Western Ontario Drama League | |
- What the Prez Sez
- WODL AGM - In Case you Missed it!
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From the Adjudications Chair: The Show Must Go On
- List of Workshop Leaders
- Laurel Gillespie
- Community Theatre in the WODL Region
- What's Happening in the Waterloo-Wellington 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 Huron-Grey-Bruce Region
- What's Happening in the Essex-Kent-Lambton Region
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What's Happening in the Elgin, Middlesex, Perth and Oxford Region
- Off the Wall - Upcoming Workshops
- Playwrights Canada Press - New Releases
- Horizon Solutions - Miking Drums & Percussion in a Live Environment
- 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
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As I step into the role of President of the Western Ontario Drama League, I feel a bit like someone just gave me the 5-minute warning on opening night — thrilled, energized, and ready to leap into the spotlight (and possibly a bit nauseous). I want to begin by offering heartfelt thanks to Sue Hazeleger, whose boundless enthusiasm, steady leadership, and uncanny ability to support people with compassion (especially when the backstage chaos gets extra theatrical) have guided WODL with grace. Sue, your dedication has set the stage beautifully for the year ahead.
For those who don’t know me, I’ve been involved in community theatre for 37 years — long enough to have painted sets, repaired costumes, wrangled props, produced shows, directed shows, and retired from acting with great relief to audiences everywhere. I currently serve as Production Manager at Binbrook Little Theatre and am a proud member of Peninsula Players in Grimsby. After three years on the WODL board, I’m excited to bring that experience forward and to champion one of my biggest priorities this year: communication. Clear, timely, connected communication is the backbone of great theatre, and I’m eager to work with all of you to strengthen it across our member groups.
I’m absolutely delighted that five groups are already entered “in festival” for WODL Festival 2027 — a fantastic start to the season. If your group hasn’t considered this adventure recently, I encourage you to consider taking the plunge this year or planning ahead for future festivals. The energy, learning, and camaraderie that come from participating “in festival” are truly unmatched. And speaking of creativity, Minifest 2027 is officially calling for original scripts from local playwrights. If you’ve got a story itching to get on its feet, submissions are open until January 1, 2027, and Jay (jay@wodl.on.ca) is happy to answer questions or send along the guidelines. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase new voices and celebrate the talent within our communities.
To all our member theatres, I wish you a joyful, imaginative, and successful season — full houses, bold choices, supportive volunteers, and the kind of backstage laughter that keeps us all coming back. I’m honoured to serve you, excited for what’s ahead, and eager to cheer on every production, from first read‑through to final bow.
With applause and anticipation,
Shirley
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WODL AGM - In Case you Missed it! | By Sue Hazeleger, WODL Past President, sue@wodl.on.ca | |
The annual meeting for WODL was hosted by Theatre Woodstock on November 1.
Here are a few highlights:
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Largest # of member groups - 32 groups are now WODL members.
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New People at the Top: Shirley Marshall of Binbrook Little Theatre was elected President, with Matt Walsh from KW Little Theatre stepping up to the 1st VP role. We appreciate their commitment to taking on these leadership roles.
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Retiring Board Members: Gratitude and well wishes to retiring Board members Mary Jane Walzak of London, Cath Moore of Elmira, Laurel Gillespie of Woodstock and Ken Menzies from Guelph.
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Solid Finances: We had our first significant annual profit since 2020. This is due to the success of Festival 2026 in Hanover. Peter Busby is a very knowledgeable Treasurer and we are indebted to his skills and commitment. He has the group on a well-managed plan so we can ensure all our programs continue while keeping costs as low as possible into the future.
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Sponsoring WODL activities: Groups and individuals continue to sponsor a wide range of awards for full-length festival and we have a waiting list. Thanks to all!
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New Sponsorship Opportunity! If a person, or group, wants to sponsor our educational offerings, namely Minifest and Workshops, we now offer those for $150. Contact treasurer@wodl.on.ca for more info.
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Adjudications are well underway for the fall session and November 1 was the deadline for winter adjudication requests (January - April). The winter schedule will be published shortly. We are keeping Alexander Galant our travelling adjudicator busy.
