b current news

auditions.. 411 TV: Canadian Girls

2010-11-23T17:04:00.000-05:00

A great opportunity with a fast-approaching deadline.. If you want more information on this organization, please go to their website www.whatsthe411.ca ..

411 Casting Call: Female Actress/Playwright

411 is conducting a casting call for a new production 411 TV: Canadian Girls which is being piloted in March 2011 for national touring in Fall 2011. If you would like to apply please read the below information and apply with a description of your proposed content/script, biography and headshot to connect@whatsthe411.ca . All applications must be received by November 30, 2010.

Tour Dates: March 21-April 1, 2011 (Toronto and Ottawa) *20 presentations
Rehearsals: March 14 –19th, 2011

Role: Female actress with a personal story to share through interview and presentation of a short theatre piece. *Content must related to program objectives.

About the program: 411 has already toured our girls programming to 150 schools across Canada. For 2011 we are creating a new program focused on issues affecting girls here in Canada. This new program will focus on self esteem, body image, dating violence, integration, and bullying.

Who Can Apply:
-Canadian female actress with a history of public performance
-knowledge of women and girls rights
- Previous experience working in schools or performing for young audiences is a bonus
-personal connection to program content

Requirements of Artists:
-Take part in all required training sessions (I.e. media and thematic training)
-Participate in school performances and question & answer discussion workshops with young people between the hours of aprox. 8am - 4pm daily
-Participate in media interviews and appearances related to the program
-Take part in all necessary rehearsals

Pay: Paid rehearsal. Per show honorarium. Food buy out and travel/accommodation
Casting Policies: All artists casting is reviewed by our board of directors and management team.
Please email connect@whatsthe411.ca for more information.

there's work to be done..

2010-11-04T13:49:00.001-04:00

..and not just inside the walls of our b current studio! Poets, playwrights, musicians, artists of all shapes and sizes from all over.. we've got some exciting opportunities coming your way..

If you want your work to be showcased at this year's rock.paper.sistahz festival, you've got to get on our website now or follow the link below to get the info on submitting your proposal. This season's festival will be our 10th Anniversary so there's even more reason to shine!

Also, are you an emerging playwright with ideas bursting at the seams, wanting your voice to be heard? You can be working with b current Performing Arts to develop your piece. We are now accepting submissions for the Ontario Arts Council's Theatre Creator's Reserve. Click on the link below or visit our website for more information.

Better start working on those proposals and submissions everybody! We're looking forward to seeing them!

inside Studio 251..

2010-10-19T18:54:00.000-04:00

We wrapped up one whirlwind of a show last week- hopefully you all got a chance to see Radiance. We captured some moments from the production (including the celebratory festivities after opening and closing night!) for you b current fans to check out:

The three sisters reunite after years apart..

After the funeral, the sisters toast their mother's life..

Cressy and Nona share a tender moment

An unfortunate but humourous accident!

Mae and Nona look across the mud flats..

The sisters dance away their troubles..

.. after the show, the crew strikes the dressing room backstage.

The celebrations begin!

artistic director ahdri zhina mandiela cuts the RADIANCE cake

It was a truly beautiful show, and as with any great production, it was bittersweet to see this one end. Everyone at b current was so thrilled to have shared this great work with our happy audiences, who enjoyed themselves so much they stayed to celebrate with us on opening and closing night! For more behind-the-scenes photos and pics from the show itself, check out b current's facebook page!

You are invited to... come See/come Say

2010-10-13T13:54:00.000-04:00

To celebrate our 20th Anniversary season, b current is hosting an event on the 20th of every month just for you! Come out and check out what b current artists are up to and the work we are producing in the studio.. great laughs, good eats, live performances, and fostering a real sense of community!

Our first come See/come Say is happening this October 20th, so bring your friends!

inside Studio 251..

2010-10-08T14:28:00.000-04:00

Hey all you b current fans! Welcome to our second edition of inside Studio 251.. Today we’re featuring two of the lovely ladies in the graduating rAiz’n Ensemble, who are currently working on our production of Radiance (which you’ve all reserved your tickets for, right?)!

Tanya Pillay, Assistant Director

People call you?
Tanya.. well Meghan(Swaby) calls me T-Pain.

What’s your art?
“Socially-engaged creation and performance”

What has your experience been like working on Radiance so far?
I’m one of two assistant directors on this production. It’s been an interesting experience because I’ve been creating and learning with these women for 3 years and to watch them perform and be on the other side of the table, especially with someone who’s been a mentor throughout the program (ahdri zhina mandiela) can be entertaining and perplexing. As a performer, I can understand their fuddles in rehearsal and then from the other perspective, I can see what’s being asked of them and why. It’s kinda funny and really informative.

This is the rAiz’n ensemble’s graduating year from their 3-year training program. What are 3 words you would choose to sum up your experience in this group the past 3 years?
1) Self-Knowledge
2) Communication
3) Vision. I used to think that vision was a pretentious concept but through rAiz’n I realize now that it’s about unity and having a cohesive goal. Having a vision really brings clarity around personal and ensemble expectations.

Meghan Swaby, Mae

People call you?

May-Sway, Maygunz, Swaby

What is your role in this production?

I’m acting in the show, I play Mae. She’s the sister that stayed behind to take care of their mom.

What has your experience been like working on Radiance so far?
It’s nice to start a piece like this in a community where I’m comfortable, especially since it’s a show about sisters. Also, other works we’ve done in rAiz’n have mostly been self-motivated, creating something out of nothing. With Radiance, we’re getting to do scriptwork with a piece that’s already established and be directed by ahdri. From working together so much in the past, the bonds are already established so the process has been easy-going, we laugh all the time.

In this project, members of the ensemble have taken on roles that really cover all aspects of theatre production. What has it been like exploring these new roles with your fellow rAiz’nettes?
It’s interesting because you learn about people. In this industry, its nice to realize “oh we can do other things (besides acting)” because we all want to be doing this for as long as we can. This project is touching on skill-sets I hadn’t really activated until now. And running the City emerging/C conference at the same time- what were we thinking?! But it’s coming together, and it’s happening because as a group we saw a need for this (conference) and reacted. ahdri told us, if we’re not satisfied, do something about it.

What are 3 words you would choose to sum up your experience in the rAiz’n ensemble these past 3 years?

1) Laughter
2) Challenge
3) Surprise. Surprise because didn’t know what I was getting into, what we would accomplish together. We had to start our three years with a lot of sessions talking with ahdri and creating our manifesto. And even though (the members of) the group have changed, it’s so good to have something we agreed upon together and we still look back on that to make sure we’re on track. We’ve all individually taken those ideas into our own work as well. This whole experience has been an adventure and building that manifesto helped us find that trust where we can be like “I don’t know what I’m doing, you don’t know either? Let’s jump in together!"

b current @ Culture Days 2010

2010-10-01T12:06:00.000-04:00

This week has flown by! It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating Culture Days here at b current in studio 251. We must be in production because the studio is alive with rehearsals and meetings with different crew members, not to mention all the props and set furniture sprucing up the place! If you missed out on the good times last weekend, here is a re-cap on the happenings:

Friday evening included an open rehearsal to the public, and we had a few friendly neighbours drop in to catch the rAiz’n Ensemble in action as they rehearsed their show Radiance. Among those stopping by were CBC TV, who interviewed director ahdri zhina mandiela as well as cast member Maxine Marcellin.

The next morning, the barns were packed with visitors. We had quite a turn-out ourselves later on Saturday afternoon. This season’s set of rCurrentz folks (the second tier of b current’s rAiz’n the sun training program) had their orientation with our studio artists, Nicole Brooks, Le’vi Lingwabo and Rehaset Yohanes. We had a great sharing session, with everyone contributing their thoughts on the arts and its affect in our lives. Really sounds like we’re going to have a talented group of rCurrentz this year!

After the orientation for rCurrentz, we had a public raw food demonstration by our resident raw foodist - ahdri zhina mandiela, our Artistic Director herself!

If you didn’t know before, you can say you heard it first here on the b current blog: raw food treats are delicious! ahdri put out a delectable spread of raw stir-fry, raw-kies (raw cookies), and even got everyone to make their own raw-pizza.

As more guests poured in, we set up for our viewing of the newly completed documentary “road to Testify” a film capturing the journey of our summerArts participants this past summer by Powys Dewhurst. We munched on our raw-food snacks as we gathered to watch the screening and even got a chance to share our thoughts and feelings on the piece when it was over.

It was the perfect way to end a busy day of open studio activities at b current, and we’re looking forward already to next year’s Culture Days!

Good News! You can now buy your tickets for Radiance ONLINE!

2010-09-29T15:39:00.000-04:00

Alright b current fans.. Tickets sales for Radiance have already started so you better get yours today!

Either reserve tickets by phone: 416.533.1500 or email: info@bcurrent.ca OR you can get your tix right now ONLINE

new series: inside Studio 251..

2010-09-23T15:15:00.051-04:00

One of the perks of being on the b current team - sitting in on rehearsals and watching the magic happen. Now that our 20^th Anniversary season has officially launched, you can catch the behind-the-scenes action too by following our new blog series “inside Studio 251..”

