Got the acting bug? A hankering to work backstage? A yen to design?

Dionysus Theatre has the solution!

Dionysus will be holding auditions for SYLVIA, a comedy by A.R. Gurney, on Tuesday, March 9th. We are seeking actors, designers, and backstage saints.

Where: NLC Dawson Creek Campus

Date: Tuesday, March 9th

Time: 6:30 pm - Meet us in the foyer.

Roles:

Sylvia -- female, age 21-30

Kate -- female, age 40-50

Greg -- male, age 40-50

Tom, Phyllis, Leslie --- played by one actor, can be male or female, age 40-50

No need to prepare; you will read from selected scenes.

No need to be nervous, bring a friend for support if you’d like.

SYLVIA will be our spring production. A couple approaching their middle years find their marriage jeopardized by the antics of a stray dog, Sylvia. Sylvia soon becomes a rival for the wife's affection. Something has got to give....

Rehearsals will start in March with an opening date for late April or early May.

For information call Cynthia at 786-6837 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hollywood stars are not the only people who can walk the Red Carpet on March 7, when the Oscars are given out at the annual Academy Awards.

Stage North invites you to party with the stars for Oscar Night on the Big Screen at the Lido Theatre on Sunday, March 7. The glamorous will be photographed, the famous will be interviewed and you too can come dressed to the nines. Prizes will be awarded to those who imitate the stars dressed in their finest - the paparazzi are sure to be on hand!

Live on the big screen, you will see the Oscars presented and the stars larger than life. The entertainment is non-stop when Stage North’s Spontaneous Combustion fills the commercial breaks with improvisational fun and surprises.

The bar will be available and culinary treats will be served. Doors open for The Red Carpet at 6pm and the Oscars begin at 7pm.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Tables of 4 and 6 and booths are available. Call the Lido 785-3011 or pick up your tickets at the Visitors Centre. For more information call 250-785-6214.

Stage North presents The Miracle Worker by William Gibson February 3, 4, 5, 6 at 7pm at the North Peace Cultural Centre in Fort St. John. A matinee on Saturday, February 6, will begin at 2pm.

The Miracle Worker is an astonishing story about Helen Keller, played by Kay-Leesa Fehr, who becomes deaf and blind due to sever disease at age two. Helen progressed no further than a like feral child until teacher Annie Sullivan, played by Stevi Eby, takes her into control and miraculously breaks through the darkness that has entrapped Helen since her illness. The story revolves around Helen’s family and their sadness and frustrations in trying to cope with Helen’s unruliness and the joy of small glimmers of hope for improvements in Helen’s behaviour. The break-through is surprising when we learn it  is triggered by just one word.

Director Dave Eaton has been working with the cast of The Miracle Worker for three months. Eaton said, “ The script is very involved and emotionally demanding. The cast has learned to work with each other in creating the tensions and triumphs the story evokes.”  Dave is quite proud of the accomplishments of the local cast:  Mike Odowichuk plays Anagnos, Justin Saunders-James, Harold Goodwin- the Doctor, Krystal Roth-Kate, Mary Telford-Aunt Ev, Dawn Ljuden-Viney, Paul Swartz- Captain Keller, Korlynd Fehr- Percy and Anjali Spooner and Samantha Jorgensen as children.

The play calls for voice overs and Director Eaton called in the talents of Stage North sponsors to pre-record voices for the show. Voices of people you will not see in the show are Eli Smith, Ted Pimm, Jim Chapple, Dino Soucy, Jim Peltier and Nelson Stowe. Some of these voices are making their first presence on the Fort St. John stage without actually being on stage.

The Miracle Worker is the third production of Stage North for this season. We can look forward to “I Claudia” and “Toronto Mississippi”, both Canadian productions, in April and May.

Photo: Justin Saunders, Paul Swartz, Mary Telford, and Stevi Eby rehearse for their roles in Stage North’s production of The Miracle Worker.
 

“The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson. Directed by Dave Eaton. February 3, 4, 5, 6, 2010 at 7pm and matinee on Feb. 6. At 2pm.

