Newsletter November 2025

• What the Prez Sez
• Adjudications for November
• New WODL Adjudications Chair - Renata Solski
• Adjudications Schedule
• Working in the Dark - New Safety Guidelines
• 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 Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford  Region
• What's Happening in the Halton-Hamilton-Niagara  Region
• What's Happening in the Essex-Kent-Lambton  Region
• Off the Wall - February & March 2026 Courses
• Playwrights Canada Press
• Horizon Solutions - What to do when things go wrong - November 11
• 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

Hello to all our member groups and WODL fans.

Here are a few highlights from the Annual Meeting held October 19.

We met at the Hanover Civic Theatre, home to our Hanover Community Players. What a lovely theatre space, and what a strong relationship HCP has with their municipality to be able to call this upgraded theatre their home. We appreciated the HCP hospitality for our all day meetings, including possibly the best homemade giant tarts I have ever seen or eaten. 

Thanks to all the folks who let their names stand for WODL Board for the coming year (October to October).

Welcome to our new Board members, Jay Peckham and Gina Paradis, along with Cathy Moore who joined us mid-year. The full list of our Board members can be found below.

We have a few people stepping into new roles designed to make our planning and support for member groups stronger.  More about that next month.

We have 20 plays being adjudicated this season, and at least 3 that have asked to be at our In-Festival showcase late in May. Adjudicator Mark Mooney has started his trips to various theatre from September til April.

I hope everyone's fall shows went well - lots of spooky and mysterious offerings. These include Misery, Rocky Horror, Deathtrap, Deadline, Young Frankenstein, Frankenstein the Monster Play, the Art of Murder and Murder by the Book. Perhaps the most intriguing new play is from Elora Community Theatre who early in October were seeking Zombies for Sensational Elora's Monster Month. With the end of November and December approaching, a lot of theatres turn to Christmas-ish shows or a big musical. Break legs to all.

WODL Board for October 2025 - October 2026

Executive:

Area Vice- Presidents:

Standing Committee Positions & Ad Hoc Positions - Appointed by Board:

By Ken Menzies, WODL Board Advisor, ken@wodl.on.ca

November is a great month to attend an adjudication as you have 4 good choices: I have seen several adjudicated shows already and I suspect that all these will be good. GO!

• Friday November 14 at 7:30: Ayr Community Theatre Making God Laugh
• Saturday November 15 at 7:30 Elmira Theatre Company Willow Quartet
• Friday November 21 at 7:30 at Embro’s Thistle Theatre: Perils of Persephone
• Friday November 28 at 7:00 Theatre Tillsonburg T’was the Night before Christmas

I am no longer the Adjudications Chair: Renata Solski now holds this position. So, email addressed to adjudications@wodl.on.ca now goes to her. Please address queries about adjudications to Renata. I remain on the WODL Board to help Renata and help provide an institutional memory as I have been on the Board since 1997.

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

I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Adjudications Chair for the Western Ontario

Drama League. It is both an honour and a pleasure to take on this role, and I want you to know that I am here to support you in every way I can throughout the adjudication process.

At this time, I’d like to check in to ensure that everything is in order for your upcoming

adjudications. Review the Adjudication Schedule on our website and ensure that the

information regarding your group is correct. Did you receive and complete your Adjudication Data Sheet. Did your contact person receive the adjudication instruction form? If you did not receive these forms, please let me know.

If anything is missing, unclear, or if you need any assistance at all, please don’t hesitate to

reach out. My goal is to make this process as smooth and positive as possible for all our

member groups.

I plan to attend as many adjudications as the weather will allow this season. When I’m unable to be there, our Vice President for your area or another WODL representative will be present to offer support.

I am genuinely enthusiastic about this new chapter with WODL and look forward to meeting many of you whether during adjudications or at Festival this year.

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

The adjudication schedule has now been established. A few more groups may apply, so please check the WODL website for updates.

Anybody can attend an adjudicated performance and attend the public (roughly ten minutes) adjudication. However, the detailed (roughly an hour) adjudication is directed largely towards cast and crew. Attendance at it for anybody else is up to the host theatre so if you wish to attend a private adjudication, please contact the host theatre.

For a printable version of this schedule, click here.

Fall 2025

Winter 2026

More Applications Expected: Please check the WODL website for updates as new adjudications are added.

