Newsletter May 2025

• What the Prez Sez
• Festival 2025 Award Nominations
• Adjudications Update
• WODL Festival 2025 - Final Update!
• Minifest
• Workshops
• Community Theatre in the WODL Region
• What's Happening in the Waterloo-Wellington Region
• What's Happening in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford Region
• What's Happening in the Bruce-Grey-Huron Region
• What's Happening in the Halton-Hamilton-Niagara Region
• Off the Wall - August Courses
• Playwrights Canada Press
• RS25 Conference & Trade Show - 21 June 2025 - London, Ontario
• 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

It's May! At last!!!



I hope you are making plans to join us for all or part of the Festival 2025 in Leamington May 14-19. Break a leg to Elmira Theatre Company on Thursday May 15, Theatre Woodstock on Friday 16th, and The Bank Theatre on Saturday 17th.  

We're also offering 6 amazing learning opportunities for free. These take place at the Festival Hotel. There is a new Workshop daily, These will be on Thursday - Saturday. at 10:00 am.  Topics are lighting, acting and playwriting. Then at 1:00 pm Friday & Saturday and 9:30 am on Sunday, everyone is welcome to sit in on the Detailed Adjudications of the show the night before. Watch and learn as the Adjudicator and the cast and crew discuss the production.  

There will be open and free social times each evening after the show and lots of discussion and shenanigans back at the Festival hotel. And, finally, Sunday at 1:00 pm is the Awards Brunch. Winners will be announced there for both the 3 productions in-Festival and the out-of-Festival awards (See all the nominations elsewhere in this newsletter).  

It's so exciting to look forward to a full Festival after a 5-year absence. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.

I'm really looking forward to connecting with friends from all over the region. If we haven't met yet, let's say hello at this Festival.

See you in Leamington.

Sue

Pre-Festival Awards

Outstanding Performance by a Juvenile

• Priya Pickel - Marcy - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - St Marys Community Players
• Claire G. Gaumond - Aggie - The Game's Afoot - Peninsula Players
• Avary Arsenault - Anne - The Diary of Anne Frank - Elora Community Theatre
• Lucas Smith - Peter - The Diary of Anne Frank - Elora Community Theatre
• Savannah Burton - Samuel and The Apothecary - Romeo & Juliet: A Cyberpunk Story - Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre

Most Promising Newcomer

• Aslam Abdul Rahim - Balthazar - Romeo & Juliet: A Cyberpunk Story - Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre
• Brian Serafini - Mr. Dussel - The Diary of Anne Frank - Elora Community Theatre
• Priya Pickel - Marcy - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - St Marys Community Players
• Sierra Richardson -Nurse / Pinhead - The Elephant Man - Odesa Company & Elgin Theatre Guild
• Quentin McLeod - Prince - Romeo & Juliet: A Cyberpunk Story - Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre

Outstanding Cameo Performance  

• Pete Matthews - Radio Announcer) - Steel Magnolias - Theatre Tillsonburg
• Brett Hallick - Junior - Halfway There - Sun Parlour Players
• Trixie Walker - Peaches - The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia
• Becky Robinson - Leah, Homeless Person, Bar Patron - Prelude To A Kiss - Owen Sound Little Theatre
• Paul Pickard - Tom - Sylvia - Elgin Theatre Guild

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

• Holly McAdam - The Pirates Of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Debra Chantler - The Odd Couple - London Community Players
• Christel McLean, Karen Klein-Locke, Taffy Weir, Sylvie Weir, Lara Larmour - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• Lori Bruni, Lois Lemire, MaryEllen Maniaci, Bonnie Wallace - The Game's Afoot - Peninsula Players
• Gilberta Patrick - Rose's Dilemma - Cambridge Community Players

Outstanding Lighting Design and Execution

• Rachelle Lacroix - The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia
• John Moran - Dracula - Sun Parlour Players
• Bob Hulme - The Play That Goes Wrong - Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts
• Dale Albrecht, Sandy Lemaitre, David Beisel, Kathleen Cassidy, Bill Murphy - Prelude to a Kiss - Owen Sound Little Theatre
• Pete Dunbar, Mike Crabbe - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock

Outstanding Set Design and Execution

• Outstanding Set Design and Execution
• Sandra Bacon - The Game's Afoot - Peninsula Players
• Mike Lindsay - The Play That Goes Wrong - Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts
• Michael C. Hannigan - Timepiece -Theatre Burlington
• Sally Johnston - My Old Lady - Theatre Woodstock
• Paul Baert - The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia

Outstanding Sound Design and Execution

• Corey Robertson & Vee Papadimos - Dracula - Sun Parlour Players
• Alex Kanarek & Dennis Gray - The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare - Guelph Little Theatre
• Matt Fairthorne & Marque Smith - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - St Marys Community Players
• Chloé McGregor & Chuck Baxter - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• Katherine Albuquerque - Halfway There - Sun Parlour Players

Outstanding Production of a Canadian Play

• The Ladies Foursome - Thistle Theatre
• Halfway There - Sun Parlour Players
• Forever Love - Elmira Theatre Company
• Hamish - Binbrook Little Theatre
• Timepiece - Theatre Burlington

OUT OF FESTIVAL ACTING AWARDS

Outstanding Performance in a Major Role (1)

• Tim Dennis - Walter - Timepiece - Theatre Burlington
• Alex Peroff – Frederick - The Pirates of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Heather May - Sylvia - Sylvia - Elgin Theatre Guild
• Aaron Gorlick - Oscar - The Odd Couple - London Community Players
• Cole Hill - Emcee – Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock

Outstanding Performance in a Major Role (2)

• John Reid - Ralph - The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia
• Cathy Moore - Rose - Rose's Dilemma - Cambridge Community Players
• Dana Fobert - Sally Bowles - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• Janine Heaven - Doris - Timepiece - Theatre Burlington
• Jessica O'Connor - Truvy - Steel Magnolias - Theatre Tillsonburg

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role (1)

• Nikki Wiltac - Annelle - Steel Magnolias - Theatre Tillsonburg
• Michelle (Kreitzer) Salmon - Mrs Van Dann - The Diary of Anne Frank - Elora Community Theatre
• E.B. Michael Austin - Major General Stanley - The Pirates of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Charmaine Jacklin - Rose - The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia
• Robb Judd - Walsh - Rose's Dilemma - Cambridge Community Players

Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role (2)

• Lucas McHugh - Chip - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - St Marys Community Players
• Cassandra Watsham - Mercutio - Romeo & Juliet: A Cyberpunk Story - Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre
• Olivia Farquhar - Fraulein Kost - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• Shawn Chapman - Young Man-Opera Singer - The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia
• James Callaghan - Clifford - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock

SPECIAL ADJUDICATOR'S AWARDS

Effective Scene Transitions

• Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• The Diary Of Anne Frank - Elora Community Theatre
• The Pirates Of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Guelph Little Theatre
• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - St Marys Community Players

Best Coordinated Production / Stage Management

• Dallas Neufeld, Chloe McGregor, Adam Tanton - The Play That Goes Wrong - Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts
• Parth Vyas, Sam Stilson, Christena Jackson - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Guelph Little Theatre
• Jason Geberdt - The Pirates of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Shane Monaghan - The Diary of Anne Frank - Elora Community Theatre
• Michelle Spanik, Tricia Ward - Timepiece - Theatre Burlington

Best Comedy Timing in a Duo, Trio, or Quartet

• Rick Ringer & Paula Mercer - Rita's Mom and Dad - Prelude to a Kiss - Owen Sound Little Theatre
• Sue Garner, Colleen Zehr, Shannon Wijnker, Christina Shelly - The Ladies Foursome - Thistle Theatre
• Sarah Taylor & Makayla Ashenden - Pigeon Sisters - The Odd Couple - London Community Players
• Jack French, Brendan Linwood, Diem Morriswala - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Guelph Little Theatre
• Savannah Deluca, Isabelle Gerberdt, Paige Wade, Emily Cassidy - The Daughters - The Pirates of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild

Best Musical Direction 

• Chuck Baxter - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• Clayton Peters - The Pirates of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Marque Smith - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - St Marys Community Players

Best Prologue or Preset

• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Prologue - Guelph Little Theatre
• The Diary of Anne Frank - Intermission - Elora Community Theatre
• The Last Romance - Preset - Theatre Sarnia
• Dracula - Preset - Sun Parlour Players
• Prelude To A Kiss - Preset - Owen Sound Little Theatre

