Western Ontario Drama League | |
- What the Prez Sez
- WODL AGM - Woodstock - 1 November 2026 - 1:30 pm
- From the Adjudications Chair: A New Season of WODL Theatre
- Thanks from Gina Paradis
- WODL Treasury Notes
- List of Workshop Leaders
- 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
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What's Happening in the Essex-Kent-Lambton Region
- Off the Wall - Fall Workshops
- Playwrights Canada Press - New Releases
- Horizon Solutions - Take Your Lighting Beyond the Basics
- 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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First, "break a leg" to all our member groups as you get ready to open your first production of the fall! May your audiences appreciate your productions, as well as the hard work of many people that puts a show on its feet.
Annual Meeting:
Our WODL annual meeting is coming up Sunday November 1 at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Theatre Woodstock, but you are also welcome to join us using our Zoom link. You will see more info in this newsletter about how to access us, and each group's President and Delegates will get the official Notice of Meeting.
It's a great chance to hear the variety of services and activities WODL is busy with. These activities are designed to celebrate and offer skills education to our members - so we love to hear how we are doing.
Anyone who is a member of one of our community theatre groups is welcome to attend.
Last Call - Has Your Group Signed Up for Adjudication January-April Yet? - Deadline November 1.
If you want adjudication between January and April, you still have a few weeks to make your request to adjudications@wodl.on.ca. The form is on our website. Each group can enter up to 2 shows. If both are Out of-Festival, you will be asked which production you want considered for award nominations.
How about making this the year your group enters In-Festival for a chance to perform your production on the May 2027 long weekend. Set aside the fact that doing this is arguably a very crazy decision! Talk to your director, set designer, lighting person and see what might be possible.
Upcoming Adjudication Nights in October:
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Crown Point Players
(The newest member of WODL)
| | Lonestar/Laundry & Bourbon | | |
Farewell as your Prez:
Well friends, I expect this will be my last Prez Sez, as my 2-year term as President will end after the annual meeting. It has been a real honour to be President of this organization and all it stands for. Thanks for all the input, support and fun these past 2 years.
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WODL AGM - Woodstock - 1 November 2026 - 1:30 pm | |
The Western Ontario Drama League (WODL) will be holding its Annual General meeting at Theatre Woodstock on Sunday 1 November 2026.
Theatre Woodstock will be the home of the 3-play WODL Festival from 20 May to 23 May 2027. The AGM will be followed by a tour of Theatre Woodstock.
This is your chance to find out what WODL has planned for the next year and to take a good look at the facilities that await you at Festival 2027.
All members is good standing with WODL member groups can vote at this meeting.
A formal invitation has been sent to all WODL group delegates and WODL group presidents.
WODL AGM
Theatre Woodstock
22 Reeve Street
Woodstock, Ontario
For a map, click here
and on Zoom
Meeting at 1:30 pm
Followed by:
a tour of Theatre Woodstock
We look forward to seeing you there!
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If you want to attend this meeting on Zoom and have not received an invitation, contact Cathy Moore at secretary@wodl.on.ca.
In your email please include your full name and member group affiliation (no acronyms) and whether you are a group delegate, group member, or other.
You will receive instructions on joining the meeting and copies of the meeting materials, a few days before the AGM.
| From the Adjudications Chair: A New Season of WODL Theatre | By Renata Solski, WODL Adjudications Chair, adjudications@wodl.on.ca | |
Welcome to another exciting season of WODL theatre!
The curtains are opening, the stages are coming alive, and it is wonderful to see so many of our member theatres preparing to share their productions with audiences across the region. We have a full season ahead of us, and I am thrilled to see so many plays registered for adjudication.
We have already had our first September production adjudicated, and now the fall season is truly underway! We have a total of 14 shows for adjudication in our Fall roster. The adjudication schedule will be up soon on our website.
What does an adjudicator look for?
