New Ideas Festival 2013

WEEK THREE: Wednesday March 20 to Sunday March 24, 2013

• DEAD FRENCH PHILOSPHERS AND WHAT WE MEAN WHEN WE TALK ABOUT LOVE
  by James Papoutsis
• MY FRIEND’S BEST FRIEND’s BOYFRIEND by Wesley J. Colford
• EGLINTON by Anthony MacMahon
• MY RED FEATHER BOA by Flora Stohr-Danziger

WEEK THREE READING: Saturday March 23, 2013 at noon

• EVERYTHING BUT THE CAT… by Adrianna Prosser

SHOW TIMES: Evenings: 8 pm • Sat Reading: Noon • Sat/Sun Matinée: 2:30 pm

Download New Ideas 2013 Press Release

THE SHOWS

DEAD FRENCH PHILOSPHERS & WHAT WE MEAN WHEN WE TALK ABOUT LOVE
by James Papoutsis

David Black tells his philosophy students that love is a linguistic impossibility. Some of the greatest dead French philosophers have said so. But David himself is in love, and he’s set on finding the rights words to get her.

Director:	Yevgeniya Falkovich
AD/SM:	Ingryd Pleitez
Cast:	Derek Perks Phil Rickaby Nicole Wilson
Running Time:	20 Minutes

BIOGRAPHIES, Creative Team:

JAMES PAPOUTSIS, Playwright
James Papoutsis holds a PhD in English and currently teaches contemporary literature at York University. He has published fiction in numerous national and international literary journals. His current work focuses on the Greek-Canadian immigrant experience and has earned him an arts grant from the Canada Council. Novelist Susan Swan writes of his work: “James Papoutsis’ aspiration to be the Greek Mordecai Richler is no idle threat. His insights into his Greek-Canadian families along with his narrative panache and droll wit make him a contender.” James’ play Ditching MacKenzie was performed in the 2006 New Ideas Festival.

YEVGENIYA FALKOVICH, Director
Yevgeniya is a recent graduate of the Directing Program at the National Theatre School of Canada. She came to theatre from a background in visual art and dance, and these two disciplines continue to guide her in her work. Originally from the former Soviet Union, she is also interested in translating Russian works of drama. Works previously directed for New Ideas Festival: Job Descriptions (2006) and Even Burning (2007). Recent directing credits include The King Stag by Carlo Gozzi (2009), An Ordinary Wonder by Yevgenii Shvarts (translated and directed in 2010), and The Green Man by Maureen Gualtieri (2012).

INGRYD PLEITEZ, Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Ingryd is an emerging artist who keeps herself busy these days. Apart from working on the New Ideas Festival, she is also on the advisory board for the Paprika Festival and stage managing Shakespeare in Action's production of The Tempest.  Recent theatre credits include The Fever (Summerworks), A Belated Reunion, and Seen and Unseen ( InspiraTO Festival). 

BIOGRAPHIES, Cast:

DEREK PERKS, David Black
Derek has been acting for over 25 years. The last six years have been based on the local Toronto stages. Some of Derek’s previous credits include Victor in  Private Lives (Alumnae Theatre), Louis in Lost in Yonkers (Etobicoke Players), and Father Flynn in Doubt, a Parable (Village Playhouse). He was last seen in various roles in the Amicus Production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Derek is pleased to be returning to NIF; he last appeared in the NIF 2011 production of Two Weeks in Normandy.

PHIL RICKABY, He
Phil is an actor, geek, and writer who has been seen on stage in such roles as Randy in Out of Character at the Toronto Fringe Festival, Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Touchstone in As You Like It. He is one of the co-creators of the silent film plays The Belle of Winnipeg and The Last Man on Earth with Keystone Theatre, where he is a founding member. Recently, Phil has appeared in the short films The Dragon and the Unicorn, Behind Closed Doors, and the YouTube favourite, So You’ve Decided to Be Attacked by Zombies.

