Newsletter December 2025

• What the Prez Sez
• MiniFest - Breaking News
• Minifest - Call for Scripts
• Adjudications: An Overview
• Festival 2026 - Hanover
• Fog and Haze Effects - Revised Safety Guidelines
• WODL Workshops Update
• Theatre Burlington at the RCMI: A Stellar Night for Bluebirds
• Theatre Tillsonburg has some equipment for sale
• Community Theatre in the WODL Region
• What's Happening in the Waterloo-Wellington Region
• What's Happening in the Bruce-Grey-Huron Region
• What's Happening in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford  Region
• What's Happening in the Halton-Hamilton-Niagara  Region
• Centre Wellington Children's Drama Club - Youth Drama Director
• Off the Wall - March 2026 Course
• Playwrights Canada Press
• Horizon Solutions - Backstage Essentials
• Playwrights Guild of Canada - Canadian Play Outlet
• Concord Theatricals New Plays
• If you are Producing Canadian Plays this Season - Check This Out
• Is your WODL Membership Information Up-to-date?
• Dates for your Diary

By Sue Garner, WODL President, president@wodl.on.ca

Hello WODL world.

We held the presses on this newsletter until we got the exciting news that unique Minifest Workshop will be back this summer. Mark your calendar now from Friday August 7 and Saturday August 8, 2026 at Thistle Theatre in Embro. You will see later in this newsletter the info about entering the Minifest Scriptwriting Contest - this is how we select our short script that all the performing groups will use in August.  

Then in the new year, up to 6 groups can sign up to bring this Minifest play to the workshop weekend. This is a unique and super helpful opportunity for new directors and experienced folks to tackle a short show and get some ideas and feedback. The set design is given to you - all groups use the same one that Thistle Theatre will create.  Basic lighting is provided, and then each group can add sound, props, costumes of your choice.

A Workshop Leader helps each group explore what they can learn from this experience. And we eat, drink and are merry for 2 days!  Did we mention no 2 shows end up alike??

Do you have someone in your theatre group who is ready to take the plunge into directing, but needs a little more experience?  Try MINIFEST!

Adjudications season for full-length plays is in full swing as I write this, then Adjudicator, Mark Mooney, will take a tiny break until January.  

Here's wishing all of you a happy and restful festive season. May your December shows be magical and may you not stew over your Jan and Feb shows too much.

Cheers to all!

Sue

By Jay Peckham, WODL MiniFest Planning Chair, jay@wodl.on.ca

Up until recently, our MiniFest Workshop has been on an extended hiatus. Thanks to Binbrook Little Theatre for bringing it back this year. We are also happy to announce that we have confirmed a host company for MiniFest 2026. It will be held in Embro with Thistle Theatre!!

This year, the WODL Board took a big step forward in investing in MiniFest by forming the MiniFest Planning Committee (MPC) and giving it a mandate to determine the viability of the program for the future. The MPC currently has six members, and each one has experience and a level of excitement for this workshop from days gone by. We have met twice since we came together and have already accomplished the following:

• Secured a host company for 2026
• Built a MiniFest-specific Facebook group with over 150 members, https://www.facebook.com/groups/wodlminifest
• Sent out a Call For Playwrights to submit scripts for consideration for the upcoming Festival (due January 1st, 2026)
• Started looking for potential hosts for 2027
• Built a schedule of events leading up to the workshop

Next year's MiniFest will take place in Embro at the Thistle Theatre on the weekend of August 7-8, 2026. We will be making a call for participating companies in the new year after we have selected a script. If you are interested in more information about MiniFest, including asking, "What the heck IS MiniFest?", then by all means, come join the Facebook Group or email jay@wodl.on.ca.  

Minifest - Call for Scripts

By Jay Peckham, WODL Minifest Planning Chair, jay@wodl.on.ca

By Renata Solski, WODL Adjudications Chair, adjudications@wodl.on.ca

It is such a wonderful time of year as we are in the process of our Fall adjudications. As part of the Western Ontario Drama League (WODL), adjudications form a vital component of our commitment to artistic development and excellence across member groups. For all our members, the following provides a concise overview of the purpose, structure, and significance of the adjudication process within WODL.

