Western Ontario Drama League | |
- What the Prez Sez
- Adjudications Update
- Festival 2026 - Hanover
- Improv Workshop - Simcoe Little Theatre - Thursday March 26
- Workshop Leaders
- Stage Combat / Stunts and Weaponry Guidelines
- Community Theatre in the WODL Region
- What's Happening in the Waterloo-Wellington Region
- What's Happening in the Bruce-Grey-Hurn Region
- What's Happening in the Halton-Hamilton-Niagara Region
- What's Happening in the Essex-Kent-Lambton Region
- What's Happening in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford Region
- Off the Wall - March Courses
- Playwrights Canada Press
- Resource Stage - Upcoming Saturday Workshops
- 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
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Hi WODL friends and theatre lovers,
The Travelling Adjudications are back in full swing. This year's adjudicator Mark Mooney has already seen 10 productions in the fall and on January 30 started into his 2nd half. From now until March 28, Mark will see another 14 productions. Of the 25, 3 will be coming to perform in the final Festival. Why not check the schedule and go visit a community theatre that you don't normally get to and check out an adjudication or two? The schedule is found here.
Other dates to put on your calendar for 2026:
- Travelling Festival Announcements - Sunday April 19, 2026 we meet at Hanover Community Players at 1 pm. to hear the nominations for the awards that Mark chooses.
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WODL FESTIVAL 2026 - Thursday May 14 - Sunday May 17 in Hanover. 3 nights of theatre! Back at the hotel, sit in on the detailed adjudications each morning, attend free workshops, and then on Sunday enjoy the big Awards lunch for both the Travelling Festival and the Festival in Hanover. Info on booking the Festival hotel is linked to our website now. Click here for details.
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MINIFEST is back for 2026. August 7-8, 2026 the craziest 30 hours of fun. Up to 6 groups can register to put on the same 25-minute script. The host group in Embro will look after the set and lights - you bring the cast, costumes, sound and props. Expect the unexpected is all I can say! The Workshop Leader will make sure we get lots of learning and fun after each show. It's a low cost event, anyone can attend and observe. Talk to your newer directors and actors and see who is willing to tackle a 25 minute show. Supper and lunch on Saturday are part of the deal and there are lots of social opportunities. Get the latest news on Minifest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/wodlminifest.
Thanks to all the folks on the WODL Board who are so dedicated to keeping things working behind the scenes. We appreciate all you do to keep us connected.
Looking forward to spring,
Sue
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Adjudication Updates
This month, the adjudications have reflected the unpredictable and lively nature of the weather, full of activity and excitement. We are pleased to announce the addition of two more adjudications to our Winter Schedule.
Simcoe, who became a member of WODL in November, has submitted Chess the Musical as an out-of-Festival entry. This marks an exciting development for our adjudication lineup.
Ayr Community Theatre has requested a second adjudication for their production of Queen Millie of Galt. This entry qualifies as adjudications only, further enriching the variety of performances under review this season.
For a complete listing of all adjudication dates and times, please refer to our website at wodl.on.ca. There, you will find the up-to-date information schedule.
Adjudicator Appointments
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the adjudication process, we are pleased to announce two new appointments. Bea Quarrie has accepted the role of Festival Adjudicator for the 2027 season. Her experience and dedication will be invaluable as she leads the adjudication for our upcoming Festival.
In addition, Alexander Galant will serve as the traveling adjudicator for the 2026–2027 season. Alex’s commitment to the arts community will enhance the quality and reach of our adjudication efforts throughout the year.
Other updates
Throughout the past month, I have collaborated closely with Shirley Marshall to review and update several key documents for WODL. Our primary focus has been to streamline and simplify the application process for adjudications in the upcoming year. To achieve this, we are converting the current forms into electronic formats, which will soon be available as e-forms on our website. In addition to the forms, we have also revised the letters of agreement and the accompanying information provided to theatre groups, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all participants. We encourage everyone to stay tuned for these upcoming changes.