NICOLE WILSON, She
Nicole Wilson is obsessed with performing! She recently graduated from George Brown Theatre School, but previously starred as the only girl in the Pure Mathematics program at the University of Waterloo. Although she still has a friendly relationship with math, she is in love with the stage. Nicole also loves puppies, guinea pigs, and babies with dimples. She is extremely grateful for the ongoing support of her Momsicles, Daddy, family, and friends. Select credits:  Carmen in  Seven Seconds to the Conflagration (InspiraTO Festival), Fly in  Happy End  (GBC Theatre), Praxagora in  Lysistrata  (Hart House Theatre), Octavia in  All for Love  (GBC Theatre), and Dolly in  Ravenscroft  (Village Players).

MY FRIEND’S BEST FRIEND’s BOYFRIEND by Wesley J. Colford

Ben’s friend is having problems with Ben’s friend’s best friend’s boyfriend. Confusing? Just wait. This darkly comedic one-act asks serious questions about modern relationships while challenging our assumptions about the complicated subject of 'abuse.'

Director:	Joanne Williams
AD:	Stephanie Willliams
SM:	Lara Mrkoci
Cast:	James Aaron Kwaku Adu-Poku Jared Bishop Christina Manco Karen Scobie
Running Time:	20 Minutes

BIOGRAPHIES, Creative Team:

WESLEY J. COLFORD, Playwright
Wesley J. Colford  is an emerging actor/playwright from Sydney, Nova Scotia, and recent 'artist to watch' in NOW Magazine.  He is currently based in Toronto, having completed studies at  Sheridan College  and  George Brown Theatre School. Winner and runner-up in multiple National playwriting contests, he has been produced in three provinces and several Toronto Festivals, including the  Paprika Festival,  the  Toronto Fringe Festival, and now  Alumnae Theatre’s New Ideas Festival. Other plays include  The Wakowski Bros.  (Best of Fringe, 2012),  Mature Young Adults  (published by  Signature Editions, 2011), and  Excuse Me, Would You Like to Buy a Bar?  (Paprika/Fringe, 2011).

JOANNE WILLIAMS, Director
Joanne holds a  Drama & English degree from Queen's University and works as the Artistic & Company Manager of Canadian Stage. New Ideas Festival directing credits:  The End of an Organism  by Jordan Mechano (2012),  Letting Go  by Neale Kimmel (2011) and  Theory  by Norman Yeung (also at SummerWorks 2010). Elsewhere:  Then He Wakes Up  by Matt Sarookanian (Fringe 2012) and  Finally: an Epic Cycle  by Sarah Cody (Fringe 2011).  New work is her main interest.

STEPHANIE WILLIAMS, Assistant Director
Stephanie is so excited to pop her New Ideas Festival cherry with My Friend’s Best Friend’s Boyfriend. After many years of sitting in the audience of the Alumnae Theatre, it is amazing to be on the other side of the curtain. It has been a joy and a privilege to be in the company of so many sweet and talented artists. She plans to celebrate the end of the festival with a tub of ice cream. Mmm, salty! Stephanie is a proud graduate of the Fanshawe College Theatre Program.

LARA MRKOCI, Stage Manager
Lara wrote, directed, and performed in her first play, There Nearly Wasn’t Christmas, at the age of 9 to a sold out crowd in her Aunt’s living room. Since that time Lara has continued to act and direct, and has produced a number of one-act plays in Toronto with playwright Misha Bower, including Georgia & Leona for the 2010 Toronto Fringe Festival. Lara earned a BFA in film production and screenwriting from York University, and works as a freelance video editor in Toronto. She is excited to be taking part in her first New Ideas festival with such a great team.

BIOGRAPHIES, Cast:

JAMES AARON, Ben
James Aaron is excited to be part of the 25th annual New Ideas Festival and honoured to participate in the first production of My Friend’s Best Friend’s Boyfriend. Originally from the West, he recently appeared in the première production of The Frenzy of Queen Maeve (SummerWorks 2012/Live Lobster), as well as the première production of The Beaver Den, a new Canadian musical (Lower Ossington Theatre/Jazz Squared). This performance is dedicated to my friend, my best friend, and my boyfriend.

