Newsletter June 2026

• What the Prez Sez
• 2026 Pre-Festival Awards & Nominations
• 2026 In-Festival Awards
• Marion Smith - New Life Member of WODL
• Jim & Leise Peddie - New Life Members of WODL
• Festival 2026 Photos
• Adjudications Chair Corner
• Will Your Group Perform at Festival in 2027 
• List of Workshop Leaders
• 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 Halton-Hamilton-Niagara  Region
• What's Happening in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford Region
• Off the Wall - Upcoming Workshops
• Playwrights Canada Press
• Run Your Next Show with Confidence
• 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

Wasn't that a Festival!!

Shenanigans, Learning and Hard Work:

What a great time we had as Hanover Community Players hosted Festival 2026 May 14-17! Festival Chair, Bricklin Perkins, and her team did a great job of getting all the plans and details in place.

Here are a few highlights to share.

• I believe we set a new speed record for having our informal late night party room at the hotel be TOO NOISY. They quickly moved us all away from other guests trying to sleep. (Apparently road construction workers need to get up early, who knew?) 

• We saw three plays by Kincardine Theatre Guild, Theatre Woodstock and Goderich Little Theatre. 3 very different styles of plays, which always makes for great viewing and discussion. All 3 groups are to be commended for taking on the crazy challenge of moving in, rehearsing, performing and striking in one day.  We love it when you enter In-Festival!

• The theme for the weekend was the 50s and the Awards Gala Brunch on Sunday was full of poodle skirts and greasers and Pink Ladies and a couple of nerds. Over 200 attended. So much fun! Apparently I took no pictures of the terrific 50s costumes. The classic 50s convertible parked out front at the gala was a great touch as were the milkshakes and 33 RPM records everywhere you looked.

Workshops and Learning:

• Hanover had Doug Paraschuk do an afternoon workshop on Set Design. With 35 years of designing at major theatres, for Olympic Games opening ceremonies and so on, I wasn't sure how Doug would connect with community theatre people, but yes he sure did!  Practical comments on designing steps, and how designers and directors create the vision as a team, creating set models on 3D printers, and so on.  A fascinating session.

• Kristen DaSilva did a workshop on play writing. I couldn't be at that one, but it also sounded very interesting.

• Annette Procunier - her detailed adjudications the morning after each show were helpful, insightful, complimentary and constructive. I have heard a lot of adjudicators in my day, and to my thinking she is one of the very best. Not only that, but she did all her adjudications without have a single note to refer to. Wow!

All of these sessions were free learning for anyone who wanted to attend.  

Gala

Here are some photos from the awards ceremonies. Checkout all the photos of Festival award recipients on the WODL Facebook page, posted May 21. Photo credit Kathy Fahey.

Out of Festival Awards:

Mark Mooney announced winners from the 20+ plays that were entered Out-of-Festival. It was great to see how may of the nominees made the trip to Hanover to be part of the moment.

Self-indulgent moment here: This is my favourite winner from my home theatre, Thistle Theatre in Embro. Shrirang Raval winning for Outstanding Cameo Role, presented by Gina Paradis from Theatre Kent. Just two of my fav people. 

I was honoured to present the award for Outstanding Production Out-of-Festival to Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre's production of The Prince. Receiving the award is Eliza Grafton who also was recognized as Outstanding Director Out-of-Festival.

Mark said that the overall quality of productions as he travelled to all our groups was some of the best he has ever seen! And he has seen a lot!



 In-Festival Awards

Here is the photo of the award recipients from the 3 in-Festival plays, with Annette in the middle.

And finally, here is a shot of Brian Mackrow clutching a bundle of hardware. Brian directed Theatre Goderich's production of Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks - a great 2-hander script. The show won Outstanding Production at Festival, and Brian won directing honours as well - and it was his first time directing! What a well-acted, visually beautiful production! I will remember for a long time the video and projections which were scenes in themselves

Life Members - Marion Smith and Jim Peddie and Leise Peddie

Finally, want to send my love and respect to the 3 people selected to receive WODL's Life Member recognition. Marion, Jim & Leise have now joined these esteemed ranks. These 3 people are all great directors, actors, leaders in their local theatre group(s) for years and years, and have served on WODL Board as well. Such lovely folks and so well-deserved.

❤️❤️❤️ 

Marion is seen receiving her award from Michelle Spanik.

Jim and Liese are getting their awards from Shirley Steele.

Finally the Torch was passed to Theatre Woodstock who are hosting Festival 2027.  

Cheers to good theatre and to friends old and new!



Thanks again Hanover!

For a printable list of these awards and nominations click here.