With so many exciting performances on the schedule this season, we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to support local theatre. Whether you are a longtime enthusiast or new to the community, attending these productions is a wonderful way to experience the talent and creativity on display in our area.
| By Bricklin Perkins, WODL Festival 2026 chair, bricklin@wodl.on.ca | |
A small change has been made to the location of the Gala. Instead of being held in a room at the hotel, the Gala will now be held in the same location as the Opening Night ceremony - at the brand new convention facility, the Carriage House, in Hanover. The change in setting is to comfortably accommodate all of our Gala attendees.
We have hit our fundraising goal and 3/4 of our advertising goal!
Tickets (individual production, Festival passes and Gala) will go on sale at the end of first week of February. The website will be updated when ready.
Our Workshop Committee is thrilled to announce that the Friday workshop will be on the topic of Set / Production Design. The workshop leader is the incredibly talented Doug Paraschuk, a lead designer at the Stratford Festival, and the brilliant architect of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Opening Ceremony (does anyone remember the dolphins?). We thank Stratford Off The Wall for assisting with Doug’s appearance at Festival.
We are very excited to bring you these updates as they come in. Stay tuned for more!
For all the latest news about Festival 2026, check the Festival website, www.WODLfestival.ca, often.
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Improv Workshop - Simcoe Little Theatre - Thursday March 26 | By Laurel Gillespie and Kim DiLello. WODL workshop chairs, laurel@wodl.on.ca, kim@wodl.on.ca | |
Calling all WODL members to attend an Improv Workshop at Simcoe Little Theatre on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Join workshop host Joe Sheik from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at 33 Talbot Street N. Simcoe.
You will all remember Joe as the workshop leader at Minifest last summer in Binbrook.
Please register early by contacting Anna Reu at sltcoordinator@lighthousetheatre.com. Because there is only a $5:00 per person charge for this workshop, it is expected to fill up early. There is fun to be had - hope to see you there.
| By Kim DiLello, WODL workshop co-chair, kim@wodl.on.ca | The following people are prepared to deliver workshops in the WODL region: | | Stage Combat / Stunts and Weaponry 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 continues to publish updated safety guidelines for live performance. The latest topic is “Stage Combat / Stunts and Weaponry.”
When stage combat, stunts and weapons are involved in a performance, there is far greater risk of serious, or fatal, injury than during more regular performance activities. The guideline covers the safety precautions to take when choreographing and performing stage combat and stunts and working with weaponry of all types.
This includes direct hazards (such as stab wounds or fall injuries) and indirect hazards (such as repetitive strain injuries or hearing damage from the discharge of a firearm.)
The full guidelines can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/document/safety-guidelines-live-performance-industry/stage-combatstunts-and-weaponry
| Community Theatre in the WODL Region | | |
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 March newsletter, please send the information to communications@wodl.on.ca.
| | What's Happening in the Waterloo-Wellington Region | | By Bev Dietrich, WODL Area VP Waterloo-Wellington, bev@wodl.on.ca | | |
Ayr Community Theatre
Queen Milli of Galt by Gary Kirkham, directed by Deanna Clatworthy runs March 25-29, 2026.
https://www.ayrcommunitytheatre.com/
Cambridge Community Players
Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchet and Stephen Briggs, directed by David Clayworth runs February 6-15, 2026.
Rope by Patrick Hamilton, directed by Michele Hildebrandt runs March 20-29, 2026.
https://www.cambridgecommunityplayers.com
Long-time member Peter Hunton wrote a book In Which We Play capturing the rich history, productions, and people who shaped Cambridge Community Players. The cost is $25.00 and is available in the green room or Box Office.
https://www.cambridgecommunityplayers.com/
Elmira Theatre Company
Halfway There by Norm Foster, directed by Robin Bennett runs February 13-February 22, 2026.
A world premiere of A Delicate Art by Michael Grant and directed by Michael Grant will run April 17-26, 2026.
https://elmiratheatre.com/
Elora Community Theatre
Noises Off by Michael Frayn, directed by Adrian Baker & Acey Kaspar runs February 6-15 with adjudication on February 14,2026.
