Kanata Theatre

CONGRATULATIONS TO AMELIA ABELL!

I have some exciting news to share with you: Kanata Theatre’s own Amelia Abell is the recipient of the 2024 Eastern Ontario Drama League (EODL) Tessie Honourarium for her outstanding contributions as a volunteer to our theatre! The Tessie Honourarium is given in memory of Thérèse May, fondly known as TESSIE, who began working enthusiastically with the executive of the EODL because of her vision “that theatre become truly a part of our Canadian way of life.”

Amelia has been an active and invaluable member of KT since 2013. Over the years, she has graced our stage in at least ten productions, predominantly with the KYOS and KTKids groups, showcasing her talent and dedication. Beyond her impressive performances, Amelia has also devoted countless hours behind the scenes, assisting with props, stage crew, set painting, and working in the front of house and servery. Her contributions to our main stage plays have been fantastic!

As so many of you know, what truly sets Amelia apart is her unwavering commitment and passion for theatre, her kindness and her exemplary work ethic. She is known for her punctuality, positive attitude, and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need. Her enthusiasm and professionalism have made her a sought-after crew member on production teams and people are always so pleased to see her at the theatre. Despite her extensive volunteer commitments, Amelia has excelled academically, maintaining an impressive 90%+ average in her final two years of high school.

Amelia's passion for theatre extends beyond her performances and backstage contributions. She has been an integral part of new member orientation sessions, welcoming newcomers to our theatre community with warmth and enthusiasm. Her efforts in organizing and supporting KT member events, such as the December volunteer appreciation night, have been greatly appreciated by all.

Amelia embodies the spirit of volunteerism and serves as a mentor and role model to many within our community - of all ages! As she embarks on her post-secondary journey at the University of Ottawa, we are thrilled that she plans to continue her involvement with KT. She is part of the fabric that makes KT so strong!

Please join me in congratulating Amelia Abell on this well-deserved recognition. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our theatre family.

Kind regards,
Cameron Bishop (he/him)

Scholarships, Awards and Incentives — Eastern Ontario Drama League Meet Reed Hutton 2024 Recipient of the EODL Scholarship Reed Hutton has been involved in theatrical arts, both on stage and back-stage, with all three of the Brockville Theatre Guild (BTG), Brockville Operatic Society (BOS) and as part of his studies with St. Mary High School for a number of years.....

✨ The curtain has closed on our KYOS show "Frozen," and what an incredible journey it was! ❄️ Our kids had an absolute blast bringing the magic to life.

But the excitement doesn't stop here! Be on the lookout for our upcoming Ten Minute Play Festival. 🎭 You won’t want to miss it!

Https://kanatatheatre.ca for tickets, auditions, show info, and more!

And remember, season subscription tickets are on sale now. Secure yours for a year of unforgettable performances! 🎟️✨

Big shout out to our page’s newest top fans! 💎

Michael Gareau, Rollande Lemay, Joy Forbes, Adam Pelletier, Ronald McGillvray, Joanna McAuley Treffers

❄️✨ Opening night on the KYOS stage was very cool 😎

Get ready for a winter blizzard as “Frozen” is back on the stage June 8th! Grab your tickets now and let the magic begin! 🌨️🎭

We are SOLD OUT!! But our five show subscription package is still going strong!

Get your seat for the season! Available at https://kanatatheatre.ca

Audition Notice
10-Minute Play Festival
Kanata Theatre’s annual 10-minute play festival returns this July! We are seeking actors of all genders, ethnicities, and ages for seven plays written by local playwrights.
Please select 1-3 plays (see list below) and write to co-producer Andrew Stodart at [email protected] to request a copy of the play(s) and an audition slot. Auditions will be held at the Ron Maslin Playhouse. You will be assigned a specific audition slot for each play (up to three).
AUDITION DATES AND TIMES
– Sunday, June 9, 2024 @ 1:00-5:00 pm
– Monday, June 10, 2024 @ 6:00-10:00 pm
– Callbacks (as needed): Wednesday, June 12, 2024 @ 6:00-10:00 pm
REHEARSAL DATES
– Rehearsals will take place twice a week for two hours each during the first three weeks of July (evenings and/or weekends). Exact times to be confirmed for each play, some scheduling flexibility at the director’s discretion.

