenkins - FOH display (depicting the reverse of set-stage) - Halfway There -Theatre Sarnia
• Mark Collis & John Spanik - building a “Prop umbrella-rifle” for Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf? - Theatre Burlington
• Kristin Klein for the design of transformation dresses, and Jocelynne Klein for building the Fairy Godmother transformation dress - Cinderella - Theatre Woodstock
• Tatiana Cooper - Design & application of glowing make-up and facial lesions - Radium Girls - Elora Community Theatre

Memorable Moment in a Show

• “Lenny’s Exit with a cooler” in Bear Bare Bones - Guelph Little Theatre - for his bravery (Myles Austin)
• The first appearance of the Thralls and Giant Human-sized Bat - Dracula - London Community Players / Odesa Company
• The magical appearance of Cinderella’s Carriage pulled by a team of dance horses - Cinderella - Theatre Woodstock
• The surprise reveal of tap-shoes and the tap routine by Will Shakespear (James Black) & Nick Bottom (Jamie Smith) - Something Rotten! - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Show Must Go On Award

• Crew & community of St Mary's when sound system failure happened 10 minutes before the adjudication performance of Opening Night - St. Marys Community Players. While the cast improvised alternate sound methods during act 1, the crew and community rallied to have it up and working by intermission.

By Mona Brennan-Coles, WODL Nominations Chair, mona@wodl.on.ca

The next WODL Board (2024-2025) will be elected at the AGM in October 2024 in Leamington, Ontario. You may remember that we moved the AGM to October 2025 to coincide with the site visit for Festival 2025 and to ensure that the financial audit for 2023-2024 is completed and ready for presentation to the membership.

As the end of my time as a WODL Board member nears, I have been reflecting on how much I have gained personally and professionally – way more than I have contributed. Personally, because my theatre practice has been enriched by what I have learned about how other community theatres function and met so many talented, creative, fun people to work and play with. And yes, professionally too! Until I retired from Western University, I was an IT project manager and I continue to teach project management at Fanshawe College. Because Project Managers are seldom the “boss of anyone”, we are effectively working with volunteers on our project teams. So, learning to work in a volunteer organization like WODL has provided lots of insights that I used as a project manager and that I now share with my students.

Thank you, Laura Jean McCann for inviting me to partner with you as Area VP, Elgin, Perth, Middlesex. Laura Jean and Al travelled throughout Canada and the US so having a partner enabled Laura Jean to continue serve as Area VP.

What could I do?  

You could partner with your local area VP or work with other board members. For example, Gina Paradis, as the primary administrator of the Facebook page, spreads the word about WODL activities along with Communications Chair, Tricia Ward, and Webmaster, Mary Jane Walzak.

How much time do I need to commit?

As much time as you have available to contribute.

Do I have to travel?

Only if you want to! There are lots of things that can be done remotely.

How do I find out more?

Look at the Board positions. Contact the incumbent to see what is involved and what you could do. Then contact Mona Brennan-Coles, Chair of the Nominating Committee. Mona and the nominating committee (Bev Dietrich, Sue Garner and Renata Solski) will be working on the slate of prospective board members over the summer.

When would/could I start?

You could start immediately or wait until the 2024-2025 board is elected.

Nominating Committee

·        Mona Brennan-Coles, Chair

·        Bev Dietrich

·        Sue Garner

·        Renata Solski

By Shirley Marshall, WODL 2nd Vice president, shirleym@wodl.on.ca

Binbrook Little Theatre

invites you to their "Bravo" fundraiser

on Saturday, June 1st

War of the Worlds - the radio play

Directed by Brad Fortman

Come with us and step back in time. It was the night of October 30, 1938, and millions of listeners were tuned in to the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) to listen to their weekly drama series. The show was called "Mercury Theatre on the Air", led by the brilliant Orson Welles, who dared to transform H.G. Wells' timeless classic into a radio sensation that would echo through history, and forever be remembered as a cautionary tale of the consequences of blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Doors open at 6:30pm for a silent auction, show starts at 8:00pm

Intermission features pie and coffee with more opportunities to bid on the silent auction.