One of the questions I have been hearing from theatre groups is, “What exactly is an adjudicator looking for?” The simple answer is that an adjudicator looks at the production your team has chosen to create and the artistic choices that shape it.
Every director and production team makes choices about interpretation, acting, pacing, design, costumes, lighting, sound, blocking, sets, props, and much more. These decisions make each production unique, and they are what an adjudicator observes and responds to.
For anyone who would like a deeper understanding of the adjudication process, I highly recommend Annette Procunier’s book Do You See What I See: How to Adjudicate Theatre Festivals. It offers wonderful insight into the role of an adjudicator and what goes into observing and responding to a production.
Remember, adjudication is not about telling you how the adjudicator would have directed your play. It is about recognizing what your team has created, discussing the choices you have made, and offering observations that support your continued growth as theatre artists.
So many plays!
One of this year’s welcome challenges is the number of productions available for adjudication. Many are being entered as Festival plays, but very few—perhaps only one—are coming forward as In-Festival plays.
The strong response to adjudication has also prompted me to think about what our Festival could look like in the future.
Do we need to rethink the way we approach Festival? Could there be a different model that would allow more theatres and productions to participate? What might Festival look like if the number of In-Festival plays continues to be small?
These are not questions with immediate answers, but they are certainly worth exploring. I would love to hear your thoughts as we move forward. WODL belongs to all of us, and the future of Festival should reflect the needs and realities of our member theatres.
Our new electronic forms
Another change this season is our new electronic adjudication forms, now available through the WODL website.
I know that change can sometimes be frustrating, especially when we are all busy trying to put on a show! Some groups have found the new forms a little challenging to navigate, and I completely understand. I want to say thank you for your patience and for sticking with it.
Please keep asking questions; I truly do not mind. Sometimes the information is available but appears in a small or easy-to-overlook place. I am learning from your questions, and your feedback helps us identify instructions that need clarification or improvement.
Adjudication Form Link WODL Application for Adjudication
Here is to a great season!
Most importantly, I want this season to be about celebrating theatre.
Every production represents countless hours of rehearsals, meetings, problem-solving, creativity, laughter, stress, late nights, and an incredible amount of teamwork. Whether this is your first WODL adjudication or your fiftieth, I hope you approach the experience with curiosity, pride, and an open mind.
Our adjudicator is looking forward to seeing your work, meeting your theatre teams, and sharing in the excitement of the season. Break a leg, everyone! The lights are coming up, the stages are ready, and WODL’s fall adjudication season is officially underway. I cannot wait to see what you create.
And There’s More to Come!
We are also working on adjudication workshops for our theatre community, and it is one of the most exciting developments I can share this season.
Our team of Annette Procunier, Mark Mooney and Trevor Smith Diggins is a true powerhouse of knowledge, experience, and ideas. I am so excited to see what this talented group produces and, more importantly, to share it with all of you.
There is lots of exciting work happening behind the scenes, so stay tuned! I cannot wait to share more with you.
As always, please reach out with any questions, ideas, or concerns at adjudications@wodl.on.ca.
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Dear WODL Family,
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your kind messages, visits and donations regarding the recent passing of our husband, father and Pepe, Andre. The memories that you shared certainly helped us realize just how many lives he touched. Please help us to remember him by keeping theatre alive and well in each of your communities.
Thanks again ❤️
Gina, David, Jenn, Craig, Nate & James Paradis
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Sponsorships are available for Minifest and Workshops
Minifest is back! and attracting lots of attention! Minifest is an opportunity for several production teams to try their hand at interpreting and staging the same one-act script in their unique fashion, and being professionally adjudicated by one of WODL's renowned workshop leaders.
To assist these teams and the hosts of the Minifest Festival, WODL provides some financial support: the royalties and the cost of the workshop leader. The dilemma the Treasury faces is that there is no source of revenue dedicated to Minifest support.
Which is where you come in! WODL is offering sponsorships to support Minifest and Workshops on an annual basis, at the rate of $150 each. This support allows WODL to engage our high quality professional leaders in the pursuit of providing education in Theatre Arts, per our Constitution.