The Three Musketeers adapted by Catherine Bush from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, directed by Catherine Johnston runs May 1-10, 2026.
https://www.eloracommunitytheatre.org
Guelph Little Theatre
The 39 Steps by Patrick Barlow runs January 29-February 8, 2026.
Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward runs March 26-April 12, 2026.
https://www.guelphlittletheatre.com/
Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre
The Prince by Abigail Thorn, directed by Eliza Grafton runs January 30-February 15, 2026, with adjudication on January 31. This a Canadian premiere.
Auditions for March Madness will be February 28, 2026 and the performances are on March 7, 2026.
https://kwlt.org
Theatre Wellesley
The Gentleman Clothier by Norm Foster, directed by Al Cook runs April 23-May 6, 2026.
https://theatrewellesley.com/
| | What's Happening in the Bruce-Grey-Huron Region | By Deb Deckert, WODL Area VP Bruce-Grey Huron, debbie@wodl.on.ca | |
Goderich Little Theatre
Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks, February 12-22. The in-Festival adjudication is February 19.
Ordinary Magic, Theatre for Young People will be presenting three one acts performed by their youngest company members, ages 5-12. Shows run March 26-29.
https://www.thelivery.ca
Hanover Community Players
The company is hosting a one night only event, Winterlude, on February 28. It’s an evening of songs, skits and music by local bands. Tickets are $35 for adults, $20 for under 18. Doors open at 6:30.
The company is excited to be hosting the WODL Festival during the long weekend in May, 2026. Check out the info in this newsletter.
https:/hanovercommunityplayers.ca
Kincardine Theatre Guild
Taking Care of the Browns runs February 12-15, 19-22. In-Festival adjudication is February 20. In addition to the ticket price, patrons can also purchase an opening night gala ticket for $10. Individual charcuterie for $14 or a $20 Valentines Special of charcuterie, wine or beer and chocolate.
https://kincardinetheatreguild.com
Owen Sound Little Theatre
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] runs February 20-22, 26-28.
Battle the winter blahs by checking out the many shows The Roxy Theatre imports to their stage. Something for every taste.
https://roxytheatre.ca/
| | What's Happening in the Halton-Hamilton-Niagara Region | | |
Binbrook Little Theatre
https://binbrooktheatre.ca/
Hansel and Gretel, A Pantomime
By Nick Lawrence
Directed by Brad Fortman
January 30 – February 15, 2026
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Dundas Little Theatre
https://dundaslittletheatre.com/
Home, I’m Darling
By Laura Wade
January 23 – February 8, 2026
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Peninsula Players Community Theatre Company
https://peninsulaplayersgrimsby.ca/
7-10 Split
By Michael G. Wilmot
Directed by Lisa Cook
Show Dates:
March 13, Opening Night Gala, doors opening at 7:00pm.
March 14, 20, 21, 27 or 28, 2026 at 8:00 pm
March 15, 22 or 29, 2026 at 2:00 pm
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The Players’ Guild of Hamilton, Inc.
https://playersguild.org
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
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Theatre Burlington
https://www.theatreburlington.on.ca/
Mary's Wedding
Mary's Wedding, the group's winter show, opens this month.
Mary’s Wedding by Stephen Massicotte.
Directed by Maureen Dwyer, produced by Michael Hannigan and Michelle Spanik.
Show dates are February 13-28. Mary’s Wedding will be adjudicated on February 21, as an out-of-Festival entry.
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Early rehearsals are underway for the final main stage show of the 2025-26 season, Hurry Hard, by Kristen Da Silva.
The cast includes, Woodrow Dixon as Terry, Michael Anania as Bill, Jennifer Vince as Sandy, Andrea Montgomery as Darlene, and Braden Worton as Johnny.
Directed by Jerrold Karch and produced by Julie Donoahue, it’s a hilarious comedy about friendship and the power of love, that takes place during a hotly contested regional curling bonspiel.