Excellence in Choreography or Stage Movement

• Graham Banville and Jesse Lorusso - Choreographers -The Pirates of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Lara Larmour - Choreographer - The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - St Marys Community Players
• Joey Larmour and Lara Larmour - Choreographers - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• John Hazelegar, and Doug Turvey - Directors - The Ladies Foursome - Thistle Theatre
• Steve Sherry - Director - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Guelph Little Theatre

Clever Choices in Staging

• Jonathan C. Dietrich - Friar Lawrence as an AI - Romeo & Juliet: A Cyberpunk Story - Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre
• Steve Sherry - Cast and Crew Teamwork - The Complete Works Of William Shakespeare - Guelph Little Theatre
• Mike Lindsay - Designer - The Elevator Effect - The Play That Goes Wrong - Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts
• Lorissa Sinasac, Sandra Blamires, Bridget Corbett, Lizz Heaslip - Props Crew - The Odd Couple - London Community Players
• Michael C. Hannigan, Neil Palmer, John Spanik, Mark Collis, Dave Hutton - Stage Design-Crew - Timepiece - Theatre Burlington

Most Memorable Moments

• Cathy Moore - The letter monologue - Rose's Dilemma - Cambridge Community Players
• William Brezden - Final Epilogue - The Diary of Anne Frank - Elora Community Theatre
• Desmond Nanassy & Heather May - The in heat sequence - Sylvia - Elgin Theatre Guild, St. Thomas
• Opening sequence Welcome - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• The tree - The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia

OUT-OF-FESTIVAL AWARDS

Outstanding Director

• Maureen Dwyer - Timepiece - Theatre Burlington
• Jane Janes - The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia
• Francesca Brugnano - The Game's Afoot - Peninsula Players
• Joey Larmour - Cabaret, Theatre Woodstock
• Christine Mensher - The Pirates of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild

Outstanding Ensemble 

• Cast - The Pirates of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• Cast - The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - Guelph Little Theatre
• Cast - Steel Magnolias - Theatre Tillsonburg
• Cast - Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• Cast - Romeo & Juliet: A Cyberpunk Story - Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre

Outstanding Visual Production

• The Diary of Anne Frank - Elora Community Theatre
• The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia
• Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• Dracula - Sun Parlour Players, Leamington
• The Game's Afoot - Peninsula Players, Grimsby

Outstanding Production Out-of-Festival

• The Last Romance - Theatre Sarnia
• Cabaret - Theatre Woodstock
• The Pirates of Penzance - Kincardine Theatre Guild
• The Complete Works of William SHAKESPEARE - Guelph Little Theatre
• The Game's Afoot - Peninsula Players

By Ken Menzies, WODL Adjudications Chair, adjudications@wodl.on.ca

Most people reading this already know the big news, Trevor, the traveling adjudicator, has announced at Leamington on April 13 at the general meeting his picks for nominations for awards.

In the first week of April, I attended two plays followed by two of Trevor’s adjudications. The experience is easy to sum up. Both Cambridge Community players’ performance of Rose’s Dilemma by Neil Simon is great as was Guelph’s production of The complete works of Shakespeare (Abridged) (revised) (again)- an hour-and-a-half humorous refresher guide to Shakespeare. Both good productions were followed by good adjudications.

By Corey Robertson, 2025 WODL Festival Chair, corey@wodl.on.ca

The countdown is on for the WODL Festival 2025, happening May 14–18 in beautiful Leamington, Ontario! As we approach the big week, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Festival experience.

🎟️ Tickets & Festival Pack – Selling Fast!

Limited tickets remain for the three adjudicated performances at The Bank Theatre. For the best value and full experience, grab the Festival Pack—it includes:

• Access to all three adjudicated shows
• Your exclusive invitation to the Opening Reception

Secure your tickets now at www.banktheatre.com.

🏨 Accommodations – New Rooms Available!

A new block of rooms has been released at the Best Western Plus Leamington Hotel & Conference Centre, our Festival headquarters. Rooms are limited and filling quickly—book now to ensure you’re close to all the action. 

🎭 Workshop Update 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Martha Burns will no longer be able to join us. We extend our gratitude for her support and hope to welcome her at a future event.

