Western Ontario Drama League | |
- Awards Announcement - 14 April 2024
- Trial Adjudication
- Adjudications Schedule
- WODL Festival 2024
- Community Theatre in the WODL Region
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Paris Performers' Theatre Meet and Mingle - 15 March at 7:00 pm
- What's on this Month in the Waterloo-Wellington Region
- What's Happening in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford Region
- Off the Wall - Summer Courses
- Horizon Solution Seminars in March and April
- 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
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Awards Announcement - 14 April 2024 | |
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At the WODL board’s last meeting, on February 18, the number of special adjudicator’s awards was increased from 6 to 8.
On Sunday, April 14 at Theatre Woodstock there will be a WODL general meeting at 1:30 pm where the traveling adjudicator, Alexander Gallant, will announce the special award winners. He will also announce his nominations for the other awards (e.g. Best Director). The winners of these awards will be announced at the Gala in London on Saturday May 18. All the awards will be presented at this Gala.
While the general meeting was initially scheduled for London, please note that it is now being held at Theatre Woodstock, which is located at 22 Reeve Street, Woodstock, Ontario.
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There will be a trial adjudication of Five Alarm at Guelph Little Theatre on Friday April 12. The show starts at 8:00 pm. The trial adjudicator will be Tom Slater. His bio is below:
TOM SLATER’S BIO
Tom began his theatrical career as an actor in Europe at the age of nine. Described as a renaissance man of the theatre, Tom continues to be involved in all aspects of the performing, visual and media arts. He recently retired from teaching theatre after 43 years where he led one of the most successful high school arts programs. The program included technical theatre courses and together with his students, they operated an 800 seat road house theatre that featured over 70 events a year. Tom’s productions garnered hundreds of awards, and several were chosen to represent Canada internationally. He also operated a touring theatre company with his students which brought plays of social significance to audiences around Ontario and into the United States.
In addition to his work as a theatre teacher, Tom is a member of ACTRA and EQUITY. He is also a member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada and has nine published plays and a book of monologues. Some of his plays have been produced around the world. Tom continues to be involved in all facets of community, and professional, theatre while continuing to work as an actor in television and film.
Tom has adjudicated many productions and play festivals. He enjoys not only sharing his thoughts but learning from the incredibly talented individuals and groups involved in community theatre. He truly enjoys working with people who participate in amateur theatre because, by definition, amateur means “for the love of it” and Tom still describes himself as a “professional amateur”.
Tom is eager to share his knowledge and experience. He is committed to working with community theatre groups and still returns to the classroom as a workshop leader, dramaturge, and mentor. He enjoys having conversations with each group, learning from each other, and advocating for the Arts. He believes that community theatre is a vital and important part of every community as it provides a unique opportunity for individuals to come together and express themselves creatively. It builds community, fosters inclusivity, provides entertainment and brings people together.
Tom’s adjudicating style is simple. “Let’s chat. If anything, I say can help you, great. Other than that, “These are just suggestions to ignore” :)
Please watch the play and attend the public adjudication. I have seen the play before and it a good romantic comedy. Tickets can be obtained by going to the Guelph Little Theatre website https://guelphlittletheatre.com
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For the latest revision of the adjudications schedule go to www.wodl.on.ca. | |
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WODL FESTIVAL 2024
May 17 - 18, 2024
| Delta London Armouries Hotel | |
The WODL Festival 2024 Committee is very excited to invite you to attend the WODL Festival 2024.
HOTEL – BOOK YOUR ROOM!
- $162 - $182 per night plus applicable taxes and fees.
- Rate available until Friday, May 3, 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.
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Book your room at WODL Festival 2024 Hotel Room Booking.
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Questions? Please contact Renata Solski at renata@wodl.on.ca.
AWARDS GALA
TICKETS
- $75
- London Community Players is hosting Gala ticket sales – they’ll be available later in March or early April.
MENU
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Salad: Spinach salad: baby spinach, raspberry honey vinaigrette, orange segments, strawberry, red onion.
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Main: Supreme of chicken with white balsamic pan drippings, roasted new potatoes and asparagus spears.
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Dessert: Lemon Yogurt Torte: – vanilla sponge cake, lemon, yogurt, fresh crème.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
- We can and will accommodate any dietary requirements.
ATTEND AWARDS ONLY
- We can and will accommodate those who only wish to attend the Awards presentation.
QUESTIONS, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS
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.
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Thank you to an anonymous donor, we’ll enjoy Chocolate Martinis before the Gala.
WORKSHOPS
- 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 with sponsorship of a Festival playwright and providing discounted plays and theatre books for Anne Mooney and Mona Brennan-Coles to sell during the Festival on their behalf.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
The Hospitality Suite will be open throughout the Festival.
Thursday 16 May
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Hospitality Suite Opens
- You may be asked to help finish the setup as you visit
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Intimacy Workshop
Playwrights Canada Press – books for sale
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· Marketing and Audience Development
- Michael Adams, Senior Director of Marketing and Audience Development, Stratford Festival
Playwrights Canada Press – books for sale
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Cereal and Cartoons in the Hospitality Suite | |
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Canadian Playwright – sponsored by Playwrights Canada Press
Playwrights Canada Press – books for sale
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Paradigm Spirits Co. – Distillers & Blenders
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100 Kellog Lane, London, ON | | |
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Chocolate Martinis in the Hospitality Suite | |
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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
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Community Theatre in the WODL Region | |
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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 April newsletter, please send the information to communications@wodl.on.ca.
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Paris Performers' Theatre Meet and Mingle - 15 March at 7:00 pm | |
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Join us Friday March 15th, from 7:00 pm EST for a meet & mingle with Paris Performers' Theatre members new, long-standing, sporadic and everything in between.
