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Week 1 (9 to 12 September)
Week 2 (16 to 19 September)
Week 3 (23 to 26 September)
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This Side of the Pines
Written by M.L Gardiner
18+
CONTENT WARNINGS: sexual assault, depression, suicide
SYNOPSIS:
A&B are two sides of the same coin who wrestle with each other, themselves, and the world around them. Coming to terms with forces outside of their control, A&B navigate the tumultuous mess of existence, sexuality, grief and growth.
CAST & CREW:
a collaboration by
Emily Austin (lights + sound)
Julianna McCarthy (A)
Melissa Williams (B)
Written by M.L Gardiner
18+
CONTENT WARNINGS: sexual assault, depression, suicide
SYNOPSIS:
A&B are two sides of the same coin who wrestle with each other, themselves, and the world around them. Coming to terms with forces outside of their control, A&B navigate the tumultuous mess of existence, sexuality, grief and growth.
CAST & CREW:
a collaboration by
Emily Austin (lights + sound)
Julianna McCarthy (A)
Melissa Williams (B)
No Cast, No Script, No Problem
An Improvised Comedy Show
PG13
Featuring some of Town’s funniest humans & special guests.
Anything can happen!
An Improvised Comedy Show
PG13
Featuring some of Town’s funniest humans & special guests.
Anything can happen!
Saturday, September 11:
2 PM and 7 PM
2 PM and 7 PM
Heads or Tails
PG13
SYNOPSIS:
Heads or Tails is an exploration into what it means to be bisexual, and the questions that come up from that identity, and the idea of being 'queer enough'. The first attempt at playwriting by Amanda Klein, this is an in progress project which aims to raise questions and conversation around a community often dismissed by those around them.
CAST & CREW ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Dramaturge - Kate Stenson
Written and performed by Amanda Klein
PG13
SYNOPSIS:
Heads or Tails is an exploration into what it means to be bisexual, and the questions that come up from that identity, and the idea of being 'queer enough'. The first attempt at playwriting by Amanda Klein, this is an in progress project which aims to raise questions and conversation around a community often dismissed by those around them.
CAST & CREW ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Dramaturge - Kate Stenson
Written and performed by Amanda Klein
Making Heads or Tails
Chris Dunn
PG13
Thomas and Allan are happily married, at least that's what Thomas thinks. As Allan starts to live as a dog, their relationship is tested. Can Thomas find a way to love Allan as he is? Will they reconcile with their pasts to adapt for their future together? How do you go back to using a toilet when peeing on a fire hydrant is so liberating!? Making Heads or Tails is a show about love, change, forgiveness, and vulnerability.
Written and performed by Andrew Kay and Christopher Dunn. Featuring Miles Sharp and Prajwala Dixit. With Direction by Nicole Smith, Stage Managed by Sheldon Downey.
Chris Dunn
PG13
Thomas and Allan are happily married, at least that's what Thomas thinks. As Allan starts to live as a dog, their relationship is tested. Can Thomas find a way to love Allan as he is? Will they reconcile with their pasts to adapt for their future together? How do you go back to using a toilet when peeing on a fire hydrant is so liberating!? Making Heads or Tails is a show about love, change, forgiveness, and vulnerability.
Written and performed by Andrew Kay and Christopher Dunn. Featuring Miles Sharp and Prajwala Dixit. With Direction by Nicole Smith, Stage Managed by Sheldon Downey.
Sunday, September 12:
2 PM and 7 PM
2 PM and 7 PM
So... I Booked a Theatre, Again
Andrya Duff
PG
SYNOPSIS:
Created and performed in 2013, put on hold since then, until now. Why would a show insist on being reworked 8 years later? And I mean insist. Is there anything to gain from the collision of time and place? This might be my worst idea yet.
Andrya Duff
PG
SYNOPSIS:
Created and performed in 2013, put on hold since then, until now. Why would a show insist on being reworked 8 years later? And I mean insist. Is there anything to gain from the collision of time and place? This might be my worst idea yet.
Relief
Aariz Theatre
PG13
Story by Gursharan Singh
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
The Canadian Prairie is under a massive flood, animals are dying, people are fleeing town and climbing rooftops.
Premier Bobby Rob has personally flown down to the affected area and with his on-site subordinates, he assures the safety of people and promises immediate relief.
ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY:
Azal Dosanjh
Featuring:
Brandon Cave
Owen Van Houten
Jeremy Nolan
&
Andrew Tremblett
SPECIAL THANKS:
Dr. Navsharan Singh, Andy Jones, Dalbir Singh, Pamela Halstead, PARC- Playwrights Atlantic Resource. and City of St. John's
Aariz Theatre
PG13
Story by Gursharan Singh
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
The Canadian Prairie is under a massive flood, animals are dying, people are fleeing town and climbing rooftops.
Premier Bobby Rob has personally flown down to the affected area and with his on-site subordinates, he assures the safety of people and promises immediate relief.
ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY:
Azal Dosanjh
Featuring:
Brandon Cave
Owen Van Houten
Jeremy Nolan
&
Andrew Tremblett
SPECIAL THANKS:
Dr. Navsharan Singh, Andy Jones, Dalbir Singh, Pamela Halstead, PARC- Playwrights Atlantic Resource. and City of St. John's
The View From Down Here 2
14+
Paul David Power returns with a follow up to his 2017 short play and 2019 Ted Talk "The View From Down Here. In this second instalment Paul shares more of his emotional and sometimes comical experiences growing up with a physical disability.
CREDITS:
Produced by Power Productions
Written and Performed by Paul David Power
14+
Paul David Power returns with a follow up to his 2017 short play and 2019 Ted Talk "The View From Down Here. In this second instalment Paul shares more of his emotional and sometimes comical experiences growing up with a physical disability.
CREDITS:
Produced by Power Productions
Written and Performed by Paul David Power
Sisters
PG
Sisters is a short comedic play about two not-so close sisters. When Susan is planning her wedding with her fiancé, she realizes that she has to invite her polar opposite sister, Amanda. The two try to keep things civil over dinner but despite their attempts, chaos ensues.
Personnel:
Written by Rachel van Vliet
Directed by Bailey Jackson
Stage Managed by Brandon Cave
Cast:
Lonni Patey as Susan
Stef Curran as Amanda
PG
Sisters is a short comedic play about two not-so close sisters. When Susan is planning her wedding with her fiancé, she realizes that she has to invite her polar opposite sister, Amanda. The two try to keep things civil over dinner but despite their attempts, chaos ensues.
Personnel:
Written by Rachel van Vliet
Directed by Bailey Jackson
Stage Managed by Brandon Cave
Cast:
Lonni Patey as Susan
Stef Curran as Amanda
Saturday, September 18:
2 PM and 7 PM
2 PM and 7 PM
Talk Show
PG13
SYNOPSIS:
After a highly publicized media scandal, veteran late-night host Oswald Jones has one night to prove he's still got it, or else be fired by the Network and replaced by Monday morning.
A Heat of the Moment Story.
CREDITS:
Written and Directed by:
Joseph Dennis
CAST:
George Robertson, Maggie Follett, Rylee Barry, Maddie Diamond-Rowsell, Patrick Condon, and Jarod Farrell
No More Monsters
Written by Jess Honovich
PG
SYNOPSIS:
Zella is a girl who just turned 13. She admires her older sister Cammie. On her thirteenth birthday, Zella begs her sister to go to a horror movie with her to which her sister refuses.
Zella is angry, thinking that she is an "adult". Before Cammie leaves, Zella asks her to check under the bed. When Cammie leaves, Bogie enters.
He is Zella's monster friend who lives under her bed. We find out that if Cammie had seen Bogie, it would have killed him.
This was Zella's way of trying to grow up - by getting rid of the monster under her bed.
Will Zella get rid of her most cherished childhood friend all for the sake of being “grown-up”?
CAST:
Jane Metcalfe (as Zella)
Lindsey Dalton (as Cammie)
Benjamin James (as Bogie)
CREW:
Jody Rideout - Director/Producer
Jillian Clarke - Stage Manager/Costume Design
Trista Harding - Make-Up
Veronica Nugent - Art/Projection Design
Jayne Batstone - Original Music
Written by Jess Honovich
PG
SYNOPSIS:
Zella is a girl who just turned 13. She admires her older sister Cammie. On her thirteenth birthday, Zella begs her sister to go to a horror movie with her to which her sister refuses.
