Festival Schedule
PLAY READINGS
Friday, August 23 - 7 pm - Cox & Palmer Second Space
Opening Concert with Zay Nova
Opening Concert with Zay Nova
|
Zay Nova is an Indonesian-born singer/songwriter, and radio producer/video producer based in St. John's. He released his debut album, Head Above the Water, on January 20th, 2024. Zay Nova was Nominated for 2022 Music NL Country Artist of the Year as well as Global Artist of the Year and 2021 nominee for the Canadian Independent Music Video Awards for Best Country Video. His debut album, Head Above the Water, is available now online.
The Perfect Daughters by Lydia Makaga - Produced by MK Sisters
Sometimes the gestures of love are not always clear. Unspoken love is a play set in Tanzania, East Africa and explores the complex relationship that a father shares with his three daughters on what it means to be “an African daughter" and an "African father”. Narrated by the younger brother, the story unfolds in the present and past. In the past, we see themes of deception, sacrifice, sisterhood, and familial bond being redefined between the sisters, brother and father all in the name of adhering to “traditions”. In the present, we witness the brother reflecting on how he feels disconnected from his sisters, and how he has been treated differently simply because he was born a boy. We also see how the sisters live a double life, on one hand, living out their dreams as musician, designer and counselor. On the other hand, tricking their father to think they are pursuing the hopes and dreams he has for them. *Admission by donation. |
|
Saturday, August 24 - 7 pm - Cox & Palmer Second Space
Opening Concert by ANIL 
|
ANIL is a Tanzanian singer and performer based in St. John's, NL, Canada. Passionate about singing since childhood, she began posting YouTube covers in 2021 and released her debut single, Battery Low, in 2020.
Recently signed to the Citadel House Label with a new project planned to be released in late Spring 2025. She is eager to share more of her original music with the world. Known for her versatile artistry and dedication to her craft, ANIL is a captivating performer and a dynamic presence in the music and performing arts scene. A Legless Octopus Written by Dill March - Produced by Dream Haus Productions
Josh, a visitor from out of town, partakes in a private tour of a local aquarium. Beckley, the tour guide, witnesses in horror as Josh reaches into the aquarium mid-tour and removes a live tentacle that was just attached to an octopus. Josh teaches Beckley that octopus can regrow their limbs, and he used to eat these all the time as a kid growing up close to the ocean. Innocent as it was, Josh shared this information with the wrong person as Beckley begins to share this trick with other tourists, resulting in a devastating effect on the aquarium. *Admission by donation. |
|
Me and Spock 3 Written by Monica Walsh - Produced by Kanutu Theatre
Artist Monica and Vulcan scientist Spock live together in a small apartment in downtown St. John's. Monica dreams of being a scientist and Spock explores his Newfoundland heritage. Together they try to pay rent, make music, and understand life. *Admission by donation. |
|
Hi-Vis Minority Written by Mav Adecer - Produced by Mav Adecer
The plague forced a hard reset on Mav's life: just when he thought his climate change comedy show was about to make him an Oil Country comedy iconoclast. Instead, he's found himself in Cod Country working a blue collar job at the docks and moonlighting as the most tanned bartender at an Irish pub in order to pay for his Criterion Channel subscription. Immigrant life lessons from Don Cherry. Staving off sadness with a hotdog eating contest. Existential Crises at the Blood Drive. With his idiosyncratic perspective, this raconteur turned rowdyman shows us that standing out and fitting in aren't mutually exclusive. |
MAINSTAGE
September 5th - 7 pm - LSPU Hall
|
Torn Between Two Worlds by Patrick Curtis – Produced by Power Productions “My monologue aims to immerse the audience in the profound journey of my life with a physical disability. Throughout the presentation, I will weave a tapestry of personal stories and impactful experiences that have shaped my perspective. These narratives encompass my initial realization of being different from others, the emotional impact of the revelation of my diagnosis with Cerebral Palsy, numerous visits to the Janeway hospital, and the internal struggle I faced in deciding whether to participate in the Easter Seals summer camp or accept a wish from the Sunshine Foundation. Furthermore, I will delve into the challenges of grappling with pity parties and insincere flattery, the emotional burden of accepting accommodations at university, the vulnerability felt during my job search, and the resilience required to combat unfair job recruitment practices. Alongside these struggles, I will illuminate moments of triumph, revealing the resources that played a crucial role in shaping my current position.” Content Warnings: Mild ableism |