In-Festival or Out-of-Festival Awards

The Hadley Award

In Memory of Val and Fred Hadley

Outstanding Performance by a Juvenile

Sponsor: Joe Agocs

• Kailee Sach-Anderson as Willa – Frankenstein: The Monster Play – Binbrook Little Theatre
• Becca Potter as Wendy Currie – Perils of Persephone – Thistle Theatre, Embro
• Braxton Boutilier as Tyler Taylor – Laughing Stock – Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas
• Reese Rayner as Braun Oaks – Laughing Stock – Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas

Winner: Braxton Boutilier as Tyler Taylor – Laughing Stock – Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas

The Theatre Kent Award

Most Promising Newcomer

• Ronna Hoglund as Margo – Til Beth Do Us Part – Periscope Players, Port Burwell
• Tori Bremner as Emily – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg
• Nishant Mathew as the Earl of Douglas – The Prince – Kitchener–Waterloo Little Theatre
• Brittani Hamilton as Florence Vassey – Chess: A Musical – In Concert – Simcoe Little Theatre
• Emma Brown as The Arbiter – Chess: A Musical – In Concert – Simcoe Little Theatre

Winner: Tori Bremner as Emily – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg

The Christopher Covert Memorial Award

Outstanding Cameo Performance

Sponsors: Audrey Hummelen and Marie Prout

• Sue Ross as Lady Cravenshire and Brenda Hulse – Calendar Girls – The Bank Theatre, Leamington
• Shriran Raval as Francis Hinckley – Perils of Persephone – Thistle Theatre, Embro
• Luke Hamilton as Viigand – Chess: A Musical – In Concert – Simcoe Little Theatre

Winner: Shriran Raval as Francis Hinckley – Perils of Persephone – Thistle Theatre, Embro

The Molly Yearham Award

Best Visually Co-ordinated Costumes of a Non- rental Nature

Sponsor: Dundas Little Theatre 

• Into The Wood - Wyonne Baribeau and Alysia Foulds – Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Home, I’m Darling! – Jane Snider, Elaine Sharp, Emily Burse, Natalie Burse, Sonia Goncalves, Piper Grice, Sydney Grice, Jessica Thomas-Troian – Dundas Little Theatre
• Mary’s Wedding – Helena Adamczyk – Theatre Burlington
• Jesus Christ Superstar – Kristin Klein (design), Jessica Hodgins, Kim DiLello, Jocelynne Daphne Klein – Theatre Woodstock
• Urinetown: The Musical – Tannis Doust, Chloe Scripnick and Chatham Vy – London Community Players

Winner: Urinetown: The Musical – Tannis Doust, Chloe Scripnick and Chatham Vy – London Community Players

The Palace Theatre Award

In Memory of Jocelyn McKiee

Outstanding Lighting Design and Execution

Sponsor: Rick Verrette

• Twas the Night Before Christmas – Kelly Verhoeve (lead), team: Archie Verhoeve, Peter Beechey, Mike Jull, Jennifer Anger- Jull, Joe Sheik, Jeff Tripp – Theatre Tillsonburg
• The Prince – Cameron Slipp (design), Victoria Robertson (operator) – Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
• Mary’s Wedding – Dan Gallo (design), Joseph LaPenna (operation), John Spanik – Theatre Burlington
• Jesus Christ Superstar – Peter Dunbar (design), Shannon Henley-Dunbar (operator) – Theatre Woodstock
• Urinetown: The Musical – Indrani Mahadeo (design), Jennifer Katkov (operator) – London Community Players

Winner: Mary’s Wedding – Dan Gallo (design), Joseph LaPenna (operation), John Spanik – Theatre Burlington

The Harmony Award

Outstanding Set Design and Execution

Sponsor: Marion Smith

• The Tin Woman – Holly Wenning (design), Paul Baert (design and lead), Gord Bristo, Marty Cogswell, Doug Hakala, Charlie Knight, Phil Litrenta, Frank Matronardi, Rick Mulligan, Mark Vanderheide, Dave Wilson – Theatre Sarnia
• Home, I’m Darling – Michelle Chin (design), Blair Smith (lead), John Bello, Roy Carroll, Ian Cowe, Rod Crombie, Joey Gallo, Anne Hogan, Gloria Liu, Stewart Patch, Bram Pieper, Pauline Prowse, Bob Snider, Daniel Van Amelsvoort, Olivia Balkwell, Anne Baltaga, Sylvia Baltaga, Emily Burse, Julian Maganinho – Dundas Little Theatre
• Noises Off – Acey Kaspar (design), Callie Johnson (painting) – Elora Community Theatre
• Mary’s Wedding – Michael Hannigan (design), John Spanik (head), Evan Korn, Bob Hermetz, Joe Aldric-Gaudet, Joseph LaPenna, Neil Palmer – Theatre Burlington
• Urinetown: The Musical – Ceris Thomas (design), Heather Meadows (Head), David Long (lead), Bill Adams, Don Cardinal, Doug Deschenes, Emil Kaszowaki, Gary Parker, Jason Stanton, Jenny Katkov, Emmett Sepi, Sandra Sepi, Kate Sepi, Ceris Thomas – London Community Players

Winner: Home, I’m Darling – Michelle Chin (design), Blair Smith (lead), John Bello, Roy Carroll, Ian Cowe, Rod Crombie, Joey Gallo, Anne Hogan, Gloria Liu, Stewart Patch, Bram Pieper, Pauline Prowse, Bob Snider, Daniel Van Amelsvoort, Olivia Balkwell, Anne Baltaga, Sylvia Baltaga, Emily Burse, Julian Maganinho – Dundas Little Theatre