Immortalized onstage and screen by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, this classic set in the late 1800’s, tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller. The Miracle Worker dramatizes the volatile relationship between the lonely teacher and her charge. Helen, trapped in her secret world, is violent, spoiled, almost sub-human, and treated by her family as such. Only Annie realizes that there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence. Following scenes of intense physical and emotional dynamism, Annie’s success with Helen finally comes with the utterance of a single word…..

Oscar Night on the Big Screen March 7 at the Lido Theatre. Celebrate theatre and theatre people at Oscar Night complete with Red Carpet, Paparazzi, Prizes, Awards and more.

“Zak’s Birthday Party” Improv Theatre by Spontaneous Combustion at the Lido theatre on April 10, 2010.

“I, Claudia” by Kristen Thomson Director: Oliver Hachmeister at the North Peace Cultural Centre. April 22, 23, 24, 2010.

“Toronto, Mississippi” by Joan MacLeod. Directed by Blair Scott at the North Peace Cultural Centre. April 29, 30, May 1, 2010.

Peace River Zone Theatre Festival at the North Peace Cultural Centre May 4 – 8, 2010. Community theatre at its best when plays from towns throughout the Peace Region are adjudicated by professional directors and actors.

Do you want to experience theatre without having to audition or rehearse or ‘dip a toe’ in the theatre world without committing to a show? Maybe you're just looking for a fun activity for the New Year? Dionysus Theatre Company will warm up Monday nights in January and February with a Script Reading Series.

Discover theatre through reading scripts in a group setting - each week we will offer one or two scripts for the group to read aloud. Scripts will include comedies and dramas, ranging from monologues to casts with many characters. Have a coffee and read or just listen too.

There will be a selection of great scripts and as a bonus, the script reading series includes a four hour workshop with a theatre professional.

Drop by! Bring a friend! Come to one, two or all of the sessions, whatever fits your schedule. The Script Reading Series is complimentary to all participants with the purchase of a $5 Dionysus membership.

Location: The Dining Room, Northern Lights College, Dawson Creek

Times: Mondays starting January 11, 2010 (6 sessions)

For more information contact Cynthia Livingstone at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 786-6837.

Gonzorgo and Alan, played by Cory and Stephen Funks, are studying for their roles in Babes in Toyland which hits the stage on December 29 for three performances. The North Peace Cultural Centre in Fort St. John will come alive with a delightful Mother Goose tale on December 29, 30 and 31. On Dec 31, the performance will be followed by a family friendly New Year's Eve Party hosted by the Fort St. John Public Library.

Tickets for December 29 & 30 are Adults $20, Seniors & Students $17, and Children 12 & Under $14. Tickets for December 31 Show & Gala are 15 & Over $35 and 14 & Under $25. Tickets are available by contacting the North Peace Cultural Centre box office in person at 10015-100th Ave, by phone at 250-785-1992 or 1-877-785-1992, or online.

Dessert Theatre comes to Hudson’s Hope on Saturday, November 7 at the Pearkes Centre.  Reviving the Spirit, the local theatre group is presenting two – one act plays that are humorous, thought provoking and maybe even a little twisted. 

The plays start at 7pm, the doors open at 6pm.  Come in, mingle and scope out the divine, decadent and delicious desserts created by the Hudson’s Hope Women’s Club. Desserts will be served at intermission.  Pick out the dessert that will make your intermission one to be remembered.  Then sit back and enjoy the shows.

“Riverview Tape 23” by Colleen Neuman is about Kathy, a frustrated journalist whose latest assignment is interviewing seniors in an old age home about the “good old days”.  Today’s tape is with Lydia, an uncooperative, opinionated old woman who entertains herself by faking senility.  Lydia gets personal with Kathy, punctures some myths about the “good old days” and turns Kathy’s exasperation into respect.

When a life is lived on a balance of good and evil, where does our soul go when life is over? “Dead” by David Abolafia, is the story of Jack Martin who lived such a life.  He treated woman like dirt but otherwise lived a decent life.  His final destination hinges on an interview withis final destination hinges on an interview wit Delia, the afterlife receptionist, who confronts Jack with his virtues and atrocities.  Where will he end up?  A fast paced piece with an unexpected ending.  It will have you wondering about your final destination.