In return, individuals will get a tax receipt for the donation, and a mention in the program at supported events. And the gratitude of the many WODL Members who are the foundation of our promotion of Community Theatre in Southwestern Ontario.
Donations may be sent to WODL, Unit 45, 601 Grenfell Drive, London ON N5X 4E5 or by direct eTnsfer to pkbusby@gmail.com. Please include your name and address for the receipt.
Notice re WODL Award Sponsorships: The rate for sponsorship has been increased to $150 each.
| | 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. | | |
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 November 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.
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
The Gentleman Clothier by Norm Foster, directed by Robin Bennett runs October 23-November 1, 2026.
Auditions for Love’s Labour’s Lost by William Shakespeare, adapted by Bendan Linwood, directed by Brendan Linwood will be held October 6, 2026, from 7-10 pm. The performance runs from January 22-31, 2027.
https://www.guelphlittletheatre.com/
Kitchener Waterloo Little Theatre
Tickets are now on sale for Rent, book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson, directed by Lisa Stenwedel. The show runs from November 20-December 6, 2026.
Waterloo by Zivy Hardy, directed by Jasmine Rajaballey will run October 16-18, 2026, at KWLT, the first studio series production of the season.
Auditions for Macbeth by William Shakespeare, directed by Carolyn Galvin are being held October 4-7, 2026, at 44 Gaukel Street, Kitchener. The show runs January 29-February 14, 2027.
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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Murder on the Nile
By Agatha Christie, directed by Paul Marshall
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Performance dates: October 16 – November 1, 2026.
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.
The play is based on the 1937 novel Death on the Nile.
MURDER ON THE NILE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Auditions for Just One More, Mr. Munsch!
Monday October 19 and Tuesday October 20, 2026 7:00 – 9:00pm at Memorial Hall, 2600 Hwy 56, Binbrook. See website for details.
| | Lonestar & Laundry and Bourbon | | |
Crown Point Players is excited to present Lonestar & Laundry and Bourbon this October at Crown & Press.
They are currently hard at work in rehearsals and are looking forward to sharing these two companion one-act plays with audiences this fall.
Performance Dates: October 16, 17, 18, 23 & 24, 2026
At Crown & Press, 303 Ottawa Street North, Hamilton, Ontario.
Doors open at 7:00 pm, performance begins at 7:30 pm.
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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.
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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 | | |
The box office opens: October 9, 2026
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
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Auditions for Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks
Written by Richard Alfieri, Directed by Melissa Roberts
- Sunday October 4, 2026 7pm-9pm
- Tuesday October 6, 2026 7pm-9pm
- Call Backs Thursday October 8, 2026 7pm
Appointments are not necessary. Please come prepared to do a cold read. Sides will be provided. Photos and CVs are not necessary, but come prepared to fill out an information sheet that includes your demographic information and a brief performance history.
Synopsis: Lily, an aging but formidable retiree, hires Michael, an acerbic dance instructor, to give her dance lessons in her condo in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Antagonism between a gay man and the wife of a Southern Baptist minister gives way to profound compatibility as they swing dance, tango, foxtrot, and cha-cha while sharing barbs and intimacies along with the dance steps. During the sixth lesson, Lily reveals a closely guarded secret – she is terminally ill – and Michael shares his greatest gifts – loyalty and compassion. As Michael takes Lily in his arms on their final meeting, they both transcend fear and mortality while the sun sets on their last.
Lily Harrison, female, 60s to 80s
Michael Minetti, male, 30s to 40s
Contact the Producer, Dan Penrose, for further information or to obtain a perusal copy of the script at dpenrose@sympatico.ca
| | The Guilded Pumpkin Harvest Market | | |
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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Icemen
By Vern Thiessen, Directed by Tim Denis, Produced by Moe Dwyer
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Synopsis: A wealthy businessman wakes up bound and gagged in a utility shed, kidnapped by his own employees - brothers and icemen Joe and Rennie. Amid 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.