Purpose of Adjudications

WODL adjudications provide an objective, informed evaluation of a production by a trained theatre adjudicator appointed by the League. The intention is to support continued growth by offering constructive, professional feedback on all elements of a production, including acting, direction, technical design, production values, and overall artistic interpretation.

The Adjudication Process

A WODL adjudicator attends a scheduled performance of each participating group. The adjudicator observes the production in its entirety and subsequently delivers a public response, offering an overview of strengths and areas for improvement. Following this response, the adjudicator prepares a detailed written report for the producing group. These reports often serve as valuable educational tools for directors, performers, designers, and production teams. A public adjudication may take place immediately following the show. Then a private adjudication takes place with the cast and crew.

The Private Adjudication

This is a focused one-on-one where the adjudicator meets with the cast, crew, and production team. It begins with a warm welcome of introductions where the adjudicator explains their background and outlines how the session will run; it is meant to be supportive and not intimidating. They might begin with general thoughts about the production’s vision, the tone and pacing and how well the company worked together. Remember that the adjudicator gives a professional, balanced, and respectful critique. Some areas of discussion will be acting, directing, technical elements and attention to specific moments highlighting what worked and where improvement is possible.



The company may ask questions and then it becomes a two-way conversation and not a lecture. The adjudicator usually concludes with words of encouragement and gratitude recognizing the work and volunteer effort that goes into the theatre community. Remember this is one person’s interpretation of what transpired on stage.

Value to Member Groups

Adjudications enhance learning, encourage innovation, and uphold the standards recognized within WODL. They also connect our member groups to the broader regional theatre community and contribute to the nomination of awards for the annual WODL Festival. Participation in the adjudication process supports both individual and collective growth and reinforces the high level of artistry that distinguishes WODL productions.

Expectations for Members

Members ought to recognise that adjudications are meant to be positive and encouraging experiences. Feedback is provided in a respectful and professional manner, aiming to enhance theatre practice. Adjudicators also acknowledge and celebrate the dedication of everyone involved, from performers and directors to the volunteers who contribute behind the scenes.

Conclusion

Adjudications are an integral part of the WODL experience, contributing to learning, community engagement, and artistic excellence. We encourage all members to participate in adjudicated performances, get involved in the process, and see adjudications as valuable chances to grow within our theatre community.

Check out our Adjudications Schedule on our website(www.wodl.on.ca) and attend some of these fantastic plays. You will be part of the public adjudication and of course the decision to attend the private adjudication is at the discretion of the group.

If you have any questions or concerns about the adjudication’s process, please contact us. We will do our best to help you and your theatre group.

Festival 2026 - Hanover

By Bricklin Perkins, WODL Festival 2026 Chair. bricklin@wodl.on.ca

We’re thrilled to share exciting updates form the Hanover Community Players for the 2026 Western Ontario Drama League (WODL) Festival. May 14-17, 2026, promises to be a dazzling celebration of live theatre with “Fabulous Fifties” flair. 

Here’s what’s new and in progress:

• WODL Festival Website: www.wodlfestival.ca is live and updated with current information! The hotel booking link, advertising details, and sponsorship opportunities can all already be found. Please check back regularly as information is updated!

• Host Theatre: All performances will take place at the amazing Hanover Civic Theatre in downtown Hanover.

• Festival Headquarters: Our host hotel is the Best Western, located in Walkerton. Reservations are already open and can be booked using our special rate. 

• Advertising and Sponsorship: Our team has already prepared and started reaching out to get advertisers and sponsors for the 2026 Festival! If you, or any one you know, is interested, please reach out.

• Workshops and Activities: We’re working hard to finalize engaging workshops and networking opportunities for attendees. 

• Awards Gala: This year’s awards gala will follow Leamington’s lead with a Sunday brunch celebration after the celebration.