Zella is angry, thinking that she is an "adult". Before Cammie leaves, Zella asks her to check under the bed. When Cammie leaves, Bogie enters.
He is Zella's monster friend who lives under her bed. We find out that if Cammie had seen Bogie, it would have killed him.
This was Zella's way of trying to grow up - by getting rid of the monster under her bed.
Will Zella get rid of her most cherished childhood friend all for the sake of being “grown-up”?
CAST:
Jane Metcalfe (as Zella)
Lindsey Dalton (as Cammie)
Benjamin James (as Bogie)
CREW:
Jody Rideout - Director/Producer
Jillian Clarke - Stage Manager/Costume Design
Trista Harding - Make-Up
Veronica Nugent - Art/Projection Design
Jayne Batstone - Original Music
Sunday, September 19:
2 PM and 7 PM
2 PM and 7 PM
Sideshow Absurdica
By Jamie Skidmore
PG
SYNOPSIS:
On the last day on Earth, drop in and see Sideshow Absurdica. Meet Mr. Fanzypantz and his gang of Sideshow artists, including Melvyn - the Human Blockhead, Spidora, and Nan, the Fortune Teller of the Apocalypse! Performed with hand-carved 18” marionettes, Sideshow Absurdica will… well, you’ll have to pay to see “What’s ALIVE on the Inside.” Bring along some coinage, for special Sideshow attractions.
CREDITS:
Direction and Puppet and Set Design: Jamie Skidmore
Stage Management: Sheldon Downey
Lighting Design: Mike Donovan
Graphic Design: Nathan Day
Sideshow Theme: Chris Parsons
Script Consultant: Paul Power
CAST:
Mr. Fanzypantz - Michael Smith
Melvyn - The Human Blockhead Darren Ivany
Nan - The Fortune Teller of the Apocalypse Robyn Vivian
Norman/Ape - Lucas-Ings Simms/Darren Ivany
Spidora - EunJung Cho
The Drifter/Greta - Lucas-Ings Simms
Willowby the Cat - Leila Procter
Sideshow Absurdica was workshopped in June 2021 with Puppets in Prague and directors Leah Gaffen and Zuzana Bruknerova .
SPECIAL THANKS:
Andrea Procter
Music:
The Descent by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4490-the-descent
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Man to Ape)
The Builder by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4484-the-builder
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Melvyn’s Theme)
Tyrant by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5031-tyrant
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Countdown)
This House by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4525-this-house
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Nan’s Theme)
Gymnopedie No. 1 by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3837-gymnopedie-no-1
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Drifter’s Theme)
By Jamie Skidmore
PG
SYNOPSIS:
On the last day on Earth, drop in and see Sideshow Absurdica. Meet Mr. Fanzypantz and his gang of Sideshow artists, including Melvyn - the Human Blockhead, Spidora, and Nan, the Fortune Teller of the Apocalypse! Performed with hand-carved 18” marionettes, Sideshow Absurdica will… well, you’ll have to pay to see “What’s ALIVE on the Inside.” Bring along some coinage, for special Sideshow attractions.
CREDITS:
Direction and Puppet and Set Design: Jamie Skidmore
Stage Management: Sheldon Downey
Lighting Design: Mike Donovan
Graphic Design: Nathan Day
Sideshow Theme: Chris Parsons
Script Consultant: Paul Power
CAST:
Mr. Fanzypantz - Michael Smith
Melvyn - The Human Blockhead Darren Ivany
Nan - The Fortune Teller of the Apocalypse Robyn Vivian
Norman/Ape - Lucas-Ings Simms/Darren Ivany
Spidora - EunJung Cho
The Drifter/Greta - Lucas-Ings Simms
Willowby the Cat - Leila Procter
Sideshow Absurdica was workshopped in June 2021 with Puppets in Prague and directors Leah Gaffen and Zuzana Bruknerova .
SPECIAL THANKS:
Andrea Procter
Music:
The Descent by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4490-the-descent
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Man to Ape)
The Builder by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4484-the-builder
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Melvyn’s Theme)
Tyrant by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5031-tyrant
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Countdown)
This House by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4525-this-house
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Nan’s Theme)
Gymnopedie No. 1 by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3837-gymnopedie-no-1
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
(Drifter’s Theme)
The Museum of Cursed Objects
PG
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
Tea and philosophical musings on the ethics of cursing are interrupted by a letter that puts theoretical principles to a practical test. The proprietors and intern of the Museum of Cursed Objects face the challenge of saving an unwitting man from a deadly curse, whether he wants it or not.