|
A Flight to Remember by Shoeless Jo – Produced by Rabbittown Travelling Theatre Company
The pandemic ruined a lot of things for a lot of people, including air travel. On one particular flight the fresh hell of flying reaches new heights as 2 strangers unpack what it means to join the mile high club. Content Warning: sexual harassment and contains graphic discussion of a sexual nature, simulated masturbation, and drug use. |
|
Corpo Terra By Ana Luisa Ramos, Vanessa Cardoso-Whelan and Bruno Vinhas
Musician Ana Luisa Ramos, Multidisciplinary artist Vanessa Cardoso, and Textile Artist and Curator Bruno Vinhas have chosen to call the island of Ktaqamkuk home. They develop their art as uninvited guests of the unceded territory of the Beothuk and the Mi'kmaw. In Corpo Terra, their embodied knowledge from both their homeland and current home takes center stage. This project is culturally specific to the land and people they once were and are now. Through a ritual presentation rich in patience, relationship, community, and gratitude, they weave sound, dance, and textile art into a narrative that honors sacred relationships to the land, plants, water, and spirit. Ancestral transmissions are passed through embodied experiences, fostering a deep knowledge of place, collectivity, and relational belonging within it. |
September 6th - 7 pm - LSPU Hall
|
Against All Odds by Yejide Emioladipupo – Produced by The Creator’s Creator Jake and Amira’s love story faces the ultimate test with a sickle cell diagnosis for their unborn baby. Amidst heartbreak, family drama, and divine revelations, Amira navigates forgiveness and faith. Guided by a heavenly vision, she finds a greater purpose in their trials. This heartfelt tale, full of unexpected twists and emotional highs, explores resilience, the power of love, and the miracle of life. A must-see journey of hope and redemption at any festival! Content Warning: Child Loss, strong language, loudness. |
|
An Unwanted Guest To A Terrible Party by Daniel Lanigan O’Hara – Produced by Gazing Eye Productions
Jason is having a real bad night sobbing in his kitchen when things get a whole lot worse. A thief breaks in to the house and threatens Jason’s life. However, the thief quickly discovers that Jason is in financial trouble and has almost nothing worth taking. Content warning: Coarse language, alcohol use |
September 7th - 2pm - LSPU Hall
|
Against All Odds by Yejide Emioladipupo – Produced by The Creator’s Creator Jake and Amira’s love story faces the ultimate test with a sickle cell diagnosis for their unborn baby. Amidst heartbreak, family drama, and divine revelations, Amira navigates forgiveness and faith. Guided by a heavenly vision, she finds a greater purpose in their trials. This heartfelt tale, full of unexpected twists and emotional highs, explores resilience, the power of love, and the miracle of life. A must-see journey of hope and redemption at any festival! Content Warning: Child Loss, strong language, loudness. |
|
An Unwanted Guest To A Terrible Party by Daniel Lanigan O’Hara – Produced by Gazing Eye Productions
Jason is having a real bad night sobbing in his kitchen when things get a whole lot worse. A thief breaks in to the house and threatens Jason’s life. However, the thief quickly discovers that Jason is in financial trouble and has almost nothing worth taking. Content warning: Coarse language, alcohol use |
September 7th - 7 pm - LSPU Hall
|
Jana Plays her Bagpipes? A Skit Comedy Mystery Show by Jana Gillis Hot off her wildly successful* one day run of this show at the inaugural NL Sketch Fest in April 2024 Jana brings back some version of her solo bagpipe clown show Jana Plays Her Bagpipes, A Skit Comedy Mystery Show! Have you ever been watching a skit and thought to yourself, boy, you know what would make this skit way funnier? Bagpipes. This Solo Sketch Show is guaranteed to contain bagpipes in every single skit. But How? When? Why? Does it even make sense? Why can’t you just call it a sketch Jana? That’s just the mystery and adventure that you, the audience, get to experience as Jana takes you on this magical highland journey. *This statement may or may not be accurate but looks good on promotional materials, amirite? |
|
NewSketchy by Mikaela Dyke, Veronica Dymond, Cheney Emberg, Jarod Farrell, Katy Warren, Cara Winsor Hehir – Produced by NewFunny
When the world gets ridiculous, the NewFunny crowd get ridiculous-er! This brand new sketch comedy show presented by an all-star cast of writers & performers regularly featured at NewFunny’s monthly shows, NewSketchy invites the audience to take a look around them and find something to laugh at. |
|
Choose Your Own Adventure: Comedy Edition – The Sequel – by Susan Kelsey – Produced by VV Productions
