By Trevor Smith Diggins. I’m directing a play with two actors in the title role. And they’re both named Jennifer. Snap! How’s that gonna work? There were a few raised eyebrows when I pitched the idea. Some people asked me if I’d thought this through. The answer is yes. And uh, no. I directed Shirley Valentine back in … More 2 jennifers = 1 shirley valentine
Most actors know the scene. You’re on stage. It’s a full house. You can’t remember any of the lines. And sometimes you’re naked. Wake up. It’s just a bad dream. Or it’s a good time to learn improv. Then there’s the other nightmare. For some actors, that’s the audition. Why are auditions so scary? After all, it’s usually a … More Audition tips: waking from an actor’s nightmare
Her real name is Beryl, and she’s my mom. But in the local theatre community, she’s a superstar costume designer known by her ‘stage’ name. Meet Carmenta. Yes, she’s a one-name wonder. Like Cher. In the wings for over 20 productions in the past 30 years, Carmenta has done it all. Wardrobe, makeup, hair, set painting and assistant … More Carmenta’s Costumes: Top 5 Tips
The 54th annual World Theatre Day is this Sunday. It happens every year on March 27, when the global follow-spot is focused on all things theatrical. So, what are you doing to celebrate? Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance offers some great ideas on how to promote World Theatre Day 2016 in your community. World Theatre Day was established in … More World Theatre Day: Canada vs Russia
Stories and reviews in the local press are becoming a thing of the past. Community newspapers are folding. And many radio listeners have opted for podcasts. So, how can we promote our theatre in this fractured media landscape? For many event-based community groups, peer-driven social media is the new promo frontier. Handled with care, it can be the most … More 10 Tips: social media savvy in local showbiz
Looking for some of the best theatre in Ontario? You’re in the right place at the right time. It’s Festival season 2016. Community theatres in the province are assigned to four regions: east, west, central, and north. And all the curtains are going up. Right now! Here’s what’s happening across Ontario, leading up to the Theatre Ontario … More It’s Festival Time in Ontario
I have rocks in my house. Big ones. That might seem strange to most people, but not to show folks. They’re dressed as Canadian rocks now. But they will be getting a face lift soon for the Greek island set of Shirley Valentine this spring. These rock stars need to lighten up a bit. But since they’re my roommates for … More Beware of rocks in the living room
Paul Briggs can turn a ton of wood into community theatre gold. One of his sets even went on tour recently. When Paul designed and built this big, beautiful English country house for Noises Off at Guelph Little Theatre, he had no idea it would lead to spinoffs. In less than a year, his set has appeared in five different shows … More Designer spins one set into five shows
Some tips on dealing with audience members who forget to turn off their devices. … More Can I call you back? I’m watching a play
That’s why we do community theatre. It’s not for profit. Just pleasure. And do you know what we don’t have? Starving artists. Just mainly people with day jobs. This is our hobby. It’s also our club house. It’s where our creative connections flourish with old and new friends. Yes, our budgets may be tight, but community theatre … More For the love of it!
Audio, Video, Disco - I Hear, I See, I Learn
notes on community theatre
Discovering the meaning of life, one long marathon training run at a time.
and doing it through charities
"The world is but a word; Were it all yours to give it in a breath, How quickly were it gone!" Shakespeare, Timon of Athens, II, ii
“Adventure is worthwhile.” – Aesop
PLAYWRIGHT & DRAMATURG
Exploring minds and Worlds of creativity and artistic beauty.