The Kincardine Theatre Guild Award

Outstanding Sound Design and Execution

• Twas the Night Before Christmas – Joe Sheik (lead), Peter Beechey, Mike Jull, Jennifer Anger-Jull – Theatre Tillsonburg
• The Prince – J Leonard Hopkins (designer and composer) – Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
• Mary’s Wedding – Michelle Spanik (design and operation) – Theatre Burlington
• Jesus Christ Superstar – Peter Dunbar (design and operation), Michael Henley-Dunbar, Nelson Simard – Theatre Woodstock
• Urinetown: The Musical – Quinton Esquega (design), Doug Deschenes (operator) – London Community Players

Winner: Jesus Christ Superstar – Peter Dunbar (design and operation), Michael Henley-Dunbar, Nelson Simard – Theatre Woodstock

The Catherine Brickenden Award

In Memory of David Perkins

Outstanding Production of a Canadian Play

Sponsored by Sue Perkins

• Hilda’s Yard by Norm Foster – St. Marys Community Players
• Willow Quartet by Joan Burrows – Elmira Theatre Company
• Perils of Persephone by Dan Needles – Thistle Theatre, Embro
• Taking Care of the Browns by Peter Paylor – Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Mary’s Wedding by Stephen Massicotte – Theatre Burlington

Winner: Mary’s Wedding by Stephen Massicotte – Theatre Burlington

Out-of-Festival Awards

The Repuski Award

In Memory of Stephen Repuski

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role

Sponsored by: Elizabeth Repuski

• Emma Truswell as Celia – Calendar Girls – The Bank Theatre, Leamington
• Derek Roberts as Beverly Woytowich – Hilda’s Yard – St. Marys Community Players
• Anton Wasowicz as Richard – Making God Laugh – Ayr Community Theatre
• Gerard Gouthro as Ben – Willow Quartet – Elmira Theatre Company
• Becky Issenman as Skip Fuller – Perils of Persephone – Thistle Theatre, Embro
• Angela Carvelho as Calliope and Brittania Sneed – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg
• Lauren Solski as Sammy Borden – The Tin Woman – Theatre Sarnia
• Aashay Dalvi as Jen – The Prince – Kitchener–Waterloo Little Theatre
• Kaleigh Wiens as Lady Kate – The Prince – Kitchener–Waterloo Little Theatre
• Jonathon Giles as Jack – Laughing Stock – Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas

Winner: Derek Roberts as Beverly Woytowich – Hilda’s Yard – St. Marys Community Players

The London Community Players Award

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role

• Emma Truswell as Celia – Calendar Girls – The Bank Theatre, Leamington
• Derek Roberts as Beverly Woytowich – Hilda’s Yard – St. Marys Community Players
• Anton Wasowicz as Richard – Making God Laugh – Ayr Community Theatre
• Gerard Gouthro as Ben – Willow Quartet – Elmira Theatre Company
• Becky Issenman as Skip Fuller – Perils of Persephone – Thistle Theatre, Embro
• Angela Carvelho as Calliope and Brittania Sneed – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg
• Lauren Solski as Sammy Borden – The Tin Woman – Theatre Sarnia
• Aashay Dalvi as Jen – The Prince – Kitchener–Waterloo Little Theatre
• Kaleigh Wiens as Lady Kate – The Prince – Kitchener–Waterloo Little Theatre
• Jonathon Giles as Jack – Laughing Stock – Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas
• Winner: Angela Carvelho as Calliope and Brittania Sneed – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg

The Audrey Vale Memorial Award

Outstanding Performance in a Major Role

Sponsor: Cambridge Community Players

• Mary Grace Weir as Annie – Calendar Girls – The Bank Theatre, Leamington
• Edie Pedersen as Hilda Fluck – Hilda’s Yard – St. Marys Community Players
• Erinn Leigh-Ann Price as Suzannah Hayden – Til Beth Do Us Part – Periscope Players, Port Burwell
• Braden Fitzpatrick as Amos/Amos of Kansas – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg
• Ashley Perry as Joy O’Malley – The Tin Woman – Theatre Sarnia
• Dawson Strangway as Jack Borden – The Tin Woman – Theatre Sarnia
• Antoinette Laleon as Judy – Home, I’m Darling – Dundas Little Theatre
• Henry Truong as Bobby Strong – Urinetown: The Musical – London Community Players
• Brittani Hamilton as Florence Vassey – Chess: A Musical – In Concert – Simcoe Little Theatre
• Aaron Gorlick as Elson Boudreau – Whimsy State – One Act Players, Woodstock