KWAKU ADU-POKU, Alex
Kwaku Adu-Poku is an actor based in Toronto. He fell in love with acting as a child, longing to be one of the voices behind his favourite cartoons. Stints as a background extra in film and a principal actor on stage during University helped pay the bills and turned the dream into a goal. He has since become dedicated to learning the ins and outs of the business on stage, screen, and in sound booth.

CHRISTINA MANCO, Girlfriend
Finishing her studies at York University as a Theatre Major, Christina Manco is a Toronto-based actress. She has performed in productions including Closer and The Vagina Monologues. Christina enjoys releasing her energy during spinning and kick boxing. She also enjoys baking and taking long strolls with her Boston Terrier named Cheech. She is excited to be part of the show and would like to thank the cast and crew for an unforgettable experience. Lastly, but definitely not least, she would like to thank her loved ones. All of their support has been truly cherished!

JARED BISHOP, Boyfriend
Jared graduated in 2011 from the University of Guelph with a BA in Theatre Studies. He is a founding member of Docket Theatre, an independent theatre company with a mandate for new works. Credits include Performing Occupy Toronto by Rosamund Small (Docket Theatre); Rosencrantz in Hamlet (University of Guelph) directed by Judith Thompson; Florizel in The Shakespeare Experiment (Buddies in Bad Times) directed by Sky Gilbert; and Jean-Paul Marat in Marat/Sade (RHSA Theatre) directed by Tamsin Kelsey. Jared is currently working on Genesis and Other Stories written by Rosamund Small for Paprika Festival. Jared is also passionate about improv and sketch comedy. He hopes to one day be really big on YouTube.

KAREN SCOBIE, Susan
Karen is very excited to be a part of the New Ideas Festival this year! She was most recently seen playing Hermia in a musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream entitled Lovefool. In addition to theatre, Karen has also been pursuing a career in film/TV. Her demo reel, YouTube channel, film/theatre credits, and more can be found on her website www.karenscobie.com. Karen would like to thank Joanne, Wesley, Lara, and Stephanie for this amazing opportunity to be a part of NIF 2013!

EGLINTON by Anthony MacMahon

On a summer evening in Toronto, Charlie and Mary have a brush with death, testing every aspect of their relationship.

Director:	David Suszek
AD/SM:	Darcy Stoop
Cast:	Anne-Marie Krytiuk Nicolas Porteous
Running Time:	15 Minutes

BIOGRAPHIES, Creative Team:

ANTHONY MacMAHON, Playwright
Anthony MacMahon is a theatre artist from Saskatoon who has recently relocated to Toronto. His play  AstroNOTs  was presented at the 2010 Saskatoon Fringe Festival and was then adapted into a musical and performed in London, England. Anthony recently participated in SummerWorks Theatre Festival with his play  The Frenzy of Queen Maeve  and was accepted into the Banff Centre Playwrights Colony with his play  Wild Dogs on the Moscow Trains. He is very excited to be a part of the New Ideas Festival at Alumnae Theatre.

DAVID SUSZEK, Director
David Suszek has acted (selected roles, Joe Jr, Santa Claus in Puzzled Man/New Ideas Festival; Rick in Living With Rick/Toronto Fringe Festival), clowned (Clown Chowder, Toronto Festival of Clowns), and done improv (That Friday Show, Theatresports). Directing/writing credits include The Spirituality of Man, Bad Dog Short Play Festival 2009. Assistant director/SM: Prisoners, NIF 2010. Directing: Eve's Prayer, NIF 2011; Hush, Inspirato 2011, In Their Glory, New Ideas Festival, 2012.

