Christopher Hunt’s Ribstone is a richly entertaining and personal reflection about family, storytelling, our connection to the land, and our changing relationship to the past.
The Blog
Playwright’s Journal 2026
Playwright’s Journal 2026 is a living blog occasionally updated throughout the year with musings on plays, movies, writing, and creativity.
The Green House at Rosebud Theatre – Interview with Playwright Krista Marushy
The Green House is a play about memory, empathy, and forgiveness featuring a stellar cast that shows how revisiting the past can alter our view and understanding of the present. The play not only invites audiences to experience Susanne’s journey and transformation but to also reflect on the stories we tell ourselves about the past.
Mieko Ouchi: 2023 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist
Mieko Ouchi talks about her approach to storytelling and how she works as a dramaturge to help other artists bring their work to the stage.
Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby: 2023 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artists
Amanda Forbis and Wendy Tilby talk about their approch to animation and what it means to receive a Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award.
Michelle Thrush: 2023 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Distinguished Artist
Michelle Thrush director, producer, and community builder talks about her career and work including her one-woman show Inner Elder.
Magic Lies: An Evening with W.O. Mitchell – Interview Orm Mitchell
An interview with Orm Mitchell about his father’s work and the journey Magic Lies: An Evening with W.O. Mitchell took to reach the stage.
Interview with Playwright Caroline Russell-King – High and Splendid Braveries
Playwright Caroline Russell-King discusses her play High and Splendid Braveries which is about the life of Emily Murphy and The Famous Five.
Interview with Playwright Meredith Taylor-Parry
Playwright Meredith Taylor-Parry talks about her newest play Shark Bite, life-changing decisions, sources of creative energy and playwriting.
Interview with Kristen Da Silva – Playwright
In this interview playwright Kristen Da Silva talks about her creative process, thoughts on comedy, and what she’d tell her younger self.
Interview with Director David Winning
Cannibals, vampires, and lonely singles searching for love are just some of the characters director David Winning has brought to the screen.
Interview with Juliet Liraz – Second Chances
Interview with Substance Abuse Counsellor Juliet Liraz who took up the challenge of producing an inmate-run production of A Christmas Carol.
Interview with Griffin Cork – Actor, Producer, Filmmaker
At twenty-four actor, producer, and filmmaker Griffin Cork has already stacked up an impressive list of film and theatre credits.
Interview: Actor Ryan Quinn Adams – Celebrate the Small Victories
Ryan Quinn Adams commutes between Lake Tahoe, where his family lives, and Los Angeles in order to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.
Interview with Photographer Tim Nguyen
Photographer Tim Nguyen captures the energy and emotion of live theatre as well as the intimate and personal process of portraiture.
Hamlet: A Ghost Story – Actor Ahad Raza Mir
I sat down with actor Ahad Raza Mir to talk with him about his approach to acting and in particular about returning to Calgary from his native Pakistan to play Hamlet.
Matt Dy: Director of Script Competitions Austin Film Festival
The Austin Film Festival is a celebration of film and television that focuses on story and the people who write the screenplays and teleplays. I gave Matt Dy, the Director of Competitions for The Austin Film Festival, a call to talk to him about how the festival began and what participants can expect.
Interview with Barb Mitchell – Do What You Love
You might know Barb Mitchell as the cohost of Calgary’s first morning show for Global back in the early nineties. Or you might remember her as Miss Calgary back in the early eighties. Or more recently you might have seen her on television as a judgmental church lady in the gritty Depression-era drama Damnation. I sat down with Barb, just after this year’s Calgary Stampede, to talk with her about her experiences as a broadcaster and her career as a stage and television actor.
Interview with Playwright Neil Fleming: Spare Parts
Neil Fleming is a multi-talented, award winning Calgary designer, playwright and television producer. In our hour and a half chat last Friday Neil and I talked about all kinds of things including playwriting, depression, Chuck Wendig, poltergeists and ADHD.
An Interview with Playwright Dale Lee Kwong: Ai Yah! Sweet and Sour Secrets
“It’s been my goal to have a play at Lunchbox Theatre since 1978. I was in grade twelve when the Stage One program first started, and I don’t even know how I ended up going to all the Stage One readings but I did, and I made a mental note to myself that someday I would like to have a play at Lunchbox.”
