Western Ontario Drama League |
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- Update from the President of WODL
- WODL Workshop Program
- Update on COVID Precautions for Theatres
- Update on Dinner in the Theatre
- Community Theatre in the WODL Region
- News from the Waterloo-Wellington Region
- Hanover Community Players Monthly Raffle
- Paris Performers' Theatre
- Remembering Jackie Kirkman
- Off the Wall - Fall 2021 Weekend Workshops
- New Plays from the Playwrights Canada Press
- Playwrights Guild of Canada - Canadian Play Outlet
- If you are producing Canadian Plays this Season - Check This Out
- Is your WODL Membership Information Up-to-date?
- Dates for your Diary
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Update from the President of WODL |
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The finale of The Wars at The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario in November 2018.
The Wars is a powerful play that reminded me of the sacrifices made by so many to ensure our way of life. Thank you.
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“Theatre is tenacious and has survived volcanoes, dictators, wars and plagues. It survives because people need to gather to hear and tell stories, to be seen and to belong.”
… Welcome Back note in the Lion King program on Broadway re-opening on September 14, 2021
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WODL General Meeting – Sunday, October 18, 2021 - Highlights
Thank you to all who were able to attend our General Meeting via Zoom. It was great to see everyone virtually. Highlights from the meeting include:
What could Festival 2023 look like? (general discussion)
- Fewer plays, presented as the former Theatre Ontario Festival model. Performances could start on Wednesday or Thursday and continue through Saturday evening with an awards brunch on Sunday.
- Consider moving the WODL Festival to the long May weekend which used to be the Theatre Ontario Festival timeslot. If an Ontario Theatre Festival is established in the future, then the WODL Festival timing could be reconsidered then.
- Many expressed concern that an awards gala presenting awards from the travelling adjudication would not give us the opportunity to collaborate – a hallmark of the WODL community.
- A Festival weekend based on the Minifest format – an one act play presented by 4 to 6 groups followed by an awards gala and WODL general meeting.
- What about a hybrid format? Some entries could be streamed, others presented in person. Challenges include availability of streaming/filming rights, technical resources (equipment, internet connectivity, skills) might not be available and whether any group will be able to commit to their entry travelling.
- Financial viability for the Festival, the host group and WODL is essential. Challenges include availability of sponsorship money, whether groups and/or individuals can afford to participate.
Brandon Moore was once again our guest speaker. Brandon was formerly Community Theatre and Communications Manager at Theatre Ontario and has served for over fifteen years as a member of the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development's Advisory Committee for Live Performance. Brandon provided an update on the work of this committee on developing occupational health and safety guidelines for live performance and answered questions. Look for Brandon’s article in the newsletter.
Tricia Ward keeps us all informed through the WODL newsletter and WODL social media. Mary Jane Walzak, Webmaster, continues to keep the new WODL website up to date. Please send updates to communications@wodl.on.ca.
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If you would like a copy of the draft minutes of this meeting, please contact the WODL Secretary at secretary@wodl.on.ca.
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What’s Next For WODL
WODL in 2022-2023
The board is continung our discussion of what 2022-2023 could bring for WODL. We are planning travelling adjudications and considering options for Festival 2023.
We are all learning as we plan for and re-open our theatres – about our audiences, COVID related processes, etc. In addition to the information from the October general meeting, we are interested in hearing from you about what Festival 2023 could look like. Considerations include potential hosts, financial considerations for both participating. and host, groups, etc. Your area VPs will also be gathering information.
The contact information for the area VPs is:
WODL General Meeting – Save the Date
Our next General Meeting is on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 11:00 am via Zoom.
Watch for information and minutes from the October 2021 General Meeting from our secretary, Pam Niesiobedzki-Curtis.
Highlights include:
- Terri Graham will present updates on her team’s program for supporting WODL members as they reopen
- Brandon Moore will be our guest and provide further updates from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development's Advisory Committee for Live Performance.
- An opportunity for attendees to ask and answer questions.
I look forward to seeing you in October.
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We had a wonderful 2 weekends with Jeremy Cox and David Court from Off the Wall as we discussed setting the scene and taking it from the design stage to reality.
Great discussions regarding the importance of lighting and lines, theatre budgets, materials to use for different effects and more.
People shared their trials and aha moments in making a set to come to life.
Much thanks to Peggy Coffey and Michelle Boniface from Off the Wall for helping to set up these two great workshops!! Please watch for more upcoming workshops soon.
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Update on COVID Precautions for Theatres |
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The introduction of proof of vaccination means that theatres are now allowed to open to 100% capacity, with all physical distancing requirements removed (with the exception of line-ups where physical distancing is still required—presumably because this takes place BEFORE audience members have had their vaccination status verified.)
