Newsletter May 2026

• What the Prez Sez
• Festival 2026
• Updated Nominations List
• Adjudications - Reflections from the Adjudications Chair
• MiniFest Update
• List of Workshop Leaders
• Festival Workshops
• Theatre Kent is turning 50 in 2028
• 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
• What's Happening in the Essex-Kent-Lambton  Region
• Off the Wall - Upcoming Workshops
• Playwrights Canada Press
• Make Your Next Production Shine
• 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

This Year... and Next Year

Festival 2026 in Hanover:  As I write this we are two weeks away from opening night of Festival 2026. Best wishes to Kincardine, Woodstock and Goderich companies as they perform the magical feat of moving a show in and being ready to perform in just 10 hours. Can't wait to see our 3 shows, listen in on the morning Detailed Adjudications of the night before, and attend some workshops. Plus ... social time, and of course, the Awards Gala Brunch on Sunday May 19. Huge thanks to Hanover Community Players who are working tirelessly to get everything ready for us. See you there... if it's your first time, be sure to visit the late night room at the hotel for a dose of WODL friendliness.

• Festival 2027 in Woodstock:  Right now most member groups are making plans for their 2026-27 seasons. As you plan, please consider choosing to have one of your plays entered as "in-Festival' next year.

• Your play would be adjudicated locally anytime between September and the first week in April.

• If we have more than 3 entries for "In-Festival", the Travelling Adjudicator will select the best 3 to perform in Woodstock. The 3 companies will be announced no later than mid-April.



• So... consult with your directors, ands their stage managers, set design and build team, and lighting hang people to see if they are up for the challenge. One day to set up, perform and tear down. Insanity and pride all in one day ! Tech details about the Woodstock stage will be available early fall. 

I very much look forward to connecting with lots of our WODL family during our time in Hanover.

Cheers,

Sue Garner

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

Mark your calendar for May 14–17, 2026, when Festival 2026 will be Hanover, Ontario! Four days of outstanding community theatre—wrapped in a Fabulous Fifties aesthetic.

• Three performing groups bring a varied slate of plays to the stage:

• Thursday May 14^th - Kincardine Theatre Guild Inc. — Taking Care of the Browns
• Friday May 15^th Theatre Woodstock — Little Women
• Saturday May 16^th Goderich Little Theatre — Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks

• Tickets are on sale now at wodlfestival.ca. You can purchase tickets to one show, or buy a festival pass

• Gala & Awards: Join us on May 17 for the gala announcing this year’s award recipients.

• More than performances: Adjudications and workshops round out the festivities, offering insights, feedback, and learning for participants and theatre-lovers alike.

Whether you’re coming for the shows, the sparkle of the 1950s theme, or the chance to learn and connect with fellow theatre fans, Festival 2026 promises a memorable long weekend in Hanover. See you May 14–17!



More details can be found on the website at wodlfestival.ca or by following us on Instagram @festivalwodl

For a printable list of these 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

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

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

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

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

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 – 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

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) – Theatre Woodstock
• Urinetown: The Musical – Quinton Esquega (design), Doug Deschenes (operator) – London Community Players

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

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

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

The Audrey Vale Memorial Award

Outstanding Performance in a Major Role

Sponsor: Cambridge Community Players

• Mary Grace Weir - 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

The Theatre Sarnia Memorial Award

Outstanding Performance in a Major Role

• Mary Grace Weir - 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preshow and Intermission Musical Selections 

Sponsor: Owen Sound Little Theatre 

• Vanni Azzano – Hilda’s Yard – St. Marys Community Theatre
• Michele Di Tomasso– Making God Laugh – Ayr Community Theatre
• 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

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
• Stephanie Grant as Ensemble - Chess: A Musical – In Concert – Simcoe Little Theatre
• Kendra Newton, Lily Martin and Milo Petrie as the Three Pigs and Milky White – Into The Woods – Kincardine Theatre Guild

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

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

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

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

The past six months in this role have passed remarkably quickly. As I reflect on this period as Adjudications Chair, one word rises to the forefront: resilience. Theatre is timeless, a living, breathing art form and that truth was brought into sharp focus while watching Hamnet. In a particularly moving moment, as Hamnet takes his final breath, he reaches out toward the audience. It was a powerful reminder of our own Festival, and of the many productions that reached out, in their own unique ways, to connect with every person in the theatre.