We are in the process of creating a detailed participant package including spec sheet for the stage and lighting grid to ensure smooth planning for participating theatre companies.

Drama workshops, and a fabulous Gala top off the event with vintage décor setting the stage for an electrifying celebration of performance.

Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months!

Fog and Haze Effects - Revised Safety Guidelines

By Brandon Moore, Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MOLTSD) Advisory Committee for Live Performance

The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has published a revised safety guideline for live performance on “Fog and Haze Effects.”

Using products that produce fog or haze effects in a live performance presents direct and indirect hazards. Direct hazards can include:

• respiratory impairment
• chemical sensitivity issues
• impeded vision

Indirect hazards can include:

• contact with hot equipment used to produce fog or haze effects
• slips and falls where fog or haze products produce a slick surface

Precautions include:

• conducting a risk assessment as part of the event planning
• choosing products and processes appropriate to the desired effect, but having the lowest risk level
• making sure all participants know what to expect before a rehearsal or performance, including adequate training
• making sure that fog or haze is used safely during a rehearsal or performance
• making sure that any residue from the fog or haze product is cleaned up after a rehearsal or performance

The full guidelines can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/document/safety-guidelines-live-performance-industry/fog-and-haze-effects

WODL Workshops Update

By Laurel Gillespie, laurel@wodl.on.ca, & Kim DiLello, kim@wodl.on.ca, WODL workshops chairs

Exciting news!

WODL is putting together a list of workshops available to member groups. 

See the WODL website for more details about possible funding assistance available.

Here are some excellent workshop leaders, and we will be adding more in the near future:

Henri Davis Canino:

• Intimacy on Stage

intimacywithhenri@gmail.com

Trevor Smith Diggins: 

• ACTOR’S GYM: Exercising Your Inner Monologue 
• PLAY POLISHING WORKSHOP: Shining Up Your Show 
• ADJUDICATION: Getting a Fresh Pair of Eyes

tsdiggins@icloud.com

Joe Sheik:

• Acting
• Directing
• Lighting

Jsheik@rogers.com

Theatre Burlington at the RCMI: A Stellar Night for Bluebirds

By Deb Degenais, Theatre Burlington

On November 15th, Theatre Burlington had the honour of performing Bluebirds by Vern Thiessen at the historic Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) in downtown Toronto.

The setup, load-in, and technical prep went smoothly thanks to excellent coordination with the RCMI staff. In the chandelier-adorned room, the stage was built, the set placed, lights focused , and sound checked— the space was fully transformed for performance.

The setup. Photo: Deb Degenais

The Otter Room before the show. Photo: Anne Hogan

With a matinee and an evening performance, the cast (Jen Graham, Christine Marchetti, Vanessa Scott) and crew arrived full of excitement and quiet nerves, ready to share this moving story with a deeply appreciative audience.

Photo: Eric Morse, RCMI.

Photo: Eric Morse, RCMI.

Photo: Eric Morse, RCMI.

A true highlight was the Bluebird Uniform costumes. Crafted entirely from scratch for Theatre Burlington’s first production, they required extensive research and countless hours of meticulous work. For this remount, the costumes looked just as striking and authentic, a testament to the incredible dedication of our costume team, who truly deserve medals for their artistry and perseverance.

Bluebird costumes. Photo: Eric Morse, RCMI.

A bonus for all involved was the matinee was attended by playwright Vern Thiessen, who led a post-show talkback alongside the cast, sharing insights and inspiration. The evening performance was followed by a second talkback led by Craig Hannaford, VP at the RCMI who initiated the request for a remount, giving the audience another chance to engage with the production. Both performances were warmly received, with heartfelt appreciation for the emotional resonance and authenticity of the work.

Playwright with the cast. Photo: Eric Morse, RCMI.

An after show photo op grabbed the cast, playwright, two directors (Graham Clements and Deb Dagenais), as well as Craig Hannaford and Kathryn E. Langley Hope from the RCMI.

Back: Vern Thiessen, Deb Dagenais, Graham Clements.

