1) What the fuck is going on? Change is happening – as usual. We’re getting caught up in religious wars. Desperation has made huge numbers of people turn away from reason toward blind faith. Because they can’t solve the problems that face them in the present, they’re turning back the clock. Pretty soon, we’ll have […]
Author: Ian Mackenzie
The importance of costume design in independent theatre
“Costume design is important because it immediately supports the characters in the story being told. It helps an actor find his/her character. And when it comes right down to it, if the actors are not believable as their characters then the audience won’t suspend their disbelief. No matter the production, I personally believe design, all […]
Out and about
Toronto-based actor Beatriz Yustespotted here leaving Swan Restaurant. Yuste then hailed a cab. Spotted any hot theatre talent out and aboutin your neighbourhood?Send us your starstruck theatre photos:celebrity@praxistheatre.com
Support Local Artists Working
Over at the Theatre Ideas blog, Scott Walters has created an intriguing new project called Support Local Artists Working (SLAW). In Walters’ words, here’s what the project is about: The Goal: to increase the hiring of local talent by major regional theatres. The Pay-Off: Increased employment for local artists, increased ticket sales for the major […]
10 questions: Don Hall
1) What the fuck is going on?Oil production has peaked while the consuming of it increases so future generations are fucked; the President of the United States couldn’t beat me in a game of Scrabble; the WGA is on strike so there will soon be nothing but Who Wants to Give a Rich Guy a […]
A new blog
Toronto-based humans and theatre makers Ian Mackenzie and Simon Rice (both of Praxis Theatre) have started a new blog called The New Optimist. What’s it about? Good question. Check it out and see.The blog’s editorial department also includes Vancouver-based playwright Simon Ogden and Dubai-based photo-journalist Megan Hirons. Apparently, everyone has agreed to swear a lot […]
10 First Nations comedians
Here’s a quick follow-up to a discussion that’s happening in the comments section of our interview with Ryan McMahon. For your reference, a list of 10 contemporary First Nations comedians (provided by Mr. McMahon, and in no particular order): Don Kelly Don Burnstick Gerry Barrett Charlie Hill James & Ernie Jim Ruel Craig Lauzon Mark […]
10 questions: Ryan McMahon
1) What the fuck is going on?Not too fucking much, you? 2) How have you developed as an Artisitic Director since starting MooseGuts Theatre in 2003?I think my vision is very different than it was. I started the company five years ago, with the dream of producing ‘ground breaking spectacle theatre’ that featured Native performers, […]
Wednesday theatrosphere roundup
The Next StageHave you been following Vancouver-based playwright Simon Ogden’s 11-question interview series? You can’t go wrong reading the entire set here, but if you’re looking for a place to start, check out his interviews with: JPod actor Torrance Coombs; artist relations manager for West Vancouver’s Kay Meek Centre Galen Olstead; and west coast theatre […]
Big gay play from small university town
Graeme Gerrard takes to Toronto’s gay village in drag to promote his new play. Small town theatre artist Graeme Gerrad has gamely answered Praxis Theatre’s call for guest bloggers. In a series of posts, Gerrard has been documenting the production of his company’s new play Going Back In & Getting Dragged Out – which premieres […]
Great women-focused theatre
Theatre Revolve has one of the coolest, most info-packed websites going. It’s local and women-focused: “Theatre Revolve empowers young women through the creation of live theatre, artistic training, mentorship and leadership development in dynamic projects of immediate impact and global implication, while establishing and strengthening local and international arts networks.” Check out the site here.
10 questions: Alison Croggon
1) What the fuck is going on? I’ve stopped for the year (it’s summer holidays here), so as far as I’m concerned, a wonderful lot of nothing. Except that I’m a bit obsessed with translating Beowulf. 2) What’s the best thing about being a theatre critic for The Australian newspaper? What’s brilliant is that it […]
The Next Stage Theatre Festival
UnSpun Theatre brings Don’t Wake Me to The Next Stage Theatre Festival. The Next Stage theatre festival (a brand new offshoot of the Toronto Fringe Festival) rolls in to the Factory Theatre starting today. Looks like you can see all eight juried selections for $88 if you buy the eight-play pass – which has to […]
Happy New Year!
The Montreal Interviews: Andrew Shaver
While our “10 questions” interview series is on its year-end hiatus, we are pleased to present a short interview series by Praxis Theatre Associate Artist Greta Papageorgiu: The Montreal Interviews. Enjoy! 1) What does Montreal mean to you? All the greatness of New York and Paris minus the idiots and sharp elbows. 2) Do you […]