– Tech week for all plays will take place Sunday, July 21 to Tuesday, July 23: afternoon cue to cue on Sunday; tech and dress evenings Monday-Tuesday. All cast must be available on all tech dates.
SHOW DATES AND TIMES
– Wednesday, July 24 @ 7:30 pm (members’ preview)
– Friday, July 26 @ 7:30 pm
– Saturday, July 27 @ 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm

All cast must be available for all shows.
LIST OF PLAYS
1) Litany of the Bells, by Mary Ellen Vice

Synopsis: Preparing to host book club should never be too difficult. Unless your husband has a man-cold. And a bell.


Characters:
Martha - 40-65 years old; long time married to Stan
Stan - 40-65 years old; married to Martha
Kathleen - 40-65 years old; Martha’s friend and book club member
Deirdre - 40-65 years old; chairperson of book club

2) Biffy Comes to Town, by Andrew Stodart

Synopsis: Generations clash but sometimes the times re not a-changin’ as much as we think.

Characters:
Mike – Male, 70s. An aging hippie
Olivia – Female, mid-teens
Biffy – Female, 20-35
Jasmine – Female, mid-teens

3) Devil’s Advocate, by E.J. Nash

Synopsis: The devil is in the details when your soul is on the line...

Characters:
William – Male, mid-late 50s or older
Lawyer – Any gender, any age

4) Executive Perks, by Brian McCullough

Synopsis: Hubris and loyalties collide in a marriage darkened by domestic violence and white-collar crime.

Characters:
Henry Grant – an aircraft manufacturing production manager
Jessica Grant - Henry’s young wife
Michael Fineberg – a man in his 30-40s

5) Dead Air, by Catherine Clark and Jennifer Pfitzer

Synopsis: You never know what’s going on behind the scenes!

Characters (all any age, any gender – each actor will play different “real life” and “character” depictions):
Tom – Narrator/Stage Manager
Harry – Mother
Arnold – Stranger / Giant
Dick – Foley Artist
Jane – Jack (cleaning lady who is recruited to play the part)

6) Kathy’s Room, by Brian Derby

Synopsis: When is the right time to let go?

Characters:
Reginald Smith – husband
Mabel Smith – wife
Dr. Mitchell McGraph – potential buyer of an old stone house, British accent, 60-65 years old
Pam Sinclair – local realtor

7) Tipperary Blues, by Claire Bosnich

Synopsis: A woman seeking whiskey forges an unlikely connection with a wise-cracking bootlegger in Prohibition-era Chicago.

Characters:
Jack Hughes – Male, 20s-30s, a scruffy bootlegger
Bess – Female, 20s-30s, a woman looking for whiskey
Agent Daniels – Male, 20s-50s, a thuggish Prohibition officer
Agent Morgan – Any gender, any age, Daniels' weaselly subordinate

❄️✨ The KYOS stage is about to freeze over! Get ready for a winter blizzard as “Frozen” hits the stage June 7th and 8th! Grab your tickets now and let the magic begin! 🌨️🎭

Tickets available at https://kanatatheatre.ca

🎭✨ That’s a wrap on “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”

Thank you to all who came out and supported the show! With a 99.9% sold out run, you’ve helped us put on a certified hit! 🕵️‍♀️🔍

Looking for more? 🔍 Our five show subscription package is live NOW on our website! Get the best deal and the best seats for our exciting Main Stage shows for the 2024-2025 season! 🎟️🎟️

(A reminder that return subscribers have until May 30th to secure their seats from the year before. Make sure you call/email the box office to renew and lock in your prime spot!)

Also our KYOS show is coming up fast! Make sure you’ve gotten your tickets to “Frozen” for a sudden summer frost!

Tickets and more available right now at https://kanatatheatre.ca

📸: Alex Henkelman Photography

🎭✨ TGIF! Looking for weekend plans? Haven’t seen our nearly sold out hit “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes mystery”? You still have a chance! Only four tickets remain for tonight’s performance, and closing night is hot on its heels! Snag those tickets while the iron is hot! 🎟️ 🕵️‍♀️🔍

✨🎟️ Grab your tickets now for May 15-25th at the Ron Maslin Playhouse. 🎟️✨

Looking for more? 🔍 Our five show subscription package is live NOW on our website! Get the best deal and the best seats for our exciting Main Stage shows for the 2024-2025 season! 🎟️🎟️