Front: Jen Graham, Christine Marchetti, Vanessa Scott, Nurse Kathryn E. Langley Hope, Craig Hannaford.

Photo: Eric Morse, RCMI.

After a very long — but unquestionably worthwhile — day, load-out was smooth, spirits were high, and everyone headed home with full hearts. Two performances, two talkbacks, and one remarkable day made for a truly successful outing for Theatre Burlington.

Theatre Tillsonburg has some equipment for sale

By Dianne Clark, Theatre Tillsonburg

Theatre Tillsonburg has the following for sale:

Lighting console:

Lighting console is an ETC smart fade 48-channel, vintage unknown, but I feel it’s the second console the group has owned. eBay price could be around $400 to $500. We have an e-manual if someone would like to look at it.

Audio console:

Audio console is an Allen & Heath GL 2200 24-channel. It’s an analog console. It’s got to be close to 30 years old. Again, we have a e-manual if someone wants to see it. Again, a quick look on eBay it suggests one may cost $400 to $500.

For more information contact info@theatretillsonburg.com.

A good place to find out about what other WODL groups are doing is the WODL Facebook page, WODL | Facebook. Most of the announcements are at fairly short notice, so check in often!

If your group is putting on an event that you would like included in the January newsletter, please send the information to communications@wodl.on.ca.

By Bev Dietrich, WODL Area VP Waterloo-Wellington, bev@wodl.on.ca

Community Players

Puffs by Matt Cox, directed by Jennifer Mountain runs November 28-December 7, 2025.

https://www.cambridgecommunityplayers.com

Elora Community Theatre

The Nutcracker adapted by June Walker Rogers, written, directed and choreographed by Laura Faber and Norah Wardell runs December 12 – 21, 2025 at the Fergus Grand Theatre, Fergus, Ontario.

https://www.eloracommunitytheatre.org

Guelph Little Theatre

Alice in Wonderland adapted by Eva Le Gallienne & Florida Friebus, directed by Rosalind Slater runs December 4-14, 2025.

Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre

God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, directed by Ryan Bassett runs November 21-December 7, 2025.

Starkid’s A VHS Christmas Carol, music & lyrics by Clark Baxtresser, directed by Diana Skrzydlo runs December 18-20, 2025 with a special anniversary gala on December 19, 2025.

Gary Kirkham’s Playwriting Sessions Workshop December 6 1-5 pm and January 10 from 10-4 pm at 44 Gaukel Street in Kitchener.

 https://kwlt.org                                                                                     

By Laurel Gillespie, laurel@wodl.on.ca, & Kim DiLello, kim@wodl.on.ca, WODL Area VPs Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford

One Act Players Community Theatre:

This new theatre group just completed their FOAP 5 (Festival of One Act Plays) with 4 new one act plays directed by Aaron Gorlick, Lionel Santos and Tina Sterling.

Auditions for Whimsy State (or the Principality of Outer Baldonia), by AJ Demers, will be held December 1 and 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm at St. David’s United Church in Woodstock. The show is set to run April 27-29, 2026.

Theatre Tillsonburg:

Twas the Night Before Christmas, by Ken Ludwig, directed by Jennifer Anger-Jull and Mike Jull, just completed a successful run in Tillsonburg with a wonderful opportunity for patrons to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with Santa after each show. As an added bonus, the theatre partnered with the Canadian Harvard Aircraft to sell raffle tickets for a chance to win a flight of a lifetime in an actual Harvard aircraft.

Auditions have already been held for Hilda’s Yard by Norm Foster, for show dates of February 19 - March 1, 2026.

Theatre Woodstock:

Their second show of the season, Little Women, by Kate Hamill, directed by Lenore Butcher, will run from November 28 to December 7, 2025.

Auditions for 39 Steps, by Patrick Barlow, directed by Rob Coles, will be held on November 30 and December 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Run dates for the show are April 17-26, 2026.