DARCY STOOP, Assistant Director/Stage Manager
Darcy recently moved to Toronto from Victoria, where he earned a BFA in Theatre from University of Victoria. Recent credits include Pitch Blonde (Convection Productions/Next Stage), Delicacy (Theatre Brouhaha), and The Tempest... A Puppet Epic! (Shakey-Shake and Friends/FringeKids). Darcy directed two award-winning plays for the Victoria Fringe and is currently an Artistic Intern with Canadian Stage.

BIOGRAPHIES, Cast:

ANNE-MARIE KRYTIUK, Mary
Anne-Marie is very excited to make her Alumnae Theatre debut in the New Ideas Festival. She is a recent Theatre graduate from York University. Favourite past credits include Desdemona in Goodnight Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet (Theatre Glendon), Blip in RDQ3000 (Toronto Fringe), Old Judas in Under the Gaslight (Vanier College Productions), and Mary in Merrily We Roll Along (Cawthra Park). Many thanks to her parents, and everyone involved in the festival, both off and on stage.

NICHOLAS PORTEOUS, Charlie
Nicholas is thrilled to be a part of the New Ideas Festival. Recent credits include: A Woman of No Importance (Alumnae), Criminal Genius (Squidamisu), The Acquaintance (Senile Owl), and Beach Ball PI: The Web Series (Zed Before Bed). He attended Canada's National Voice Intensive last summer. You can find more of his work through youtube.com/noveltyhat.

MY RED FEATHER BOA by Flora Stohr-Danziger

Celine came to big city Toronto from Chicoutimi, Quebec, with a girlfriend. Dreams of fame and glory awaited both of them.

Director:	Nancy Bradshaw
SM:	Lisa Sciannella
Cast:	Whitney Ross-Barris*
Running Time:	35 Minutes

BIOGRAPHIES, Creative Team:

FLORA STOHR-DANZIGER, Playwright
Several of my plays have found a home under the umbrella of the New Ideas Festival: Finale (2002), My Red Feather Boa (2004), Not a Still Life (2005), Eulalie and The Great March (2007), Who Is Lieserl? (2010), and Reflections (2011). I am grateful to all members of the Alumnae who offer such wonderful support to playwrights!

NANCY BRADSHAW, Director
Nancy started directing in 1996, her first production being Dorothy Parker’s Here We Are. In 1999, Nancy attended Theatre Ontario’s Summer School Director’s 'boot camp,' led by David Savoy, Artistic Director of the Sudbury Theatre Centre. Nancy went on to direct 14 more plays, including Steel Magnolias, 7 Stories, Bus Stop, and Blithe Spirit, as well as a number of original plays, including productions for Alumnae Theatre Company, Cabbagetown Players, and the Toronto Fringe Festival. Nancy is thrilled to be re-mounting her favourite original play, Flora Danzinger’s My Red Feather Boa, for New Ideas Festival’s 25th anniversary.

LISA SCIANNELLA, Stage Manager
Lisa is excited that she won’t be the only person in the room wearing a boa. A visual artist who fell in love with the theatre, Lisa is a graduate of Humber’s Theatre School. She has enjoyed working on a variety of different festivals and is now a company member of MonkeyMan Productions. When not running amok backstage, she’s running amok elsewhere—usually with paint brushes in her hair and a glue gun in each hand. You can see the results at lisa-sciannella.deviantart.com

BIOGRAPHIES, Cast:

WHITNEY ROSS-BARRIS, Celine
Whitney Ross-Barris is a Toronto-based actor and jazz vocalist, and has recently released her first CD, Eveybody’s Here, an album featuring jazz standards, original compositions, and some long-lost songs of her late grandfather, writer-broadcaster Alex Barris. In January, Whitney appeared in Sondheim’s Assassins with Birdland Theatre in association with the Manitoba Theatre Centre in Winnipeg. She is also a full-time Mum to her nearly two-year-old son, Coen.

*Appearing with the permission of Canadian Actors Equity Association

EVERYTHING BUT THE CAT… by Adrianna Prosser

Life is full of choices, from the petty to the heavy. Is the answer to hard questions All You Can Eat Sushi? Everything but the Cat… explores how loss is sometimes greater than leaving your umbrella on the subway.