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May 20-23 - Mark your calendar for Festival 2027 at Theatre Woodstock May--Breaking news--5 shows have entered In-Festival to compete for the 3 evenings of Festival. Final choices will be announced at the end of April!
Those are a few of the highlights. Thanks to all who attended in person or on Zoom.
| From the Adjudications Chair: The Show Must Go On | By Renata Solski, WODL Adjudications Chair, adjudications@wodl.on.ca | |
The Show Must Go On… and So Must Our Adjudications!
As the curtains rise on another busy season of community theatre, things behind the scenes have been just as lively as the performances on stage! October has certainly kept us on our toes, with extra fall adjudications, scheduling surprises, and plenty of behind-the-scenes juggling. If there’s one thing we know in theatre, it’s that good timing makes all the difference both on stage and when scheduling an adjudication!
A big thank-you to all our theatre groups, the adjudicator, and The Board for your patience, flexibility, and continued enthusiasm. With the fall season in full swing and winter productions on the horizon, let’s keep the communication flowing and the submissions coming in on time. After all, we want the only drama to be happening on stage!
October Adjudications & Winter Deadline
October has been a particularly busy month for adjudications, with several requests for additional fall bookings. Coordinating an adjudicator’s schedule across multiple productions takes time, flexibility, and a great deal of communication. Timely submissions help us keep everything running as smoothly as possible.
As we turn our attention to the winter season, please mark your calendars: November 1 is the submission deadline for winter adjudications. We understand that deadlines can sometimes be challenging to meet, but submitting your information on time makes a significant difference in planning and scheduling.
A special thank-you to our adjudicator, Alexander Gallant, for his prompt responses, flexibility, and willingness to accommodate our participating theatres. Please check your inbox regularly for scheduling updates and respond promptly whenever additional information is requested. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and helps keep everything on track!
Share Your Feedback!
Your feedback matters, and we want to hear from you!
We are pleased to announce that the new Adjudicator Evaluation Form is complete and will be posted as an online form on the WODL website soon.
The evaluation provides valuable feedback to the adjudicator while giving your theatre company an opportunity to share its experience and perspective. We encourage all participating theatre companies to complete the form following their adjudication.
We also invite board members, WODL representatives, and Area Vice-Presidents who attend an adjudication to complete an evaluation and share their observations.
Constructive feedback helps us recognize what is working well and identify opportunities for growth. Together, we can continue to make the adjudication experience valuable, supportive, and rewarding for everyone involved.
Before You Complete your Adjudication Data Form
To help avoid delays and unnecessary follow-up emails, please take a moment to double-check your submission before sending it in.
Every adjudication submission should include:
- Play title and playwright’s name
- Theatre group name and contact information
- Performance dates and venue(s)
And one more important reminder: Please ensure that a copy of your script is sent to the adjudicator.
A complete submission helps us coordinate schedules efficiently and gives our adjudicator the information needed to prepare for each production. A few extra moments checking the details can save a great deal of time behind the scenes!
Thank you to all our participating theatres for your continued cooperation, enthusiasm, and commitment to community theatre. We know there is a tremendous amount of work that goes into every production, both on stage and behind the scenes, and we appreciate the time and care you bring to the adjudication process.
As we look ahead to the winter season, let’s continue working together, supporting one another, and celebrating the creativity and dedication that make community theatre so special.
Here’s to full houses, successful productions, smooth scheduling, and a winter season worthy of a standing ovation!
Remaining Adjudications for Fall:
| | | November 12, 2026
19:30 | Come from Away | Owen Sound Little Theatre | | November 14, 2026
14:00 | The Numbers Game | Theatre Tillsonburg | | November 15, 2026
14:00 | A Stork Club Story | Elgin Theatre Guild | | November 21, 2026
19:30 | Calendar Girls | Elmira Theatre Company | | November 22, 2026
14:00 | Sound of Music | Kincardine Theatre Guild | | November 28, 2026
14:00 | Miracle on 34th Street | Theatre Wellesley | | December 5, 2026
14:00 | Between the Lines | Hanover Community Players | | | We have a talent bank of people who are prepared to deliver workshops in the WODL region. See if you might qualify for financial support for those workshops by contacting kim@wodl.on.ca or laurel@wodl.on.ca. | | |
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Laurel Gillespie, who was a member of the WODL board for several years, died on Wednesday 4 November 2026. Laurel retired from the WODL board as co-Area VP for Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford and as co-Chair of Workshops at the AGM on Sunday 1 November.