The first rehearsal of Radiance was buzzing with creative energy and excitement as the cast and crew came together Tuesday night. Right from the top you can tell this group is going to be bringing amazing artistry to the Wychwood Theatre stage in October!

Director ahdri zhina mandiela led a motivating discussion on the focus of the work and the emotionally charged themes that resonate throughout for the audience and the performers, after which set and costume designer Jung-Hye Kim gave a tour of the set’s mock-up model. It was great having a visual of how the stage will be transformed!

designer Jung-Hye speaks about the set

We had the entire rAiz’n ensemble in the house, so the main focus of the night was to complete the first read-through of the show and getting everyone on the same page.


Amanda Nicholls reads from script as director ahdri zhina mandiela and cast-mate Maxine Marcellin follow along.

Amanda Nicholls, who plays Nona in Radiance, jumped right into the script with cast-mates Meghan Swaby, who plays Mae, and Maxine Marcellin, who plays Cressy. As the words on the page came to life, we could really hear these fantastic young actors shaping and moulding their characters. Can’t wait to see what happens once the show is up on its feet!

Left to right: Amanda Nicholls (Nona), Maxine Marcelling (Cressy), Meghan Swaby (Mae)

Keep checking up on here for the next post of “inside Studio 251..” and follow the rAiz’n ensemble as they mount their graduating production of Radiance by Louis Nowra.

Peace :)

RADIANCE by Louis Nowra.. kicks off b current's 20th Anniversary Season!

2010-09-21T16:18:00.001-04:00

Rehearsals for our October production, and the first of our 20th Anniversary Season, begins today! Everyone in the office is looking forward to meeting the cast and crew of Radiance tonight. If you want to get a sneak-peek of this highly successful and richly textured play for yourself, come and visit our Culture Days activities at the Artscape Wychwood Barns this weekend where director ahdri zhina mandiela will be holding open rehearsals.

This production will feature b current's emerging artist program, the rAiz'n ensemble; acting as their graduating piece as they complete their three years of training with our company. We're very proud of these talented young artists and recommend you reserve your tickets now for one of the evening performances in October!

Telephone: 416.533.1500 or Email: info@bcurrent.ca

Happy Friday to b current Fans

2010-09-17T18:20:00.000-04:00

The b current office is settling down for the weekend as we prepare for a busy, busy week ahead.

Studio artist Le'vi Lingwabo dropped in to Studio 251 last night and early today to work on his much-anticipated Guinness World Record submission installation "Biggest Solo Sculpture". A part of this art installation will be featured during our Culture Days festivities starting Friday September 24 at the Artscape Wychwood Barns and will continue through the weekend. If you haven't set your plans to visit us yet, set it in your calendars! There will be lots to see and do both indoors and out as the Barns bustle with activity from b current and our neighbours here at 601 Christie St.

Also, beginning next Tuesday evening, the rAiz'n ensemble will be in house with director ahdri zhina mandiela as they kick-off rehearsals for our October production of Radiance by Louis Nowra. Keep posted to our blog for updates on the rehearsal process and special behind-the-scenes tidbits.

Have yourselves a happy and relaxing weekend b current fans, rest-up for the excitement ahead!

b current 20th Anniversary Season

2010-09-14T12:56:00.002-04:00

our blog is up and running again as we kick off our 20th anniversary season!

first upcoming event you'll want to attend..

culture days @ Artscape Wychwood Barns:

20 Years of Art + Artists at b current

come and tour our home at Studio 251. we will have performances by company artists and a visual art installation featuring the work of Le'vi Lingwabo...

b current - what's news!

2010-08-18T20:26:00.001-04:00

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august 18 2010

just a reminder as we wind down the summer: our b current season comes to a close, with the raw materialz showcase as our last performance event, summer aRts wraps up with our studio artists leading an exciting and rejuvenating creative 3 weeks of creating/sharing/learning with some fresh/youth artists, and then we rest... well at least for the first week in september when the office will be closed; reopening in the week of september 7th. first up in 2010/11, our culture days tour, featuring another dynamic installation/artsale by levi lingwabo.

check out details of events and plans for this 20th anniversary season on our new site, and plan to spend some time with us celebrating, rejuvenating, and getting ready for another 20 years!

as always/b current

Artistic Director

don't miss the raw materialz Showcase

Saturday August 21 @ 7:00pm

@ Wychwood Theatre
601 Christie St, south of St Clair West

Free admission, but seats are limited. Reserve yours: 416.533.1500

Summer aRts Wrap

3-7:00pm, Sunday August 22

An end of season cookout in the Barns Garden. You are all invited!

Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street
416.533.1500

b current Performing Arts

performance.artists.community

Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street - Suite 251
Toronto, ON, Canada
M6G 4C7

p - 416.533.1500
e - info@bcurrent.ca
w - bcurrent.ca

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b current - what's new in August

2010-08-06T17:31:00.001-04:00

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august 5 2010

the summer is heavy and hot and grooving steadily along… whether you're on vacation, on staycation, in renovation haven, bbq bliss, 'i need a cottage or time share now!', cant' wait til the next holiday/labour day, or just experiencing life as usual, i trust you are enjoying the city or wherever you are.

the rAiz'n ensemble & rCurrentz program wrapped for the season, and we're starting prep with auditions for the grad production of radiance in october. the office and studio is buzzing with staff, our studio artists, and this year's summer aRts project! and summerworks is here with tanya pillay's all of him. please read on/below and enjoy our offerings for this end of season...

and if you haven't been in office and met our new folks, a few faces to match to staff:

as always/b current

Artistic Director

The 6th annual Summer aRts Project is in full swing...

We started workshop sessions on Tuesday morning, with studio artists: Nicole Brooks, Levi Lingwabo, & Rehaset Yohanes, supported by a handful of our regular & new facilitating artists leading an eager and promising ensemble of young people in a wide open exploration which heavily borders on the musical this year.





photographer: felicia byron

We have various workshops each day in our studio and other locations, we are working again with youngsters in the Denarda Community Centre in Weston-Mt Dennis, and plan a few trips to shows in & out of town. See more of what's going on in the youth's video blog: bcurrent.ca/raizn_arts_2010.

And don't miss their raw materialz Showcase at Wychwood Theatre, Saturday August 21st @ 7pm.

Please call 416.533.1500 or email training@bcurrent.ca if you have other young people who want to get involved, volunteer, or attend the showcase.

All of Him opens today at Summerworks in a limited run!

"Allow me to introduce a jovial father with a dark past. You'll probably laugh; I'll definitely cry. Let's talk!"

Want a FREE ticket for this 6pm show? email m.jajube@gmail.com

An in between with b current presents

written & performed by Tanya Pillay, and directed by Jajube Mandiela

trailer: youtube.com

Visit TanyaPillay.com/about/All-of-Him for more info

For tickets summerworks.ca

b current Performing Arts

new voices
new generations

Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street - Suite 251
Toronto, ON, Canada
M6G 4C7

p - 416.533.1500
e - info@bcurrent.ca
w - bcurrent.ca

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thinking web.

b current - what's new

2010-07-08T21:57:00.001-04:00

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july 8 2010

i know we just sent a long-overdue catch up on b current news, but please take a few moments to look at the reminder items below. i'm looking forward to seeing u at our 20th season launch on saturday... as u may have some ideas to add to the lineup of activities we're planning. and we'll be in the decorated book garden at a different booklist from 4-7pm with cool drinks and performance tidbits! our studio artists, rAiz'n ensemble, and rCurrentz members will all be there too, so come and hang & jam a while.

as always/b current

Artistic Director

b current's 20th Season Launch

Saturday July 10th from 4-7:00pm

in the Book Garden at A Different BookList

746 Bathurst Street [just south of Bloor @ Bathurst subway]

Cool drinks and savouries, paint your body wild with Chris Pinheiro, and enjoy our artists at work!

Part of the Toronto Fringe Festival in association with A Different Booklist

And guide the young people you know toward some dynamic artistic engagement this summer: tell them about our Summer aRts Project

August 3-21, 2010

Daily workshops in our mid-town studio, trips to shows in & out of town, and everyone gets to be part of the raw materialz showcase!

416.533.1500 | training@bcurrent.ca

And our rAiz'n artist, Jajube Mandiela is in a smash hit at the Fringe Festival!