Winner: Dawson Strangway as Jack Borden – The Tin Woman – Theatre Sarnia

The Theatre Sarnia Memorial Award

Outstanding Performance in a Major Role

• Mary Grace Weir as Annie – Calendar Girls – The Bank Theatre, Leamington
• Edie Pedersen as Hilda Fluck – Hilda’s Yard – St. Marys Community Players
• Erinn Leigh-Ann Price as Suzannah Hayden – Til Beth Do Us Part – Periscope Players, Port Burwell
• Braden Fitzpatrick as Amos/Amos of Kansas – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg
• Ashley Perry as Joy O’Malley – The Tin Woman – Theatre Sarnia
• Dawson Strangway as Jack Borden – The Tin Woman – Theatre Sarnia
• Antoinette Laleon as Judy – Home, I’m Darling – Dundas Little Theatre
• Henry Truong as Bobby Strong – Urinetown: The Musical – London Community Players
• Brittani Hamilton as Florence Vassey – Chess: A Musical – In Concert – Simcoe Little Theatre
• Aaron Gorlick as Elson Boudreau – Whimsy State – One Act Players, Woodstock

Winner: Brittani Hamilton as Florence Vassey – Chess: A Musical – In Concert – Simcoe Little Theatre

The Inez Hayes Memorial Award

Outstanding Ensemble

Sponsor: Theatre Burlington

• Into the Woods – Kincardine Theatre Guild
• The Prince – Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
• Noises Off – Elora Community Theatre
• Jesus Christ Superstar – Theatre Woodstock
• Urinetown: The Musical – London Community Players

Winner: Urinetown: The Musical – London Community Players

The Elmira Theatre Company Award

Outstanding Visual Production

• The Prince – Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
• Home, I’m Darling – Dundas Little Theatre
• Mary’s Wedding – Theatre Burlington
• Urinetown: The Musical – London Community Players
• Chess: A Musical – In Concert – Simcoe Little Theatre

Winner: Home, I’m Darling – Dundas Little Theatre

The Mooney Award

Outstanding Director

Sponsor: Rob Coles in memory of Mona Brennan-Coles

• Mike Jull and Jennifer Anger-Jull – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg
• Eliza Grafton – The Prince – Kitchener–Waterloo Little Theatre
• Maureen Dwyer – Mary’s Wedding – Theatre Burlington
• Tanya Thompson (director), Chuck Baxter (musical director) – Jesus Christ Superstar – Theatre Woodstock
• Sydney Brockway (director), Steven Morley (music director) – Urinetown: The Musical – London Community Players

Winner: Eliza Grafton – The Prince – Kitchener–Waterloo Little Theatre

The Kay McKie Memorial Award

Outstanding Production Out-of-Festival

Sponsor: Bruce McKie

• Hilda’s Yard – St. Marys Community Players
• Into the Woods – Kincardine Theatre Guild
• The Tin Woman – Theatre Sarnia
• The Prince – Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
• Home, I’m Darling – Dundas Little Theatre

Winner: The Prince – Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre

Special Adjudicator's Awards

First Time Director

Sponsor: Shirley Steele 

• Brad Fortman – Frankenstein: The Monster Play – Binbrook Little Theatre
• Melissa Roberts – Home, I’m Darling – Dundas Little Theatre
• Brian Makcrow – Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – Goderich Little Theatre

Winner: Melissa Roberts – Home, I’m Darling – Dundas Little Theatre

Use of Projection

Sponsor: Shirley Steele 

• Calendar Girls – John Moran – The Bank Theatre, Leamington
• Twas the Night Before Christmas – Greg Weiler (design) – Theatre Tillsonburg
• Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – Ben Hustis (videography) – Goderich Little Theatre
• Chess: A Musical – In Concert – James McCoy (design) – Simcoe Little Theatre

Winner: Chess: A Musical – In Concert – James McCoy (design) – Simcoe Little Theatre

Preshow and Intermission Musical Selections 

Sponsor: Owen Sound Little Theatre 

• Vanni Azzano – Hilda’s Yard – St. Marys Community Theatre
• Michelle Di Tomasso – Making God Laugh – Ayr Community Theatre
• Joe Sheik – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg

Winner: Joe Sheik – Twas the Night Before Christmas – Theatre Tillsonburg

Theatre in a Space of Limited Means

Sponsor: Owen Sound Little Theatre 

• Making God Laugh – Ayr Community Theatre
• Laughing Stock -Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas
• Whimsy State – One Act Players, Woodstock

Winner: Whimsy State – One Act Players, Woodstock

Young Actors

Sponsors: Leise and Jim Peddie 

• Alyssa Dutton as Meg March - Little Women – Theatre Woodstock
• Jadyn Browne as Mary - Laughing Stock – Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas
• Chris Straddon as Craig - Laughing Stock – Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas
• Kendra Newton, Lily Martin and Milo Petrie as the Three Pigs and Milky White – Into The Woods – Kincardine Theatre Guild

Winner: Jadyn Browne as Mary - Laughing Stock – Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas

Young Backstage Creatives 

Sponsors: Leise and Jim Peddie 

• Rendall Lackenbauer – choreography and original music for Twas the Night Before Christmas
• Gabrielle Geberdt and Poppy McFarlane (lighting) – Into The Woods and Taking Care of the Browns – Kincardine Theatre Guild

Winner: Gabrielle Geberdt and Poppy McFarlane (lighting) – Into The Woods and Taking Care of the Browns – Kincardine Theatre Guild