Playwright Meredith Taylor-Parry – Part Two: Book Club
“The pattern is clear, women are drinking more. And not just in my circles. I think it’s a phenomenon in stay at home moms. It’s a way to get through the witching hour. It’s a way to relieve the anxiety and the pressure of information overload that moms now have because we’re trying to make the right choices. But there are so many choices laid out for us, with so many different arguments for which one is the right one, that we’re walking around with this mind boggling anxiety all the time that we’re making the wrong ones.”
The Thingwall Players Production of A Christmas Carol – Interview with Director Charlotte Holguin
This Christmas the Thingwall Players are producing my adaptation of A Christmas Carol across the pond in Liverpool. I contacted the director of the show Charlotte Holguin to chat with her about why A Christmas Carol still resonates with audiences today, her love of theatre, and what audiences can expect when they go to see the show.
Interview with Dan Stephenson: Web Designer, Magician, Instructor, Podcaster
Interview with Dan Stephenson where we talk about artifical intelligence, social media, magic, web design, and the Calgary Flames.
The Wizard of Oz at Alberta Theatre Projects – A fun and entertaining family friendly production.
If you’re looking for a memorable and fun family outing to celebrate the holiday season, then be sure to catch Alberta Theatre Projects inventive and highly entertaining production of The Wizard of Oz.
Peril in the Alps at Vertigo Theatre – Interview with Director Clare Preuss
Claire Preuss the director of Peril in the Alps talks about her role as a director, the enduring appeal of Poirot, and the magic of theatre.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Alberta Theatre Projects – Interview with Director Craig Hall
This October the Legend of Sleepy Hollow comes alive on the Alberta Theatre Projects stage – just in time for Halloween.
Beyond the Sea by Kristen Da Silva at Lunchbox Theatre
Playwright Kristen Da Silva has crafted a genuinely funny, heartfelt, and deeply moving play that follows the evolving and deepening relationship between two strangers who by the end of the story have transformed from strangers to friends.
The Brothers Paranormal by Prince Gomolvilas at Vertigo Theatre
There are certainly a lot of ghosts haunting Calgary stages this Halloween season including a malevolent supernatural spirit whose intentions are far from friendly.
Alberta Playwrights’ Network – 40th Anniversary Celebrations
I guarantee you there will be drama! Comedy too, I’m guessing. And cake. What more could you ask for. The Alberta Playwrights’ Network is about to celebrate its 40th Anniversary and you’re invited to join the party in Calgary on Saturday, September 13th at the Confluence, and in Edmonton on Saturday, September 27th at the Hazeldean Community Hall. Pay what you can tickets and event details can be found on the Alberta Playwrights’ Network website.
1000 Monkeys Project at the 2025 Calgary Fringe
Alberta Playwrights’ Network presents The 1000 Monkeys Project featuring five Calgary playwrights at the 2025 Calgary Fringe Festival.
Liars at a Funeral by Sophia Fabiilli at Alberta Theatre Projects
Alberta Theatre Projects production of Liars at a Funeral is an entertaining evening filled with plenty of laughter and perfectly timed comedic chaos.
Elvis is Dead: Saving the world takes time.
Time travellers Dr. Fred Bunson and Commander Robert Frump have travelled back in time to retrieve a lost book and save the universe but when things don’t go as planned librarian Sally Knowlton comes to the rescue.
The Art of Fiction – the PARIS REVIEW
The Paris Review established in 1953 is renowned for its in-depth interviews with prominent writers, known as The Art of Fiction. Here are a few words of wisdom form George Saunders, August Wilson, Sunsan Sontag, and more.
A Killing at La Cucina by Thomas Morgan Jones at Vertigo Theatre
So, what have director Jack Grinhaus, playwright Thomas Morgan Jones, and actors Lauren Brotman and Braden Griffiths been cooking up over at Vertigo Theatre? A little something called A Killing at La Cucina. A Luccia Dante Mystery.
King James by Rajiv Joseph at Alberta Theatre Projects
Alberta Theatre Projects continues their winning season with a sharp funny and engaging production of King James by Rajiv Joseph.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
A Series of Unfortunate Events ignited a love of reading in my son when he was young, and now I’m reading the entire series, and loving it. Why I wonder would anyone read something they didn’t like?