Click here to see her obituary.
| Community Theatre 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 December newsletter, please send the information to communications@wodl.on.ca.
| | What's Happening in the Waterloo-Wellington Region | | |
Cambridge Community Players
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, adapted by Lynn Stevens, directed by Scott Mountain runs November 27-December 6, 2026.
https://www.cambridgecommunityplayers.com
Elmira Theatre Company
Calendar Girls by Tim Firth, directed by Kimberley Young will run November 13-22, 2026, at St. James Lutheran Church in Elmira. Adjudication will take place on November 21, 2026.
Auditions for Four Old Broads by Leslie Kimbell, directed by Cathy Moore will be held November 23, 24 from 7-9 pm with call backs on November 26, 2026. The show runs April 23-May 2, 2027.
https://elmiratheatre.com
Elora Community Theatre
Operation North Pole by Cory Sanders, directed by Catherine Johnston & Cory Sanders runs December 11-13 & 18-20, 2026 at the Fergus Grand Theatre.
https://www.eloracommunitytheatre.org
Guelph Little Theatre
GLT Pub Quiz Night. Happy Hour from 5-7 pm and Trivia from 7-9 pm. The event is free and RSVP if you plan to attend.
Staged Readings by the GLT Playreading Group on November 7, 2026, from 7-10 pm.
Auditions will be held November 22, 2026, from 6:30-10:00 pm for The Smell of the Kill by Michele Lowe, directed y Jane Watson. The show runs April 2-11, 2027.
Charles Dickens Writes a Christmas Carol by Richard Quesnel, directed by Scott Andrews runs December 4-13, 2026.
Love’s Labour’s Lost by William Shakespeare, adapted by Bendan Linwood, directed by Brendan Linwood runs from January 22-31, 2027.
https://www.guelphlittletheatre.com/
Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre
Rent, book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, directed by Lisa Stenwedel. The show runs from November 20-December 6, 2026.
Macbeth by William Shakespeare, directed by Carolyn Galvin runs January 29-February 14, 2027.
Main Stage Proposals for 2027-2028 season are now being accepted until December 4, 2026.
https://kwlt.org
Theatre Wellesley
Miracle on 34th Street adapted by Caleb Marshall and Erin Keating from the classic story by Valentin Davies, directed by Mary Beth Jantzi runs November 26-29, 2026, at the Steinman Mennonite Church in Baden. Adjudication will be held November 28, 2026.
https://theatrewellesley.com/
| | What's Happening in the Halton-Hamilton-Niagara Region | | |
Binbrook Little Theatre
https://binbrooktheatre.ca/
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Just One More, Mr. Munsch!
Adapted by David Wice
Directed by Emma Campea
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Performance dates: January 29 - February 14, 2027
Synopsis: Get ready for a whirlwind of laughter, adventure, and pure Munsch‑style mayhem! Just One More, Mr. Munsch brings some of Robert Munsch’s most beloved stories to life onstage in a fast‑paced, family‑friendly celebration of imagination. Join Mortimer as he refuses to go to sleep, cheer on the unstoppable Paper Bag Princess, and giggle your way through loose teeth, bathroom emergencies, runaway pigs, unexpected “show and tells,” and the delightful chaos of kids who just won’t follow the rules. With a heartfelt nod to Love You Forever and the hilarious antics of Good Families Don’t and We Share Everything!, this energetic adaptation weaves multiple favourites into one unforgettable theatrical experience. Perfect for children, parents, and anyone who grew up shouting “Just one more story!”
Click here for tickets.
| | Rocky Horror Karaoke Night | | Special Event – Winter Melody Showcase | |
Following the success of their summer musical showcase, Crown Point Players will be returning with a Winter Melody Showcase on December 12 & 13, 2026. This brings the community together again for another weekend of music and performance as we head into the holiday season.
Winter Melody Tickets
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Auditions
Spring 2027 musical Floyd Collins are now live!