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The Players’ Guild of Hamilton, Inc.
https://playersguild.org
Where You Are
Written by Kristin DaSilva
Directed by Diane Brokenshire
March 13, 14, 19, 20, 26, 27, and 28, 2026 at 8pm
March 15, 21, 22, and 28, 2026 at 2pm
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My Funny Valentine
A family friendly clean comedy showcase.
8:00 pm Saturday February 14.
| | What's Happening in the Essex-Kent-Lambton Region | | By Corey Robertson, WODL Area VP Essex-Kent-Lambton, corey@wodl.on.ca | | |
Community • Collaboration • Celebration
As winter programming continues across the Western Ontario Drama League, there is strong momentum across the Essex–Kent–Lambton region and beyond. February brings a full slate of youth productions, mainstage shows, auditions, and upcoming runs—underscoring the vitality of community theatre across our league.
Windsor Light Music Theatre
Windsor Light has an active spring season ahead:
Newsies Jr. — April 11–12
Frozen — May 1–3 and May 8–1
Theatre Kent
Theatre Kent continues a busy season, having recently held auditions for Bare Bear Bones.
Upcoming productions include:
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The Royal Flush
March 6–7 at St. Andrew’s Church
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Bare Bear Bones
May 8–9 at the Kiwanis Theatre
The Bank Theatre in Leamington
At The Bank Theatre, auditions are coming up for Farce of Nature - by Jones Hope Wooten, directed by Mark Ribble.
Auditions:
February 3 at 7:00 PM
February 7 at 12:00 PM
Performance Dates:
May 1–3 and May 8–10
Theatre Sarnia
WODL was represented at Theatre Sarnia on January 30 for the adjudication of The Tin Woman. I was pleased to attend in support of the cast, creative team, and volunteers, and to spend time engaging with the work and conversation surrounding the production. The evening was a thoughtful reminder of the play’s central theme—the importance of opening ourselves to connection, empathy, and healing, even when it feels easier to stay closed off.
Up next at Theatre Sarnia:
Newsies Jr. — February 5–6
Hurry Hard — March 23–29
Around the Region
Across the Essex–Kent–Lambton region, theatres are deep into auditions, rehearsals, youth programming, and production planning. The stages may still be warming up, but the energy behind them is unmistakable.
Here’s to full houses, strong runs, and a busy spring ahead.
| | What's Happening in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford Region | | |
OAP COMMUNITY THEATRE:
They are in the process of elevating their stage in order to provide better sight lines for audiences and they are looking for help to get this done by holding a fundraiser - a “Chili and Baked Potatoe Buffet” on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at St. David’s United Church, 190 Springbank St., Woodstock, from 6-8pm.
Rehearsals are well underway for Whimsy State (or the Principality of Outer Baldonia) by A.J. Demers, directed by Ted McLaughlin, playing on March 27 and 28, 2026 at St. David’s Church in Woodstock. Added bonus news is that the author of Whimsy State, A.J. Demers, will be in attendance at the March 27, 2026 performance.
SIMCOE LITTLE THEATRE:
In 2026 Simcoe Little Theatre is celebrating their 80th anniversary. BIG CONGRATULATIONS on such a successful run. They are celebrating this amazing achievement with “Cafe Nights” in their newly renovated basement.
Open Mic - March 28, 2026
Paint night - April 25, 2026
Rehearsals are well under way for Chess, the Musical: In Concert music by Bjorn Uvaleus and Benny Anderson, book by Tim Rice, directed by Andy Dominick, which runs March 5-15, 2026.
Simcoe Little Theatre is holding an “Improv Workshop” on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 7-9 pm. All WODL members are invited to join workshop host Joe Sheik at the theatre at 33 Talbot St. N., Simcoe by emailing Anna Reu at sltcoordinator@lighthousetheatre.com. There will be a $5:00 admission fee. See you there.