Similar to a Choose Your Own Adventure book that you might have read in your youth, this show lets the audience choose their own adventure to find out where they will end up. This is a one-person show where each performance will be unique as it is based on which ‘chapters’ the audience chooses to hear. There will be six chapters with a prop to represent each chapter. An overview of each chapter will be given while demonstrating each prop. After that, the audience is given the opportunity to vote on which chapter they want to hear. Then after the first chapter, the audience is given the opportunity to vote on which chapter they want to hear next. From the good, the bad, and the unusual aspects of travel to favourite terms of endearment the show will cover a variety of subjects through a comedic lens. Content warning: Adult Language |
September 8th - 10am, 10:30am, & 11am - LSPU Hall
|
Frankenpuppet by Jamie Skidmore A tale as old as time … the disobedience of youth… the follies of curious, evil men… the creation turning on the creator…” Frankenpuppet combines the stories of Pinocchio and Frankenstein in one (very short) epic tale. Age: 10+ Admission by donation at the door |
September 8th - 2pm - LSPU Hall
|
Jana Plays her Bagpipes? A Skit Comedy Mystery Show by Jana Gillis Hot off her wildly successful* one day run of this show at the inaugural NL Sketch Fest in April 2024 Jana brings back some version of her solo bagpipe clown show Jana Plays Her Bagpipes, A Skit Comedy Mystery Show! Have you ever been watching a skit and thought to yourself, boy, you know what would make this skit way funnier? Bagpipes. This Solo Sketch Show is guaranteed to contain bagpipes in every single skit. But How? When? Why? Does it even make sense? Why can’t you just call it a sketch Jana? That’s just the mystery and adventure that you, the audience, get to experience as Jana takes you on this magical highland journey. *This statement may or may not be accurate but looks good on promotional materials, amirite? |
|
NewSketchy by Mikaela Dyke, Veronica Dymond, Cheney Emberg, Jarod Farrell, Katy Warren, Cara Winsor Hehir – Produced by NewFunny
When the world gets ridiculous, the NewFunny crowd get ridiculous-er! This brand new sketch comedy show presented by an all-star cast of writers & performers regularly featured at NewFunny’s monthly shows, NewSketchy invites the audience to take a look around them and find something to laugh at. |
|
Choose Your Own Adventure: Comedy Edition – The Sequel – by Susan Kelsey – Produced by VV Productions
Similar to a Choose Your Own Adventure book that you might have read in your youth, this show lets the audience choose their own adventure to find out where they will end up. This is a one-person show where each performance will be unique as it is based on which ‘chapters’ the audience chooses to hear. There will be six chapters with a prop to represent each chapter. An overview of each chapter will be given while demonstrating each prop. After that, the audience is given the opportunity to vote on which chapter they want to hear. Then after the first chapter, the audience is given the opportunity to vote on which chapter they want to hear next. From the good, the bad, and the unusual aspects of travel to favourite terms of endearment the show will cover a variety of subjects through a comedic lens. Content warning: Adult Language |
September 8th - 7pm - LSPU Hall
|
Torn Between Two Worlds by Patrick Curtis – Produced by Power Productions “My monologue aims to immerse the audience in the profound journey of my life with a physical disability. Throughout the presentation, I will weave a tapestry of personal stories and impactful experiences that have shaped my perspective. These narratives encompass my initial realization of being different from others, the emotional impact of the revelation of my diagnosis with Cerebral Palsy, numerous visits to the Janeway hospital, and the internal struggle I faced in deciding whether to participate in the Easter Seals summer camp or accept a wish from the Sunshine Foundation. Furthermore, I will delve into the challenges of grappling with pity parties and insincere flattery, the emotional burden of accepting accommodations at university, the vulnerability felt during my job search, and the resilience required to combat unfair job recruitment practices. Alongside these struggles, I will illuminate moments of triumph, revealing the resources that played a crucial role in shaping my current position.” Content Warnings: Mild ableism |
|
A Flight to Remember by Shoeless Jo – Produced by Rabbittown Travelling Theatre Company
The pandemic ruined a lot of things for a lot of people, including air travel. On one particular flight the fresh hell of flying reaches new heights as 2 strangers unpack what it means to join the mile high club. Content Warning: sexual harassment and contains graphic discussion of a sexual nature, simulated masturbation, and drug use. |
|
Corpo Terra By Ana Luisa Ramos, Vanessa Cardoso-Whelan and Bruno Vinhas