Auditions will take place on November 9, 11 & 14 (with callbacks on November 16)
Floyd Collins Audition Package
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Dundas Little Theatre
https://dundaslittletheatre.com/
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The Play that Goes Wrong
By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, directed by Elaine Hale, produced by Brian Morton
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Performance dates: November 6 - November 22, 2026
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Peninsula Players Community Theatre Company
https://peninsulaplayersgrimsby.ca/
| The Savannah Sipping Society | | |
Show Dates:
November 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 2026 at 8:00 pm
November 8, 15, 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Opening night gala: Friday November 6, doors open at 7:00 pm
Box Office number: 905-309-6358
Box Office
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7 STORIES
Written by Morris Panych
Directed by Lucy McGhee
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Performance dates:
November 27, 28, December 3, 4, 10, 11, and 12, 2026 at 8pm
November 29, December 5, 6, and 12, 2026 at 2pm
We’re excited to introduce 7 Stories, a dark comedy coming to The Players’ Guild of Hamilton!
Join us for a witty and thought-provoking theatrical experience as a man on a seventh-floor ledge encounters a series of eccentric neighbors whose bizarre stories reveal the absurdities of everyday life.
We invite you to join us for this unique production and experience the humor and unexpected connections that make 7 Stories so memorable.
Description: A darkly funny play about a man on a seventh-floor ledge whose eccentric neighbours interrupt him with bizarre stories, exploring loneliness, human connection, and life’s absurdities.
7 STORIES is staged by arrangement with Pam Winter, GGA, www.ggagency.ca
Box Office
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Theatre Burlington
https://www.theatreburlington.on.ca/
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For the third year in a row, theatre Burlington has an all-Canadian playbill. Icemen by Vern Thiessen, Sleeping Beauty by Vic Hyde, How Could You, Mrs. Dick by Douglas Rodger, and Five Alarm by Kristen Da Silva.
Got to theatreburlington.on.ca for more information and audition times.
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Sleeping Beauty
By Vic Hyde, Directed By: Julie Donoahue, Produced By: Kathy Hyde-Nagel
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Performance dates: November 28, 29 and December 5, 12, 13
Box Office
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Village Theatre Waterdown
https://villagetheatrewaterdown.ca/
Excited to announce our latest member, Village Theatre Waterdown!
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Adapted by Jerffrey Hatcher, Directed by Nicholas Banks
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Synopsis: The noble Dr. Jekyll is on the brink of ridding the world of human malicious tendencies. In doing so, he has unwittingly unleashed a morally depraved beast of a man onto the dark streets of 1883 London. Jekyll races against time to save the beautiful Elizabeth and the men, women and children of London from the villainy of the unhinged Mr. Hyde.
Audience Advisory: This show contains mature subject matter, flash/strobe lighting effects, dry ice fog effects and haze, loud noises and implied violence/death.
Tickets: https://burlingtonpac.ca/event/village-theatre-waterdown/
| | What's Happening in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford Region | By Laurel Gillespie and Kim DiLello. WODL area VPs Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk-Oxford, laurel@wodl.on.ca, kim@wodl.on.ca |
Shrek The Musical
Books & Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by Jeanine Tesori
Directed by Lorraine Deming
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Tickets starting at $29.
On Stage: November 26th – December 13th, 2026
A stage adaptation of the 2001 hit DreamWorks movie.
Join your favourite fairy tale characters on a truly bonkers adventure in the swamp, where a talking donkey makes a friend, a sassy princess’s dreams come true, and an ogre learns that it is, indeed, a big bright beautiful world.
If anyone is interested in volunteering with the Front of House, please email sitcoordinator@lighthousetheatre.com. There is a place for everyone in our theatre.
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Theatre Theatre Tillsonburg Lights the Way for Community Theatre
Theatre Tillsonburg is investing in the future of community theatre with a major lighting upgrade at the Otter Valley Playhouse. With 62 new LED lights purchased and installed, this project marks a significant improvement to our theatre’s production capabilities and infrastructure.
Theatre Tillsonburg gratefully acknowledges the generous financial support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, through a $125,100 Capital grant that made a major infrastructure upgrade to our theatre possible.