This is an informal and casual drop in for 90-ish minutes to get people excited and informed about some of our 2024 and 2025 plans; a great chance to learn about how you can participate or support, a chance to meet the Paris Performers' Theatre board, see our new neat storage space, ask questions about PPT and get involved in our upcoming season which includes: A Midsummer Night's Dream and a Paris original play Enchanted Christmas.
Please spread the word and help us to re-engage with the eclectic and effervescent people of Paris and Brant; let us know any questions on ParisPerformersTheatre@gmail.com, no tickets or RSVP required, just drop in around 7:00 pm for refreshments and connecting.
EVENT LINK: https://www.facebook.com/events/913688803498871
Click the link to get the address and directions.
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What's on this Month in the Waterloo-Wellington Region | |
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Cambridge Community Players
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, directed by Mallory Moxon-Carson runs March 29-April 7, 2024. See the website for more information https://www.cambridgecommunityplayers.com/.
Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre
Applications for a director for KWLT’s 90th Anniversary Musical to take place in February 2025 are now open.
March Madness: The Ultimate Theatre Challenge takes place on March 16th, 2024. Teams perform the same script written specifically for the event. An adjudicator provides feedback, and a winner is declared.
See the website for more information https://kwlt.org/
Penny & Pound Theatre Productions
Little Women adopted from the book by Louisa May Alcott, directed by Lori Robinson Distel will run March 28-30 on the KWLT stage. Visit the website for more detail https://www.pennyandpoundtheatre.com/.
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What's Happening in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford Region | |
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Theatre Tillsonburg
Rehearsals for Gloria’s Guy by Joan Burrows are in full swing.
Theatre Woodstock
Theatre Woodstock is looking for a Volunteer Co-ordinator to join the Board to help Directors and Producers find volunteers for upcoming shows and workshops. Interested people can contact Sue at president@theatrewoodstock.com.
Maggie’s wake is appearing at Theatre Woodstock on March 9 at 7:30 pm. Combining traditional Celtic instrumentation with a contemporary feel, this Canadian folk group creates a new sound. Tickets available at 519-537-2582.
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Off the Wall - Summer Courses | |
By Michele Boniface, Chair, Off the Wall Stratford Artists Alliance, mboniface@cyg.net
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Horizon Solution Seminars in March and April | |
Resource Stage – March 12 - Stage Lighting | |
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Stage lighting is evolving. As LED technology takes over stages around the world things are changing. Mostly for the good.
This seminar will look at some of the innovations in theatrical fixtures from leading brands like ETC. We’ll look at how these fixtures work and some of the cool things you can do with theatrical fixtures.
We’ll look at how stage lighting fixtures have changed and what you should be looking for as you make plans for new stage lighting in your school, community theatre or church.
This is a great seminar for anyone looking to learn more about stage lighting and those who are considering what’s the next step in lighting for their stage.
Come join us on March 12th at Horizon Solutions 1910 Huron Street or online at www.resourcestage.ca to explore the latest innovations in theatrical lighting fixtures and discover the exciting possibilities they offer.
Resource Stage – April 9 - Digital Audio Mixers
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Every year we take time in our Resource Stage schedule to look at Digital Audio mixers. Every year Horizon Solutions sells more and more digital consoles from Allen & Heath and other brands to schools, churches and theatres across the country. We also provide training on these consoles for clients everywhere.
Join us on April 9th at Horizon Solutions 1910 Huron Street or online at www.resourcestage.ca for a look at our two best-selling digital audio mixers, the Allen & Heath Qu series and SQ series of mixers.
We’ll look at every input and output and talk through how signals flow through this digital console.
This is a great seminar for anyone who’s never used a digital audio console before, or for those who have had a console, but they would like to have some questions answered.
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Check out these new books from Playwrights Canada Press!
Recently released:
Everything I Couldn’t Tell You by Jeff D’Hondt
Revived from a coma after a traumatic event, Megan’s injuries leave her capable of great violence, forcing her desperate physician Cassandra to recruit Alison, an Indigenous clinician, as her consultant. Alison uses an innovative form of technologically enhanced expressive arts therapy to augment the rehabilitative effects of speaking Lenape, their shared (and almost extinct) language. However, this reminder of cultural expression and identity triggers Megan, putting herself into a life-threatening situation. With Megan’s safety in jeopardy, Alison must internalize a life-changing lesson to save her: pain is often unjust, but it also reminds us that we’re alive.
Retreating to Re-Treat: A Performative Encounter at the 'Edge of the Woods' by The Collective Encounter with Jill Carter
In 2019, the Collective Encounter—a group of scholar-artists led by Jill Carter—presented Encounters at the 'Edge of the Woods' as part of Hart House Theatre’s 100th anniversary season. The piece acted as survivance intervention: an Indigenous reclamation of territory, using Storyweaving practices rooted in personal connections to the land to restor(y) treaty relationships. Retreating to Re-Treat documents both their collective creation and process, offered in the spirit of creative knowledge-sharing and enriching scholarship around collaborative practices. By revealing their unique and still-developing method for addressing a fraught and tangled (hi)story, the Collective Encounter invites readers to join them as we mediate those sites of profound experiences and renewal—sites in which the project of conciliation might truly begin.
Coming soon:
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.
+ 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.
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Playwrights Guild of Canada - Canadian Play Outlet | |
Concord Theatricals New Plays | |
If you are Producing Canadian Plays this Season - Check This Out | |
The Playwrights Guild of Canada publicises productions of Canadian-written plays through its website, www.playwrightsguild.ca.
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Is your WODL Membership Information Up-to-date? | |
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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
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Deadline for submissions for the Aprilnewsletter. | | |
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WODL General Meeting in Woodstock. Announcement of nominations for awards. | |
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. | |
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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.
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