Stunt Work or Intimacy Work 

Sponsor: MJ Walzak 

• Frankenstein: The Monster Play – Esther Brown (stunts) – Binbrook Little Theatre
• The Prince – Nick Oddson (fight coordinator), Jennifer L Mountain (intimacy coordinator) – Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre
• Noises Off – Peter Hurley (stunt coordinator) – Elora Community Theatre

Winner: The Prince – Nick Oddson (fight coordinator), Jennifer L Mountain (intimacy coordinator) – Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre

Musicals

Sponsor: MJ Walzak 

• Into the Woods – Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Jesus Christ Superstar – Theatre Woodstock
• Urinetown: The Musical – London Community Players
• Chess: A Musical – In Concert – Simcoe Little Theatre

Winner: Into the Woods – Kincardine Theatre Guild

For a printable list of these awards click here.

The Gary Chapman Memorial Award

Outstanding Coordinated Production 

Sponsored by: Guelph Little Theatre

• Winner: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – Goderich Little Theatre

The Gerry Butts Memorial Award

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role 

Sponsored by: Dennis Johnson

• Winner: Katie Raymond as Amy March – Little Women – Theatre Woodstock

The Players' Guild Award 

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role 

Sponsored by: The Players' Guild of Hamilton

• Winner: Alison Enns as Aunt March – Little Women – Theatre Woodstock

The Spanik Award   

Outstanding Visual Production 

Sponsored by: Michelle & John Spanik 

• Winner: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – Goderich Little Theatre

The Lawrie Bonanno Memorial Award   

Outstanding Technical Achievement 

Sponsored by: Fay Bonanno

• Winner: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – Goderich Little Theatre

The Theatre Burlington Award    

Outstanding Performance in a Major Role

• Nominee: Robin Rintoul as Susan – Taking Care of the Browns – Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Nominee: Lauren Tucker as Jo – Little Women – Theatre Woodstock

Winner: Matt Harvey as Danny – Taking Care of the Browns – Kincardine Theatre Guild

The Agocs Award

In Memory of Lynda Agocs

Outstanding Performance in a Major Role

Sponsored by: Joe Agocs

• Nominee: Robin Rintoul as Susan – Taking Care of the Browns – Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Nominee: Lauren Tucker as Jo – Little Women – Theatre Woodstock

Winner: Rendall Lackenbauer as Laurie – Little Women – Theatre Woodstock

The Pat & Vincent Mathewson Memorial Award

Outstanding Ensemble

Sponsored by: Lyn Mathewson



• Winner: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – Goderich Little Theatre

The Visionary Award  

Outstanding Director

Sponsored by: Gina & Andre Paradis

• Winner: Brian Mackrow – Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – Goderich Little Theatre

The D. Park Jamieson Award   

Outstanding Production at Festival

Sponsored by: Theatre Sarnia

• Winner: Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks – Goderich Little Theatre

Special Adjudicator's Awards

Costumes

Sponsor: Renata Solski

• Winner: Holly McAdams – Taking Care of the Browns – Kincardine Theatre Guild

The Parrot

Sponsor: Rob Coles

• Winner: Karen Trick and Jeff Major – Little Women – Theatre Woodstock

Props and Set Dressing

Sponsor: Peter Busby

• Winner: Jayne McGibney – Taking Care of the Browns – Kincardine Theatre Guild

by Sue Perkins, London Community Players, WODL Life Member

Marion has been a mainstay of WODL for a long time. She spent time on the Board and became President in the early 80s, which generally represents at least 8 years of your life working for WODL! She was a very active member of Galt Little Theatre (now Cambridge Community Players) for many years. Marion was a regular at all the WODL Festivals and we all got to know her as a result.

As an actress she received an award for her performance In Festival as Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest. In later years Marion directed many shows, and more recently worked with the Paris Performers’ Theatre. She gave workshops in acting and directing, and continues to support WODL in her retirement. 

Marion has devoted many years to developing and supporting theatre in Western Ontario and WODL is delighted to appoint her as an Honorary Life Member of Western Ontario Drama League. 

By Shirley Steele, WODL Membership Chair, WODL Life Member, membership@wodl.on.ca

I am pleased to announce that two exceptional members have been awarded Life Memberships in the Western Ontario Drama League (WODL), in recognition of their outstanding dedication to theatre and our community.

As founders of their local theatre in 1982, over the years these recipients have helped to create a welcoming space where generations have come together to experience and share the magic of live performance.

They have worn many hats—director, actor, stage manager, and just ‘general dog’s bodies’—always ready to help wherever needed and demonstrating true commitment to community theatre.

Both have served on the WODL Board and have consistently supported Festivals, meetings, and Drama league initiatives. Their leadership and enthusiasm have been invaluable to WODL’s success.



Though one has recently stepped back due to health reasons, the other continues to be an active and inspiring presence. Their legacy is felt throughout our community.

We sincerely thank these theatre people for their service and who are respected utside the theatre community as well.   It is a distinct honour to present WODL Life Memberships to my dear Kincardine friends, Jim and Leise Peddie.