Sia

check pyreticproductions.ca

b current Performing Arts

new voices
new generations

Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street - Suite 251
Toronto, ON, Canada
M6G 4C7

p - 416.533.1500
e - info@bcurrent.ca
w - bcurrent.ca

To view this email
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thinking web.

b current - what's new

2010-06-30T16:47:00.001-04:00

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june 30 2010

after an intense and highly creative 9th rps festival, everyone needed a break! but then we jumped right into the workshop production and performances of joan kivanda's virgin and presented the play as a staged reading for four different high school audiences, with great feedback. we also dived into the 3rd term of training & professional development sessions for rCurrentz and the rAiz'n Ensemble, so that break lasted an instant.

and there are new faces in the office: gailsie stewart (who i've known since... long time!), recently production manager for rps.9, is now on board as the company's operations director; bruce chown, acting administrator since february continues his work as revenue generator; and muhammad agjee, production intern from the festival is working as outreach and project coordinator for this year's summer program. please.stay with us as we launch next season during the toronto fringe festival, and wrap this one with the annual summer aRts project!

always b current,

Artistic Director

Coming up: Don't miss the launch of our 20th anniversary season on Saturday July 10th from 4-7:00pm

at A Different Booklist's Book Garden

746 Bathurst Street [just south of Bloor @ Bathurst subway]

Part of the Toronto Fringe Festival in association with A Different Booklist

See what our artists are working on currently, and what's planned for our next season. Performance excerpts from the rAiz'n Beauty Project, the Passin'On Project, body art with Christopher Pinheiro, and special musical guests.

And young people interested in our annual Summer aRts project can sign up that day! Summer aRts 2010 is free for all youth participants and runs from August 3-21, with a short tour of the raw materialz showcase to follow! Call our office and speak with Muhammad Agjee or email training@bcurrent.ca for more info.

A huge shout out to everyone involved in rps.9 which ran 18 days from April 9th - 30th this year. We were working on the most stringent of budgets, so didn't print a festival program this year, and our power/plays mini program was missing the list of staff and volunteers who worked hard to make every event a treat. For full listing and a rundown of the festival events, please click here and peruse at your leisure. and here are a few pix from my fave session: the short & sweets film nite!

Stay tuned for word on next year's rock.paper.sistahz 10th anniversary!

The rAiz'n Ensemble made some nice ripples with a reworking of their Beauty Project for Luminato's Waves Festival at the Young Centre, June 18-20, 2010...

" they did a wonderful job... I liked the variety of body types the actors represented, the challenge of stereotyping in the questions the Clinician asked... The choice of space to show this piece in was absolutely perfect... "
~ an appreciative festival fan

b current artist at the Toronto Fringe Festival

Sia

written by Matthew MacKenzie
directed by Philip McKee
featuring Jajube Mandiela, Brendan McMurtry-Howlett, Thomas Olajide

(Alberta Playwrighting Competition 2010 Grand Prize winner)

Ever thought about volunteering abroad? Nick did... So he went to work in a refugee camp in West Africa on his summer vacation. The Lonely Planet doesn't prepare you to put a dollar value on the worth of your life.

venue: St. Vladimir's Theatre
620 Spadina Avenue (just south of Harbord) quite air conditioned, bring a sweater!

length: 60 minutes

showtimes:
Thurs, July 1 (Canada Day) 8:15pm Benefit Performance
(all proceeds towards a scholarship for Abbie Kamara of the Liberian Dance Troupe);
Sat, July 3 9:45pm; Sun, July 4 1:45pm; Tues, July 6 10:45pm; Wed, July 7 2:30pm; Thurs, July 8 3:30pm; Sat, July 10 3:30pm

tickets: $10 at the door, $12 in advance at 416.966.1062 or fringetoronto.com more info: check pyreticproductions.ca

in between with b current present

All of Him @ SummerWorks Festival

August 5-15, 2010

written & performed by Tanya Pillay
directed by Jajube Mandiela

"A live biography of a jovial father with a dark past who asked: is that all there is to me?"

Stage Manager: Neha Ross
Production Manager: Kat Chin
Sound Designer: Rehaset Yohanes
Visual Media Consultant: Jay Field

First presented at rock.paper.sistahz festival in 2009; now programmed in Summerworks and FemFest 2010. All of Him is currently available for touring anywhere; easily adapts to any theatre or informal gathering space with the option of digital projection. For more information, please visit TanyaPillay.com (includes slideshow trailer, video interview about the project, credits, and photos).

Also available: Broach It companion workshops facilitated by performer Tanya Pillay (HypnoSage.com), which can accompany the show or stand alone at any location. Learn, share, and practice emotional awareness: contact m.jajube@gmail.com or Tanya@HypnoSage.com for more info.

b current Performing Arts

new voices
new generations

Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street - Suite 251
Toronto, ON, Canada
M6G 4C7

p - 416.533.1500
e - info@bcurrent.ca
w - bcurrent.ca

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b current - Final week at RPS.9

2010-04-26T10:51:00.001-04:00

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April 26 2010

from our fabulous opening night party with ms nicole brooks as the evening's host to sistahz say!, short & sweets, and daNce to the 9th (my personal favourites), the rock.paper.sistahz festival is having another fantastic year playing at the artscape wychwood barns and a few other venues. this is a reminder that we are feting til the 30th with a wrap party in studio 251, and a thank you to everyone who has come to support and enjoy the festival fare so far... to the 9th!

always b current,

Artistic Director

april 11th, 2010. photos by martin mordecai

Final week at RPS.9

Tues 27th - Fri 30th
Wychwood Theatre, 601 Christie Street/south of St Clair Ave W

pOwer/Plays

8-10:30pm

Special showings of plays and new music performances in the works; featuring a different excerpt each evening, Nicole Brooks' Obeah Opera by Nicole Brooks on Thurs & Friday, and Audrey Dywer as special guest host.

click here for performance descriptions

All events are free to pass holders, otherwise it's pay what you can [with a suggested minimum of $9.99].

Call 416.533.1500 for tickets & info
$49.99/festival pass or $9.99/single tickets

Artscape Wychwood Barns: 601 Christie Street. Just minutes away from the St. Clair West TTC subway station

b current performing arts

new voices
new generations

Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street - Suite 251
Toronto, ON, Canada
M6G 4C7

p - 416.533.1500
e - info@bcurrent.ca
w - bcurrent.ca

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thining web.

b current - what's new in April

2010-04-08T14:09:00.001-04:00

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April 2010

welcome again to news from b current. many changes over the past few month as i opened and closed two wonderful shows, El Numero Uno at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre For Young People, and who knew grannie at Factory Theatre, and now getting ready to launch the 9th rock.paper.sistahz festival.

we have some new faces in office: Bruce Chown as Acting Administrator, Starr Jacobs as Associate Producer for the Festival, and several enthusiastic volunteers ready to move us forward into spring and beyond. we are wrapping up workshop and creation modules for the 2nd term of the season's rAiz'n Training, and the next few weeks is jam-packed with activities, planning, and creating so please read on and get the buzz.

always b current,

Artistic Director

rps 9 Launches!

@ Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street/south of St Clair Ave W, Studio 251

With a bash in our studio on Friday April 9, the party starts at 7pm, and goes into the night. if you have a festival pass you can join us and meet many of the artists, mingle with food and music and catch a performance or two. Admission is free for all festival passholders. To the 9th!!!

Call 416.533.1500 to buy tickets & information
$49.99/festival pass or $9.99/single tickets

full festival line up click here

And check out these events in the first half of the festival:

wordStreet: April 11-30

Free performance moments at the Wychwood Barns Farmers Market, Ellington's Morning Jazz [805 St Clair Ave W], Kensington Market, and a subways or street corner, or elevator near you.

Just Another Sunday Afternoon: April 11 Noon to 5pm

@ the Artscape Wychwood Barns, Covered Street

Even just an hour of this will be worth your admission. With something for everyone in the family: Four different live bands, including Rehaset and her Afro Underground concept, Body Art, Jewelry Making, Stilts Walking, Youth Showcase, Storytelling, KidzCraft Korner, Cash Bar, Food, Vendors, Massages and more! Presented in Collaboration with StarrChild Productions

pLaying with woRds: April 12/13 7:30-10pm

@ at Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst St.

Special readings and impromptu performances in collaboration with Cross Currents Festival & New Harlem Productions' Dis Place

Passin'On: Who Tells Your Story? Thursday April 15 3:30-5:30pm

@ the Art Gallery of Ontario, Dundas Street W.

A special peek at our Studio Artists' performance installation workshop with youth before the King TuT Exhibition closes.

Or be a part of the studio broadcast for CIUT FM Radio, live Saturday, April 17 Noon-2:00pm at AGO

sistahz sAy! Saturday, April 16 8-10pm

@ Wychwood Theatre

A vocal shout out from sistahz round the way and as far as Halifax, Nova Scotia. Poetry, song, comic commentary, and more. Presented with ~Night at the Indies~

Artscape Wychwood Barns: 601 Christie Street. Just minutes away from the St. Clair West TTC subway station

who knew grannie: a dub aria

A huge thanx to everyone who came out during the Obsidian Theatre run of who knew grannie: a dub aria at Factory Theatre/Toronto, March 13 - April 4th, 2010... You made it all worthwhile, buying tickets and sharing the story!

And to those who missed the show, I will collect and pass on some of the feedback next month, meantime check out what some reviewers had to say.

Coming Next Month

Our preview tour of the TYA play, Virgin by Joan M Kivanda. Nina Lee Aquino will continue to direct and shape the development of the production with creative crew: Designers Camie Koo & Romeo Candido, Choreographer Clare Preuss, and Mel Hague as Dramaturge. Will have more news next month.

b current performing arts

new voices
new generations

Artscape Wychwood Barns
601 Christie Street - Suite 251
Toronto, ON, Canada
M6G 4C7

p - 416.533.1500
e - info@bcurrent.ca
w - bcurrent.ca

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A.M.Y Project - Call for Submissions!