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 December 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

Making God Laugh by Sean Grennan, directed by Sarrah Scott runs November 12-16, 2025, at Ayr Community Centre. Adjudication is November 14, 2025.

Cambridge Community Players

Auditions for Rope by Patrick Hamilton, directed by Michele Hildebrandt are being held on November 3 & 4 at 7:00 pm.

Puffs by Matt Cox, directed by Jennifer Mountain runs November 28-December 7, 2025.

Elmira Theatre Company

Willow Quartet by Joan Burrows, directed by Brian Otto runs November 7-16, 2025, at St. James Lutheran Church, Elmira. Adjudication is November 15, 2025.

Auditions for the world premiere of A Delicate Art by Michael Grant, directed by Michael Grant will be held November 9 & 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm at St. James Lutheran Church, Elmira.

Elora Community Theatre

The Nutcracker adapted by June Walker Rogers, directed by Norah Wardell runs December 12 – 21, 2025 at the Fergus Grand Theatre, Fergus, Ontario.

Guelph Little Theatre

Alice in Wonderland adapted by Eva Le Gallienne & Florida Friebus, directed by Rosalind Slater runs December 4-14, 2025.

Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre

Auditions for Starkid Productions A VHS Christmas Carol, music & lyrics by Clark Baxtresser, directed by Diana Skrzydlo are being held November 9-11, 2025. The performances are December 18-20, 2025.

God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, directed by Ryan Bassett runs November 21-December 7, 2025.

Theatre Wellesley

The Curious Savage by John Patrick runs November 27-30 at Steinmann Mennonite Church in Baden, Ontario.

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

One Act Players Community Theatre:

4 one act plays running November 15-17, 2025:



• Blind Date by Rollin Jewett, directed by Aaron Gorlick
• Nickers by Robert Scott, directed by Lionel Santos
• Clemson Bartholomew by David J. LeMaster, directed by Tina Sterling
• Help Me Get Over You by Rollin Jewett, directed by Aaron Gorlick

Theatre Tillsonburg:

'Twas the Night Before Christmas by Ken Ludwig, directed by Jennifer Anger-Jull and Mike Jull playing November 20-23 and 27-30, 2025.

Theatre Woodstock:

Kate Hamill’s Little Women running November 28 - December 7, 2025.

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

Binbrook Little Theatre

https://binbrooktheatre.ca/

Upcoming productions:

Hansel and Gretel, A Pantomime

By Nick Lawrence

Directed by Brad Fortman

January 30 – February 15, 2026

Auditions for Calendar Girls to be announced soon.

Dundas Little Theatre

https://dundaslittletheatre.com/

Upcoming productions:

Death of a Salesman

By Arthur Miller

October 31 – November 16, 2025

Peninsula Players Community Theatre Company

https://peninsulaplayersgrimsby.ca

Upcoming productions:

NO SEX PLEASE IT’S CHRISTMAS

Written by Michael Parker

Directed by Paul Marshall

Mr. Broadbent, a builder and developer, has created “The House of the Future”. The house however has remained unsold for years, probably because most of the innovations of the future fail to work. He has, at last found prospective buyers and invites them to stay at the house. He is determined to offload this “White Elephant” by any means necessary.

The show opens November 7, 2025 with a Gala Night

Friday & Saturday nights, Sunday matinee, until November 23.

The Players’ Guild of Hamilton, Inc.

https://playersguild.org

Upcoming productions:

Rotterdam

Written by Jon Brittain

Directed by Coryn Urquhart and Connie Spears

January 9, 10, 15, 16, 22, 23, and 24, 2026 at 8pm

January 11, 17, 18, and 24, 2026 at 2pm

Theatre Burlington

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

Upcoming productions:

Pinocchio

Directed By: Tyler Collins

Produced By: Valerie King and Evelyn Principato

November 29, 30 and December 6, 13, 14 (two shows per day)

Playtime - Submit your 10 minute script

Theatre Burlington is searching for new scripts to showcase in the 2026 Playtime Festival. They are looking for original scripts from local playwrights.

Scripts should be 8-10 minutes in length, have no more than four characters, and should have a minimal set (one table, four chairs).

Preference will be given to writers who are part of the Burlington catchment area (Brant, Wellington, Wentworth, Halton, Peel, Niagara) and who can provide their own directors and actors.