Photographs of Festival 2026 taken by Kathy Fahey are available for viewing:

• On the WODL website at www.wodl.on.ca/festival

• WODLFestival2026

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

What an exciting season it continues to be for WODL!!



We recently gathered in Hanover for a truly outstanding Festival weekend filled with exceptional performances, enthusiastic audiences, and a wonderful sense of community spirit. The energy throughout the Festival was unmistakable, reminding us once again of the passion and talent that exists across our member groups. Congratulations and heartfelt thanks go to the organizing team for delivering such a memorable and successful event and bravo to all participating theatre companies for their inspiring work on stage!

We are also thrilled to officially announce that Alexander Galant has signed his Letter of Agreement as our 2026/27 Traveling Adjudicator.

Alexander Gallant brings an extraordinary breadth of experience to the role as an award-winning director, screenwriter, novelist, filmmaker, and adjudicator. Renowned for blending technical innovation with compelling storytelling, his directing credits include acclaimed productions such as Singin’ in the Rain, Titanic the Musical, Les Misérables, and The Diary of Anne Frank. Beyond the stage, Alexander has built an impressive career in film and television, working as a director, writer, and script supervisor on productions including Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Motorheads, and CHUCKY. His extensive adjudication experience with both the Western Ontario Drama League and the National Theatre School Drama Festival makes him an exciting addition to our upcoming season.

Looking ahead, important conversations continue around the future growth and mentorship of adjudication within our organization. I am pleased to share that adjudicators Mark Mooney, Trevor Diggins, and Annette Procunier have agreed to help lead ongoing discussions surrounding adjudication workshops and the development of prospective new adjudicators.

This exciting initiative would create professional development opportunities inspired by Theatre Ontario’s collaborative model, where experienced adjudicators mentor and guide emerging voices in the field. The vision includes annual or semi-annual workshop gatherings focused on best practices, shared learning, mentorship, and strengthening the art of adjudication within our community. We are incredibly fortunate to have such knowledgeable and passionate adjudicators helping shape this initiative, and we look forward to sharing more updates in the months ahead.

Important Adjudication Application Date Changes

Please note the following important deadlines for adjudication applications:

• Fall 2026 Productions
   Applications must be submitted through our website by August 1, 2026

• Winter 2027 Productions
   Applications must be submitted through our website by November 1, 2026

• Final Date for 2027 Adjudications:
   April 11, 2027
• 
  

**PLEASE COMPLETE THE E-FORM ON LINE AT www.wodl.on.ca



Please note that I can always be reached at adjudications@wodl.on.ca

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

As mentioned elsewhere, Theatre Woodstock will be our hosts for WODL Festival 2027 next May.

I want to encourage each group to consider entering their show as a possible In-Festival show when you ask for your adjudication. (Seriously! consider it!)  With next season kicking off now in many groups, this is the time to consider it.

I know a lot of our groups' Board Members and their show directors are not quite familiar with this 'in-Festival' process - lots of new faces are leading groups since the 2010s. Here is a review of how it works:

• You ask for an adjudication and choose the in-Festival option. This can be for any show you are producing from September til the first weekend in April.

• Your travelling adjudication at home follows the same process as out-of-Festival shows. The 'in-Festival' additional part is that early in April, the Travelling Adjudicator will select 3 shows from those who have asked tor the In-Festival option. These 3 shows have the honour to perform at the In-Festival event in May 2027 in Woodstock.

• If you enter in-Festival, but are not selected, your group is still eligible to be nominated for out-of-Festival honours.

• WODL provides a grant towards travel costs to bring a show to Festival and royalties for your Festival performance are paid back to you.

• You will need to consider the stage logistics when your show is designed. Woodstock has info available now on their website about stage size and so on.   

• Some groups may choose which show to enter "in" based on timing - what show is closer to the Festival date? Some choose based on the keen-ness of director, producer, set and tech folks. Some choose the show with the simplest set to move.  Lots of things to consider.  

We would love to answer any questions about this process that might help your group decide. Ask me, your Area VP or Gina, our Festival Planning Chair, or Renata when she is in touch about Adjudications.

Some groups who do multiple shows have their producers and directors meet to decide which one would be willing to be an in-Festival show. Most groups want to advise people at time of auditions that this could be part of the journey for a particular show.

What I tell people is that taking a show to Festival is an unbelievably crazy and unbelievably rewarding thing to accomplish.

WODL has folks who can give you all kinds of support for the tech work if this is causing stress.

We'd love to see more groups taking this challenge on in the next couple of years.

Watch for news from our Adjudications Chair, Renata Solski, letting you know it's time to ask for the 2026-27 adjudications season.

By Laurel Gillespie and Kim DiLello. WODL workshop chairs, laurel@wodl.on.ca, kim@wodl.on.ca

The following people are prepared to deliver workshops 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 July newsletter, please send the information to communications@wodl.on.ca.