Performance dates: September 25, 26 and October 2, 3, 9, 10 (September 26, October 3 and October 10 include a matinee).
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Auditions for Five Alarm
By by Kristen Da Silva, Directed by Melissa Roberts, Produced by Brenda Ziemann
A fairground in Killaloe, Ontario is home to the annual Wayne Rose Memorial Chili Cook Off, where Killaloe residents come each year to compete for the honour and the cash prize. The most determined of these is Ava Rose (Wayne’s daughter), who has tried (and failed) to win for sixteen years. This year, with the help of a new assistant (Ellen), Ava returns to battle her former childhood friend and rival (Connie). If she can piece together her late father’s Five Alarm Chili recipe, she might just piece together the mysteries of her past.
Open auditions:
Cold readings from script, advance scripts not available.
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Friday, October 16, 7 pm to 9 pm
- Saturday, October 17, 1 pm to 3 pm
- Sunday, October 18, 7 pm to 9 pm
Audition location:
Theatre Burlington Drama Centre, 2311 New Street, Burlington Ontario, Canada, L7P 3N9 (Enter through Stage door at back of building).
Show Dates:
April 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, May 1
(April 17, 24 and May 1 include a matinee)
For more info, please contact the producer:
oneadultaway@gmail.com
| | 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 | |
In only their 6th season, this group of dedicated theatre volunteers are committed to providing creative growth, community, and friendship through the form of one act plays for adults of all ages. Their aim, currently, is to provide 2 performances a year in their 160 seat facility at St. David’s United Church in Woodstock.
For the 2026-2027 season, they have chosen:
| Congratulations to Simcoe Little Theatre on starting their 81st season in their 114 seat house on Talbot St where they present 3 plays each season. | |
SLT is thrilled to have rejoined the WODL after a few years hiatus. They took advantage of the support from the WODL through hosting an improv workshop as well as having a show adjudicated.
SLT is new to hosting workshops but has already found strong interest from the community to run more with a long list of suggested topics and they are looking forward to building on this new form of engagement. they will keep the WODL community aware of our upcoming workshops!
The adjudication process provided the cast and crew an interesting and constructive opportunity to get an informed, outside perspective on our show. It gave the cast and crew food for thought on alternative staging and blocking options, along with different possible approaches to character and performance. It's always good to get feedback, especially when that feedback challenges the chosen approach, as it either gives us new things to consider for next time or puts our interpretation to the test and confirms that it was the right way to go for our specific production. It was such a positive experience, we look forward to being adjudicated again in the future!
A highlight of our past season was our 80th Anniversary production, Where Stars Still Shine. An original show, written and directed by a long time supporters of SLT, this show proved to be a remarkable celebration of SLT's legacy, selling out its entire limited run to enthusiastic audiences spanning generations of community theatre supporters. Featuring 35 performers, the production brought together beloved veterans returning to reprise roles from some of SLT’s most iconic shows alongside the newest generation of performers taking the stage for the first time. While audiences enjoyed a heartfelt journey through the theatre’s history, the magic extended beyond the spotlight. The friendships rekindled, stories shared, and connections formed in the greenroom created an experience that was just as meaningful for the cast as it was for those in attendance. Where Stars Still Shine was a powerful reminder of the enduring community at the heart of Simcoe Little Theatre and left performers and audiences alike excited for what the next 80 years will bring.
SLT's 25/26 main season was just as lovely, with two impressive and lively musicals and a wonderful comedy full of heart. The season welcomed over 300 more patrons through our doors to experience community theatre.
We invite you all to come visit us this coming season.