Devil of a Christmas: Not every life is so wonderful. By James Hutchison
When George Bailey finds himself scheduled for a lobotomy on Christmas Eve 1949 at Fairview Asylum two demons, by the name of Monica Lynch and Frank Badger, show up with a tempting offer.
Murder on the Links by Steven Dietz at Vertigo Theatre
Murder on the Links at Vertigo Theatre is designed to not only give your little grey cells a workout but to tickle your funny bone as well.
The Morningside Papers – Peter Gzowski
The Morningside Papers (the Fifth and Probably Last edition) is a time capsule from 1994 that has sat unread on my bookshelf – until now.
Christmas on the Air by Lucia Frangione at Rosebud Theatre
Christmas on the Air at Rosebud Theatre is a pleasant way to spend an evening with a charming cast in a light-hearted and song-filled production.
The Seafarer by Conor McPherson at Alberta Theatre Projects
Alberta Theatre Projects has set sail on its 50th Anniversary Season and the first leg of this voyage is the darkly comic and booze-driven production of The Seafarer by Conor McPherson starring Paul Gross in a triumphant return to the Calgary stage.
The Woman in Black at Vertigo Theatre Delivers Plenty of Chills and Thrills
Vertigo Theatre’s Production of The Woman in Black directed by Jamie Dunsdon and starring Joe Perry and Andy Curtis is a tension-filled journey into fear and terror.
For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again by Michel Tremblay at Rosebud Theatre
Rosebud Theatre presents the touching and humourous memoir For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again by Michel Tremblay directed by Morris Ertman and starring Karen Johnson-Diamond and Griffin Cork.
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Kurt Vonnegut best known for his novel Slaughterhouse Five is a master at satire and making us laugh at this absurd world we live in.
The Fever by Wallace Shawn at Rosebud Theatre
This summer Rosebud Theatre presents The Fever by Wallace Shawn directed by Bronwyn Steinberg and starring Heather Pattengale in a show that dives into the complex thoughts and feelings of one woman as she explores questions of privilege and personal responsibility.
The Last Picture Show – Terrific Book – Amazing Film
This is a bleak book and movie and yet like other bleak takes on life there is plenty here that resonates about life and about how people in spite of everything go on stumbling into the future and that happiness is both difficult to find and when found tends not to last.
The Writer Speaks – Kaufman – Durang – Adichie and more.
The Writer Speaks: Interviews with Rachel Cusk, Ian McEwan, Charlie Kaufman, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Jonathan Franzen, Christopher Durang, Deborah Levy, Emma Thompson, William Goldman.
Selma Burke: Interview with Playwrights Maria Crooks & Caroline Russell-King
Playwrights Maria Crooks and Caroline Russell-King discuss their new play about the life and times of African American sculptor Selma Burke.
The Girl on the Train: Interview with Director Jack Grinhaus
The Girl on the Train at Vertigo Theatre is a modern thriller that delivers plenty of excitement and surprises for its audience.
Leap Year: Do What You Love
This leap year reflect on the importance of following your inner voice and living the life you were meant to live.
Interview Morris Ertman – Artistic Director Rosebud Theatre
Morris Ertman the Artistic Director of Rosebud Theatre talks about his career and what makes Rosebud such a special and mystical place where people gather to tell stories and share memories.
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 – At Rosebud Theatre
All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at Rosebud Theatre is a deeply moving production brought to life by a wonderful ensemble.
Cambrian Players present A Christmas Carol – Interview with Director Thomas McDonald
The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Thunder Bay Ontario as the Cambrian Players present my adaptation of A Christmas Carol directed by Thomas McDonald and starring Gabe Ferrazzo as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde at Vertigo Theatre – Interview Joe Perry
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde delivers a highly theatrical production with a terrific cast under the direction of Javier Vilalta.
Magic Lies: An Evening with W.O. Mitchell – Interview Nathan Schmidt
Nathan Schmidt talks about the production of MAGIC LIES: An Evening with W.O. Mitchell and the challenges of performing in a one-man show.
Carrie: The Musical at Front Row Centre
Carrie White unleashes her telekinetic powers during her senior prom after she’s the victim of a cruel prank in Carrie: The Musical.
Interview Bronwyn Steinberg – Artistic Director Lunchbox Theatre
Interview with Bronwyn Steinberg about Bertolt Brecht, the exciting new season at Lunchbox, and her passion for the theatre.