This creates a difficult question for theatres juggling potential capacity questions. As I’ve encouraged before, think about your audience. Nanos Research just released a survey conducted for Business for the Arts at the end of August 2021 (when vaccinations were widely available, but prior to mandatory proofs), questioning of audience members about desired precautions. Among those who planned to attend immediately upon reopening:
- 50.7% wanted proof of vaccination
- 38.8% wanted masks
- 22.1% wanted physical distancing
Theatres need to remember the requirements that remain in place: masks and face coverings, maintaining two meters between performers and spectators, cleaning and disinfecting as necessary to maintain a sanitary condition (washrooms and payment devices handled by patrons), and having a written safety plan.
That document provides information about how to use the Verify Ontario app. Theatres need to be able to use this app to verify audience members’ vaccination status. Since our discussion at the October WODL General Meeting, I have heard some debate about whether or not use of the app by theatres is actually mandatory—at the meeting, there was some legitimate concern that not all community theatres would have the tools to scan QR codes. Audience members always have the right to present their vaccination status via the document with the QR code, however theatres may not in fact have to scan the app with a device: a visual review of the proof of vaccination and identification may be sufficient. I am trying to get more information about that.
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Update on Dinner in the Theatre |
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As spaces have opened up in post COVID world we are finally able to open at full capacity for theatre, dinner, or both in the same facility as long as the adherence to checking for full vaccinations is met. For those of us that have had performances so far, I sincerely hope that your experience has been as wonderful. Theatre goers are an extraordinary group of people that have no issue showing their information to be able to go and see live theatre again. They have been waiting just as long to see it as we have been to produce it and are so very excited for air hugs and standing ovations once again!!
There is still a lot of paperwork to be done, even more so now with checking for passports and getting contact tracing information that the shift is going from fear to determination to ensure we are getting all of the information needed to satisfy the requirements of government. If you're a group that usually does NOT rely on a computer system to track your sales of seats then you may want to consider this option. Almost all ticket selling systems, like Eventbrite, have options for capturing the information we also need for contact tracing ie name, phone number etc and export it into a handy dandy little Excel spreadsheet ready to be printed out, and added to, for door sales. You can further track dinner tickets and then add patrons who were not the buyer (for multiple ticket purchases) within that sheet. Depending on the event, contact tracing requirements only need the ticket buyer's information, then that person is responsible for their party, but having the Excel spreadsheet ready you can easily add all persons names to the list if you require it.
Requirements for dinners are fairly simple. Masks have to be worn to the table from outside and whenever you are up and moving to the washroom etc. They can be removed at the table once drinks are on the table. Wait staff are required to be masked at all times that they are working as they are constantly moving. All patrons must be fully vaccinated. Staff requirements for vaccination are up to the venue/owner or your contract with the venue. If you're renting space your contract binds you to the venues policies and must be adhered to.
Don't forget to have the passive screening check at the door! This is a requirement for all venues so you don't have to physically ask every person entering all of the COVID questions that we can probably now recite by heart.
Have a wonderful theatre season everyone!! May you all be safe and so much happier with the ghost lights off!!
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Community Theatre in the WODL Region |
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Several WODL member groups are keeping active during this time. A good place to find out about these activities is on 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 November newsletter, please send the information to communications@wodl.on.ca.
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News from the Waterloo-Wellington Region |
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Live theatre is back in the Waterloo Wellington Region. Check out these offerings for the month of November.
Cambridge Community Players
Elmira Theatre Company
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, directed by Joe Brenner runs November 5 to 20, 2021. Tickets are on sale through the ETC website www.elmiratheatre.com
Guelph Little Theatre
Swordfish by Tom Reidel and directed by Tom Reidel and Cathy Goudie runs from November 4 to 21, 2021. Tickets can be purchased through the GLT website www.guelphlittletheatre.com
Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre
The Devil’s Disciple by G.B. Shaw, adopted for audio and directed by Joe Gull is a KWLT Black Box Radio Production. The production will be available to stream starting November 11 through the website www.kwlt.org. Admission is by donation. Donors will receive a link and password for the stream which is available for 2 weeks. On November 20, there will be a live streaming Q & A with cast and the production team. Check out the website for more information.
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Hanover Community Players Monthly Raffle |
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The show must go on, as the saying goes in the theatre industry, and that is exactly what we are aiming to do!
COVID-19 has hit the arts particularly hard and will likely see us being the last avenue able to fully recover from the impact. Our hope, with your support, is that we can continue to maintain our organization, which depends upon audience ticket sales, until we can see you all again in safety.
A winner will be drawn each month and will receive 50% of the months pot.
The money you are contributing will directly benefit HCP’s ability to continue functioning as a volunteer amateur theatre organization for our community and area, serving youth, adults and seniors.
Please help us to ‘keep the lights on’ and allow us to continue this crazy ride until we can safely gather in the theatre for one of our performances.