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Theatre Tillsonburg:
Theatre Tillsonburg is celebrating their 40th season in their 150 seat house on Potter’s Lane in Tillsonburg. They perform 3 plays each year as well as running a very successful summer camp for kids. For their 2026-27 season, they have chosen:
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A Bright New Chapter for Theatre Tillsonburg
This is a pretty big deal and we are incredibly proud to share it. Theatre Tillsonburg gratefully acknowledges the generous financial support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario through a $125,000 Capital Grant that made a major infrastructure upgrade to Theatre Tillsonburg possible. With this support we successfully purchased and installed 62 new LED lights, upgrading the entire lighting facility.
This investment goes far beyond brighter lights. It helps ensure that the theatre remains safe, modern, and accessible while our volunteers and participants access to efficient, up to date technology that will help to continue delivering high quality theatre experiences for our community.
For a volunteer run community facility, an investment of this size is truly something to celebrate. It strengthens our theatre today while helping to build a sustainable future for generations of performers, volunteers, and audiences.
We are grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for helping make this possible.
With their support, we are not just putting on a show, we are keeping the lights on for Thestre Tillsonburg for decades to come.
| Theatre Woodstock presents 5 main stage shows each year (4 adult shows and 1 senior student show) in their 249 seat house on Reeve St. as well as running a year long program for students (with 2 stage performances) and a 3 week summer camp for kids. For their 80th season for 2026-27 they have chosen: |
- We celebrated our 80th anniversary with wonderful memories, stunning performances, delicious food, and cheerful laughter among friends. Special thanks to Stefanie Bloxsidge for her vision and hard work in creating the evening of magic. Thanks also to Xander from HeartFM 104.7 for MCing, The PlankLiners for their musical talents.
- Welcome to Patti Baker, our new General Manager. Patti brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and a passion for community theatre, and we’re excited to have her lead our family.
- The Ontario Paranormal Society is in town for a spooky experience. Through seminar-style stories and footage, they'll explore local hauntings and paranormal activity with the investigation team!
| 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
First show of GLT’s 2026-27 season is Dracula, running October 22-25, 29-31 and November 1.
https://www.thelivery.ca
Hanover Community Players
The musical Between the Lines, runs November 27-29 and December 3-6.
Auditions for CLUE, will be held October 18 and 19, 6:30 p.m. at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church (corner of 9th Street & 11th Avenue) Enter using the 11th Avenue Entrance. Show goes up April 30, May 1,2,6,7,8,9, 2027.
Auditions for two, one-act plays, If God Comes for Breakfast You Don’t Burn the Toast and Riverview:23, will take place October 26 at 7:30 pm at St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church (corner of 9th Street & 11th Avenue).Enter at 11th Avenue. Shows run February 27 at 7:30 and February 28 at 2:00.
http://hanovercommunityplayers.ca
Kincardine Theatre Guild
The Sound of Music runs November 13-15, 19-22, 26-29. Evenings and matinees available.
http://www.kincardinetheatreguild.com
Owen Sound Little Theatre
Opening show of the 2026-27 season is Come From Away, running November 5-7,11-14, and 18-21.
Auditions for OSLT's production of The Heiress, to be performed in February, will be held at the Roxy Theatre September 29, 30 and October 4. Details on the OSLT website.
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 | |
October has arrived, and our theatres seem more than ready to embrace the season.
In Sarnia, Theatre Sarnia is bringing The Addams Family to the Imperial Theatre October 9-17.
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky - and yes, you can practically hear the snap, snap already.
It is hard to imagine a more perfect show for October. The Addams Family brings together big characters, dark comedy, family chaos and all the wonderfully strange charm audiences expect from one of pop culture’s most unusual families.
And Theatre Sarnia is already looking ahead, with auditions for Guys in a Garage scheduled for later in October.
At The Bank Theatre in Leamington, the curtain has just come down on Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman, directed by Dean Valentino. It was a chance for local audiences to spend an evening with one of the great works of American theatre and another example of the range of productions our community theatres continue to tackle.
And now, The Bank Theatre is heading back to the Reel ’Em Inn.