Stepping in to lead the acting workshop is the talented Trevor Smith-Diggins, a dynamic performer and instructor who brings a wealth of experience and energy. We’re thrilled to have him on board!

In addition to the acting workshop, we’re excited to offer sessions in playwriting and lighting design. These workshops are designed to enrich your Festival experience and provide valuable learning opportunities.

🏆 Gala Awards Brunch 

Join us on Sunday, May 18, for the Gala Awards Brunch, where we’ll celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of our community theatre groups. Enjoy a delicious meal as we recognize outstanding achievements and bring the Festival to a memorable close.

• Once you purchase ticket(s), please send your table requests for your group with names to: renata@wodl.on.ca

• The table numbers are limited with groups 10, 8 and 6. It is on a first come base.

• Cut off date to purchase Gala tickets is May 11th. Capacity is 200 and tickets are going quickly. 

• Our bar at the Gala Brunch is CASH ONLY. There is an ATM in hotel. 

🌟 Explore Leamington 

While you’re here, take some time to explore Leamington! Known as the Tomato Capital of Canada, Leamington offers stunning waterfront views, fantastic local dining, and a welcoming community. Whether you’re strolling along the shores of Lake Erie, visiting Point Pelee National Park, or enjoying a bite at one of our great restaurants, we hope you take in all that our host town has to offer.

See you at the Festival!

For tickets, hotel bookings, and more information, visit www.banktheatre.com.

By Shirley Marshall, WODL 1st Vice President, shirleym@wodl.on.ca

Has your group signed up for Minifest yet?!?! It's time!!!

Do you know someone who has been wanting a chance to direct, but isn't really sure if they will like it or if they are ready? Or maybe you know a director with some experience who wants to try something different… maybe with some new actors. Or maybe you just want something fun to do this summer!!

Minifest is the answer! Binbrook Little Theatre would like to welcome you to Minifest 2025 - Binbrook on the Rocks - "Drink the Theatre Juice!" on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26. 6 lucky groups will perform Scoundrels in Kelowna by Gordon Walker. After each performance, workshop leader, Joe Sheik, will help us explore the show we just saw and maybe learn some new skills. Saturday night will feature a fun "awards" banquet.

Please see our website for all the details www.binbrooktheatre.ca/minifest. You can find a video explaining how Minifest works, information about registering your group as a participant, hotel information, and how to get your tickets. It's going to be a great time to hang out with your fellow theatre-folk.

Sign up your group soon! Deadline is June 1.

By Laurel Gillespie, WODL Workshops Chair, laurel@wodl.on.ca

Don’t forget to check out the workshops being offered at the WODL Festival in Leamington on May 15, 16 and 17, 2025, banktheatre.com/wodl-2025.

Just a reminder that WODL can provide financial assistance if your member theatre wishes to hold a workshop. There are some very interesting workshops out there that provide theatre arts education in theatre intimacy, theatre fighting, and disability arts, just to name a few. Check out our website for how to apply. 

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 June 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

Harvest by Ken Cameron, directed by Sarah Scott runs April 30 – May 4, 2025.

Cambridge Community Players

ABBA Afternoon Fundraiser will be held May 25, 2025, at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $25.00.

Elmira Theatre Company

Marion Bridge by Daniel MacIvor, directed by Robin Bennett runs April 25-May 4, 2025.

Forever Love by Michael Grant on May 9, 2025, at St. James Church in Elmira 7:30 pm. Free.

Forever Love by Michael Grant opens WODL Festival on Thursday May 15, 2025, in Leamington.

Elora Community Theatre

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, adapted by Ashely J. Barnard, directed by Deb Stanson runs May 2-4 & May 9-1, 2025.

The Nutcracker auditions are being held May 2, 2025, from 6-8:30 p, for both acting and dancing. Callbacks will be May 9, 2025.

Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre

Just Friends, Written and directed by Faith Andrew will run May 2-18, 2025.

Penny and Pound Theatre Productions

Curiouser A New Musical About the Mind Behind Wonderland Music and Lyrics by Lori Robinson Distel, Book and Concept by Piper J. Distel runs May 22-25, 2025, at Guelph Little Theatre.