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

Ayr Community Theatre

Auditions for Nunsense Book, Music & Lyrics by Dan Goggin, directed by Lisa Hagen will be held on June 20, 2026, for performances in November/December 2026.

https://www.ayrcommunitytheatre.com/

Elora Community Theatre

13^th Annual Shakespeare in the Park Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, directed by Deb Stanson & David Tanner will be held at the Elora Centre for the Arts July 17-19 & July 24-26, 2026.

https://www.eloracommunitytheatre.org

Guelph Little Theatre

Auditions for The Gentleman Clothier by Norm Foster, directed by Robin Bennett are being held June 4, 2026, from 7-10 pm, June 6, 2-6 pm with call backs on June 1 from 7-10 pm. Performance dates are October 23-November 1, 2026.

Ward One Acts Festival will be held July 2-5, 2026.

https://www.guelphlittletheatre.com/

Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre

You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner, Directed by Elizabeth Wallis with performances June 12-18, 2026.

Auditions for Rent. Book, Music & Lyrics by Jonathan Larson, directed by Liisa Steinwedel, dedicated in memory of Nadia V. Ursacki, will be held on June 27-29, 2026, with call backs June 30. Performances will be held November 20-December 6, 2026.

https://kwlt.org

Theatre Wellesley

Auditions for Miracle on 34th Street by Caleb Marshall and Erin Keating, directed by Mary Beth Jantzi will be held June 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm, June 10, 2026 at 7:00 pm with callbacks June 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Performances will be November 26-29, 2026.                                                                                                                             

https://theatrewellesley.com/                                                                           

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

Binbrook Little Theatre

https://binbrooktheatre.ca/

Auditions for Murder on the Nile

By Agatha Christie, directed by Paul Marshall

Wednesday, June 10 & Thursday, June 11 at 7pm

At Binbrook Memorial Hall (aka Binbrook Little Theatre) 2600 Hwy #56 Binbrook

Required: 5 adult females, 5 adult males, 2-4 gender-neutral roles

Performance dates: October 16 – November 1. NO SHOW ON HALLOWEEN

Synopsis: Fatal circumstances await a newlywed couple as they embark on their honeymoon voyage down the Nile. Kay Ridgeway has led a charmed life. Blessed with beauty, enormous wealth, and a new husband, she embarks on a honeymoon voyage down the Nile. Fatal circumstances await when the idyllic surroundings are shattered by a shocking and brutal murder. Under scrutiny is a multitude of memorable passengers, all with a reason to kill. The tension and claustrophobia builds, as a shocking and audacious conspiracy is laid bare.

Auditions for Harvest

By Ken Cameron, directed by Shirley Marshall 

Tuesday, June 16 & Wednesday, June 17 at 7pm

At Binbrook Memorial Hall (aka Binbrook Little Theatre) 2600 Hwy #56 Binbrook

Required: 1 adult male, 1 adult female to play various roles, must be believable as “ready to retire”

Audition will involve a cold read from the script but it is highly recommended that auditionees also contact info@binbrooktheatre.ca for sides to prepare in advance. Actors will need to demonstrate the ability to switch from one distinct character to another, just by changing a hat or a prop.

Performance dates: April 9 – 25, 2027



Synopsis: A witty, warm‑hearted comedy rooted in true events, Harvest follows an aging farm couple whose quiet rural retirement takes an unexpected—and hilariously chaotic—turn. When Allan and Charlotte rent out their family farm in hopes of simplifying their lives, they imagine peaceful days and predictable routines. Instead, they discover their new tenant has transformed the property into a full‑scale marijuana grow‑op. Suddenly thrust into a world of police visits, community gossip, and the questionable life choices of others, the couple must navigate the absurdity with resilience, humour, and a surprising amount of teamwork. Blending sharp comedy with genuine affection for its characters, Harvest is a charming story about love, legacy, and the unpredictable messiness of letting go of the life you’ve always known. Funny, heartfelt, and unmistakably Canadian, it’s a theatrical celebration of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances.

Dundas Little Theatre

https://dundaslittletheatre.com/

Auditions for The Play That Goes Wrong

By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, and Jonathan Sayer, Directed by Jay Adams

Open auditions for will be held on the following days:

• Sunday, June 7 at 1:00 pm
• Monday, June 8 at 7:00 pm

You only need to attend one of the two days. These are group auditions which will last 2 – 3 hours.

Please email auditions@dundaslittletheatre.com to book which date you would like to attend.

Callbacks (by invitation) will be held on Thursday, June 11 at 7:00 pm.



Auditions will be held at Dundas Little Theatre (Garstin Centre for the Arts, 37 Market Street South, Dundas). Free parking is available for those who drive. If you’re coming from Hamilton, HSR buses 5/5E and 52 come to Dundas and stop within walking distance from the theatre.

Actors should come to auditions dressed comfortably and ready to move. Wear clothes that work for you if you end up rolling around on the floor! Auditions will include readings from the script, acting exercises and physical exercises.

Accents are not required for the auditions, but you’re welcome to give it a go if you want.