1000 Monkeys Project at the Calgary Fringe – Interview with Trevor Rueger
The 1000 Monkeys Project features 5 ten-minute plays from Alberta playwrights including – Happy Birthday Theo – by James Hutchison.
The Syringa Tree at Rosebud Theatre – Interview with Katharine Venour
The Syringa Tree is a powerful story told on an intimate stage in a brilliantly directed production by Morris Ertman that mixes a simple set with sound and lights to create a world where Katharine Venour delivers a compelling and deeply moving performance.
The Sound of Music at Rosebud Theatre – Interview with Cassia Schmidt
Rosebud Theatre presents a family-friendly and highly entertaining production of Rogers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical The Sound of Music.
Nevermore – The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe
Nevermore is filled with energy that explodes across the stage in bold and theatrical storytelling that distinguishes Catalyst Theatre as a truly unique and visionary voice in Canadian Theatre
The Trip to Bountiful at Rosebud Theatre – Interview with Judith Buchan
Rosebud Theatre presents a memorable and highly entertaining production of Horton Foote’s beautiful play The Trip to Bountiful.
Gaslight at Vertigo Theatre – Interview with Director Jack Grinhaus
Vertigo Theatre presents a highly entertaining and suspenseful production of Gaslight. Interview with director Jack Grinhaus.
Artificial Intelligence – Perfect Match – Beautiful Ruins
Have a listen to Tom Scott and his recent story about how backing up his Gmail and trying to fix a problem with e-mail tags led him to think – Holy Sh*t! Artificial intelligence is about to change everything!
Murder on the Orient Express at Vertigo Theatre – Interview with Director Jovanni Sy
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie at Vertigo Theatre. Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig. Interview with director Jovanni Sy.
A Christmas Carol at Desert Crown Theatre – Interview with Christine Ralston & Nate Ralston
A Christmas Carol at Desert Crown Theatre. Interview with Christine Ralston and Nate Ralston about this year’s production.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Rosebud Theatre – Interview with Anna Dalgleish and Caleb Gordon
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at Rosebud Theatre. An interview with the stars of the show Anna Dalgleish and Caleb Gordon.
Write a Good Story by Creating Believable Characters
Write a Good Story by creating believable characters. Characters that illustrate the whole range of human behaviour.
Stones in His Pockets at Rosebud Theatre – Interview with Actors Nathan Schmidt & Griffin Cork
Stones in His Pockets at Rosebud Theatre is about the disruption caused in a small Irish community when Hollywood comes to town. Interview with actors Nathan Schmidt and Griffin Cork.
Misery at Vertigo Theatre – Interview with Director Jamie Dunsdon
Misery at Vertigo Theatre is a thrilling dive into the scary world of deadly obsession. An interview with Director Jamie Dunsdon.
Photographer Louise Good
Photographer Louise Good talks about her approach to photography and the philosophy behind her In the Moment Gallery.
Interview with Actor John Craggs – A Christmas Carol
Interview with actor John Craggs about his life in the theatre and the Support British production of A Christmas Carol.
A Christmas Carol at Tarleton State University
Interview with Associate Professor of Theatre Prudence Jones and several students producing A Christmas Carol at Tarleton State University.
Interview with Derek Webb – Playwright
I contacted playwright Derek Webb to chat with him about his writing and this year’s Pint-sized Plays Festival.
Submission Opportunities for Playwrights
An occasionally updated list of playwriting, screenwriting, and festival competition opportunities and contests for playwrights.
Winter Solstice and a Christmas Yule Log
Celebrate the Winter Solstice and enjoy a sixty-minute Christmas Yule Log video as you celebrate the holiday season.
Interview Tracy Carroll & Katherine Koller
Interview with Tracy Carroll and Katherine Koller about theatre, the origins of Script Salon, and their plans for 2021.
Marketing Architect Toni Guffei: Ratio Marketing and Reports
I connected with Marketing Architect Toni Guffei to talk with her about marketing, blogging, and social media.
Interview with Producer/Director Matt Boda: Absurd Hero Productions – Get It Made X
Producer/Director Matt Boda has ambitions of taking his company, Absurd Hero Productions, into the big leagues.
Interview Trevor Rueger: Actor, Director, Dramaturge
Interview with Trevor Rueger the Executive Director of Alberta Playwrights Network about his approach to acting, directing, and dramaturgy.