Tickets are $18 dollars and can be purchased at the door - but don’t be disappointed. Purchase  your tickets today by calling Steve Metzger 783-5655, Jacqui Kinahan 783-9394, Heidi Bolliger 783-9358

When Maxwell Smart answered his shoe phone on the famous TV series Get Smart, no one would have ever thought the gag would get a chuckle 25 years into the future. The shoe phone, along with other familiar oddball gadgets, will likely be part of Maxwell Smart’s arsenal in fighting crime on the Fort St. John North Peace Cultural Centre stage in October.

The comedy Get Smart is the first show of an exciting season for Stage North. Get Smart opens on October 23 and runs October 24, 29, 30, 31, 2009 with a matinee included on the 31st.

In this comedy, Maxwell Smart, played by Josh Page, is off on a bizarre new case in which he must stop the sinister organization known as KAOS from their most shameful plan of explosive destruction. In this ultimate spoof of all secret agent thrillers, Smart springs into action, magnificently assisted by the beautiful Agent 99, played by Raquel Falkenberg. Smart leads the chase from one blunder into another, each magically turning into a “master stroke” in foiling the evil plot.

Twenty five cast members have been honing their comedic skills with the help of professional director and actor Michael Armstrong from Vancouver Island. Director Blair Scott invited Armstrong to work with him in directing the show.  Scott said in a recent interview, “Comedy on stage needs quick reactions and skilful timing. We are all learning how to make the most of each comic situation.”  Armstrong is a Director in Residence for three weeks during the two months of rehearsals for Get Smart.   

Starting with Get Smart, Stage North’s 2009-2010 season is packed with entertainment and events. The season continues at Christmas with the musical Babes in Toyland on December 29, 30 and 31 with a special New Year’s Eve Party after the last performance organized by the Public Library. In 2010, The Miracle Worker will take to the stage on February 3, 4, 5, 6, and I Claudia plus Toronto, Mississippi will play in April.

Christmas Dinner/Theatre with Improvisation Theatre is scheduled for November 14, at the Quality Inn Northern Grand. The Stage North Improve Group plans to “Save the Elves” in these economically challenging times. Tickets will be on sale at the Cultural Centre. The second Script Reading on October 17 at Whole Wheat and Honey is open to the public for an evening of entertainment. No skills are required to take part or to just watch the fun.

For further information:  Rob Laventure 250-785-8921 (home)  or Blair Scott  250-793-3003 (cell)

Stage North Theatre Society is trying new techniques to improve live theatre in Fort St. John.

For three weeks, professional director and actor, Michael Armstrong is working with the Stage North cast of Get Smart in preparation for the October 23 opening of the show. More than 30 people in the cast and another 25 behind the scenes are getting the chance to learn more about performing and staging comedy.

Not only will the cast and crew benefit by the short term residency of a professional director but the audience will find that this comedy will move at a faster space and have sharper edges.

“Comedy takes more work than drama,” said Michael in one of the early rehearsals. “This is a fun adaption of Mel Brooks hit TV Series and we will work it to get the most for the cast and the audience. It will be very funny.”

Traditionally, members of Stage North travel to larger centres to take workshops and training in all aspects of live theatre. The Director in Residence Program is the first opportunity to have extended access to professional assistance in Fort St. John. Directing Get Smart with local director Blair Scott is Michael’s main purpose for being in Fort St. John but he is also conducting workshops in Improvisational Theatre and Stage Managing.

Theatre BC Peace River Zone has made it possible for Michael to work with other theatre clubs in the region while he is in the North. Fort St. John Players at the Community Living Assocuation and clubs in Hudson’s Hope, Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge have all booked workshops with Michael while he is in residency from September 20 to October 10.

Michael Armstrong has been acting, directing and writing for the theatre in British Columbia for 35 years. He also has experience with stage management, set design, lighting and sound, and has worked with community theatre companies around the province.

He has been a member of Theatre BC for most of the past 25 years. He has taught acting for teens and adults privately and in the school system for the past ten years. He is a published poet and playwright, alumnus of the Banff playRites Colony, and past president of the Federation of BC Writers. He has a BA in English Literature and BC Teaching Certificate. Recent teaching credits also include a brief stint at York University teaching Theatre History. Michael has taught workshops for community theatre and schools in acting, writing, directing, and improvisation.