THEATRE TILLSONBURG:
Rehearsals are well underway for the production of Norm Foster’s Hilda’s Yard, directed by Tabatha Buckle and Pete Matthew, which appears on February 19-22 & 26 and March 1, 2026. As an added bonus, Theatre Tillsonburg has teamed up with the Copper Mug to offer a special retro night dinner on Saturday February 21 and Saturday February 28, 2026 starting at 4:00 pm. Show your Hilda’s Yard tickets and you can dine for 50% off.
THEATRE WOODSTOCK:
Theatre Woodstock can’t wait to present Jesus Christ Superstar, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Tim Rice, directed by Tanya Thompson, music direction by Chuck Baxter, choreography by Lara Larmour, which runs February 20 to March 1, 2026.
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| Off the Wall - March Courses | |
By Michele Boniface, Chair, Off the Wall Stratford Artists Alliance, mboniface@cyg.net
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Check out these new books from Playwrights Canada Press!
Recently released:
Your Show Here by Daniel MacIvor
A man used to make shows. He made them with his friend. The man used to call the shows ghost stories because they were often about dead people. The man’s friend didn’t really care what the man talked about as long as the man was telling the truth. Anyway, the man’s friend died. And so here we are. A comedy about grief, an absent concierge, and a primer on making your own solo, Your Show Here is one of Daniel MacIvor’s most intimate works, honouring his creative partnership with the late Daniel Brooks.
Coming soon:
Rogers v. Rogers by Michael Healey
From the award-winning author of The Master Plan comes an outrageous new political comedy adapted from Alexandra Posadzki’s bestselling exposé. Telecom titan Ted Rogers built a fortune from Canada’s airwaves. Now his son Edward, long dismissed by his father, fights to seize control of the family empire, while civil servant Matthew Boswell battles to block Rogers’s multi-billion-dollar merger with Shaw Communications. An electrifying solo show of succession, corporate intrigue, and family betrayal, Rogers v. Rogers pulls back the curtain on power, legacy, and the cost of unchecked ambition.
+ 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.
| | Resource Stage - Upcoming Saturday Workshops | By Samadhi Perera, Horizon Solutions, samadhi@horizonsolutions.net | |
Resource Stage – Upcoming Saturday Workshops
Resource Stage continues its in-person education series this spring with two focused Saturday workshops designed for theatre and live-event practitioners looking to strengthen real-world technical skills. These sessions emphasize practical workflows, clear decision-making, and tools you can apply immediately in your own space.
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Saturday, March 7, 2026
Lighting Design Workshop
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Optional Lighting Demos: 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
This full-day lighting workshop is built for anyone responsible for lighting choices in theatres, churches, schools, and live event spaces. The session focuses on how lighting decisions affect visibility, mood, and storytelling — moving beyond fixtures and into intentional design. The workshop includes guided instruction, practical examples, and time for discussion and questions. An optional demo session at the end of the day allows participants to see concepts applied live on stage.
Location: 1910 Huron St, London, ON
Registration Fee: $50 per person
Limited Space Available.
Register Today >>
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Saturday, March 28, 2026
Audio Cue Systems Workshop (Show Cue Systems)
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This hands-on workshop focuses on building reliable audio playback systems for theatre, dance, and live performance using Show Cue Systems (SCS). Designed for beginner to intermediate users, the session walks through best practices for organizing, programming, and running audio cues with confidence. Resource Stage will provide a temporary full-version SCS license and sample show files so participants can follow along step-by-step.
Location: 1910 Huron St, London, ON
Registration Fee: $25 per person
Limited Space Available.
Register Today >>
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Looking for More Resource Stage Sessions?
In addition to these workshops, Resource Stage offers online seminars and additional training opportunities throughout the year.
Visit resourcestage.ca for upcoming seminars, event details, and registration information.
| 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? | | |
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
| | | | Deadline for submissions for the March newsletter. | | | | WODL Festival 2026, Hanover | | | | Minifest, Thistle Theatre, Embro | | |
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 2026. All Rights Reserved.
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