Simcoe Little Theatre:

WODL is very pleased to welcome Simcoe Little Theatre. Their opening play, Nice Work If You Can Get It, music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin, directed by Janet Dickson and Joanne Pond, runs November 20 to December 7, 2025.

By Rob Blowey, WODL Area VP Halton-Hamilton-Niagara, robb@wodl.on.ca

Binbrook Little Theatre

https://binbrooktheatre.ca/

Upcoming productions:

Hansel and Gretel, A Pantomime

By Nick Lawrence

Directed by Brad Fortman

January 30 – February 15, 2026

Auditions for Calendar Girls:

December 1 & 2, 7 pm – 9 pm at Binbrook Memorial Hall

This will be a table read style of audition.

1 woman aged 20- 40

9 women aged 40 -70

2 men aged 20 – 40

2 men aged 40 – 70

Dundas Little Theatre

https://dundaslittletheatre.com/

Upcoming productions:

Home, I’m Darling

By Laura Wade

January 23 – February 8, 2026

Peninsula Players Community Theatre Company

https://peninsulaplayersgrimsby.ca

Upcoming productions:

The Players’ Guild of Hamilton, Inc.

https://playersguild.org

Upcoming productions:

Rotterdam

Written by Jon Brittain

Directed by Coryn Urquhart and Connie Spears

January 9, 10, 15, 16, 22, 23, and 24, 2026 at 8pm

January 11, 17, 18, and 24, 2026 at 2pm

Theatre Burlington

https://www.theatreburlington.on.ca/

Upcoming productions:

Pinocchio Re-imagined

Directed By: Tyler Collins

Produced By: Valerie King and Evelyn Principato

December 6, 13, 14 (two shows per day at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm).

This one-hour production follows a troupe of actors and musicians who bring the story of Pinocchio to life at an Italian carnival.

Staged with minimal sets, props and costumes, members of the audience, especially children, are asked to use their imagination. Also new this year, live music accompanies the action on stage.

Bluebirds Fly Again:

Congrats to the cast and crew of Theatre Burlington’s critically acclaimed production of Bluebirds, which was remounted at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto on November 15.

Playwright Vern Thiessen was in attendance, and surprisingly, it was the first time he had seen the show on stage. Thiessen was thrilled with the performance, as were members of the audience.

Bluebirds tells the story of three Canadian nurses who meet and bond while working in a hospital near the front during the first World War.

Hurry Hard Auditions:

Written by Kristen Da Silva

Directed by Jerrold Karch / Produced by Julie Donoahue and Ashley Swerdon

Auditions December 8 and December 9, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Theatre Burlington Drama Centre, 2311 New Street, Burlington.

Playtime - Submit your 10 minute script

Theatre Burlington is searching for new scripts to showcase in the 2026 Playtime Festival. They are looking for original scripts from local playwrights.

Scripts should be 8-10 minutes in length, have no more than four characters, and should have a minimal set (one table, four chairs).

Preference will be given to writers who are part of the Burlington catchment area (Brant, Wellington, Wentworth, Halton, Peel, Niagara) and who can provide their own directors and actors.

To eliminate possible biases, identifying information should not be included in the script itself. Scripts should be submitted by January 4th, 2026.

For more information / submissions please email:  bevheilbron@gmail.com

Centre Wellington Children's Drama Club - Youth Drama Director

Website: stratfordoffthewall.com

Facebook: @offthewallstrat

Instagram: @offthewallstratfordartists

Hashtags: #stratfordoffthewall #theatreproduction #backstage

By Brandon Crone, Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Playwrights Canada Press, brandon@playwrightscanada.com

Check out these new books from Playwrights Canada Press!

Recently released:

Prince Faggot by Jordan Tannahill

In this metatheatrical tragicomedy, an ensemble of queer and trans performers cast themselves in a thought experiment, imagining the future heir to the British throne as having a life resembling their own. Jordan Tannahill, one of Canada’s most acclaimed playwrights, takes no prisoners in this ferociously audacious what-if, brimming with unbridled sexuality, wit, and imagination. A poppers-fuelled phantasmagoria interwoven with personal stories and ecstatic fantasies, Prince Faggot reckons with how the forces of power, privilege, and colonization play upon queer lives.