His play, In Their Nightgowns, Dancing, was published in 2005 by UNBC Press. Recently, he has also released a CD of spoken word and jazz, Crow Songs, with the jazz ensemble, Vinyl Groove. Professional acting credits include McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Ben Weatherstaff in The Secret Garden, and Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Professional directing credits include dinner theatre, touring productions, and musicals such as Cabaret and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Get Smart, kicks off an exciting season for Stage North opening on October 23 and runs through October 24, 29, 30 and 31. Evening shows start at 7pm at the North Peace Cultural Centre in Fort St. John and the Saturday, 31st, matinee is at 2 pm. Tickets are available at the Cultural Centre box office 250-785-6214.

For further information contact Sue Popesku, Executive Director: 1-250-785-6214 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photo: Professional theatre director from Vancouver, Michael Armstrong, works with Jamie Crawford (Princess Ingrid) and Josh Page (Maxwell Smart) in rehearsals for Get Smart. Professional theatre director from Vancouver, Michael Armstrong, works withJamie Crawford (Princess Ingrid) and Josh Page (Maxwell Smart) in rehearsalsfor Get Smart which opens at the North Peace Cultural Centre in Fort St.John October 23. Tickets are now available at the NPCC box for the October23 to 31 run of the show.

Hey all you playwrights, do I have an exciting announcement for you! 

On November 7th there will be A Playwright's Workshop featuring Darrin Hagen.  The workshop is from 10am-3pm.  The cost is $20 and lunch is included.  Pre-registration is required and participation is limited to 15 registrants so if you're interested sign up now!  Contact:  Peace River Zone Theatre Treasurer, Sue Popesku at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (250) 785-6214.

For those of you who don't know who Darrin Hagen is, here's a little help from his exciting bio:

For 9 years Darrin was the co-host of Help!TV, seen nationally on Canadian Learning Television, and his next series, Who’s On Top?, debuted in January, 2003 on the Life Channel. With that, he became the first Drag Artiste in Canada to host a national television series. Hagen was honoured with the Rosie Award (Alberta Motion Picture Association) for best Male Host, for his work on the show. He was nominated again for Best Male Host for season 2, now being shown in Belgium and New Zealand.

Hagen’s first one-man/woman play, The Edmonton Queen: Not A Riverboat Story, was awarded an Elizabeth Sterling Haynes Award for Outstanding New Work in 1997. It has since been reworked and published in book form and is being taught in gender studies and QueerLit programs across Canada. He has become a regular speaker at universities and colleges, delivering keynote addresses at several international conferences on gender diversity and sexual health.

 Since The Queen set sail, Hagen has wowed audiences with a string of hugely popular comedies: Tranny Get Your Gun!, Li’l Orphan Tranny, Tranne of Green Gables, and Men Are Stoopid, Women Are Cra-azy (al l co-written with Chris Craddock); and PileDriver! (co-written with Wes Borg). BitchSlap!, Hagen’s tribute to the feud between Hollywood divas Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, was a monster hit at 2005’s Edmonton and Winnipeg Fringe Festivals, followed by The Neo Nancies: Hitler's Kickline at the 2006 Edmonton Fringe, and Planes, Trans & Automobiles (created with Dana Andersen) at the 2007 Winnipeg and Edmonton Fringes.

Tornado Magnet: A Salute to Trailer Court Women, his follow-up to the Queen, outsold all the competition at the 1997 Edmonton Fringe, received raves at the 2001 Winnipeg Fringe, and has since stolen the hearts of audiences in Regina, Edmonton, Calgary, Whitehorse, Winnipeg (2006) Red Deer and Ottawa. It has been adapted into a short film (Blue Sky Communications) directed by Norm Fassbender.  It has since been published by Brindle & Glass Publishing.

In the fall of 2005 Hagen was named as one of 100 Edmontonians of the Century for the city’s centennial anniversary celebrations. His name came alphabetically right after Wayne Gretzky’s. To the best of his knowledge, he’s the only Drag Queen on that list.

Darrin Hagen will also be hosting Fort St. John's Second Annual Evening of Sensuality while he is in town.  For more information about An Evening of Sensuality visit: http://www.northerngroove.com/20090922544/news/fort-st-johns-second-annual-evening-of-sensuality.html

Stage North invites you to join their evening "play-date soirees" at Whole Wheat and Honey Café on Saturday September 19th and October 17th.