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Paris Performers' Theatre |
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Remembering Jackie Kirkman |
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By Gretchen Rozek
Jackie Kirkman arrived in St.Marys and joined St. Marys Community Players in the 1980’s. Her enthusiasm, energy and inclusiveness were remarkable from the first. No task was too big or too small, and she worked tirelessly in support of our community theatre projects.
She had a wide variety of interests. Her love of family was paramount. Theatre, of course,was next on the list - especially musicals; singing in local choral groups, dance, travel with friends, and gardening. The roses in front of her house were remarkable!
Jackie loved the team-building fun of parties. She loved to entertain, beginning, in St. Marys at least, with parties in the big house on Church Street. She and her husband, Neville, whom she always called “my beloved Charlie”, renovated their home during this time. They could do anything – with panache! The Kirkmans left St. Marys for a number of years, but she took up SMCP theatre commitments when she returned. And the FARPS (Friday After Rehearsal Parties)! And the closing night parties!
Jackie served as part of the Reading Committee for St. Marys Community Players for years. She had so much relevant experience to bring to the table. She also worked backstage on many plays – painting, props, front of house. She was willing to do just about everything! Her step off a painting ladder and into the air, off the stage was memorable – a graceful bird accepting a concussion!
Jackie was also the director of A Springtime Cabaret in the early 90s. Not only did she direct – she chose content, choreographed, decided on and helped create costumes, rearranged the audience seating and theatre space – for the first time!!
Musicals were her special love – from the variety of productions she worked on while in Montreal to the variety of productions with SMCP and surrounding groups – Stratford and Embro: she was in the casts of Brigadoon, Oaklahoma, both SMCP productions of Cabaret! And on and on!
And of course, Wellfarewell. She worked so hard to earn her Best Female Actor award from WODL! She had to convince me she could “do it” and I had to convince her she could “do it”. As her director I was and am very proud of her achievement.
Friendships were very important to her. She always claimed to strongly dislike cooking, but loved to hold elaborate dinner parties for a dozen or so friends, with printed menus for each guest, many courses, laughter, many tales, tall and otherwise - and wine!
Jackie forged strong connections in her neighbourhoods – neighbours even allowed her to store food before her dinner parties! And they showed such big hearts, helping during her health challenges!
Jackie was a strong mentor to so many; a steadfast friend; a strong, stubborn, opinionated and loyal team player in everything she did. She set a wonderful example for us to remember, and to struggle to emulate.
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By Ken Menzies
One of the delights of being the WODL adjudication chair is that I get to attend with the adjudicator many productions, see some great shows and learn from the adjudicators comments. One of the downs of the position is learning that people who mattered have passed away. Such is the case with Jackie Kirkman who in 2012 played the lead in Wellfarewell.
I saw this play with the pre-Festival adjudicator, Ross Stuart. He awarded her the Audrey Vale Memorial Award for Outstanding Performance by a female in a major role. It was well deserved. She, in her mid to late seventies, played an eighty year old woman superbly and was on stage almost all the time. I do not recall her ever faltering or missing a line. She got every ounce of meaning possible from her lines and carried the play. In my day job, before retirement, I taught criminal justice courses at the University of Guelph. I learnt a lot about how absurd the criminal justice system could be from her excellent portrayal of somebody caught in it. The set was excellent: a prison cell dominated the stage and filled most of the stage. She held my focus against this powerful backdrop.
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A tribute to Jackie is posted on the St. Marys Community Players website together with some pictures and a link to her obituary. Click here to see the tribute.
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Off the Wall - Fall 2021 Weekend Workshops |
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By Michele Boniface, Chair, Off the Wall Stratford Artists Alliance, mboniface@cyg.net
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Hashtags: #stratfordoffthewall #theatreproduction #backstage
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New Plays from the Playwrights Canada Press |
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Check out these plays coming soon from Playwrights Canada Press:
A dark comedy about the nature of faith.
A true, empowering story of the untold secrets of motherhood.
A meta musical about the Vietnamese diaspora, embodied by pho.
Playwrights Canada Press has recently released new editions of ebooks of classic Canadian plays! Click here for more information.
Watch our most recent reading series event—featuring readings from The Law of Gravity, Do This In Memory of Me, Through the Bamboo, and Andy’s Gone—here.
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Playwrights Guild of Canada - Canadian Play Outlet |
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Every month you can take a look at the newest unpublished and published plays available!
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If you are Producing Canadian Plays this Season - Check This Out |
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The Playwrights Guild of Canada publicises productions of Canadian-written plays through its website, www.playwrightsguild.ca.
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Is your WODL Membership Information Up-to-date? |
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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
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Deadline for submissions for the December newsletter |
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WODL Annual General Meeting |
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13 March to 18 March 2023 |
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11 March to 16 March 2024 |
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WODL Festival 2024, Leamington |
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This newsletter was prepared by:
Tricia Ward
Communications coordinator
WODL
Copyright © Western Ontario Drama League 2021. All Rights Reserved.
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See what's happening on our social sites |
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