To eliminate possible biases, identifying information should not be included in the script itself. Scripts should be submitted by January 4th, 2026.

For more information / submissions please email:  bevheilbron@gmail.com

Bluebirds

Last season's critically acclaimed production of Bluebirds has been invited to remount the show for the Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI) in Toronto. The RCMI promotes the study and discussion of military history, defence, security and international affairs. Bluebirds tells the story of three Canadian nurses who meet and bond while working in a hospital near the front during the first World War. There will be two private showings on November 15, and Bluebirds playwright, Vern Thiessen, is expected to attend.

By Corey Robertson, WODL Area VP Essex-Kent-Lambton, corey@wodl.on.ca

As the curtain rises on another vibrant season of community theatre across our region, I’m delighted to share updates from our incredible member groups. The dedication and creativity on display across Essex, Kent, and Lambton continues to make our area a true hub for live theatre in Southwestern Ontario.

Windsor Light Music Theatre

This fall, Windsor Light brings a burst of colour to the Chrysler Theatre with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, directed and choreographed by Kate Reive. Performances run November 14–16 and 21–23, 2025.

Auditions have also been announced for Frozen: The Broadway Musical, directed by Kathy Roberts, with Nicholas Morvay as Vocal/Music Director and Tori-Lee Jenkins handling choreography.

Important Dates:

• Info Night – November 27, 2025, 7:00 pm
• Vocal Auditions – December 1 & 4, 6:00–10:00 pm
• Choreography Auditions – December 3, 7:00–10:00 pm
• Young Elsa & Anna Auditions – December 7, 2:00 pm
• Pit Chorus Auditions – December 7, 3:30 pm
• Callbacks – December 8, 2025
• The production takes the stage May 1–3 and 8–10, 2026, followed by Newsies Jr. directed by Rod Turton later in spring 2026.

Sun Parlour Players / The Bank Theatre (Leamington)

Mystery lovers are in for a treat with Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, directed by Corey Robertson, on stage November 14–17 and 21–23 at The Bank Theatre. Settle for one of the most famous twists in theatre history. Tickets are available at banktheatre.com/project/the-mousetrap.

Theatre Kent (Chatham)

Theatre Kent presents the iconic Cats, directed by Jamie Johnston with Tom Overton as Musical Director, at the Capitol Theatre on November 13–15 (7:30 pm) and November 15 (1:30 pm).

Looking ahead, audiences can look forward to The Royal Flush, directed by Linda Schinkel, March 6–7, 2026 at St. Andrew’s Church, Fellowship Hall, and Bare Bear Bones by Michael Grant, directed by Brock MacKenzie, May 8–9, 2026 at the Kiwanis Theatre.

Theatre Sarnia

Rounding out the year, Theatre Sarnia celebrates the holidays with the timeless classic It’s a Wonderful Life, directed by Richard Tesky, running December 12–14 and 17–19, 2025.

It’s inspiring to see our member groups showcasing such a diverse slate of productions—from beloved classics to modern musicals. I encourage everyone to support our local theatres, spread the word, and take in a show (or three!) this season.

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:  

Red Like Fruit by Hannah Moscovitch

Lauren, a journalist feeling a growing sense of unease while covering a domestic violence case, asks a man named Luke to tell her story to the audience. Through his voice, she examines buried memories of sexual experiences from her adolescence. Are these experiences just a part of being a woman, or are they trauma? And does Luke have the authority to help her understand her own life? In Red Like Fruit, celebrated playwright Hannah Moscovitch masterfully employs a metatheatrical lens to interrogate complicity, consent, power, and truth in the post #MeToo era.

The Hooves Belonged to the Deer by Makram Ayache

When Izzy’s family moves to a rural Alberta town, the young queer Arab boy becomes the salvation pet project for Isaac, a Christian youth pastor. In his attempt to reconcile his sexuality and spirituality, Izzy imagines a Garden of Eden where Aadam and Hawa's relationship is disrupted by the arrival of the alluring white-skinned man, Steve. Torn between his sexual desires for his friend Will and Isaac's indoctrination, Izzy navigates internalized shame and deep spiritual faith in a struggle that consumes him. A modern-day Greek tragedy, The Hooves Belonged to the Deer is a piercing interrogation of white Christian imperialism, demanding a difficult reckoning for a better world.