It underscored what sustains us: resilience—the capacity to adapt, persevere, and continue creating in the face of challenges. That spirit defines theatre, and it defines our community.

Overseeing the adjudication process within WODL is both time-sensitive and highly collaborative. I extend sincere thanks to our theatre groups, Area Vice Presidents, and volunteers whose support has made this work not only manageable but deeply rewarding. Acting as liaison between adjudicator and participating companies requires ongoing coordination, and it is the collective commitment of this community that ensures its success.

This season, our adjudicator and our audiences experienced an impressive range of productions, from musicals and comedies to deeply moving dramas. While the awards ceremony recognizes specific achievements, the true highlight of the year was the level of artistic risk-taking demonstrated across the region. That willingness to explore, challenge, and innovate is what continues to elevate our work.

In total, twenty-three adjudications were conducted this season. The process began in September with one adjudication, followed by nine in the fall and thirteen in the winter. Additionally, nineteen plays are scheduled out-of-Festival, three will be presented in Festival, and one production was scheduled as adjudication-only in March 2026.

Upcoming Adjudicators

• 2026/27 Traveling Adjudicator: Alexander Galant
• 2027 Festival Adjudicator: Bea Quarrie

Looking Ahead

Adjudication is not only about evaluating where we are, it is about shaping where we are going. As we move into the next season, our focus will be on expanding and strengthening the adjudicator pool, while creating meaningful pathways for those interested in this vital aspect of theatre.

Several initiatives are currently under consideration:

• Adjudicator Pool Development: A restructuring process is underway, including the potential introduction of a mentorship model. Experienced adjudicators would take on leadership roles and encourage participation in professional development opportunities, similar to programs offered by Theatre Ontario.

• Shadowing and Junior Adjudicator Programs: WODL is exploring opportunities for emerging adjudicators to gain hands-on experience. A shadowing model would allow participants to observe and practice alongside experienced adjudicators, while junior roles could provide structured, supported entry into adjudication responsibilities.

• Enhanced Guidelines and Communication: Clear and accessible adjudication guidelines are essential. We are considering more direct engagement with production teams to ensure expectations, timelines, and processes are fully understood. These guidelines are not simply procedural,they are tools for success.

We encourage all members of our theatre community to share their ideas and feedback. Your perspective is essential as we continue to refine and strengthen our adjudication process. We are fortunate to work alongside such a talented, passionate, and dedicated group of theatre-makers.

As we approach Festival season, we do so with gratitude, pride, and anticipation. The curtain may fall on this chapter, but the story continues and together, we look forward to another remarkable year of creating, collaborating, and sharing theatre.

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

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 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

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/

Elmira Theatre Company

Slain at the Speakeasy by Kari Williamson & Nate Schierman is a Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre held May 22 & 23 at the Elmira Legion.

Auditions for Calendar Girls by Tim Firth, directed by Kimberley Young and Joe Brenner will be held May 24, 26 at 7:00 pm with callbacks if required on May 31 at 7:00 pm at St. James Lutheran Church.

Next year’s playbill includes Calendar Girls by Tim Firth directed by Kimberley Young and Joe Brenner runs November 12-22, 2026; Shorthanded: A Ladies Game by Michael Grant, directed by Heather Nutt with Michael Grant runs February 11-21, 2027 ; Four Old Broads by Leslie Kimbell, directed by Cathy Moore runs April 22-May 2, 2027.

https://elmiratheatre.com/

Elora Community Theatre

The Three Musketeers adapted by Catherine Bush from the novel by Alexandre Dumas, directed by Catherine Johnston runs May 1-10, 2026.

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.

Next year’s playbill includes Operation North Pole by Cory Sanders Directed by Cory Sanders & Catherine Johnston; Bluebirds by Vern Thiessen, directed by Julie Wheeler Bryant; Anne by Paul Ledoux Adapted from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, directed by Deb Stanson.

https://www.eloracommunitytheatre.org

Guelph Little Theatre

Ward One Acts Festival will be held July 2-5, 2026. The plays include Friendly Ghosts by Laura Finaln directed by Emma Riley; I Hate Charlie Tan by Dennis Gray, directed by Alex Bayliss; Set in Stone by Guy Newsham, directed by Julie Docherty; Broken by Marion Reidel, directed by Ruza Maklenov.

https://www.guelphlittletheatre.com/

Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre

KWLT’s New Works Collective is holding a two-weekend festival this August showcasing new plays by local writers. The scripts and directors have been selected, and the next step is finding actors. Auditions will be held May 17-19 at the 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.

https://kwlt.org

Theatre Wellesley

The Gentleman Clothier by Norm Foster, directed by Al Cook runs April 23-May 6, 2026.