Earworm by Mohammad Yaghoubi

Have you ever had a voice lodged in your memory that won’t go away? For Homa, an Iranian refugee in Canada, this is her daily torment. Haunted by the trauma of torture under the Islamic regime, she channels her pain into activism as an outspoken podcaster, fiercely condemning Iran’s human-rights violations. But her freedom is threatened when she learns that the father of her son’s new girlfriend is a devout Islamist. In Earworm, provocateur Mohammad Yaghoubi delivers a gripping thriller exposing the painful irony of asylum seekers living alongside their oppressors. Suspenseful and shocking, Earworm burrows deep under your skin and lingers long after the final word.

Tyson’s Song by Peter N. Bailey

Best friends Bryan and Tyson share a boys night out in Toronto before Bryan moves to Vancouver for good. But when they get stranded at a late-night bus stop, bottled-up truths about their friendship flood to the surface. With so little time left and an ominous police cruiser circling nearby, could this moonlit vigil save their fraught relationship—and maybe even their lives? Peter N. Bailey’s debut play tenderly explores Black masculinity, brotherhood, and men’s mental health in a world that too often denies Black men love, compassion, and care. Tyson’s Song is a touching portrait of two souls in limbo trying to find their way home.

Coming soon:

Chasing Champions: The Sam Langford Story by Jacob Sampson

Sam Langford, born in Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia, rose from humble beginnings to become one of boxing’s all-time greats, despite never holding a world title. Racism and the notorious “colour line” denied him the opportunities he rightfully deserved, but his relentless pursuit of glory defined his incredible life and enduring relationships. Chasing Champions: The Sam Langford Story is a gripping biographical drama that reveals the man behind the legend, celebrating his resilience and humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.

 + see what else is coming soon!

Did you know you can browse our plays by subjects and casting? 

Want to hear more about sales and upcoming events? Sign up for our newsletter!

You can find more new releases, a blog full of interviews and excerpts, and more on playwrightscanada.com.

By Samadhi Perera, Horizon Solutions, samadhi@horizonsolutions.net

The Right Tools for every show

It's SHOW TIME - there’s no time for missing gear or burnt-out colours. Horizon Solutions helps you stay show-ready with reliable essentials—Rosco & Lee Gel, spike tape, gaff tape, stage paint, scenic paint, gobos, replacement lamps and more!

Whether you’re lighting a musical, marking a stage, or giving an old fixture new life, we’re here to help you find the right tools—on time and on budget.

Explore theatre essentials today at horizonsolutions.shop

Supporting community theatre across Ontario for over 40 years.

And did we mention we rent gear too!?

Check out our rental inventory at

www.horizonsolutions.net/rentals

The Canadian Play Outlet has over 2000 Canadian Plays right at your fingertips. Looking for something specific? Check out the curated Collections.

Every month you can take a look at the newest unpublished and published plays available!

New plays, December 2025

See their latest scripts click here.

The Playwrights Guild of Canada publicises productions of Canadian-written plays through its website, www.playwrightsguild.ca.

If you want to perform a Canadian play but cannot figure out where to obtain the amateur performance rights, view this presentation from PGC.

Are you on the board of a theatre group that belongs to WODL? If your group has:



• A new President
• New WODL delegates
• A new Treasurer

Please let our membership chair, Shirley Steele, know at membership@wodl.on.ca

31 December 2025

Deadline for submissions for the January newsletter.

12 or 19 April 2026

WODL GM, Hanover

14 to 17 May 2026

WODL Festival 2026, Hanover

7 to 8 August 2026

Minifest, Thistle Theatre, Embro

18 October 2026

WODL AGM, place TBA

This newsletter was prepared by:

Tricia Ward

Communications coordinator

WODL

Western Ontario Drama League  | communications@wodl.on.ca | www.wodl.on.ca

Copyright © Western Ontario Drama League 2025. All Rights Reserved.