CAST AND CREW CREDITS:
Written by Karin Murray-Bergquist
Directed by Meghan Keating and Karin Murray-Bergquist
Sandra Mills as Grania
Angie Mercer as Clare
Tanner Hudson as Ollie
PG
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
Tea and philosophical musings on the ethics of cursing are interrupted by a letter that puts theoretical principles to a practical test. The proprietors and intern of the Museum of Cursed Objects face the challenge of saving an unwitting man from a deadly curse, whether he wants it or not.
CAST AND CREW CREDITS:
Written by Karin Murray-Bergquist
Directed by Meghan Keating and Karin Murray-Bergquist
Sandra Mills as Grania
Angie Mercer as Clare
Tanner Hudson as Ollie
Double Date
18+
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
Christian is excited to introduce his partner Lonni to his friends Luke and Katie.
Everything is going well until Luke makes an unexpected discovery.
CAST:
Christian House as Christian
Katie Billard as Katie
Lonni Patey as Lonni
Luke Rowe as Luke
CREW:
Written by Christian House and Luke Rowe
Directed by Brandon Cave
Stage Managed by Robyn Vivian
Music by Kelsey Arsenault
18+
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
Christian is excited to introduce his partner Lonni to his friends Luke and Katie.
Everything is going well until Luke makes an unexpected discovery.
CAST:
Christian House as Christian
Katie Billard as Katie
Lonni Patey as Lonni
Luke Rowe as Luke
CREW:
Written by Christian House and Luke Rowe
Directed by Brandon Cave
Stage Managed by Robyn Vivian
Music by Kelsey Arsenault
Lights Out
16+
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
Lights Out is a psychological drama about a young woman and an old man who inadvertently tap into Jung's collective unconscious as they attempt to gain closure following the traumatic series of events which culminated in the deaths of their loved ones. Under the guidance of a particularly peculiar crow, the pair embark on a chaotic adventure that unravels the infinite and inextricable link between memory and storytelling.
PERSONNEL:
Written by: Robyn Vivian
Directed and Dramaturgy by: Azal Dosanjh
Designed by: Lucas Ings-Simms
CAST:
THE WOMAN: Michaela Sheldon
THE MAN: George Robertson
THE CROW: Michael Rhodri Smith
We acknowledge the support of ArtsNL, which last year invested $3.2 million to foster and promote the creation and enjoyment of the arts for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
We would also like to thank Wet Ink Collective for their support and feedback during script development.
16+
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
Lights Out is a psychological drama about a young woman and an old man who inadvertently tap into Jung's collective unconscious as they attempt to gain closure following the traumatic series of events which culminated in the deaths of their loved ones. Under the guidance of a particularly peculiar crow, the pair embark on a chaotic adventure that unravels the infinite and inextricable link between memory and storytelling.
PERSONNEL:
Written by: Robyn Vivian
Directed and Dramaturgy by: Azal Dosanjh
Designed by: Lucas Ings-Simms
CAST:
THE WOMAN: Michaela Sheldon
THE MAN: George Robertson
THE CROW: Michael Rhodri Smith
We acknowledge the support of ArtsNL, which last year invested $3.2 million to foster and promote the creation and enjoyment of the arts for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
We would also like to thank Wet Ink Collective for their support and feedback during script development.
Sun in an Empty Room
By Cole Hayley
PG13
SYNOPSIS:
Sammy and Cliff have lived in this apartment for their entire mid-twenties. The couple navigate the liminal space of moving out: The complicated in-between which occurs after all the elements, which once made this space their home, have been stripped away. Although it is definitely time to move on, Cliff cannot help but wonder what it all meant. If these walls could talk, if the room could breathe, what would it say. Did they matter?