Tickets and more available right now at https://kanatatheatre.ca

📸: Alex Henkelman Photography

🎭✨ we are back at it again tonight with “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes mystery”. Only four tickets remain for tonight’s performance, and the weekend is going fast too, so make sure you get your tickets while you can! 🕵️‍♀️🔍

✨🎟️ Grab your tickets now for May 15-25th at the Ron Maslin Playhouse. 🎟️✨

Looking for more? 🔍 Our five show subscription package is live NOW on our website! Get the best deal and the best seats for our exciting Main Stage shows for the 2024-2025 season! 🎟️🎟️

Tickets and more available right now at https://kanatatheatre.ca

📸: Alex Henkelman Photography

🎭✨ Tonight’s the night, mystery lovers! Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is back on stage, and tickets are flying faster than a hound on the moors! 🕵️‍♂️🔥 We’re nearly sold out, so grab your seats now for an unforgettable evening of intrigue and suspense. Don’t miss your chance to get in on the mystery! 🕵️‍♀️🔍

✨🎟️ Grab your tickets now for May 15-25th at the Ron Maslin Playhouse. 🎟️✨

Looking for more? 🔍 Our five show subscription package is live NOW on our website! Get the best deal and the best seats for our exciting Main Stage shows for the 2024-2025 season! 🎟️🎟️

Tickets and more available right now at https://secure1.tixhub.com/kanata/online/Seat_Based_floorplan.asp?results_id=129621&iEvents_Id=148&txtPromo=&strStatus=

📸: Alex Henkelman Photography

Big shout out to our page’s newest top fans! 💎

Michael Gareau, Rollande Lemay, Joy Forbes, Adam Pelletier

I made an Olaf puppet for an upcoming production of Frozen Jr for Kanata Theatre . looking forward to seeing it in action!

AUDITION NOTICE:

🎭✨ The Ten Minute Play Festival is BACK! ✨🎭 Get ready for an exciting showcase of our community’s talented playwrights and actors. More details on the plays are coming soon, but for now, mark your calendars for the auditions! Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to shine on stage and have a blast! 🎬🎉

Looking for more? 🔍 “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” is on the main stage RIGHT NOW! Tickets are flying fast and it’s no mystery why. Get yours while you can!

And while you’re at it, our five show subscription package is live NOW on our website! Get the best deal and the best seats for our exciting Main Stage shows for the 2024-2025 season! 🎟️🎟️

Details, Tickets and more available right now at https://kanatatheatre.ca

The game is OFFICIALLY afoot! 🕵️‍♀️

🎭✨ Tonight’s the grand opening of Baskerville, where mystery meets comedy in a spellbinding performance! Don’t miss out on the laughter and intrigue as Sherlock Holmes takes center stage. Limited tickets available – grab yours now and be part of the show! 🎟️🔍

✨🎟️ Grab your tickets now for May 15-25th at the Ron Maslin Playhouse. 🎟️✨

Looking for more? 🔍 Our five show subscription package is live NOW on our website! Get the best deal and the best seats for our exciting Main Stage shows for the 2024-2025 season! 🎟️🎟️

Tickets and more available right now at https://kanatatheatre.ca

📸: Alex Henkelman Photography

Are you a local business with a bit of counter space? If so, we have some pretty nice looking bookmarks to promote our upcoming season which starts in September! If you’d be willing to put a few bookmarks out for your customers, you’d be helping support a great community organization!

PASSING OF GORDON WALT

I’m sad to share with you the news about the passing of one of our longstanding members, Gordon Walt.

While Gordon was initially drawn to our theatre because of his wife Heather's involvement, his dedication and talents were unmistakable. From lead roles in "Life With Father" and "You Can't Take it With You," to set design in “The Kitchen Witches” and “The Last Romance” as well as construction, props and set furnishings for other productions, Gordon’s creative touch graced our stage time and time again.

Beyond his theatrical pursuits, Gordon was an accomplished guitarist, a devoted family man, and a generous supporter of Kanata Theatre. His passion for building, evident in the two cottages, two garages, and even a house he designed for his family, mirrored his dedication to constructing memorable theatrical experiences for our audiences.

Gordon’s legacy extends beyond Kanata Theatre. His educational background in civil engineering, coupled with his roles in various government departments and as a lecturer at Algonquin College, speaks to his deep commitment to both his profession and his community. His involvement in church, politics, and numerous charitable endeavors further underscore the depth of his impact.