2009-12-11T17:43:00.001-05:00

Call for submissions for AMY 2010.
A theatre project for young women age 14-21
Applications due January 22, 2010

whoisamynow@yahoo.com
416-819-1612

pass the word!

Making Noise Media Camp Screening

2009-12-07T15:22:00.002-05:00

MAKING NOISE! BLACK WOMENS MEDIA CAMP & PHOENIX's LOVE WOMB PRESENT: an evening of young black female voices, films, photos, storytelling, music, healing, and dance.

In the information age, so many stories about young black women continue to be told by other people.

On Saturday, December 12th, 2009 a collective of young black women from across the city will come together to reclaim their voices by sharing their stories through film, photography, poetry, podcasts and art. This is a night celebrating the herstories of black female youth in our communities, followed by the Love Womb healing jam presented by Phoenix: a community of black women coming together to address and eradicate gender violence.

Come out and enjoy womb-friendly tunes spun by Dee Jay L’Oqenz, affordable and delicious corn soup by Sister Asabi, and a look into the gaze of young black females in the city.

Saturday, December 12th, 2009
Storytelling: 7pm
Jam: 10pm – 1am

anitAFRIKA! dub theatre
62 Fraser Avenue
(South/ East of Dufferin and King
in Liberty Village)

FREE
(donations for anitAFRIKA! dub theatre suggested)

Featured Films:

“Eboni Girl” Produced By Eboni Morgan
Eboni Girl explores being a young black women in one of Toronto’s suburbs.

“DE-SIRE” Produced by Kemba Byam, Rita Nketia, and Keisha Monique Simpson
A film challenging the taboo of talking about black female sexuality, by talking about black female sexuality.

“Untitled” Produced by Felicia Mings
An experimental film exploring the aesthetics of race and the black female body.

“BWAMH! Black Women Against Male Harassment” Produced by Sedina Fiati
A series of spoof public service announcements that highlight the issue of street harassment by replacing the expected female victim with males.

Bonus Videos:

“Mix-up and a Sister’s Pledge” Produced by Set It Off Ladies: Westview
The Set It Off ladies group from Westview Collegiate explore the issue of ‘mix-up’ in schools, and how we should treat each other as young women and sisters.

Photo Exhibit Opening Night:

PICTURE DIS: A Look Through the Eyes of the Young Women of Lawrence Heights

Photographers: Alicia Alexander, Farhia Hirad, and Ladan Omar, Hanan Osman

Picture Dis is a collection of photographs that present a visual glimpse into the lives of a group of young women who live in Lawrence Heights. Led by photographer Debra Friedman and facilitated by Ashley McFarlane, the work reflects the photographic skills the group learned over several months of studying lighting, framing and composition, portraiture and documentary photography. These elements where used to merge the artistic with the expression of the photographers lives, families, friends, community, social realities, and stories.

For more info:
call: 416-875-7179
or email: tygris@gmail.com

Visit the site: www.freedomyouth.ca to watch videos after the screening, check out what else we've been up to, and find out more about the project!

Special Thanks to the Support of: The Ontario Women’s Directorate, The Urban Alliance on Race Relations, The City, The Trillium Foundation, The Dub Poets Collective, and Schools Without Borders

Canstage Theatre School Forum

2009-12-02T17:39:00.002-05:00

THEATRE SCHOOL YOUTH FORUM

Are you or someone you know thinking of applying for theatre school?

Overwhelmed by all the choices and requirements?

Come to The Canadian Stage Company’s Theatre School Youth Forum to get some insight on which programs might suit you and how to best prepare for them. A panel of recent graduates from all the major theatre school programs will be there to talk about their schools, experiences and answer any questions you might have. You’ll also have access to a ton of info (brochures, due dates, etc). It’s a lot of work to apply for theatre school – let us help!

What: Theatre School Youth Forum

Who: Aspiring Theatre School Applicants

When: Thursday, December 3, 2009 6:00pm-8:00pm

Where: Rehearsal Hall - 26 Berkeley St. Toronto, ON

Cost: FREE

RSVP: Artistic Coordinator Chelsea at cmanders@canstage.com with attendance and any questions!

2009-11-25T13:33:00.000-05:00

ATTENTION ALL YOUTH ARTISTS

IF YOU SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK TO THE DELISLE YOUTH GALLERY BY NOVEMBER 30^th, 2009 @ 4:00PM YOUR ARTWORK COULD BE SELECTED FOR PAYMENT IN AN ART AUCTION ….

Don’t miss this opportunity to be paid for your art and have it auctioned off at a charity event in 2010!!!

Amazing New Opportunity for Young Artists aged 13 to 19 years – CALL FOR ART

If you are a young artist living in the GTA… please read on.

Framework Foundation, a unique organization focused on supporting emerging artists and increasing volunteerism amongst young Canadians, are welcoming art submissions for their art auction in 2009. Submit your work by November 30^th, 2009 at 4:00PM to have a chance for your work to be selected by a Delisle Youth Gallery Panel.

For more information about Framework Foundation visit their website at http://www.frameworkfoundation.ca .

If your piece is selected, you will receive payment for your work ($100 - $500) in addition to valuable exposure and promotion. Interested artists can submit up to two works for review. The pieces will be valued and selected by a panel of professionals in the arts. Please keep in mind that the pieces will be auctioned to an adult population.

If you are interested and would like to learn more about how you can submit your work to the Delisle Youth Gallery to be selected for the art auctions please contact us by phone or email, or drop-by with your work.

ALSO Submit your work by November 30^th, 2009 at 4PM for a chance to have your work selected by our Youth Committee for the 2010 exhibit’s promotional material- such as postcards & programs. This is a great opportunity to get exposure as an artist. We accept visual art in all mediums – paintings, photographs, sculpture, and mixed media works.

EARLY SUBMISSION DEADLINE for both of these opportunities: November 30^th, 2009 @ 4PM

CONTACT: Tara 416-482-0081 x236 tara_gingrich@delisleyouth.org

Submit your work weekdays between 9 am- 5pm:

Delisle Youth Services

40 Orchard View Boulevard, #255

One block north of Eglinton, west of Yonge

( in the Northern District Library building)

More art in our public spaces! Do something.

2009-11-20T14:52:00.003-05:00

Billboard Tax for Art Going to Vote Nov 30 / Dec 1^st

^{Go to http://www.BeautifulCity.ca to support!}

Do you feel like there are too many billboards and not enough art in our city? So do we. This is our chance to change it. Help pass a new tax on billboard advertisers to fund enforcement and arts initiatives across the city.

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Toronto! Take Action Today:

1 – Call and write your councilor. Click here for info and key asks: http://tinyurl.com/yj9cn5f

2 – Sign the petition at: http://www.beautifulcity.ca

3 – Show your support at City Hall on Nov 30th / Dec 1^st RSVP here: http://tinyurl.com/y9x4xyt

4 – Spread the word.

Go to http://www.beautifulcity.ca to find your councillor, scripts, updates, links and facts.

Background

After seven years of hard work, the tax on billboards for art is close to becoming a reality! Toronto City Council will be voting on the new billboard enforcement bylaw and tax for art on November 30th OR December 1st, 2009. We don’t have much time - and we need your help!

Advertising is increasingly infringing on our public spaces, and the privilege of leveraging our city for commercial ends should come with a responsibility to keep them healthy. The billboard tax is a fair and just means for private advertisers to take responsibility for their impact on the city.

What it will mean?

What’s at stake is a revolutionary new approach that will help bring balance in our communities. The billboard tax will provide the funds for proper enforcement of the new billboard bylaw as well as generate new funds for art in the public sphere - including murals, sculptures, festivals, accessible arts programming, outdoor performances and more.

This is not just increasing funding to arts in Toronto (which lags behind most other cities in cultural spending) this is an opportunity to start building the beautiful and creative city we all know is possible: to nourish communities; to reclaim and rehabilitate our public spaces, and to build our city’s economic potential. For every dollar of public arts funding in a regional economy, eight dollars are generated (McKinsey Co.) Investment in arts and culture is proven to be effective in cultivating healthy and prosperous communities -- don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of transforming our city!

Implementation of the bylaw and tax would dramatically increase arts funding in Toronto while democratizing access to expression public space. At the target of 18 million in revenue it would create the opportunity for:

- An historic increase to Toronto's arts and culture budget, potentially doubling the number of artists and projects receiving grants.

- Providing approx. $100,000 annually to each Toronto ward for urban beautification, streetscape improvement, and green initiatives

- Provide approx. $300,000 annually to each of Toronto’s 13 priority neighbourhoods to support accessible youth arts programming.

- Creation of a well-supported bylaw enforcement team to keep pervasive illegal advertising in check and an arms-length variance system.