Director:	Steph Ouaknine
Projection Designer:	Steph Ouaknine
SM:	Stevie Baker
Cast:	Krista Lawley
Running Time:	60 Minutes

BIOGRAPHIES, Creative Team:

ADRIANNA PROSSER, Playwright
Adrianna is the resident playwright at Gibson House Museum, creating historical adaptations of Canadian history to be performed in city museums: Pratties and Point (2009), Rebellious Women: Teaspoons Raised (2010), The Secret Life of a Schoolmistress (2011), and War for Dessert (2012), currently on tour. Her first personal piece, Everything but the Cat…, was workshopped at Bricoteer Experiments Theatre with hopes of turning it into a touring show to raise awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. To find out more about this actor/playwright/geek click www.adrianna-prosser.com. 

STEPH OUAKNINE, Director/Projection Designer
By night, Steph produces and directs independent theatre and has worked for such companies as Interpunch in France, New Actor’s Colony Theatre in Muskoka, Player’s in Montreal, and is thrilled to be participating in the New Ideas Festival in Toronto. Highlights include working on Roland Schimmelpfenning's Push Up and Caryl Churchill's Far Away. 
By day, Steph is an associate producer for Shaftesbury Films' digital division, Smokebomb. She works on the development of new materials for Smokebomb’s original slate of projects. Recent responsibilities include acting as supervising producer on  State of Syn, the 3D science-fiction motion comic and its companion transmedia extensions.  Prior to her work at Smokebomb, Steph was a drama development intern at Shaw Media.

STEVIE BAKER, Stage Manager
Stevie is a writer, director, and stage manager. She has worked multiple Fringe and other festivals in the Toronto area. In 2009 and 2010 she had the pleasure of working with Kansas City’s Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. Stevie is the resident production manager of Toronto’s Urban Bard Productions. She served as Artistic Director for the Daegu Theatre Troupe from January 2011 to March 2012. Selected career highlights include directing the DTT’s productions of Lawing and Jawing and A Streetcar Named Desire. Stevie is extremely excited to be in the early stages of launching her production company Jurassic Theatrics. This is her first (and not last!) experience working with Alumnae.

BIOGRAPHIES, Cast:

KRISTA LAWLEY, She
Krista is excited to make her Alumnae Theatre debut in  Everything But the Cat.  Krista was last seen in the Canadian première of  FrAcTured, a new play by Vancouver Island playwright Robinson Wilson.  Other favourites include  Toots  in  Final-E  (Seacoast Theatre Centre), Violet and Diana in  Play On!  (Stage 43) and Pam in  The Uninvited  (Scarborough Theatre Guild).  A special thank you to the entire team for giving Krista this amazing opportunity. 

TICKET INFORMATION

BUY TICKETS

Online: Buy tickets online here:

By Phone: Call 416-364-4170. Box 1 to reserve by phone.
Leave a detailed message and we will return your call within 24 hours.
  • No reservations taken 4 hours before performance.
  • Cash only pick-up at the door.

At the Door: Tickets may also be purchased at the Box Office
  • Box Office opens one hour before performance time
  • Box Office does not accept credit or debit cards. Cash only.

TICKET PRICES
Wednesday to Sunday: $15
Saturday Reading: PWYC (no reservations)
Saturday/Sunday Matinee: $15
Festival Pass: $35 (1 ticket per week)

SHOW TIMES
Wednesday to Saturday: 8:00 pm
Saturday Reading: 12 Noon
Saturday/Sunday Matinee: 2:30 pm

Go to: New Ideas Week 1

Go to: New Ideas Week 2

Go to: New Ideas Week 3

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ALUMNAE THEATRE COMPANY
70 Berkeley Street, Toronto, ON M5A 2W6 • 416-364-4170
Email: contactus@alumnaetheatre.com