For volunteer-run theatres across the Western Ontario Drama League, we know how important it is to maintain our facilities, support our volunteers and ensure we have the tools to bring our productions to life. This investment provides Theatre Tillsonburg with modern, energy-efficient lighting technology, helping our production teams create engaging theatrical experiences while supporting the long-term sustainability of our venue.
We’re proud to share this milestone with our fellow community theatres throughout the region. Stronger facilities and better production resources help strengthen not only individual theatres, but also the community theatre network that brings performers, volunteers and audiences together across Western Ontario.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for helping make this important investment possible. We look forward to putting our new lighting system to work and continuing to contribute to the vibrant community theatre scene throughout the WODL region.
Theatre Tillsonburg presents The Numbers Game
What are the odds of reconnecting with your first crush 37 years later? Theatre Tillsonburg explores that question in The Numbers Game by John Spurway, coming to the Otter Valley Playhouse this November.
Phil Gibson is an actuary who likes his life predictable and his odds calculated. When he finds himself needing a place to live, he crosses paths with Bernadette Davis, setting the stage for an unexpected reunion, a few familiar memories and the possibility that some things in life simply can’t be calculated.
Directed by Joe Sheik and produced by Mark Smith, with Kelly Verhoeve as stage manager, this production brings together a talented team of Theatre Tillsonburg volunteers and performers to bring Spurway’s engaging comedy to life.
Join Theatre Tillsonburg November 12–15 and 19–22, 2026, at the Otter Valley Playhouse, 144789 Potters Road, Tillsonburg.
Tickets are available at theatretillsonburg.com. We look forward to welcoming our fellow theatre enthusiasts from across the WODL region!
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Help Theatre Woodstock build the next generation of theatre makers!
We're excited to share that our BackSTAGES: Building Theatre Skills and Community Capacity project has been approved to move forward for consideration through The Commonwell L.E.A.F. Initiative!
BackSTAGES will create hands-on learning opportunities for youth and adults to develop the skills that make theatre happen behind the scenes—from lighting and sound to producing, stage management, and other production roles.
Our goal is to share knowledge, mentor new volunteers, and build a stronger, more sustainable theatre community here in Woodstock.
Now we need your help! ❤️
Please visit our L.E.A.F. project page, leave a comment about why you support BackSTAGES, and share the project with your friends and family. Every bit of genuine community support helps strengthen our submission.
Community support closes October 30, so please join us today!
https://leaf.thecommonwell.ca/projects/backstages-building-theatre-skills-and-community-capacity/
Thank you for helping Theatre Woodstock grow, learn, and create together.
| What's Happening in the Huron-Grey-Bruce Region | By Deb Deckert, WODL Area VP Huron-Grey-Bruce, debbie@wodl.on.ca | |
Goderich Little Theatre
Dracula is running October 22-25, 29-31 and November 1. Their Out-of-Festival Adjudication was on October 29.
The Wizard of Oz runs December 2-23.
Auditions for their June show, The Tiger’s Lion, are Nov. 8 and 10. This show will be a theatrical adventure of local history, comedy, ghosts and lie music celebrating Goderich’s 200th Anniversary.
https://www.thelivery.ca
Hanover Community Players
The first show of the season is the musical Between the Lines, which runs November 27-29 and December 3-6. Their Out-of-Festival Adjudication takes place December 5.
http://hanovercommunityplayers.ca
Kincardine Theatre Guild
The Sound of Music runs November 13-15, 19-22, 26-29. Their Out-of-Festival Adjudication is on November 22. Evenings and matinees available; only 38% of tickets are left.
Auditions will be held late November for their In-Festival offering Blocked. This is the premiere production of new work written by KTG member Stefanie Hutter.
http://www.kincardinetheatreguild.com
Owen Sound Little Theatre
Come From Away, runs November 5-7,11-14, and 18-21. Their Out-of-Festival Adjudication is November 12.
http://www.roxytheatre.ca
| What's Happening in the Essex-Kent-Lambton Region | By Corey Robertson, WODL Area VP Essex-Kent-Lambton, corey@wodl.on.ca | |
November is shaping up to be quite a month for community theatre across Essex, Kent and Lambton. We’ve got comedy, Christmas cheer, some wonderful Canadian storytelling and apparently enough Newfoundlanders to make you think the East Coast has moved west!