Gordon’s obituary, and information about his Celebration of Life, can be found here: https://ottawacitizen.remembering.ca/obituary/gordon-leslie-walt-1089724150

On behalf of Kanata Theatre, I extend our condolences to Gordon’s wife Heather, their four sons, as well as all his family and friends.

Sincerely,
Cameron Bishop
President
Kanata Theatre

Remembering the life of Gordon Leslie Walt Gordon Leslie Walt passed away. This is the full obituary where you can express condolences and share memories. Published in the Ottawa Citizen on 2024-05-11.

Thank you to StittsvilleCentral.ca for this awesome article about “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery”

Tickets are almost sold out! We open on May 15th and close May 25th. Have you got you tickets to the mystery??? 🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️🕵️‍♀️

https://secure1.tixhub.com/kanata/online/index.asp

Lettice and Lovage AUDITIONS

Book your slot now

Written by: Peter Shaffer
Directed by: Barbara Kobolak
AUDITION DATES AND TIMES
– Tuesday, June 11, 2024 @ 7:00-10:00 pm on stage
– Wednesday, June 12, 2024 @ 7:00-10:00 pm on stage
– Callback: Thursday, June 13, 2024 @ 7:00-10:00 pm on stage
– First Readthrough: Tuesday June 18, 2024 @ 7:00-10:00 pm in rehearsal hall
REHEARSAL DATES
– Rehearsals will usually be held on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings.
– Wednesday evenings will be added starting in August
– Extra rehearsal dates may be required closer to opening
SHOW DATES AND TIMES
– Wednesday, September 11 – Saturday, September 14, 2024 @ 7:30 pm
– Tuesday, September 17 – Saturday, September 21, 2024 @ 7:30 pm
– Sunday, September 15, 2024 @ 2:30 pm
– You must also be available for Members Night, Monday, September 9, 2024 @ 7:30 pm.
SYNOPSIS
Lettice Douffet is an expert on Elizabethan cuisine, an enthusiast of history and theatre, and a tour guide at 400-year-old Fustian House. Lettice begins to embellish its historical past, straying from the facts. Lotte Schoen, an inspector from the Preservation Trust, is not impressed by these fantasies. Lotte fires Lettice, but gradually becomes fascinated by her unusual past, her romantic worldview, and her refusal to accept the mediocre and the second rate. To entertain themselves, the two new friends begin to secretly reenact the trials and deaths of Europe’s most famous historical figures, but the fun nearly turns to murder. Play is set in London, 1990.
CHARACTERS
Note: These are approximate ages or possible age range of the character. If you feel you can fit in that range, please come out and audition for that role or roles.
Lettice Douffet
(middle-aged, 45-50): Lettice was raised by a Shakespearean actress who traveled the French countryside attempting to make a living and bring culture to French peasants. A woman of great charm, passion, and wit – who somehow can’t seem to hold a job for long without irritating someone in authority.
**Note: Lettice is on stage for 95% of the play, and so I won’t be able to give whoever is cast more than 1 or 2 rehearsals off at most.
Charlotte (Lotte) Schoen
(middle-aged, 50-55): A stickler for truth and facts, and employed in the Personnel Department of the Preservation Trust, Lotte has received letters complaining about Lettice’s “fanciful history”. She tries to help Lettice after firing her, as they discover a shared passion for history, and disdain for modern life.
**Note: Lotte is on stage for 75% of the play, so I won’t be able to give whoever is cast more than 2 or 3 rehearsals off at most.
Mr. Bardolph
(late-30s to mid-60s): Stiff upper-lip solicitor brought in to defend Lettice in Act 3. His client bewilders him as she seems to have no idea of the seriousness of the charge against her. Dry, humourless, he is inveigled to play a part in reenacting what happened. If possible, would double as Surly Man in Act 1 Scene 1.
Miss Framer
(mid-30s to mid-60s): Nervous, anxious assistant to Ms. Schoen. Intimidated by Lotte, and enthralled by Lettice’s tales, in Act 1 Scene 2. Doubles as a tourist in Act 1 Scene 1.
Surly Man
An Elizabethan scholar on one of Lettice’s tours, who wonders aloud at the source of her “facts”. If possible, would double as Mr. Bardolph in Act 3.
Tourists/Visitors
Looking for between 6 and 9 people (men and women, wide range of ages) to be tourists/visitors that Lettice leads on tours of Fustian House in four segments that make up Act 1 Scene 1. British accents not necessarily needed for these roles. Some will have a few lines to speak; all will act as a Chorus that showcases the challenges Lettice encounters as a Guide who tries to enliven History!
British accents will be required for Lettice, Lotte, Bardolph, and Framer.
Please register your interest in auditioning using the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1iH8hHr1E60q3t4o7L7pwbUXNdTWTm3b2pfXKu4ah22A/edit