Three Types of Story: Survival, Love, & Quest
I think there are only three types of stories. There’s the survival story, the love story, and the quest story. That’s it. And each story can be told as either a comedy or a drama with extreme comedy being satire and extreme drama being tragedy. As far as genres go each type of story can have multiple types of genres so, for example, you can have a science fiction or fantasy story that is about survival, or you can have a historical fiction or a vampire story that is about love.
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story
Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story is a story about desperation – hope – love – refugees – babies – grandchildren – the past – and the present. It’s an entertaining, touching, and memorable night at the theatre. Did I like it? I loved it. Would I recommend it? Without a doubt. This show has […]
A Christmas Carol by James Hutchison at Piper’s Opera House
An interview with Director Jennifer Hunt about A Christmas Carol at Pipers Opera House in Virginia City Nevada.
A Christmas Carol by James Hutchison at Johnson City Community Theatre Tennessee
A Christmas Carol at Johnson City Tennessee. Interview with Director Melanie Yodkins and actor Tom Sizemore.
A Christmas Carol by James Hutchison at Wokingham Theatre England
A Christmas Carol adapted for the stage by James Hutchison at Wokingham Theatre. Interview with Director David Stacey about his production.
Interview with Aaron Krogman: Actor
Actor Aaron Krogman talks about starring in A Christmas Story and his five years playing Jesus in the Drumheller Passion play.
JP Thibodeau – StoryBook Theatre
Interview with Storybook Theatre Artistic Director JP Thibodeau about his own journey as an artist and his vision for StoryBook Theatre.
Interview with Barry Tuff – Rogers Media: Reputation is Everything
Account Manager Barry Tuff is one of those sales guys who cares deeply about his clients and believes that reputation is everything.
James Hutchison talks with Director Heather Dick
Interview with playwright James Hutchison about his play Written in Stone.
Written in Stone Premieres at the Newmarket National Ten Minute Play Festival
Written in Stone a 10 Minute Comedy about the 10 Commandments premieres at the 2019 Newmarket 10 Minute National Play Festival. James interviews the artistic director of the festival Michael Halfin.
Christopher Duthie, Julie Orton & Ayla Stephen: A Dinner Party
Christopher Duthie, Julie Orton, and Ayla Stephen have joined forces to bring Calgary the premiere of A Dinner Party.
Samantha MacDonald: The Universe Provides
Lunchbox Theatre Artistic Producer Samantha MacDonald to talk with her about her career and the new Lunchbox Theatre season.
Interview with Mark Bellamy and Sayer Roberts: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Stage West
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder by Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak is one of the most entertaining and fun shows I’ve seen on a Calgary stage. I sat down with the director of the show Mark Bellamy and actor Sayer Roberts who plays Monty to talk with them about the play, musical theatre, and our predictions of who will sit on the Iron Throne.
Christopher Scott and JC Charlton: Come Home
I sat down with JC Charlton and Christopher Scott, while they were in rehearsals, to talk with them about how the creation and production of their play – Come Home.
Interview with Actor Christopher Hunt: Waiting for Godot
I spoke with Christopher Hunt, one of the founders of Black Radish Theatre, to talk with him about his acting career, Black Radish Theatre, and the ageless appeal of Waiting for Godot.
Interview with writer, composer, and musical director Joe Slabe: Crossing Swords
I interviewed musical director Joe Slabe about musical theatre and the journey his play Crossing Swords has taken to reach the stage.
Hamlet: A Ghost Story – An Interview with Director Craig Hall & Playwright Anna Cummer
I sat down with the director of Hamlet and Artistic Director of Vertigo Theatre Craig Hall and playwright Anna Cummer, who penned the adaptation, to discuss their unique take on Shakespeare’s most famous and most produced play.
Interview Natascha Girgis – A Foray into Silly
I sat down with actor Natascha Girgis to chat with her about the Stage West production of Drinking Habits 2 Caught in the Act and her approach to comedy.
Interview with the director of 500 bucks and a pack of smokes – Ruthie Dworin
I spoke to Ruthie Dworin from the University of Chicago about her approach to directing my one-act comedy 500 bucks and a pack of smokes.