Theatre Wellesley

Blood Relations by Sharon Pollock, directed by Mary Beth Jantzi runs April 24-27, May 1-4 Upstairs at the Wellesley Library.

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

Theatre Tillsonburg:

Habit of Murder by Joanne Miller, Directed by Joe Sheik, is selling out fast. Get your tickets for the final show of this season which opens May 29 - June 1 and June 5-8, 2025.

Theatre Woodstock:

Stages Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids directed by Ben Shalley, choreographed by Carleigh McDonald, music direction by Beau Stasiuk and Romeo and Juliet by Nancy Lineman Charles, directed by Pam Morris runs May 2-4, 2025.

The SpongeBob Musical, based on the series by Stephen Hillenbury, book by Kyle Jarrow, music production conceived by Tina Landau, directed by Sydney Brockway, music direction by Chuck Baxter, choreography by Bailey Thibodeau, closes the Stages season on May 22-31, 2025.

By Deb Deckert, WODL Area VP Bruce-Grey Huron, debbie@wodl.on.ca

At the WODL announcement day on April 13 the following two groups were recognized in various categories by adjudicator Trevor Smith Diggins. Congratulations to the cast and crew of:

• Kincardine’s The Pirates of Penzance with 11 nominations
• Owen Sound’s Prelude to A Kiss with 4 nominations

See the WODL website for details about these nominations and for information about the Festival and Awards brunch in Leamington, May 14-18. 

Goderich Little Theatre

The Play That Goes Wrong, June 4-8, 12-15

Auditions for The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be held June17-18, 22, 24-25. Show goes up October-November.

https://www.thelivery.ca

Hanover Community Players

Bare Bear Bones, closing weekend May 1-4.

Auditions for the November-December show School of Rock are May 25 (actors), May 26 (musicians), May 27 (actors). Minimum age is 8. See audition form on the website to sign up.

http://hanovercommunityplayers.ca

Kincardine Theatre Guild

Finding Nemo Jr., closing weekend May 2-4.

http://www.kincardinetheatreguild.com

Owen Sound Little Theatre



Roxy Young Company presents Alice in Wonderland Jr., April 26 (two shows) and May 2 and 3.

Auditions for the November show, Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, will be held May 7, 10-11 with callbacks November 14. Check the website for more information and sign up.

Seven Stories, June 12-15, 18-21

http://www.roxytheatre.ca

Binbrook Little Theatre

https://binbrooktheatre.ca

Upcoming productions

Buying the Moose

by Michael G. Wilmot, directed by Lisa Cook, Apr 25 – May 10 2025

MINIFEST IS BACK

After 10 years MiniFest is returning to Binbrook July 25 – 26

Details to be announced soon.

Dundas Little Theatre

https://dundaslittletheatre.com/

Upcoming productions:

Things I Know to be True

By Andrew Bovell, April 25 – May 11

Peninsula Players Community Theatre Company

https://peninsulaplayersgrimsby.ca

Upcoming productions:

Stay tuned for for the next production.

The Players’ Guild of Hamilton, Inc.

https://playersguild.org

Upcoming productions:

The Savannah Sipping Society

Written by Jones Hope Wooten, directed by David Dayler 

May 30, 31, June 5, 6, 12, 13, and 14, 2025 at 8pm

June 1, 7, 8, and 14, 2025 at 2pm

Theatre Burlington

https://www.theatreburlington.on.ca

Upcoming productions:

PLAY TIME 2 – A short play festival

Come and enjoy short plays (approximately 10 minutes each), written, directed and acted by local playwrights, directors and actors. The topics of the plays run the gamut from humour to drama, and maybe, even a little farce.

Friday, June 13, 2025 @ 7:00 PM

Saturday, June 14, 2025 @ 2:00 PM (Matinée show)

Saturday, June 14, 2025 @ 7:00 PM 

Friday, June 20, 2025 @ 7:00 PM

Saturday, June 21, 2025 @ 2:00 PM (Matinée show)

Saturday, June 21, 2025 @ 7:00 PM

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:  

Eraser by Bilal Baig and Sadie Epstein-Fine with Christol Bryan, Marina Gomes, Yousef Kadoura, Tijiki Morris, Anthony Perpuse, and Nathan Redburn, Illustrated by Cleopatria Peterson

An immersive experience, Eraser delves into the memories and fantasies of a classroom of students as they figure out who they want to be. Six students guide readers through their different journeys, taking them along to the cafeteria, change rooms, and playground, to the places where they feel safest and the most brave, vulnerable, and afraid. Finding a balance between tough realities and honest fantasies, Eraser is an energetic and sentimental look at what it’s like to navigate differences and connections as a kid.