Production Team 101 Workshop with Joe Sheik to be held May 23, 2026, from 10:00 am -1:00 pm $25.00. Register by May 20, 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 Jersey

for WODL MiniFest 2026

By Brad Fortman, directed by Mark Rogers

Tuesday, May 12 & Wednesday, May 13 at 7pm

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

Required: 2 adult females, 5 adult males – any age

Synopsis: Ben is a very anxious engaged man who finds out his fiancée had many partners before him… maybe enough for a team! Imagine his anxiety when imaginary ex-boyfriends start appearing at the most inconvenient times.

There will be one additional performance before the MiniFest event, to showcase Jersey for our Binbrook fans.

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/

Late Company

By Jordan Tannahill

A gripping, acclaimed drama by a Canadian playwright who wrote it at the age of 23. It takes place at a dinner in which two sets of parents try to come to terms with a case of bullying that led to a tragic outcome for one of their sons. Time Out (London, England) called it “Harrowingly powerful … a superb play, which deals compassionately yet unflinchingly with grief’s desperate search for an answer to the question: Why?”



April 24 – May 10, 2026

Peninsula Players Community Theatre Company

https://peninsulaplayersgrimsby.ca/

Auditions For The Savannah Sipping Society

Requires 4 women

June 3 & 4 at 7pm

100 Main Street West, Grimsby

Memory Hall

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

May 29, 30, June 4, 5, 11, 12, and 13, 2026 at 8pm

May 31, June 6, 7, and 13, 2026 at 2pm

Theatre Burlington

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

Auditions for Icemen

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

The Drama Centre, Central Park, 2311 New St, Burlington ON (Teen Tour Way)

(enter through Stage Door at back by library)

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?

Open Auditions: Monday June 1 and Tuesday June 2, 2026, 6 – 9 pm

** Come prepared for a cold reading from Icemen

CAST: Ages 25+

JOE – the main character who is a farmer

RENNIE – Joe’s younger sibling, a farmer as well

FRANKLIN (F.F.) – A wealthy businessman and contemporary of Joe’s who employs Joe and Rennie

*Theatre Burlington is committed to promoting diversity in all aspects of our organization. We encourage actors of all ages, ethnicities, genders, and sexual identity to audition.

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

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Kainchee Lagaa & Jhooti: The Begging Brown Bitch Plays by Zaiba Baig

In these explosive, fourth-wall-shattering plays, Zaiba Baig fearlessly dismantles the white saviour complex with two subversive tales told by unreliable narrators. In Kainchee Lagaa, estranged siblings tangled in trauma and blurred memories collide in a fateful reunion, while Jhooti follows a trans woman on the run who spirals into a dangerous web of destruction. Toying with the audience at every turn, this double bill plunges into the multidimensional depths of Brown trans women in an essential theatrical intervention leaving no one unscathed.

Hurricane Mona by Pippa Mackie

After a topless protest at the Global Climate March, radical eco-activist Mona is sentenced to a year of house arrest with her coffee-pod-loving parents and fed-up younger sibling. But as Mona’s relentless eco-crusade takes over the entire household, her family is swept into a hilarious and chaotic cyclone of hypocrisy, guilt, and anxiety. How can they survive an ecological collapse if they can’t even survive each other? Hurricane Mona is an outrageous comedy about generational conflict amidst an impending climate disaster. Complete with a giant talking frog, a mushroom trip, and some hairy activism, this rallying cry delivers big laughs and even bigger questions about the messes we leave behind.

Salesman in China by Leanna Brodie & Jovanni Sy

In 1983, the great actor Ying Ruocheng invites Arthur Miller to Beijing to direct his masterpiece Death of a Salesman in Mandarin, a language Miller does not speak. In the wake of the Cultural Revolution and decades of rejecting the West, how can Chinese artists and audiences possibly connect to this classic examination of the American Dream? The internationally acclaimed new play Salesman in China explores the fascinating true story of a monumental collaboration between two geniuses. It speaks to us about the chasms of history and culture, and the power of hope and art.

Coming soon:

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.

 + see what else is coming soon!

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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, April 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

14 to 17 May 2026

WODL Festival 2026, Hanover

31 May 2026

Deadline for submissions for the June 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.