Deathtrap at Vertigo Theatre: An Interview with director Jamie Dunsdon and actors Mark Bellamy and Tyrell Crews
I sat down with director Jamie Dunsdon and actors Mark Bellamy and Tyrell Crews to talk about weapons of choice and Vertigo Theatre’s production of Deathtrap.
Interview with playwright, screenwriter, blogger, and novelist: Maryanne Pope
I spoke with writer Maryanne Pope a playwright, screenwriter, blogger and novelist about her work and her company Pink Gazelle Productions.
Interview with Playwright Wendy Froberg: Queen of the Ring – The Story of Johnnie Mae Young
Interview with Playwright Wendy Froberg about her play Queen of the Ring – The Story of Wrestler Johnnie Mae Young.
Interview with Haysam Kadri: Artistic Director The Shakespeare Company
I sat down with the Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Company Haysam Kadri to talk about Hamlet, theatre, and just how the Shakespeare Company’s Madness in Great Ones season came about.
Interview with Artistic Director of Verb Theatre Jamie Dunsdon: The Wolves
The Wolves is being produced and directed by Jamie Dunsdon the Artistic Director and founder of Verb Theatre. I sat down with Jamie to talk about The Wolves, her experiences running a local theatre company and her approach to directing.
Red Rock Diner is Summertime fun at Stage West Calgary – Interview with Red Robinson & Ben Cookson
Red Rock Diner by Dean Regan is a rockabilly jukebox musical that celebrates the music of the fifties and features plenty of classic hits like Johnny B. Good, Who Wrote the Book of Love and Great Balls of Fire! The play is loosely based on the early career of Canada’s champion of rock ‘n’ roll music DJ Red Robinson who started spinning rock ‘n’ roll records on Vancouver’s CJOR while he was still in high school in 1954.
Newmarket National 10 Minute Play Festival Celebrates Canadian Theatre
“We’ve received submissions from every province in Canada and from Canadians from around the world. We’ve received scripts from China, Tasmania, Australia, Ireland, many states throughout the U.S., and so on, and I think that Canadians are catching on to the idea that this is their festival.”
Uncensored, Unexpected, Unforgettable Theatre: Calgary Fringe 2018 – Festival Director Michele Gallant
The Calgary Fringe has become part of the cultural fabric of the city and is a welcome addition to the theatre season providing Calgarians with the opportunity to see and experience local, national and international artists. I spoke with the current Festival Director and Producer of the Calgary Fringe Michele Gallant.
The Hemingway Solution, Parts Unknown, and Anthony Bourdain
We’re not supposed to talk about suicidal thoughts – that’s taboo. Especially if you’re a man. It means you’re weak, right? And unfortunately, if you don’t talk about it and you don’t get the help you need the end result could be deadly. And that’s why we need to talk about Anthony Bourdain.
Interview with Actor Braden Griffiths: 21st Annual Betty Mitchell Awards
On Monday, June 25th the Calgary Theatre community came together to celebrate the Twenty-first annual Betty Mitchell Awards. I sat down with actor, playwright, and current President of the Betty Mitchell Board Braden Griffiths, who was just finishing his run as Sherlock Holmes in the Vertigo Theatre production of Sherlock Holmes and the American Problem, to talk about the awards and theatre in Calgary.
Interview with Lunchbox Theatre Director of Marketing & Communications Lauren Thompson
“Have fun and be creative. If you won’t find it interesting to read why is your audience going to find it interesting to read? If you don’t like the way it looks, chances are your audience won’t like the way it looks. So, trust you and do what you want to do. Marketing is the place where you can be creative and do your own things. Financial people have to follow a budget – have to follow numbers, but marketing is that world where you can have your creative juices flow, if you will.”
Urban Stories: Social Justice Issues for the Stage
Helen Young is the Artistic Director and one of the founders of Urban Stories Theatre. Her theatre, film, and television work goes back more than 30 years and includes acting, singing, dancing, stunt work, writing, teaching, and directing. I spoke to Helen about her thoughts on theatre’s place in our culture and this year’s festival.
Playwright Wendy Froberg: A Woman of a Certain Age
A Woman of A Certain Age is an entertaining and insightful play about six women who are trying to cope with the demands of family and career as they struggle with the physical and emotional challenges of growing older in a culture obsessed with youth and beauty. I sat down with Wendy to talk with her about her play and how she got into playwriting.