Tickets are $25, available at:

tickets@binbrooktheatre.ca or

online at www.binbrooktheatre.ca

Binbrook Little Theatre is located at 2600 Hwy#56, Binbrook, ON

St Marys Community Players has the rights to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. It to be performed over three weekends, October 17 - November 3.

If you are interested in directing this production, please contact mariestevens08@gmail.com.

A good place to find out about what other WODL groups are doing is the WODL Facebook page, WODL | Facebook. Most of the announcements are at fairly short notice, so check in often!

If your group is putting on an event that you would like included in the June newsletter, please send the information to communications@wodl.on.ca.

By Bev Dietrich, WODL Area VP Waterloo-Wellington, bev@wodl.on.ca

Cambridge Community Players

Retro Glam dance to celebrate CCP’s 90^th anniversary. The dance takes place on May 4 at the theatre. Doors open at 7:00 pm and tickets are $20.00.

Elmira Theatre Company

Drowning Girls by Beth Graham, Charlie Tomlinson & Daniela Vlaskalic directed by Joe Brenner runs April 26 – May 5, 2024, at St. James Lutheran Church in Elmira.

Elora Community Theatre

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, directed by Deb Stanson and David Tanner runs from May 3-12, 2024, at the Fergus Grand Theatre.

Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre

• Kafka's Dick by Alan Bennett, directed by Christena Jackson runs until May 4, 2024.
• Mixer Event will be held May 8 from 7-9 pm at the theatre for the KWLT Festival of New Works which will be held August 23-25, 2024.
• 2024-2025 Season Announcement will take place May 23 at 7:00 pm in the main auditorium at the Waterloo Public Library.

Penny and Pound Theatre Productions

Auditions for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, directed by Lori Robinson Distel & Duncan Graham will be held May 16 & 17 from 7-9:00 pm. Call backs on May 20. The show will run in October.

By Laurel Gillespie, WODL Area VP Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford, laurel@wodl.on.ca

Paris Performers’ Theatre

What a year they are having. Auditions for A Midsummer Nights Dream take place on May 5 and 6 for actors and May 7 for costumes, props, set, lighting, etc. Contact ParisPerformersTheatre@gmail.com. This play will take place in September 2024.

Submissions for one act plays are now being reviewed for the Brant Theatre Festival, a 3-day showcase being held in downtown Paris on June 21, 22, 23.

Join Paris Performers’ Theatre for Tuesdays in May a series of workshops held at St. Paul’s Church, 48 Broadway Street W. in Paris from 7-9.

May 7 - Auditioning 101 with Deanna Stevens

May 14 - Stage Management 101 with Catherine Guida

May 21 - Improvisation with Martin Smith

May 28 - Sound for Stage with Todd James Lucek

Theatre Tillsonburg

Last chance to get your ticket to see Glorias’s Guy by Joan Burrows. Get ready to be entertained by this talented cast on May 2-4 and May 9-11 at 7:30 or May 5, & 12 at 2:00. Tickets are available at http://www.theatretillsonburg/get-tickets-live.

Theatre Woodstock



Theatre Woodstock's youth program, STAGES, has a double billing of Munsch at Play and Giants in the Sky running from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5, 2024, with two additional shows for schools on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Annick Press, the publishing company for Robert Munsch, made an in-kind donation to their theatre and they will be offering 3 1/2" square Robert Munsch books for free raffle prizes at intermission for any younger patrons while the adults have a chance at the 50/50 draw.

Their Senior STAGES Company is putting the final touches on Something Rotten! which runs from Friday, May 24, to Saturday, June 1, 2024. For their cast party, they will be travelling to Stratford to see their version of the same show and have a "Meet the Actors" session after the show. Very exciting!

Their final show this season, the One Act Players (Festival of One Act Plays) is presenting Rollin Jewett's comedy Our Little Secret. This is a joint production between Theatre Woodstock and the South Gate Centre with two shows at South Gate Centre on June 21 and 22, and another two performances at Theatre Woodstock on June 22 and 23. South Gate Centre provides fitness, health, social, recreational and leisure activities to persons 50 years of age and older.

Tickets to all these amazing shows are found by clicking here!