The evenings will take place from 7-9pm and there will be free admission and refreshments.

Crowd participation is encouraged but not mandatory, so come to listen, take part, or meet new friends.

For further information contact:  250-785-6214

COMING UP with Stage North…….a very exciting season for 2009-2010

THE PLAYS:

• Get Smart by Mel Brooks October 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, 2009 directed by Blair Scott
• Babes in Toyland by Rebecca Ryland December 29, 30, 31, 2009 directed by Dale Hillman (Complete with New Years Eve Party to follow on Dec. 31)
• The Miracle Worker by William Gibson February 3, 4, 5, 6, 2010 directed by Dave Eaton
• I, Claudia April 22, 23, 24, 2010 by Kristen Thomson directed by Oliver Hachmeister
• Toronto, Mississippi April 29, 30, May 1, 2010 directed by Blair Scott

IMPROVISATIONAL THEATRE:
Nov. 14, 2009 Dinner Theatre with Spontaneous Combustion Improvisational Theatre at the Quality Inn Northern Grand is a Christmas themed, fun filled evening where the audience has the opportunity to get involved in the show.

April 10, 2010 Zack’s Birthday Party with Spontaneous Combustion Improvisational Theatre at the Lido Theatre. Zack has some very interesting friends attend his birthday celebrations along with a fun loving audience who is ready to party.

OSCAR NIGHT AT THE LIDO:
On March 7, 2010, Stage North invites you to be a celebrity in the audience at the Oscar Night live on the big screen. The paparazzi, the stars and the Spontaneous Combustion Improvisational Theatre will make this a night to remember. Booths and individual tickets available. Sure to sell out, so get your tickets early.

MORE STAGE NORTH ACTIVITIES:
Script Readings are open to the public at Whole Wheat and Honey from 7-10 on Saturdays September 19 and October 17. Drop in to take part or listen and make new friends.
Spontaneous Combustion Improvisational Theatre meets every Tuesday at the Stage North space at 7pm and is open to the public. Learn how to improvise and respond to audience interaction with the fun improve players of Stage North.
Drama Classes for children 9-12 will begin October 3 for 10 sessions on Saturday morning. Call 785-6214 to register.
Director in Residence Program: Professional director Michael Armstrong will be in FSJ working with Stage North and the cast and crew of Get Smart for three weeks to elevate the level of performance and the broaden the scope of the production. Other professional theatre actors and stage support will be coming in the near future to conduct workshops.
Peace River Zone Theatre Festival: May 5-9, 2010 at the North Peace Cultural Centre where theatre companies from the Peace Region will compete.

WHO TO CONTACT
Dale Hillman (250-262-2855) is President and Blair Scott (250-793-3003) is Vice President
Stage North has employed a part time Executive Director, Sue Popesku, to organize policy development, consistent promotion and build capacity within the organization.

FORCED TO MOVE AGAIN
Stage North is renting a space @ $2200 a month on property previously owned by A-1 Brake. The property has been sold and Stage North will be moving at the end of April 2009. They do not have a space to move to as of yet. They need 3000 square feet of space for rehearsal, set and props and costumes storage and set construction. Two truck bays together would be adequate if heated properly and with washroom facilities. Contact Facilities Chair Dave Eaton at 785-5520 with any leads.

2009 SUCCESS
Stage North won the Peace River Zone Festival best production and represented the Peace Country at Mainstage in Maple Ridge in July with “The Rabbit Hole”. They brought home the awards for Best Backstage Crew (Tony Atkins-captain), Best Sound (Chalene Scott) and runner up for Best Supporting Actress (Aubyn Petryshyn) and Honorable Mention for Director (Rob Laventure) and Honorable Mention for Best Actress( Terry Boyle). These are prestigious awards for being the best in the province in community theatre. Once again, congratulations to Stage North cast and crew.

STAGE NORTH THEATRE SOCIETY
Contact: Sue Popesku Executive Director 1-250-785-6214 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rehearsal Space: 7524 100 Avenue www.stagenorth.ca
Mailing Address: Box 33, 9420 93 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC V1J 6W7