Farce of Habit, directed by Mark Ribble, opens October 30 and runs through November 8. It is the second show in the Reel ’Em Inn trilogy, following Farce of Nature, which introduced audiences to this very unique collection of characters earlier this year.
Having been part of the first one, I can assure you that things at the Reel ’Em Inn have not become any more normal!
And as October turns toward November, our region is preparing for a pretty remarkable bit of community-theatre timing.
Both Theatre Kent and Windsor Light Music Theatre will present Come From Away - Theatre Kent November 12-14 in Chatham, followed by Windsor Light November 20-29 at the Chrysler Theatre.
That means audiences in our region will have two opportunities, just days apart, to experience this distinctly Canadian story inspired by what happened in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, when thousands of airline passengers were welcomed into the community following the events of September 11, 2001.
It is a story about kindness, generosity, resilience and strangers becoming neighbours - and one that has become especially meaningful to audiences across Canada.
Same story. Two different companies. Two different creative teams. Two different interpretations.
I think that is something worth celebrating, and I hope audiences across Essex, Kent and Lambton make the effort to support both.
That really is one of the great things about community theatre in our region. On any given weekend you can find a musical, a drama, a farce or something wonderfully spooky waiting behind the curtain.
So this October, get out and see a show.
Better yet, see a few.
See you in the audience!
| Off the Wall - Fall 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:
WILDWOMAN by Kat Sandler
Newlywed Catherine de Medici expected that court life with King Henry II would be a fascinating foray into politics. Instead, she's trapped in a cruel palace as an heir-producing machine, surrounded by duplicitous women. Her only solace is a head-to-toe hairy wildman, kept as part of the king’s collection of caged oddities. His feral presence awakens Catherine’s wild side, and once released no one is safe from her vengeful wrath. Based on the shocking true story that inspired Beauty and the Beast, WILDWOMAN is a viciously funny, sexy thrill ride about unleashing your inner monster.
Kisapmata by Bianca Miranda
When two Filipinx women meet at work, sparks fly. A queer femme born in Canada and an enigmatic intern from the Philippines dive headfirst into a kilig-filled romance, knowing they have only sixty days before they must part forever. A love story to cherish for a lifetime, Kisapmata is a bittersweet, delightfully cheesy queer rom-com like an irresistible teleserye, celebrating queerness, Filipinx culture, and making the most of life’s blissful moments.
Come Down From Up River by Norm Foster
When solitary woodsman Shaver Bennett arrives from up river to stay with his estranged niece Bonnie and her wife Liv during medical tests, tensions run high as they brace for the worst from his backwoods views. But when Shaver reveals a surprising openness, the family must confront old wounds and bridge their differences before it’s too late. From Norm Foster, Canada’s most-produced playwright, Come Down From Up River is a warm, witty comedy about connection, forgiveness, and finding common ground.
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!
Did you know you can browse our plays by subjects and casting?
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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 | |
Miking Drums & Percussion in a Live Environment
Tuesday, October 13th | 7:00 p.m.
Register here >
Miking a drum kit may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about community theatre sound. But as more theatres incorporate musicals, live bands, and musicians into their programming, having a good approach to miking drums can make a world of difference to the overall performance.
Join us this Tuesday, October 13th for a free Resource Stage seminar exploring how microphone choice, placement, and setup can help you get more control and clarity from drums in a live mix.
We’ll look at different approaches, from simple few-microphone setups to more detailed multi-channel configurations, with live demonstrations along the way. We’ll also cover practical tips for making quick adjustments when time is tight.
Presented in partnership with Audio-Technica, this session is useful whether you're new to live sound or have been mixing productions for years.
Everyone is welcome to join us at Horizon Solutions
1910 Huron treet, London, ON or Online at www.resourcestage.ca
Explore the full Resource Stage lineup and register for upcoming seminars.
November 10 · 7:00 p.m.
Video Transport Over Networks
Explore the Resource Stage lineup >
Need gear along the way?
Rent what you need or explore reliable options in our shop.
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 November newsletter | | | | 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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