A Stephen King Christmas: On Writing – A Memoir of the Craft
You learn by doing but you also learn by reading the work of others and by reading books about the craft. And if you’re a writer then a good book to read because it’s fun and it has some great advice about the writing process is Stephen King’s On Writing – A Memoir of the Craft.
A Christmas Carol by James Hutchison premieres at the Carriage House Theatre
A Christmas Carol by James Hutchison at the Carriage House Theatre
An Interview With Playwright Maria Crooks: The Mary Mink Story
An interview with playwright Maria Crooks about her new play: The Mary Mink Story.
An Interview with Playwright Meredith Taylor-Parry: Book Club II
“I enjoy writing humour and I like the challenge. At the same time, if the story doesn’t have heart, if nothing serious is going on underneath the humour….what’s the point really? I want my plays to address some aspect of the human struggle that hopefully people can relate to. That’s what I want to see when I go to a play so naturally I aspire to that in my writing.”
Montparnasse with Kathy Zaborksy and Carolyn Ruether is Must See Theatre
We go to the theatre to experience something about the complexity, beauty, heartache, joy and tragedy of life. So when you see a play that delivers…that has a wonderful script, mesmerizing performances and takes you along for a ride, where you completely forget about the time, you have to tell others. You have to share the news. You have to let people know they need to go and see this show before it closes.
QUOTA Gets a London Production in the British Theatre Challenge
I wrote QUOTA while I was doing a little research for another play about the internment camps that the Canadian government ran during World War One and World War Two.* It’s always bothered me that we were fighting dictatorships that put people in camps while we were doing the same thing. Of course our camps weren’t concentration camps but once you have a different set of laws and rules applied to one group in your society – how do you keep it from going to the extreme?
6 Guitars by Chase Padgett is a Fun and Uplifting Tribute to Music
6 Guitars is a one man, six character, tribute to music, with plenty of laughs and lots of heart.
The one man standing on stage playing six characters and six different styles of music is Chase Padgett. Chase is a multi-talented musician, actor and story teller who switches effortlessly between this cast of diverse characters as they tell their stories and play their kind of music.
Everyone’s a Critic
When we read a book, watch a movie, go out for a meal we judge it. We either like it or we don’t. We all have opinions and we generally share those opinions with our friends and family. Word of mouth is still the best way to spread the news. Why? Because usually word of mouth means people are talking with people they know. They have a relationship and that means they’re better able to judge the recommendation and they know from experience whether or not what their friend likes will be something they like.
Twelve Thumbs Up – It’s a Wonderful Life at Lunchbox Theatre
The Lunchbox Theatre production of It’s a Wonderful Life features an outstanding cast, brilliant direction, a beautiful set and an amazing mix of sound – both recorded and created live – to bring the story of George Bailey and the town of Bedford Falls to life.
Recommended Reading – Olive Kitteridge, the Pulitzer Prize, and Doughnuts
Olive Kitteridge is a hard woman to love. But she’s one of the most interesting and complex characters you’re ever going to see or read.
Theatre: The Original Social Media – World Theatre Day
One of the ways we reflect on who we are as humans is through story and one of the ways we present story is on stage. And that’s why we still gather in groups to experience the comedy and tragedy of life. Theatre has a place in society. It always will. It will not die. We are social creatures and theatre is one of the original social medias.
Interview Playwright Meredith Taylor-Parry – Part One: Survival Skills
“You want to write the kind of play where people are going to go home and talk about it, and think about it, and talk about themselves a little bit. You know, my God, if it got people to think about their own mortality a little bit, how could that be a bad thing? We all run around scared to talk about it, but we’re fascinated by it at the same time. The idea that we’re mortal. Just to have that discussion opened up wouldn’t hurt.”
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – Full Text of the Classic Poem. Print or download for free.
Who needs the Waltons? Thoughts about August: Osage County
So, last year around the holidays I decided to watch the movie August: Osage County. Maybe I’d had enough of It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street and was in need of something a little darker. After all you need to balance the sweet with the sour – don’t you?
Recommended Reading: The Holy Man by Susan Trott
If you’re in need of some inspiration or just a fun and delightful read check out The Holy Man by Susan Trott.
Creative Process – Playwrights – Actors – Directors
Even before launching my website, I’ve always enjoyed talking to playwrights, actors, and directors about their work and creative process.