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Toronto! Take Action Today:

1 – Call and write your councilor. Click here for info: http://tinyurl.com/yj9cn5f

2 – Sign the petition at: http://www.beautifulcity.ca

3 – Show your support at City Hall on Nov 30th / Dec 1^st. RSVP here: http://tinyurl.com/y9x4xyt

4 – Spread the word.

Go to http://www.beautifulcity.ca to find your councillor, scripts, updates, links and facts.

Alucine Latin Media Festival

2009-11-20T14:45:00.001-05:00

10th Annual aluCine Latin Media Festival kicks off!!! * Nov. 12th, 2009 (7:30 pm)

aluCine is a Latin, Canadian and international Festival showcasing over 190 of the world’s best in short film and video with a strong focus on works made by Latin-American artists living in Canada and abroad. All films are screened with English subtitles. Ten installations, five performances 23 programs and music are also part of our 10-year anniversary celebrations!

aluCine off screen presentations 2009 will open on November 12 and run until November 28. The prestigious Lennox Contemporary Gallery is graciously hosting the Festival this year, located at 12 Ossington Ave. and our alternative venue CineCycle at 129 Spadina Ave. (In the alley south of Spadina Ave. & Richmond St.) Engaging artist talks with visiting filmmakers and curators will follow most screenings.

Some of aluCine’s 2009 Program Highlights include:

Two queer restored underground classics “Lupe” and “Jerovi” directed by Jose Rodriguez Soltero (USA-Puerto Rico) Screens Friday, November 20 at 7:30 and 9:30 pm. (CineCycle).

Brook Alfaro Retrospective who represented Panamá at the Bienal de Singapore in 2006 and the Venice Biennial in 2003 with his works Aria and Nueve, both of which will be screened Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 pm. (CineCycle).

The latest in Latin American queer content including Diversidades 1 Presented by Diversa - Festival Internacional de Cine Gay-Lesbico-Trans de Argentina and “Llamale H. Org” Sexual and Gender Diversity Film Festival in Uruguay. Screens Thursday, November 26 at 5 pm. and Diversidades 2 Friday, November 27 at 7pm. (Lennox Gallery).

Groundbreaking, cross-continent artist talks by:

Frances Negrón, is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and scholar. Born in Puerto Rico to a family of academics, Frances Negron’s work spans several fields, including cinema, literature, cultural criticism, and politics. For her work as a filmmaker, advocate, and scholar Hispanic Business named her as one of the nation’s “100 most influential Latinos” in 2005. In her talk Miss Negrón will expose Canadians to the thoughts on the use of media by what we can call the two Puerto Rican vanguards of the 1970s in NY -- the Lords and the artists. Saturday, November 21 at 5 pm (followed by screenings at CineCycle).

Tania Aedo, Mexican curator, professor and director of the Laboratorio Arte Alameda Tania will in her talk “Memory, New Media in Mexico” contextualizes a project intended to recuperate, and to expose Mexican new media productions. The laboratory “Arte Alameda” commissioned a group of curators-researchers to put together programs that will help to build an archeology of the new media practice in Mexico, to compile documents for the creation of an archive specifically related to new media production.
Saturday, November 21 at 9 pm (followed by screenings at CineCycle).

Esteban Alvarez, Argentinean curator, will discuss international residency programs available at the artist-run centre El Basilico in Buenos Aires. Saturday, November 22 at 3 pm. (Lennox Gallery).

Other highlights include:

The exceptionally innovative, pan-global collaboration The Exquisite Corpse Video Project Vol. 2 headed by visiting Brazilian artist Kika Nicolela. Tuesday, November 24 at 5 pm at VTape (401 Richmond Street west, Suite 452).

The anticipated outcome of aluCine’s Self-Representation Video Workshops aimed at giving Toronto Latin Youth and Toronto Latin Queers a necessary platform for uncensored and unbridled expression. Watch the results on November 14 at 5 pm!

The latest in Spanish short fiction including an outstanding array of fictional narratives from Spain. España 1 Wednesday, November 25 at 7 pm and España 2 November 25 at 9pm. (Lennox Gallery).

Ticket Information:

Tickets are available one hour in advance for each scheduled screening at
Lennox Contemporary Gallery at 12 Ossington Ave. and/or
CineCycle at 129 Spadina Ave. (In the alley south of Spadina Ave. & Richmond St.)
Screening Tickets are $6 and $4 for students with valid student ID. Festival passes can be purchased for $50.

aluCine: [conj. transverb] to hallucinate 1. m. fam. wonder, marvel, fantasy 2. loc. adj. brilliant, mind-blowing 3.(alucinado) m. fam. eccentric, visionary, imaginative.

For complete Festival information, please visit: www.alucinefestival.com

Sinara Rozo

T: 416.548.8914 | 330 Adelaide Street West | Toronto, Ontario M5V 1R4 |

Umoja Conference - Saturday, December 5th

2009-11-20T14:33:00.001-05:00

On Saturday December 5^th 2009, the Black Youth Coalition against Violence will be hosting a summit entitled UMOJA bringing together community activists, elders, and student groups from all across the city of Toronto to discuss unity and its influence and importance within the African Canadian community. B.Y.C.A.V would like to cordially invite you to join us at our summit as we believe you are a valuable member of our community and your initiatives assist to unite and empower our community. With an aspiration to attract a large number of youth, we hope to clearly convey the importance of unity. If you require additional information about B.Y.C.A.V, please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have. You may also visit our website at www.bycav.com online or contact us directly by phone at: 416-978-4359.

asm dance workshops - i might go!

2009-11-20T14:30:00.002-05:00

Contemporary Dance Workshop with professional company ASM Dance

Explore the fundamentals of contemporary dance; basic technique, foot-work, turns,
floor work and jumps. Learn a dance combination that you can take with you!

ASM Dance Workshop Series 2009-2010 Beginner level

November 29

National Ballet School
400 Jarvis Street, Toronto
3:30PM â?? 5:00PM
$15 before November 24, 2009
$20 at the Door

Teacher: Jasmyn Fyffe, Artistic Director

To register contact: asm_danceco@live.ca or phone 416-889-1758

About ASM Dance:

ASM Dance (As the Spirit Moves) was founded in September 2007 by Jasmyn Fyffe.
Our purpose is to create work with artistic integrity in the hope that it will awaken the
hearts and minds of our audience while remaining attentive to the depth and diversity
of human experiences. Our vision and motive is to use our talents to inspire and
awaken thoughts in both our dancers and audiences and to create a non-judgmental,
non-competitive environment for our dancers and artistic collaborations.
We desire to use our dance to make and see change in our community.

www.asmdance.com

Support b current's bid for the Aviva Community Fund

2009-11-10T19:10:00.003-05:00

b current has created a cool and innovative community arts program called Livin T.dot. Youth in Toronto's neighbourhoods will get the opportunity to create an original musical. We are competiting for funding consideration for the Aviva Community Fund. If we can get enough votes, we will be in the running to receive funding. Yeah!

It is easy! Just: sign up for an Aviva Account (atkes 20 seconds), then click to vote. You can vote once per day.

Click here to see our idea and vote!

Thanks in advance for your support!

Facilitators Apply for Theatre Ontario's Talent Bank~

2009-11-10T18:38:00.000-05:00

Theatre Ontario's Talent Bank - Applying To Join The Talent Bank

Theatre Ontario's Talent Bank matches educational and community organizations with professional theatre teachers and trainers for workshops, adjudications, and short-term consulting contracts. The professionals listed in our Talent Bank are interested in travelling to your community.

Applying To Join The Talent Bank

All applicants to the Talent Bank must be permanent residents of Ontario and members of Theatre Ontario.

Talent Bank applicants must be proficient practitioners in the categories to which they are applying, with a sensitivity to and familiarity with the needs and concerns of the community theatre sector and a demonstrated ability as a teacher/trainer.

Click here to download a PDF copy of the Talent Bank application guidelines.

Applications to the Talent Bank are submitted online.

Use this form if you are a new applicant to the Talent Bank
Use this form if you are a current member of the Talent Bank who wishes to apply to a new category

If you are not already, you must also become an individual member of Theatre Ontario.

Talent Bank applications are accepted from November 1 to December 31.

For more information about Applying to Join the Talent Bank, please contact Dennis Johnson, Community Theatre Coordinator, at dennis@theatreontario.org or 416.408.4556 x.13.

Grant Writing Workshop for Youth

2009-11-10T18:37:00.000-05:00

Grant-writing 101 Workshop for Youth
Thursday November 26, 2009, 6pm to 9pm
Metro Hall (55 John St), Room 303

This interactive session will explore the basics of preparing a grant application. It will breakdown the main components of an application including the proposal, work plan and budget; and provide tips for creating a clear, concise application - one that is useful to you in implementing your project. The facilitators will provide tips for building relationships with funders and provide all participants with a list of youth and arts funders.

Facilitators:
Ana Skinner, Program Manager, Laidlaw Foundation
Laura Metcalfe, Community Development Officer, City of Toronto
shahina sayani, Program Manager, ArtReach Toronto

RSVP: This workshop is open to youth (13 to 29 yrs). Please register
by November 24th at 5pm with your name, organization/group (if any),
email address and phone number to info@artreachtoronto.ca.