Auditions for Lettice and Lovage Sign up Form – Google Forms
Once an audition date has been secured, sides will be provided.
You are requested to arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in and have your picture taken.
Please contact director Barbara Kobolak at [email protected] or production manager Tom Kobolak at [email protected] if you have any questions or require further information.

🔍🕵️‍♀️We are over 80% sold for “Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery” Only a handful of tickets remain for the first week, and week two is close behind!

🎭 Don’t miss your chance to crack the case! 🎟️ Grab your tickets now for May 15-25th at the Ron Maslin Playhouse. 🎟️✨

Looking for more? 🔍 Our five show subscription package is live NOW on our website! Get the best deal and the best seats for our exciting Main Stage shows for the 2024-2025 season! 🎟️🎟️

Tickets and more available right now at https://kanatatheatre.ca

With “ ” set to open on May 15, you may be wondering what our feature wines might be now that Kanata Theatre has its permanent license!

We always serve a red and a white - today, let’s learn a bit about the white wine we have on the menu: the 2023 Tall Horse Wines Chenin Blanc from South Africa. It’s fantastic. Don’t believe us? Well, here’s how the Toronto Star wine critic describes it:

“The glossy pale liquid looks and smells luminous and then beams in like a flood of light. Lemon zest, sliced grapefruit, fresh pineapple and chiselled limestone come into focus and then fade, leaving behind a soft sifting of crushed oyster shell. This crisp, smart wine is impeccably balanced, finishes dry and clocks a mere 12.5 per cent alcohol. Chenin Blanc is a grape variety that’s a darling of connoisseurs. This wine has been around for more than 10 years and is available in 47 other countries. But it’s new to ”.

This wine was selling like hot cakes across the province — and Kanata Theatre managed to snag some bottles for our patrons.

So, if the idea of a crisp, cool, white wine in your hand as you watch a fabulous show at Theatre sounds good to you, then visit KanataTheatre.ca to get your tickets so you can partake in good wine and fine theatre.

🔍🕵️‍♀️While it’s a Sherlock Holmes mystery, there’s more than just Sherlock and Watson! Three of our five talented actors are wearing many hats to fill out London Town! Here’s a glimpse of Paul Arbor, Gordon Walls, and Jenny Pfitzer as they make their various transformations. If you’re impressed now, just wait till you see it live!

🎭 Don’t miss your chance to crack the case! 🎟️ Grab your tickets now for May 15-25th at the Ron Maslin Playhouse. 🎟️✨

Looking for more? 🔍 Our five show subscription package is live NOW on our website! Get the best deal and the best seats for our exciting Main Stage shows for the 2024-2025 season! 🎟️🎟️

Tickets and more available right now at https://kanatatheatre.ca

Check out this awesome write up in The Community Voice all about our upcoming show “Baskerville: a Sherlock Holmes mystery” and our Director Michael Gareau!

While you’re at it, make sure to grab your tickets! They’re selling out fast and the real mystery will be why you didn’t grab them sooner… 🔍 🕵️‍♀️

Get them now at https://kanatatheatre.ca

🎩🔍 Get ready to crack the case with ‘Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery’ hitting the stage in just over two weeks! Week one’s almost sold out, and week two’s hot on its heels. 🎭 Don’t miss your chance to solve the mystery! 🎟️ Grab your tickets now for May 15-25th at the Ron Maslin Playhouse. 🎟️✨

Looking for more? 🔍 Our five show subscription package is live NOW on our website! Get the best deal and the best seats for our exciting Main Stage shows for the 2024-2025 season! 🎟️🎟️

Tickets and more available right now at https://kanatatheatre.ca

Congratulations to Marianne Wilkinson who won the second raffle prize from Cookies By Clare at the 55th Kanata Theatre gala. Here is what she chose for her design.