First, we’re heading back to the Reel ’Em Inn Fishing Lodge in Mayhew, Arkansas, as The Bank Theatre in Leamington presents Farce of Habit, directed by Mark Ribble, October 30-November 1 and November 6-8.
This is the second instalment in the Jones Hope Wooten trilogy, following our production of Farce of Nature earlier this year. The Wilburn family is back, the problems are bigger, and any hope of a peaceful weekend has once again gone completely out the window.
I’m reprising my role as D. Gene Wilburn. Apparently, once you’ve played a character this dysfunctional, people have a difficult time imagining anyone else in the role. I’m choosing to take that as a compliment.
Now, here’s something you don’t see every day.
Two productions of Come From Away, in the same region, in the same month!
First up is Theatre Kent, bringing the remarkable story of Gander, Newfoundland, to the Chatham Capitol Theatre, November 12-14, under the direction of Brock MacKenzie.
Then Windsor Light Music Theatre takes its turn at the Chrysler Theatre, November 20-22 and 27-29, directed by Matthew Dumouchel.
Two companies, two casts, two creative teams and one extraordinary Canadian story.
For those unfamiliar with Come From Away, it tells the true story of how a small Newfoundland community welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers following the events of September 11, 2001.
At its heart, it’s a story about kindness, generosity and what ordinary people can accomplish when they come together.
Come to think of it, that’s a pretty good description of community theatre, too. Except in our case, somebody usually has to build the set, find a missing prop and convince the cast that the rehearsal schedule really isn’t optional.
I’m especially looking forward to seeing how both companies bring their own interpretations to this wonderful production. And congratulations to everyone involved. That’s a lot of Newfoundland accents for one corner of Ontario!
Meanwhile, up in Sarnia, Theatre Sarnia’s Youth Group presents its Fall Acting Program Showcase at the Imperial Theatre on November 10. It’s always encouraging to see young performers finding their confidence and discovering the magic of the stage.
And the Imperial Theatre gets into the holiday spirit with Norm Foster’s Dear Santa, November 18-21. Nothing says Christmas quite like a little theatrical chaos, and Norm Foster certainly knows how to deliver both heart and humour.
As the calendar turns toward the holidays, I want to take a moment to recognize the remarkable volunteers who keep our community theatres going.
We celebrate the actors under the lights, and rightly so. But behind every successful production are directors, producers, stage managers, designers, technicians, builders, painters, costume crews, front-of-house teams and countless others who give their time simply because they believe in what we’re doing.
Community theatre is a wonderful thing. We bring people together who might otherwise never meet, give them a common purpose and somehow turn a collection of evenings and weekends into something memorable.
And when the curtain finally comes down, what do we do?
We start planning the next one.
That’s theatre people for you. We never seem to learn. And thank goodness for that!
Enjoy the shows, support your neighbouring theatre groups, and I’ll see you somewhere in the audience.
Break a leg!
| What's Happening in the Elgin, Middlesex, Perth and Oxford Region | By Rob Coles, WODL Area VP Elgin-Middlesex-Perth-Oxford, rob@wodl.on.ca | |
Elgin Theatre Guild – St. Thomas
A Stork Club Story by Paul Regan & Brett McCaig runs November 5-15
Thistle Theatre – Embro
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Lyrics by Tim Rice Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber runs November 12-22
ITOPA – Ingersoll
Barefoot in the Park by Neil Simon runs November 6-15
Periscope Playhouse – Port Burwell
Upcoming on Stage the last show in Periscope’s 2026 season in the Theatre:
Bedtime Stories by Norm Foster runs October 16-November 1
SMCP – St. Mary
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Revised) based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M Schulz, Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesne, Additional Dialogue by Michael Meyer. Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa runs October 22-November 7
| Off the Wall - Upcoming Workshops | |
By Michele Boniface, Chair, Off the Wall Stratford Artists Alliance, mboniface@cyg.net
| | Playwrights Canada Press - New Releases | | |
Check out these new books from Playwrights Canada Press!