The Extractionist by Michaela Jeffery

A young woman is missing. The prime suspect is an affluent member of the secretive Luminia organization. Enter Asha Ray, a deprogrammer who specializes in extracting people from dangerous cults. With no business card or office, Asha is known only by reputation—a last resort for desperate loved ones willing to work outside the law. Teaming up with retired detective Reuben Medina, she descends into a treacherous world of hidden motives and elite corruption. In this razor-sharp, neon-noir thriller, Asha and Reuben must work to outsmart a powerful predator and uncover the truth before time runs out.

The First Stone by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard

Can something torn apart by war be put together again? The First Stone is an epic-yet-intimate parable that explores the transformation of ancestral cycles of violence into healing and forgiveness. In a small village, two children are captured by an army and forced to commit unspeakable atrocities while their family longs for their return. Modelled after the civil conflicts in Uganda, this insightful drama follows the arduous plight of child abductees, the communities from which they are stolen, the determination to bring them home, and the hard road to reconciliation that follows.

ICEMEN by Vern Thiessen

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?

Coming soon:

Rise, Red River by Tara Beagan

A woman searches a dry riverbed with a makeshift plough, hoping to uncover stories amid a desolate, fire-ravaged landscape. Accompanied by an ancestor, she seeks secrets long hidden beneath the soil. Inspired by the organization Drag the Red, which searches for evidence of missing Indigenous women, girls, and 2 Spirit people in the Red River of Treaty One Territory, this ethereal drama honours those who persist through sorrow. Told in Anishinaabemowin, English, and French, Tara Beagan's play links the treatment of Indigenous peoples with environmental abuse. Fluid and majestic, Rise, Red River is an invocation, revelation, and call to action.

 + 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 RS25 Conference & Trade Show is coming to The Grand Theatre in London, ON, on Saturday, June 21 — and it’s designed for everyone working behind the scenes. From sound and lighting to video production, this full-day event is packed with hands-on seminars, live demos, and a trade show featuring top manufacturers like ETC, Allen & Heath, Chauvet, Digico, Audio-Technica, Panasonic, and Meyer Sound.

If you’re part of the tech team at your theatre, or involved in school productions, RS25 is a chance to build your skills, get your hands on some new gear, and connect with others in the field. General admission tickets are $60, $40 for students, with a 10% discount for groups of 5 or more. Lunch and snacks are included. Don’t forget the giveaways and prizes!

Seminars Tailored for Theatre

Learn practical skills in lighting control, creating mood with colour and gobos, stage monitor and in-ear setups, and choosing between video projection and LED walls — all focused on real-world production needs.

Hands-On “Sandbox” Exhibits

Try out gear in live mixing setups, compare microphones, test lighting control boards, and explore video tools in an interactive environment.

Meet the Brands

Connect with industry leaders like Digico, JBL, Audio-Technica, Meyer Sound, Panasonic, ETC, Chauvet, PTZOptics, Ultratec Effects, and more at the Trade Show.

Tickets:

Includes full-day access, your choice of 12 seminars, lunch, and snacks.

• $60 Regular
• $40 Student
• 10% off for groups of 5 or more

Don’t miss this one-day opportunity to sharpen your skills, test new tech, and connect with others working in live theatre and events.

Register now at www.resourcestage.ca

For drama crews, tech teams, and anyone behind the scenes — RS25 is the next step.

_________

Contact Samadhi Perera at samadhi@horizonsolutions.net or 519-453-3368  if you have any questions.

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, May2025

Canadian history plays

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

Victoria Day Long Weekend, 15 - 18 May 2025

WODL Festival 2025, Leamington.

Victoria Day Long Weekend, Sunday 18 May 2025

Awards brunch, Leamington.

31 May 2025

Deadline for submissions for the June newsletter.

25 July & 26 July 2025

Minifest, Binbrook

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.