Space for this workshop is limited so register today! Food and refreshments will be provided. All participants will receive a resource guide.

Directions: Metro Hall is located at 55 John St., South-east corner of King and John, two blocks east of Spadina. If you are using public transit, take the subway to St. Andrew station, then walk through the "PATH" to Metro Hall or walk above ground 2 blocks west.

This workshop is part of the larger GOAL (Grassroots Organizing and Leadership) Youth Workshop Series being organized by a working group made up of youth organizations and funders. A certificate will be provided to participants who attend 5 or more workshops in the series. For more information, contact info@artreachtoronto.ca

GOAL Youth Workshop Series partners include:
ArtReach Toronto
Laidlaw Foundation
Schools Without Borders
Grassroots Youth Collaborative
City of Toronto
For Youth Initiative
Toronto Community Foundation
Department of Canadian Heritage

Crapshoot Call for Submissions

2009-11-10T18:36:00.000-05:00

Call For Submissions!

We want you to take a Gamble on you!

The Elephants in the Room would like to invite artists of all disciplines to audition for the upcoming

CRAPSHOOT!

at Theatre Passe Muraille’s Cabaret Stage!

On Friday December 18th we continue the season of Emerging Artist showcasing in a quick draw all out rapid-fire extravaganza. Each submission chosen will have 5 minutes on stage to try out a new work in front of a lively audience willing to take a gregarious gamble.

The audience will decide who will have a longer-than-five-minute time slot in our next Crapshoot in the New Year!
We welcome actors, directors, writers, musicians, dancers, producers, visual artists and anyone who rolls over the boundaries between these roles. Our evenings are typically put together with a variance in mind, so ante up and go all in!

Written Submissions are due at the witching hour (12:00) November 21st, 2009.

We cannot accept any applications after this date! Please follow the guidelines carefully. Only those selected for an audition will be contacted.

Auditions will take place on the evening of Thursday, November 26th and the afternoon of Sunday, November 29th, 2009.

Failure to follow the guidelines means your application will not be considered; so please read carefully! Start by filling out the questions below and sending your application to

elephantsintheroom@passemuraille.on.ca .

Application
We will be scheduling up to 30 Audition slots, not every submission will guarantee an audition. These guidelines are subject to qualify, please follow them carefully.

Who are you? (Name, theatre background, company affiliations, anything else you briefly want to tell us.)

How can we get a hold of you? (Phone, email, etc.)

Where might we have seen you before? (Previous productions, workshops, other artistic endeavors.)

Have you been to a Crapshoot?

In 100 words or less, what have you got for us? Creativity and originality accepted graciously.

Who is your (or your company’s) greatest inspiration? And Why? 25 words or less please.

And thank you!

THE ELEPHANTS.

Gas Girls by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard

2009-11-09T13:58:00.002-05:00

Gas Girls

Playwright: Donna-Michelle St. Bernard
Director/Dramaturge: Philip Adams
Featuring: Peter Bailey, Nawa Nicole Simon, Jamie Robinson, Dienye Waboso
Set and Costume Designer: Jackie Chau
Lighting Designer: Michelle Ramsay
Sound Designer: Nick Murray
Choreographer: Vivine Scarlett

New Harlem Productions starts off strong this season with Artistic Director Donna-Michelle St. Bernard’s award-winning new play, Gas Girls, a look at the lives of two sex trade workers in an economically depressed region.

Plying her trade with the truckers at the Zimbabwean border, Gigi works for gas. Her young protégé, Lola, wants to learn and can’t figure out why it isn’t love she is finding.

Gas Girls was honoured with Alberta Theatre Projects’ Enbridge Emerging PlayRites Award in March and placed second in Queen’s University’s Herman Voaden Playwriting Competition in April.

November 5-14, 2009
Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, 16 Ryerson Ave Toronto
Box office: 416.504.7529 or click here to buy tickets online
Info: 416-804-1702 or visit newharlemproductions.wordpress.com

Contact for media and presenters: Yvette Nolan, newharlemproductions@gmail.com

See their facebook page as well

ArtsVote Launch - Nov 17

2009-11-04T17:33:00.002-05:00

Obsidian Theatre's Production of Yellowman

2009-11-04T17:28:00.002-05:00

Obsidian Theatre Company is pleased to be a part of the 4x4 Festival, an Off-Road Event of Women Directors, produced by Nightwood Theatre.

Yellowman

Produced by:

Nightwood Theatre in co-production with
Obsidian Theatre

October 31 - November 14, 2009
Berkeley Street Theatre Upstairs
26 Berkeley St., Toronto

Written by: Dael Orlandersmith
Directed by: Weyni Mengesha

Starring: Dean Marshall and Ordena

Design Team: Tamara Marie Kucheran, Beth Kates

A 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama Finalist and winner of the 2002-2003 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, this seminal play is an edgy and provocative examination of the complexities of inter-race prejudice. Yellowman tells the story of Eugene, a light-skinned black man and his relationship with Alma, a dark-skinned black woman. An intriguingly dramatic look at how we see those around us.

Visit OTCtix.com for all events.

Casting Call for hosts of colour!

2009-11-04T17:27:00.001-05:00

MAGNETIC PRODUCTIONS

(formerly Edelman Productions/Minneapolis)

is searching for a Host

for a New

Kitchen Makeover Show

on a National Cable Network

Magnetic Productions is creating a new kitchen makeover series for a national cable network.

This kitchen show will feature new products & creative ideas that can transform a kitchen without spending a lot of money. Many of the projects will be quick fix-ups, others will be total makeovers. No matter how extensive the project, the focus will be on getting the most bang for the buck.

Searching for Host: Union or Non-Union

We are casting for a high energy host. Male or female. Shooting will be in the Minneapolis area. The series will feature homeowners doing the work, so host will be a combination coach & teacher. We’re looking for a host who is outgoing & confident, with a great sense of humor and real personality.

We need some or all of the following attributes:

Diversity will be a key factor!
Knowledge of design – kitchen design in particular.
Excellent handyperson or pro remodeling skills.
Experience on camera – or at least comfortable on camera.

About Magnetic Productions

Formerly Edelman Productions/Mpls, the staff of Magnetic Productions has produced numerous lifestyle series for major cable networks.

TO SUBMIT: (Deadline Wed. 11/11):

* Send headshots, resumes, demo, by 11/11 to:

Magnetic Productions

Casting Director

800 Washington Ave N, Ste 506

Mpls, MN 55401

* Email us by 11/11 at kitchencasting@magneticproductions.com

Subject Line: TV Host

Include photos, resume & video links!

VIDEO LINKS:

We prefer NOT to see actor reels! We need to "see" the person as our Host! Sending a link (YouTube video, etc) of any hosting, remodeling (or mock remodeling project) is best! If you shoot a demo, include an interview about your design/remodeling experience, and a standup to camera about the work you’re doing, preferably in a kitchen.

Imagine that you’re going to remodel the kitchen you’re standing in. Tell us what’s wrong with the kitchen now and give us a few cool ideas on how you’re going to improve it—with the help of the homeowners.

We’re looking for fun energy and wit. Don’t take yourself too seriously, have fun with it. Be a little ‘snarky’—be opinionated! If you’ve done remodeling before, make sure that comes across.

Interview. Make sure this is medium closeup. Get closer to camera and make sure you get good audio. Look just off camera and answer these questions. Again, we’re looking for great energy, in your face, almost over the top. Have fun with it!!

Q: Tell us about your handyman/remodeling experience. Give us one specific project you worked on.

Q: Tell a funny very short story about a mishap that happened when you were trying to fix something.

Q: Give us a bit on your personal and professional background.

Thank You!

Questions can also be directed to:

John Kitchener, Executive Producer

jkitchener@magneticproductions.com

612-321-9091 x11 office

952-261-9363 alt.

Call out for youth actors!

2009-10-30T00:12:00.001-04:00

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Open Call for Actors!

Are you an actor looking for your big break? Do you need experience on the big wide stage. If so, well here’s your chance!

From the Creator of “A Morbid Occasion” comes the re-mount of her first play .
Aracely Reyes, in association with the Paprika Festival Presents:
“Hagoromo,” An adaptation.

Aracely is a 2nd student @ UTSC and is looking for a new cast and crew to join her as she re-creates the Japanese folk tale of a young angel who falls from grace and spends her life on earth in search of her wings to get back home.

The Paprika Festival is a Toronto, youth based Theater Festival that happens during the month of March. It is a wonderful mentoring program that gives young actors, directors, play wrights and other artists the opportunity to showcase their work in front of real audiences and the art-based community in Toronto.

We are looking for talented young women to play the Angels, Earth women, and one young Man, to play the male lead as the Tribal hunter.

No Japanese background or language is necessary. All nationalities are welcome. Any knowledge or background in dance is welcomed but not required.

We are also looking for talented people to be a part of the crew for the positions of Running Crew/Lighting Technician, Set designer, Props and Costume Artist.

You will be contacted with additional information and if you need ot submit any additional information.