Recently released:
Yaga (TV Tie-In Edition) by Kat Sandler
She’s more than just a wicked old witch. Baba Yaga is a legend, usually known as that elderly woman who lives alone in the woods and grinds the bones of the wicked. But what if she was actually a sexy, smart, modern woman operating off of morally ambiguous motives? The smash hit play is now available in a new edition to coincide with the TV adaptation starring Carrie-Anne Moss and Hudson Williams.
(Everyone I Love Has) A Terrible Fate (Befall Them) by Cliff Cardinal
Robert is cursed. Whenever he falls in love with someone, they are stricken with a grave misfortune. He may be selfish, lazy, and also a compulsive liar but as long as he keeps everyone at a safe distance, they’re less likely to get flattened by a falling asteroid. An outrageous new solo show from perennial provocateur Cliff Cardinal, A Terrible Fate is a pitch-black comedy about the bad luck we bring upon ourselves and how to love someone when doom is inevitable.
Comfort Food by Zorana Sadiq
Beloved YouTube cooking star Bette built her brand as a relatable single mother alongside her toddler sous chef, KitKat. Now hosting a major network show, she struggles to stay relevant while teenage Kit's emergent climate activism leads him into radical online spaces. When the mother and son duo decide to reappear together on live television, the generational rift between them turns their spectacle into a recipe for disaster. Zorana Sadiq’s Comfort Food is an incisive, whip-smart family drama about performative identities, modern parenthood, and what truly nourishes us.
Diggers by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard
When the town below is beset by a deadly illness, gravediggers Abdul, Solomon, and newcomer Bai must make the best of a bad situation with increased demands and diminishing community support. Based on the West African Ebola epidemic and echoing the experiences of COVID-19, Donna-Michelle St. Bernard’s Diggers is a tribute to essential workers, blending workplace levity with a poignant meditation on duty, hope, and interdependence.
Ismene & Nassara by Carole Fréchette, translated by Linda Gaboriau
Iconic Québécoise playwright Carole Fréchette brings to life two searing stories about women navigating the tension between preserving peace and provoking disruption. In Ismene, Antigone’s overlooked sister delivers a lecture twenty-five centuries in the making, revealing truths buried beneath her family’s legacy. In Nassara, an act of violence abruptly ends a symposium on urban agriculture, interrupting speaker Marie-Odile’s inner monologue of private sorrows. Together these sharp, unsettling works probe the moral complexities of courage and truth in an age of absolutes.
Coming soon:
El Terremoto by Christine Quintana
Twenty years after losing their parents, the Jurado sisters struggle to keep their family intact as the growing distance between them and their shared sense of dissatisfaction push them apart. But when a massive earthquake shakes the foundation of their East Vancouver home, they’re forced to confront their open wounds before everything collapses. Inspired by Chekhov’s Three Sisters, Christine Quintana’s El Terremoto is a bold and imaginative dramatic comedy about life, longing, and why nothing matters—so everything matters.
+ 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.
| | Horizon Solutions - Miking Drums & Percussion in a Live Environment | By Samadhi Perera, Horizon Solutions, samadhi@horizonsolutions.net | |
Explore the concepts behind transporting and routing video over networks.
Tuesday, November 10th | 7:00 p.m.
Register Here >
From projected scenery and video playback to displays in different areas of a venue, video is becoming an increasingly useful tool in live performance. But how do you get video signals where they need to go — and what options are available beyond traditional connections?
Join Resource Stage on Tuesday, November 10th at 7:00 p.m. for Video Transport Over Networks.
Discover how network video works, where it may fit into your theatre, and what technologies are worth considering as you plan future productions or equipment upgrades. We'll break down the concepts in practical terms, helping you understand the possibilities without getting lost in the technical jargon.
Whether you're already working with video or just starting to explore what's possible, you'll gain useful knowledge to bring back to your theatre.
Register Here >
Everyone is welcome to join us at Horizon Solutions
1910 Huron treet, London, ON or Online at www.resourcestage.ca
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Check out our Rental Inventory
For more information contact us at:
info@resourcestage.ca | 519-453-3368
| 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? | | |
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
| | | | Deadline for submissions for the December newsletter | | | | Deadline for submission of MiniFest scripts | | | | Delegates meeting and announcement of Festival nominees, Woodstock | | | | 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.
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