Peninsula Players Community Theatre Company

https://peninsulaplayersgrimsby.ca/

The Savannah Sipping Society

The box office opens: October 9, 2026

Show Dates:

November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2026 at 8:00 pm

November 8, 15, 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm

Box Office number: 905-309-6358

The Players' Guild of Hamilton

https://playersguild.org

A Grand Night for Singing

Music by Richard Rodgers and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Musical Arrangements by Fred Wells

Orchestration by Michael Gibson and Jonathan Tunick

Conceived by Walter Bobbie

Directed by David Dayler and Randy Coutts

Musical Direction by Brenda Uchimaru

June 4, 5, 11, 12, and 13, 2026 at 8pm

June 6, 7, and 13, 2026 at 2pm

Theatre Burlington

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

Auditions for How Could You, Mrs. Dick? 

by Douglas Rodger. directed by Matthew Willson, produced by Julie Donoahue

Based on a true Hamilton Story!

How Could You, Mrs. Dick? follows the rise and scrutiny of Evelyn Dick, a woman at the center of a sensationalized public scandal. As reporters attempt to uncover the truth, Evelyn becomes both subject and spectacle, her story unfolding through a series of interviews, recollections, and conflicting perspectives. Charismatic, complex, and fiercely self-possessed, she navigates the blurred line between truth and perception as those around her attempt to define her. At its core, the play explores the making of a public figure—and the cost of being at the center of it.

Open auditions: Wednesday June 24, Thursday June 25, Friday June 26 @ 7pm and Saturday June 27 @ 1pm.

*Auditioners are strongly encouraged to read the script prior to auditioning*

SHOW DATES: February 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 @ 7:30pm

February 14, 21, and 28 @ 2pm

Icemen

by Vern Thiessen, Directed by Tim Denis, Produced by Moe Dwyer

A wealthy businessman wakes up bound and gagged in a utility shed, kidnapped by his own employees—brothers and icemen Joe and Rennie. In the midst of the Great Depression, the brothers’ ice harvesting livelihood in Kempenfelt Bay is melting away due to the advent of refrigeration, only to further line the pockets of their employers. Desperate to claim what is rightfully theirs, these honest workers turned reluctant captors will stop at nothing to bring their greedy boss to a final reckoning. Icemen by Governor General’s Literary Award–winning playwright Vern Thiessen is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that exposes the human cost of capitalism and asks, when the wealthy exploit the working class, who are the real criminals?

SHOW DATES: September 25,26, October 2, 3, 9, 10, 8 pm.

September 26, October 3, October 10, 2 pm matinee

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:

Someone Like You by Christine Quintana

Best friends Isabelle and Kirsten have been ride-or-die besties since undergrad, particularly throughout Kirsten’s saga of bad relationship choices. But when Isabelle agrees to ghostwrite Kirsten’s dating-app messages to a promising new match, her role as supportive wingwoman gets complicated as she starts to fall for the handsome suitor herself. A brilliant millennial spin on Cyrano de Bergerac, Someone Like You serves up early-2000s rom-com charm while tackling fatphobia, racism, and desirability politics in today’s dating world. Witty, heartfelt, and achingly relatable, this play shines a spotlight on those too often relegated to the role of sidekick in tales of romance.

Black Boys by Stephen Jackman-Torkoff, Tawiah M’Carthy, Thomas Antony Olajide with Virgilia Griffith, and Jonathan Seinen

Black Boys uncovers the complex dynamics of the queer Black experience. Text, movement, and design portray the rhythm and vulnerability of three very different Black individuals who seek a deeper understanding of themselves, each other, and of how they encounter the world. As they explore their unique identities, their performances rigorously interrogate and playfully subvert the ways in which gender, sexuality, and race are read and performed.

Square Root of the Verb To Be by Wajdi Mouawad, translated by Linda Gaboriau

What could have been if your life had taken a different direction? In Square Root of the Verb to Be, Wajdi Mouawad imagines five possible destinies for his alter ego Talyani Waqar Malik and his family after fleeing Lebanon in 1978. Forty-two years after their exile, Talyani recounts their lives from the point of view of five parallel what-ifs in Rome, Houston, Montreal, Paris, and Beirut. This epic, uchronic story revisits Mouawad’s iconic characters and intertwines personal histories with global issues, offering a profound meditation on love, war, identity, and the paths not taken.

The Parallel Project edited by Argel Monte de Ramos & Jocelyn Tsui

The Parallel Project is a groundbreaking collection of monologues written by and for IBPOC and racialized artists. Emerging from an innovative writing initiative, it features original commissioned works designed to reflect under-represented voices and lived experiences. Presented as “monologue clusters” that artists can customize to fit their needs, these texts explore identity, community, queerness, grief, language, and more, offering an indispensable resource for auditions, classes, and performances.

Coming soon:

Raised by Women by Keith Barker

Raised by Women is a funny, moving tribute to the matriarchs who shaped Keith’s life—his mother, sisters, aunties, and friends—and the lessons they passed down to him. Through personal, poignant stories, Keith honours the women who raised him by using their guidance to repair his fractured relationship with his absent father. 

 + 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.

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, June 2026

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

30 June 2026

Deadline for submissions for the July newsletter.

7 to 8 August 2026

Minifest, Thistle Theatre, Embro

18 October 2026

WODL AGM, place TBA

21 to 23 May 2027

WODL Festival 2027, Woodstock

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.