CoyWolf by Colin Wolf

Isidor, a half-coyote, half-wolf coywolf, leaves home in search of belonging after losing his mother. But as Sharp-Tooths face extermination to make way for human expansion, Isidor and his pack must choose to either retreat to survive or fight alongside rogue animals to defend their homeland. In this gripping hopepunk thriller, Colin Wolf weaves a powerful allegory of resistance, paralleling the displacement of Métis people and the fight for Indigenous land rights. CoyWolf is a roadmap for young revolutionaries navigating survival, solidarity, and learning the wisdom of those who have walked the path before.

Homecoming by Kamila Sediego

Three generations of Filipina women converge across time and continents to bridge the vast emotional and physical distances between them. Sisters Tess and Vicky are inseparable as children in their Philippine barangay, but Tess’s sudden emigration to Canada fractures their bond, leaving Vicky behind to carry the weight of familial responsibilities. Decades later, a funeral brings Vicky to Vancouver to reunite with Tess and her daughter, Ana, as they confront their estranged past. Weaving seamlessly through dreams and memories, Homecoming tenderly explores the ripple effects of immigration, reminding us that some bonds transcend even the greatest distances.

As Above by Christine Quintana

Jo, a sixtysomething-year-old recovering alcoholic, is rebuilding her shattered life. Once a prominent botanist, she now lives humbly and nurtures a tender romance with Rick, a fellow sober soul. When a mysterious call from her estranged daughter disrupts her progress, Jo embarks on a journey of reconciliation, mirroring the secret language of trees. Set amongst the majestic cedar forests of Victoria, BC, As Above is a moving exploration of redemption, renewal, and a meditation on the deep roots that connect us all. 

Coming soon:

Earworm by Mohammad Yaghoubi

Have you ever had a voice lodged in your memory that won’t go away? For Homa, an Iranian refugee in Canada, this is her daily torment. Haunted by the trauma of torture under the Islamic regime, she channels her pain into activism as an outspoken podcaster, fiercely condemning Iran’s human-rights violations. But her freedom is threatened when she learns that the father of her son’s new girlfriend is a devout Islamist. In Earworm, provocateur Mohammad Yaghoubi delivers a gripping thriller exposing the painful irony of asylum seekers living alongside their oppressors. Suspenseful and shocking, Earworm burrows deep under your skin and lingers long after the final word.

 + 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 Right Tools for every show

It's SHOW TIME - there’s no time for missing gear or burnt-out colours. Horizon Solutions helps you stay show-ready with reliable essentials—Rosco & Lee Gel, spike tape, gaff tape, stage paint, scenic paint, gobos, replacement lamps and more!

Whether you’re lighting a musical, marking a stage, or giving an old fixture new life, we’re here to help you find the right tools—on time and on budget.

Explore theatre essentials today at horizonsolutions.shop

Supporting community theatre across Ontario for over 40 years.

And did we mention we rent gear too!?

Check out our rental inventory at

www.horizonsolutions.net/rentals

Resource Stage Seminar – November 11^th, @ 7 p.m.

What to do when things go wrong? Troubleshooting 101

Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

What to do when your screens go black, your RF drops out, your lighting rig stops responding—or some other ghost-in-the-machine shows up 5 minutes before showtime. We'll walk through common-sense strategies for diagnosing and solving problems quickly by looking at some of the shared logic behind audio, video, and lighting systems. Together, we’ll simulate a few real-world failures and work through how to get things back on track—plus, we’ll throw in a couple of surprise curveballs just to keep it interesting.

If you've ever had to fix things fast under pressure, or want to be ready when it happens next, this session is for you.

Register today >

Join us on November 11^th @7 p.m.

At Horizon Solutions 1910 Huron Street, London, ON

or online at www.resourcestage.ca



For more information contact us at:

info@resourcestage.ca | 519-453-3368

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, October 2025

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

19 October 2025

WODL AGM, Hanover

30 November 2025

Deadline for submissions for the December newsletter.

12 or 19 April 2026

WODL GM, Hanover

14 to 17 May 2026

WODL Festival 2026, Hanover

24-25 July 2026

Minifest, place TBA

18 October 2026

WODL AGM, place TBA

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.