Musician Ana Luisa Ramos, Multidisciplinary artist Vanessa Cardoso, and Textile Artist and Curator Bruno Vinhas have chosen to call the island of Ktaqamkuk home. They develop their art as uninvited guests of the unceded territory of the Beothuk and the Mi'kmaw. In Corpo Terra, their embodied knowledge from both their homeland and current home takes center stage. This project is culturally specific to the land and people they once were and are now. Through a ritual presentation rich in patience, relationship, community, and gratitude, they weave sound, dance, and textile art into a narrative that honors sacred relationships to the land, plants, water, and spirit. Ancestral transmissions are passed through embodied experiences, fostering a deep knowledge of place, collectivity, and relational belonging within it. |
September 12th - 7 pm - LSPU Hall
|
|
Pitch by Darryl Davis
Darryl Davis has been preparing to audition for a locally filmed television series for weeks. After only a few moments in front of producers, however, they quickly discover that Darryl has another role in mind as an unsolicited episode pitch unfurls before them. As this meeting proceeds, and Darryl gets more animated, manic and excited, it starts to become highly questionable if this story pitch is, in fact, the right fit for this show. |
|
Gobstoppers by Jarod Farrell & Noah Sheppard – Produced by Studio Squidcicle
Two best friends accidentally kill an endangered forest goblin. Now if these accidental monster hunters want to avoid jail time, they’ll need help from the scariest monster of all: capitalism! Follow these Van-Helsings-for-hire on an episodic adventure against gobbos, ghouls, and government! Content warning: Coarse Language (Swearing), Comedic Violence |
|
Boys will be Men by Cassandra Munroe – Winner of the 1st St. John’s Shorts Playwriting Challenge
Three twelve year old boys take post at their self made shelter deep in the woods of a rural Canadian town. The group of boys work together to create their own imaginary society as they cope with living through a Canadian perspective of the Vietnam War in an area still recovering from the devastating generational effects of World War II. Chip, Lucky, and Scoot depend on each other to salvage supplies, hunt, repair, and guard their small part of the world, but you know what they say; boys will be men. Content warning: Strong language, gun use, gunshots, violence, blood, death, discussion of child abuse, homophobia, reference to alcoholism, reference to spousal abuse, discussion of war. |
September 13th - 7 pm - LSPU Hall
|
Plath at 29 by Cole Hayley – Produced by Cheney Emberg Plath at 29 is an expert of a new play by Cole Hayley, and the final part of his triptech, “Saturn’s Return.” Despite it’s title, it is not an examination of Sylvia Plath, but instead an exploration of aging and the artistic myth. Sparse and poetic, this one-person play is a love letter to the creative soul. |
|
Pretty Protest by Dawn Marie Miller – Produced by Cnt Blv My Ears Productions
The play is a musical and has 4 main characters. Geraldine and William are siblings, Geraldine in theatre school, William is also a college student and is visiting his sister for the weekend. They meet in at the Riff Raff Cafe to catch up. They talk about their lives, Geraldine’s off-broadway audition and William’s move to college, and their new partners. William has met a girl, Sam, and Geraldine has fallen in love with Jordy. William is surprised to learn that Geraldine and Jordy have a band called Pretty Protest and are playing at the cafe. While he is listening to them perform, Sam calls and is having a hard time. She has a history of self-harm and William decides he has to get back to her. The story follows William getting back to Sam. It goes with Geraldine as she nails her audition. Their relationships unfold their and the story culminates with them all meeting back at the Riff Raff cafe. Content warning: Self-harm |
September 14th - 10am, 10:30am, & 11am - LSPU Hall
Buy Tickets
|
Frankenpuppet by Jamie Skidmore
A tale as old as time … the disobedience of youth… the follies of curious, evil men… the creation turning on the creator…” Frankenpuppet combines the stories of Pinocchio and Frankenstein in one (very short) epic tale. Age: 10+ Admission by donation at the door |
September 14th - 2 pm - LSPU Hall
|
Plath at 29 by Cole Hayley – Produced by Cheney Emberg Plath at 29 is an expert of a new play by Cole Hayley, and the final part of his triptech, “Saturn’s Return.” Despite it’s title, it is not an examination of Sylvia Plath, but instead an exploration of aging and the artistic myth. Sparse and poetic, this one-person play is a love letter to the creative soul. |
|
Pretty Protest by Dawn Marie Miller – Produced by Cnt Blv My Ears Productions