For Crew: Please submit a resume by e-mail and please include your contact information. You are to attend the audition for an interview.

This is a great opportunity to gain some experience and showcase in front of a real audience. So please don’t miss out.

You can call or e-mail Aracely at aracely.reyesromero@utoronto.ca or cell_air@hotmail.com ASAP!

The deadline is November 8th 2009

Thank you! We look forward to meeting and working with all of you!

Write from the Hip

2009-10-29T14:56:00.001-04:00

Call for Submissions: 11th Annual Write From The Hip, Nightwood Theatre

October 26, 2009 — TAPA

Nightwood Theatre’s 11th annual emerging playwriting program,Write From the Hip is now accepting submissions from 18-29 year-old women looking for an opportunity to develop and write a play and advance their craft.

Write from the Hip is a series of weekly workshops, mentoring andhands-on seminars in writing skills and professional play development specifically designed for emerging playwrights. Past mentors have included: D’bi Young, Ann-Marie MacDonald, Judith Thompson, Claudia Dey, Morwyn Brebner, Florence Gibson, Iris Turcott, Marjorie Chan and Lisa Codrington.

This year each participant will complete a new short work of 20-25 minute inspired by a newspaper article. The workshop will include a pitch session with artistic director Kelly Thornton. The play is then workshopped and staged on the final night of Write from the Hip in August 2010. Write from the Hip will begin January 25th and runs mainly on Monday nights from 6:30-9:30pm. Program Director is Anna Chatterton (scroll below for her bio).

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Participants are selected through submissions and personal interviews conducted by the program coordinators and Nightwood’s artistic director.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE
November 27th, 2009

PLEASE EMAIL SUBMISSIONS WITH THE FOLLOWING

10 pages MAX of an excerpt of one play or up to three plays, 12 point font. (can submit less than 10 pages if desired)
Fill out Application Form (Click here to download)
Please Do Not submit a cover letter or resume.

EMAIL SUBMISSIONS, WITH SUBJECT HEADING “WFH SUBMISSION” TO: monica@nightwoodtheatre.net

SNAIL MAIL SUBMISSONS
Anna Chatterton
Director of Youth Initiatives
Write From the Hip Submissions
Nightwood Theatre
55 Mill Street, Suite 301, Building No. 74
Toronto ON M5A 3C4

For more info please check out our website at http://www.nightwoodtheatre.net or contact Anna Chatterton, Director of Youth Initiatives at anna@nightwoodtheatre.net

ANNA CHATTERTON, PROGRAM DIRECTOR:
Anna is a performer, playwright and librettist. She was nominated for a Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best Opera in 2008. Past work includes Stitch (World Stage/Theatre Centre/urbanvessel), See Saw(Opera to Go) and Swoon (Canadian Opera Company). She is a co-founding member of the award winning theatre company Independent Aunties and co-wrote (with Evalyn Parry) and performed the triple Dora nominated Breakfast (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre), Clean Irene & Dirty Maxine (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre),Frances, Matilda and Tea and The Mysterious Shorts (Theatre Passe Muraille). Upcoming; Voice-Box (Harbourfront/urbanvessel, Fresh Grounds program), and Donna (Canadian Opera Company). Anna’s plays and operas have also been performed across Canada, the States and in Europe. Anna was Playwright in Residence at Tapestry New Opera Works and was part of the Artist Residency program at the Theatre Centre with companies Independent Auntie and urbanvessel. She is currently in Tarragon Theatre’s Playwright’s Unit and has been in units at The Canadian Stage Company and Factory Theatre.

Lost Lyrics Village Cypher

2009-10-28T10:20:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

Lost Lyrics is currently in our reflection and planning season. The past 3 years have been incredible learning experiences for both myself and Tasha. We would like to continue this process of learning by reaching out to the communities that have welcomed Lost Lyrics. Hence...

We are inviting you to the Lost Lyrics Village Cypher!

Parents, community members, educators, artists, students, elders and youth are invited to this collective exchange of ideas, knowledge, energy and perspective that we hope to utilize to shape our Lost Lyrics 2010 curriculum.

We will be sharing our learnings from 2009 aswell as ideas for the Lost Lyrics 2010 curriculum and would love to have your feedback.

Plus we will be showing a sneak preview of our Lost Lyrics 2009 DVD which features footage from in our classroom and The Live Report Card.

And we will be serving free and very, very yummy scrumptious food courtesy of Mama Hood Catering!!! If you've tried Mama Hood's cooking you know that I'm not exaggerating.

We will be holding two cyphers: the first in Malvern and the second in Jane-Finch. You can check out the location that is the most convenient for you or come to both! Here are the details for each location:

Malvern:

Thursday, November, 5 2009, 6pm @ Malvern Public Library - 30 Sewells Road

Jane-Finch

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 6pm @ Oakdale Community Centre - 350 Grandravine Drive

The flyer is attached. Please forward this e-mail out to anyone you believe would be interested and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

We look forward to seeing you there!

One Song Glory - Auditions

2009-10-17T03:03:00.001-04:00

AUDITIONS FOR YOUNG MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMERS

WAIT! DID YOU KNOW THAT TODAY’S CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL THEATRE REPERTOIRE INCLUDES SONGS FROM ALL GENRES OF MUSIC THAT REFLECT TODAY’S YOUTH?

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Seeking the brightest performers of all styles of music under the age of 19 for a one night celebration of contemporary musical theatre.

Acting Up Stage Theatre Company is entering its sixth year of operations in Toronto. It is dedicated to producing contemporary musical theatre that appeals to new generations of audiences. The company has received Dora Award nominations and critical and audience acclaim for its productions (A New Brain, Edges, A Man of No Importance, Elegies, john & jen, tick, tick…BOOM!) and continues to prove that musical theatre is still relevant to younger generations.

After the success of the One Song Glory event over the past three years, Acting Up Stage is again seeking participants under 19 years old for this free training program.

Performance: Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Venue: Toronto Centre for the Arts Studio Theatre

Format: For four Saturdays, participants will take master classes and train with professional directors and musical directors who work in the Toronto musical theatre scene. Each student will get the chance to learn and perform two musical theatre numbers – one in which they are featured and one where they will appear as part of a group. All of the material will be from the contemporary musical theatre canon. The work will be presented in two showcase performances at the Toronto Centre for the Arts.

Audition Dates: Sunday, October 18 and Saturday, October 24, 2009

How will it work?

Students will audition with the material that they feel shows off their vocal style. The audition will be for the artistic team (directors, musical directors) who will then choose the performers that they want to be a part of the program. If you are chosen, you will be singing songs that the artistic team feels suitable to your voice.

Why do I want to be in this?

This is your chance to work with professional Toronto directors and musical directors on your skills to help improve your performance technique. This is an excellent way to expose your talents to an audience of 400 people in a Toronto theatre.

What kind of commitment is this?

If selected you will be REQUIRED to attend four rehearsals (Saturday, November 7th, Saturday, November 14th**, Saturday, November 21st**, and Saturday, November 28th, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) You will then need to be at the theatre on Sunday, November 29th, the day of the show, at 12:00 p.m. and remain until the show is completed (approximately 10pm). Participants must be available for all dates. During lunchtimes, there will be a panel series featuring experts who will answer your questions about the musical theatre industry!

**will be half days

Is there a cost?

Nope. The entire program is provided free of charge.

To be considered for an audition…

1. email auditions@actingupstage.com by Thursday, October 15th, 2009 for the October 18th auditions; or Wednesday, October 21, 2009 for the October 24th auditions.
2. include:

o your name and phone number
o what city you are from
o your school
o your favourite musical
o your preferred date to audition (October 18 or 24th)

3. prepare 1 piece to perform for the audition. Please bring sheet music. Accompanist will be provided.

***Check out our www.youtube.com/actingupstage for video from last year’s show!***

This project is made possible, in part, by the Youth Theatre Training Program
of Theatre Ontario funded by the Ontario Arts Council

Participation in this program has been fully subsidized thanks to generous donations by McDonald's Canada & Curtis Barlow.

This program is sponsored by: The Children's Theatre Project, Randolph Young Company, Sheridan College, Ovation Performing Arts Academy.

For more information please email auditions@actingupstage.com or phone
(647) 297-2161

SuiteLife Arts for Youth - Auditions

2009-10-17T02:45:00.004-04:00

SUITELIFE ARTS FOR YOUTH

WANTS YOU !!!

for a workshop and performance of a fresh new

multi media, multi-disciplinary work

“Suite Poetry”

Performance date: Sunday, March 7, 2010 at Harbourfront Centre

10 Actors 10 Singers 10 Dancers 5 Poets

Audition Requirements for Youth 15 - 20yrs.

Actors/Poets must present a contemporary monologue or poem ( published or written by the individual ), maximum 2 minutes in length

Singers must present a song of their choice “a capella” ( in any style ), that best demonstrates their vocal range

Dancers will be given a warm-up and taught choreography en masse at the audition

DOWNTOWN AUDITIONS & PROGRAM

Audition date: SAT., OCTOBER 31, 2009

St. Christopher House, 248 Ossington Ave.