By Marg Poste, Hanover Community Players

Hanover Community Players are performing 6 shows of Drinking Habits by Tom Smith in the Hanover Civic Theatre (April 26,27,28 and May 3,4,5). May 3^rd’s evening show features the Mix and Mingle, a social opportunity before the show and during intermission, hosted by HCP and the Hanover Lions Club. Cash bar and goodies.

Audition registration is taking place for The Sound of Music. Registration is through the HCP website: www.hanovercommunityplayers.ca. (Look for the blue bar – takes you to the page) Auditions take place May 27^th or May 30^th, your choice. The place is St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 356-9^th Street (on the corner with 11^th Avenue), Hanover. Use the 11^th Avenue Auditorium entrance please. More information is found on the website. Production dates are: Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2024.

HCP is hoping to run a Drama Camp the week of August 19^th in conjunction with the town of Hanover. We’re in the development stage.

Auditions for the spring play (TBA) will take place Nov. 4^th or 7^th 2024 and will require children, teens, adults and seniors. Production dates would be April 25, 26, 27, May 1, 2, 3, 4, 2025.

Website: stratfordoffthewall.com

Facebook: @offthewallstrat

Instagram: @offthewallstratfordartists

Hashtags: #stratfordoffthewall #theatreproduction #backstage

By Brandon Crone, Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Playwrights Canada Press, brandon@playwrightscanada.com

Check out these new books from Playwrights Canada Press!

Recently released:  

The Black Drum by Adam Pottle

Hailed as the world’s first Deaf musical, The Black Drum revolves around Joan and her journey to healing after the death of her wife, Karen. Joan’s grief pulls her into a bizarre, black-and-white world where her two beautiful tattoos come to life as guides and together they confront a monster called the Minister. But the only way to defeat the Minister and begin to heal is for Joan to embrace her own voice. An epic fantasy about grief and healing, The Black Drum questions the concept of music we are conditioned to believe, suggesting that music is not just something you hear, it is something you see and feel.

Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) by Michaela Washburn, Joelle Peters, and Carrie Costello

Exploring reconciliation and connection through a story that spans seven generations, Frozen River (nîkwatin sîpiy) tells the story of two eleven-year-olds through the eyes of Grandmother Moon. Eilidh and Wâpam are born under the same blood moon, but Eilidh was born in Scotland and Wâpam in Kihci-Manito kâ ayapit, now known as Manitoba. Coming from vastly different worlds, Eilidh and Wâpam decide to teach each other about their ways of life. But when a sacred promise between them is broken, the relationship among cultures becomes jeopardized for generations to come.

Coming soon:

I Forgive You by Scott Jones and Robert Chafe

In October 2013, Scott Jones was leaving a bar in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, when he was attacked, stabbed in the back, and left paralyzed from the waist down. In the months following his attack, Scott Jones’s story garnered international attention, not only for its brutality, but also for his uncommonly early decision to forgive his attacker. Based on the incredible true story, I Forgive You explores the complexities of forgiveness, privilege, recovery, and self-love in Scott’s own words backed by a live children’s choir.

 + see what else is coming soon!

Did you know you can browse our plays by subjects and casting? 

Want to hear more about sales and upcoming events? Sign up for our newsletter!

You can find more new releases, a blog full of interviews and excerpts, and more on playwrightscanada.com.

The Canadian Play Outlet has over 2000 Canadian Plays right at your fingertips. Looking for something specific? Check out the curated Collections.

Every month you can take a look at the newest unpublished and published plays available!

See April 2024 releases..

See their latest scripts click here.

Are you on the board of a theatre group that belongs to WODL? If your group has:



• A new President
• New WODL delegates
• A new Treasurer

Please let our membership chair, Shirley Steele, know at membership@wodl.on.ca

31 May 2024

Deadline for submissions for the June newsletter.

Victoria Day Long Weekend, 17 & 18 May 2024

WODL Festival and Reunion Gala 2024, London

Victoria Day Long Weekend, 15 - 18 May 2025

WODL Festival 2025, Leamington.

Victoria Day Long Weekend, Sunday 18 May 2025

Awards brunch, Leamington.

This newsletter was prepared by:

Tricia Ward

Communications coordinator

WODL

Western Ontario Drama League  | communications@wodl.on.ca | www.wodl.on.ca

Copyright © Western Ontario Drama League 2024. All Rights Reserved.