The play is a musical and has 4 main characters. Geraldine and William are siblings, Geraldine in theatre school, William is also a college student and is visiting his sister for the weekend. They meet in at the Riff Raff Cafe to catch up. They talk about their lives, Geraldine’s off-broadway audition and William’s move to college, and their new partners. William has met a girl, Sam, and Geraldine has fallen in love with Jordy. William is surprised to learn that Geraldine and Jordy have a band called Pretty Protest and are playing at the cafe. While he is listening to them perform, Sam calls and is having a hard time. She has a history of self-harm and William decides he has to get back to her. The story follows William getting back to Sam. It goes with Geraldine as she nails her audition. Their relationships unfold their and the story culminates with them all meeting back at the Riff Raff cafe. Content warning: Self-harm |
September 14th - 7 pm - LSPU Hall
Buy Tickets
|
Possible Lives of W.H by Tendai Mudunge based in Bushra Junaid’s Book The Possible Lives of W.H – Produced by Jabula Entertainment
This play, spread over two days, tells the story about a visit to an exhibit about possible lives of W.H. In the first day the characters get to learn about this exhibit during a night out. On the second day, although with a few distractions, they manage to make it to the exhibit. The exhibit focuses on the many possibilities of W.H from birth up to his adult life and how his remains were discovered off coast of Labrador in 1987. |
|
Tomilola: the Musical by Helena Elueme – Produced by Afrocan AF
A young princess from Ilesha Village in Ilesha now Osun State, Nigeria is sent overseas, the first person of her tribe to dare this. She is charged by the king and the chiefs of the village to bring back first-hand knowledge and political tactics that are used in the Western world. This is at a time when the British are infiltrating African politics and spreading misinformation, under the guise of religion and trade. On princess Tomilola’s journey to Canada, and as an immigrant in Canada, she experiences some highs and lows. She makes friends, enemies, and maybe even a lover. |
September 15 - 2 pm - LSPU Hall
|
Possible Lives of W.H by Tendai Mudunge based in Bushra Junaid’s Book The Possible Lives of W.H – Produced by Jabula Entertainment This play, spread over two days, tells the story about a visit to an exhibit about possible lives of W.H. In the first day the characters get to learn about this exhibit during a night out. On the second day, although with a few distractions, they manage to make it to the exhibit. The exhibit focuses on the many possibilities of W.H from birth up to his adult life and how his remains were discovered off coast of Labrador in 1987. |
|
Tomilola: the Musical by Helena Elueme – Produced by Afrocan AF
A young princess from Ilesha Village in Ilesha now Osun State, Nigeria is sent overseas, the first person of her tribe to dare this. She is charged by the king and the chiefs of the village to bring back first-hand knowledge and political tactics that are used in the Western world. This is at a time when the British are infiltrating African politics and spreading misinformation, under the guise of religion and trade. On princess Tomilola’s journey to Canada, and as an immigrant in Canada, she experiences some highs and lows. She makes friends, enemies, and maybe even a lover. |
September 15 - 7 pm - LSPU Hall
|
Pitch by Darryl Davis Darryl Davis has been preparing to audition for a locally filmed television series for weeks. After only a few moments in front of producers, however, they quickly discover that Darryl has another role in mind as an unsolicited episode pitch unfurls before them. As this meeting proceeds, and Darryl gets more animated, manic and excited, it starts to become highly questionable if this story pitch is, in fact, the right fit for this show. |
|
Gobstoppers by Jarod Farrell & Noah Sheppard – Produced by Studio Squidcicle
Two best friends accidentally kill an endangered forest goblin. Now if these accidental monster hunters want to avoid jail time, they’ll need help from the scariest monster of all: capitalism! Follow these Van-Helsings-for-hire on an episodic adventure against gobbos, ghouls, and government! Content warning: Coarse Language (Swearing), Comedic Violence |
|
Boys will be Men by Cassandra Munroe – Winner of the 1st St. John’s Shorts Playwriting Challenge
Three twelve year old boys take post at their self made shelter deep in the woods of a rural Canadian town. The group of boys work together to create their own imaginary society as they cope with living through a Canadian perspective of the Vietnam War in an area still recovering from the devastating generational effects of World War II. Chip, Lucky, and Scoot depend on each other to salvage supplies, hunt, repair, and guard their small part of the world, but you know what they say; boys will be men. Content warning: Strong language, gun use, gunshots, violence, blood, death, discussion of child abuse, homophobia, reference to alcoholism, reference to spousal abuse, discussion of war. |
The St. John's Short Play Festival is made possible through the RCA 60/40 Box Office Split Agreement.