PRODUCTION COMMUNITY:
SUN IN AN EMPTY ROOM by Cole Hayley
Featuring Leah Downey & Erika Squires
Directed by Azal Dosanjh
Stage Managed by Alex Joyce
Produced by Nick Mandville
SOCIAL MEDIA:
@grouphugprod (Facebook and Instagram)
By Cole Hayley
PG13
SYNOPSIS:
Sammy and Cliff have lived in this apartment for their entire mid-twenties. The couple navigate the liminal space of moving out: The complicated in-between which occurs after all the elements, which once made this space their home, have been stripped away. Although it is definitely time to move on, Cliff cannot help but wonder what it all meant. If these walls could talk, if the room could breathe, what would it say. Did they matter?
PRODUCTION COMMUNITY:
SUN IN AN EMPTY ROOM by Cole Hayley
Featuring Leah Downey & Erika Squires
Directed by Azal Dosanjh
Stage Managed by Alex Joyce
Produced by Nick Mandville
SOCIAL MEDIA:
@grouphugprod (Facebook and Instagram)
Saturday, September 25:
2 PM and 7 PM
2 PM and 7 PM
Neptune
Grand Trine
14+
Two old friends meet up and drown themselves in delusion.
Written, Directed, and Performed by Grand Trine:
Marie Pike
Megan Allison
Andrya Duff
Grand Trine
14+
Two old friends meet up and drown themselves in delusion.
Written, Directed, and Performed by Grand Trine:
Marie Pike
Megan Allison
Andrya Duff
Where Dreams Fall
PG13
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
A chance meeting at a Cafe finds two strangers discussing the nature of dreams, and how far they will go to understand their meaning.
CREDITS:
Director: Naomi Russell
Writer: Naomi Russell
CAST:
Courtney Szabo
Teigan Follett
Mark Fleming
PG13
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
A chance meeting at a Cafe finds two strangers discussing the nature of dreams, and how far they will go to understand their meaning.
CREDITS:
Director: Naomi Russell
Writer: Naomi Russell
CAST:
Courtney Szabo
Teigan Follett
Mark Fleming
Sunday, September 26:
2 PM and 7 PM
2 PM and 7 PM
End-Stage
18+
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
How do you write the story of your life? When two friends with Cystic Fibrosis attempt to unravel this idea, they are met with trauma they didn’t know they had.
As their perspectives clash, both of them are forced to face the future and the past.
SHOW CREDITS:
Performed by Jeremy Nolan and Spencer Bellows
Directed by Santiago Guzmán
Assistant Directed/ Stage Managed by Salome Barker
Written by Jeremy Nolan
Dramaturgy by Robert Chafe
Special thanks to Nora Barker, Stephen Payette, Fionn Shea, Wanda Nolan, and the Cystic Fibrosis team at the Health Sciences Centre.
18+
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
How do you write the story of your life? When two friends with Cystic Fibrosis attempt to unravel this idea, they are met with trauma they didn’t know they had.
As their perspectives clash, both of them are forced to face the future and the past.
SHOW CREDITS:
Performed by Jeremy Nolan and Spencer Bellows
Directed by Santiago Guzmán
Assistant Directed/ Stage Managed by Salome Barker
Written by Jeremy Nolan
Dramaturgy by Robert Chafe
Special thanks to Nora Barker, Stephen Payette, Fionn Shea, Wanda Nolan, and the Cystic Fibrosis team at the Health Sciences Centre.
Boise, Idaho
By Sean Michael Welch
PG
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
The narrator of a story dutifully chronicles the meeting of a couple in a small cafe in Paris, France, only to start losing control of his characters once they realize he exists.
Blending the lines between fiction and truth, this hilarious play examines what should triumph: reality, or a good story.
CAST AND CREW:
Narrator: Jarod Farrell
Olston: Kyle Saunders
Chastity: Caitlin Harte
Waiter: Kusal Tennakoon
Directed by: Noah Sheppard
Stage managed by: Kelly Lewis
By Sean Michael Welch
PG
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
The narrator of a story dutifully chronicles the meeting of a couple in a small cafe in Paris, France, only to start losing control of his characters once they realize he exists.
Blending the lines between fiction and truth, this hilarious play examines what should triumph: reality, or a good story.
CAST AND CREW:
Narrator: Jarod Farrell
Olston: Kyle Saunders
Chastity: Caitlin Harte
Waiter: Kusal Tennakoon
Directed by: Noah Sheppard
Stage managed by: Kelly Lewis
The St. John's Short Play Festival is made possible through the RCA 60/40 Box Office Split Agreement.