Workshop begins: SAT. NOVEMBER 7, 2009

Sessions are held on Saturdays ( 10am.- 4:30pm.) for 16 wks

SCARBOROUGH AUDITIONS & PROGRAM
Audition date: SAT., OCTOBER 24, 2009
Christ Church Scarborough, 155 Markham Rd.
Workshop begins: TUES. NOVEMBER 3, 2009
Sessions are held Tues. - Thurs. ( 5pm.- 7:00pm.) for 16 wks

To reserve an audition time please contact: DENESE MATTHEWS at (416) 691-3269

www.suitelifearts.org

Parkdale Street Writers

2009-10-09T20:32:00.003-04:00

Are you 16-25 years old? Do you keep a blog or journal? Constantly update your Facebook page? Write super-long e-mails? Make up stories, films, rants, video game ideas, lyrics and/or poems in your head? Love to read and talk about books?

Why not join the…

Parkdale Street Writers
A Boot Camp for Young Dreamers

Free writing workshops led by kick-ass local authors, comics creators, hip hop poets and street artists!

www.parkdalewriters.ca

Work directly with: Clifton Joseph (dub poet and CBC personality), Mariko Tamaki (graphic novelist, Skim and Emiko Superstar), Mindbender (hip hop M.C. and journalist), Dale Jarvis (storyteller and ghost story writer), Kristyn Dunnion, (author of Moshpit and Big Big Sky), Stro1 (street artist and videographer), Willow Dawson (graphic novelist, 100 Mile House and No Girls Allowed), Jean Yoon (actor, poet and playwright), Emily Pohl-Weary (author of A Girl Like Sugar and Strange Times at Western High)

What will we do?
• Write about real life
• Produce song lyrics and poems
• Create your own comics
• Interview people
• Read/write film scripts
• Find and make art
• Publish your work
• Get advice from professionals
• Choose other kinds of writing

DATES/TIMES
Parkdale Library (basement auditorium)
1303 Queen Street West, Toronto
Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Starts November 3rd, 2009 – but join anytime!

FINE PRINT
Participants must be 16-25 years old. Workshops are free, but please register! All supplies and snacks are provided for participants. TTC tickets available for people coming from outside the neighborhood.

Contact Emily Pohl-Weary (coordinator) to register and get more information: info@parkdalewriters.ca or 416-779-1448

(Generously sponsored by the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Diaspora Dialogues and the Toronto Public Library.)

www.parkdalewriters.ca

The Sedina Show - October 30

2009-10-09T20:24:00.003-04:00

Sofina Productions is proud to present
The Sedina Show @ Theatre Passe Muraille (16 Ryerson Avenue)
Friday, October 30, 2009 @ 9:30pm
Cover $10

The Sedina Show is a multi disciplinary cabaret hosted by performer and producer, Sedina Fiati. Featuring lots of singing, comedy, spoken word and sometimes dance, this cabaret has been delighting Toronto audiences since 2006.

On Friday, October 30, join us for the Gay, Gay Cabaret Edition, an ode to the fun and camp that queers are famous for. Expect cover of artists like Cher and Madonna and some great music theatre tunes. Featuring accompaniment by Adam Weinmann. See sedinashow.blogspot.com for more info on Sedina and her going-ons.

The Power of Choice - Course with Deidre Walton

2009-10-09T20:20:00.002-04:00

The Power of Choice

Always wanted to try something but things always get in the way?
Feel like working all the time is leaving no time for your real life?
Living your life based on other people’s expectations?
Want to live a more creative and fulfilling life?

Take the Power of Choice, a six week series of workshops that will:

ü Explore the relationship between the choices that we make, and the level of power and confidence that we feel in our lives

ü Examine fear/resistance as a concept, an emotion and a tool/strategy.

ü Teach you how to move through fear, incorporate positive thinking, and goal-oriented decision making into their everyday repertoire of skills give new life

Facilitated by Deidre “D-Lishus” Walton

Topics covered will include:

Session 1: Giving ourselves room

Defining our parameters and our fears, deciding on a basis of unity and guidelines

Session 2: giving ourselves validation

Meeting our inner critic, excavating the roots of our fears, finding the gems of our dreams hidden beneath and affirming our innermost desires

Session 3: giving ourselves permission

Flinging our imaginative nets wide to harness the richness of our dreams, nurturing our creative goals

Session 4: choosing possibility and potential

Working ‘backwards’ developing concrete ways to incorporate our dreams into our current lives, visioning dreams into reality

Session 5: choosing self as a priority

Redefining fear to make it work for us instead of against us, recognizing and overcoming resistance – our own and other’s

Session 6: choosing power

Recognizing and acknowledging our strengths, our growth and our responsibility;

Aligning ourselves on the path

Using a variety of accessible and fun strategies, including guided visualization, mandalas, breathing techniques, creative affirmations and exploratory exercises, we will get in touch with our goals, raise our self-esteem and create more satisfying lives.

It’s not too late to enrich your life by exploring your true potential!

Course Fee:

$100 + $20 materials fee per participant

Schedule and Duration:

Tuesday evenings

Oct 27 to Dec 1, inclusive

6: 30 to 9pm, with scheduled breaks

Location:

b current performing arts corps

601 Christie street (@ St Clair W)

Suite 251

To register, contact the facilitator by phone or email:

Deidre/D-Lishus

905 580 4865

d-lishus@unforgettable.com

About the facilitator:

Deidre “D-Lishus” Walton is a poet, playwright, arts educator, facilitator and consultant. She has been providing counselling and coaching services for women since 2001. She is a skilled facilitator, and challenges participants from 10 to 60 with her engaging, and thought-provoking workshops. D-Lishus creates an inclusive environment in which participants feel safe to question, share and grow.

Registration is limited. Register now to avoid disappointment.

more calls from b current!

2009-09-22T19:12:00.002-04:00

We have more calls! It's the beginning of the year. That time again.

Still accepting applications for our Resource Development & Marketing Director
click here

We are accepting submissions for rock.paper.sistahz 9 in April 2010. click here

All you creators out there, send us your submissions for the Ontario Art Council Creator's Reserve. Get some money to create. click here

Voicescope Intensive @ Young Centre

2009-09-22T19:02:00.003-04:00

VOICESCOPE INTENSIVE:
A 4-day exploratory workshop in voice and movement
with Patricia O'Callaghan, Suba Sankaran and Claudia Moore

The Voicescope Intensive is a professional development workshop in which artists will be exposed to a variety of approaches to the voice, including both diverse cultural (western/eastern) and musical (classical/jazz/cabaret) styles. The Voicescope Intensive is aimed at emerging and established performing artists of all disciplines who are interested in expanding the scope of their voice. The program is comprised of four days of master classes followed by a public workshop presentation.

Thursday Oct 22, 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Friday Oct 23, 11:00am – 6:30pm
Saturday Oct 24, 11:00am – 6:30pm
Sunday Oct 25, 11:00am – 6:30pm

The Voicescope Intensive was conceived by Young Centre Resident Artist Patricia O'Callaghan and will be led by O'Callaghan (classical and cabaret), together with fellow Resident Artists Suba Sankaran (jazz and classical Indian) and Claudia Moore (movement). The focus of Voicescope is on process rather than a polished sound or the development of particular repertoire. Objectives are freer vocal expression, improved body-voice connection, comfort exploring unfamiliar vocal styles and increased confidence.

Fee: $160 + GST for 4 day workshop
Participants must be 18 or older.
There is limited availability. Book early to avoid disappointment.

How to register
A vocal assessment will take place at the time of registration to determine group placement. Participants will be asked to prepare two songs of any style to be used as the "jumping off point" for vocal, musical and artistic exploration throughout the intensive, including improvisation.

Complete the 2009 Voicescope Intensive registration form or contact Program Coordinator Noora Sagarwala noora@youngcentre.ca or 416-866-8666 ext. 443 to register.

Tetrault Productions Presents Gandhi High

2009-09-22T18:51:00.007-04:00

TETRAULT ARTS PRODUCTIONS

Hello Friends! Please come and see an important new Canadian play that deals with the issue of youth alienation and the violence that has been occurring in our neighbourhoods and communities. Tétrault Arts Productions is producing the stage play, Gandhi High to be shown in Toronto during the period of October 13 to 25, 2009 , with two previews October 10th - 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m..

Gandhi High is a challenging new play about a South Asian teenager named Jehan Sachi who encouraged by the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, develops the courage to come to terms with his abusive past and the strength to challenge his peers and the community to rise above and fight the violence that is overtaking them. Gandhi's principles help these teens realize that they are entitled to protest against the poverty, racism and abuse that they have been subjected to - but that this fight is most effective through non violence, love, and forgiveness . We will be using excerpts from CBC radio interviews with community leaders re. gun violence.

You can buy tickets online at www.gandhihigh.ca. Plus we are selling $5 raffle tickets (Prize - Trip - two roundtrip airfares to India + $500 cash)! You will also be able to buy raffle tickets online - but in the meantime for raffle tickets contact Brian Eastcott at brian.eastcott@rogers.com.