New T.R.I.P. program courtesy of TAPA.

MEDIA RELEASE – For immediate release

Media Contact: Jacoba Knaapen, 416-504-8988 ext 25 jacobak@tapa.ca

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts launches “TRIP”:

“Travel, Retreat and Initiatives Program”

TORONTO, November 23, 2009—At the AGM of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) Executive Director Jacoba Knaapen announced today a new program exclusive to TAPA members.  The Travel, Retreat and Initiatives Program – TRIP, is a multi-tiered program designed to assist TAPA members with travel associated with touring, international collaboration and professional development. In addition, TRIP offers a unique retreat opportunity to the TAPA membership.

TAPA announced three new partnerships that are key sponsors in the launch of the TRIP Program: Porter Airlines; Steve Beatty, in association with MHC Insurance Brokers and Premiere Insurance Underwriting Services Inc; and the Valleyview Artist Retreat.

TAPA is committed to investing in the health of Toronto’s professional theatre, dance and opera industry and has created TRIP to assist the artists and administrative leaders of the TAPA membership.  “TRIP provides members with a much-needed new funding source in support of touring and professional development initiatives”, says TAPA Past President Celia Smith, who will Chair the new TRIP Committee, “and offers three distinct components to TAPA members designed to aid in the expansion and continued growth of Toronto’s theatre, dance and opera companies”.

The Porter Component: With an emphasis on customer service and a willingness to consider innovative ideas, Porter Airlines is the ideal partner for TAPA in the creation of the TRIP Program. As the official airline of TRIP, Porter Airlines is providing six return flights to anywhere Porter Airlines flies.  Current Canadian destinations include: Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Mont Tremblant, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and St.John’s. Current US destinations include: Chicago, New York, Myrtle Beach and Boston.

The Flight Component:  Recognizing the financial challenges that many TAPA members face in travel costs, Steve Beatty, in association with MHC Insurance Brokers and Premiere Insurance Underwriting Services Inc; are providing $7500 cash sponsorship to cover air travel costs, nationally and internationally to anywhere that Porter Airlines does not travel.

An established leader and founder of the “Act One Theatrical Insurance Program”, Steve Beatty has worked to make Act One an affordable and comprehensive theatre insurance program for commercial and not-for-profit companies for over 12 years. Commenting on the new TRIP initiative Mr. Beatty said “We are very excited to sponsor and support TAPA in this important new program. We are confident that this wonderful fund will help provide an opportunity for the talent and passion of Toronto producers, actors and performers to be experienced first-hand by audiences internationally.”

The Retreat Component: Valleyview Artist Retreat is located north-west of Toronto in the Hills of Caledon in a secluded rural setting. Offering an environment conducive to inspiration and rejuvenation, artists will be free to pursue their work without interruption. Artistic Directors and General Managers are welcome to apply to this component of TRIP and consideration will also be given to those working in arts administration seeking a day facility for visioning meetings and workshops (suitable for 6-8 people).

There will be two annual TRIP application deadlines. The TRIP Selection Committee; Celia Smith (Chair), Jim Aldridge (Mirvish Productions) Steve Beatty, Allen MacInnis (Lorraine Kimsa People for Young People), and Alexis Da-Silva Powell (TAPA);  will meet to review submissions and identify successful applicants.

Successful applicants will be asked to write a brief report on their experiences and submit it to the TRIP Selection Committee within a month of their trip or visiting artist’s trip.

Please visit the TAPA website www.tapa.ca for full Eligibility Rules.

TAPA is an arts service organization that represents 175  professional theatre, dance and opera companies in the City of Toronto, and works to create an environment in which the performing arts may flourish and maintain its leadership role in the vitality of the City of Toronto.

Among the programs and services provided by TAPA are: the T.O. TIX Booth—Toronto’s One-Stop Ticket Shop at Yonge-Dundas Square and online at www.totix.ca; the Dora Mavor Moore Awards; 5 STAR EXPERIENCE Theatre & Dining Packages, Toronto’s Official Theatre Guide, featuring comprehensive listings for theatre, dance and opera performances & Toronto theatre map; hipTIX, offering $5 tickets to students between the ages of 15 and 29, and the Commercial Theatre Development Fund. For more information visit www.tapa.ca and www.totix.ca

NOW! youth sustainability announces National playwriting competition

November 11, 2009 by thenextstage

The NOW! Organization was founded in 2006, and it “…bridges people from diverse backgrounds to sculpt innovative, holistic solutions toward social, environmental, and economic sustainability”. And further: “We implement interdisciplinary grassroots programs to creatively inspire, engage, and empower youth, pique ideas and discussions, promote interdisciplinary, holistic thinking and problem solving, and spark action.”

So essentially it’s a youth organization on sustainability run entirely by youth volunteers, who last year established a playwriting competition for aspiring theatreists between the ages of 14 – 26 (split into 2 categories: 14 – 18 and 19 – 26). The winning playwrights receive:

• $500
• their plays performed across Canada to an estimated audience of 10,000 people
• their plays broadcast on Sustainability Television

This is the second annual competition, information on the two winners from last year’s inaugural competition is available here.

On-line submissions will begin in December, giving aspiring writers lots of time to prepare.

Best of luck to all entrants, I sincerely hope the craft sticks with you, and we’ll be hearing much more from you in the future.

ARTATTACK

Dear Indie Theatre Friends,

Buddies’ annual fundraising auction is next Thurs, Nov 26. The INDIE PRODUCER’S PACKAGE is back this year with loads of print advertising from NOW and Xtra, graphic design by Jakcreative.com (Buddies amazing designer), promo video design from Loud Lady, Poster/flyer printing from Fine Print, plus a one-night Buddies Cabaret rental – everything an indie theatre producer needs.  It’s Buddies’ most sought-after Auction package and it goes for a steal every year so come slug it out with the ‘who’s-who’ of Toronto indie theatre scene – all while supporting a great cause! Join us at 7pm for a delicious complimentary Steam Whistle beer (or two) and preview the goods up for bid. The live auction starts at 8pm sharp and tickets are only $10.

Catalogue is now online.

I hope to see you there

erika

An Auction in Support of Buddies

Contemporary Art. Cultural Adventures. Cool Stuff.

CATALOGUE NOW ONLINE: http://artsexy.ca/show.cfm?id=491

Visual Art Curators Sholem Krishtalka, Stephanie Rogerson and Ryan G. Hinds
Hosted by Keith Cole with special guest stars
Auctioneer Charlene Nero

Thursday November 26, 2009
Preview 7pm, Live Auction at 8pm Sharp

Buddies is proud to unveil its annual fundraising auction – reimagined. This year you’ll find the sexy standards you’ve come to expect along with a curated line-up of contemporary art by Toronto’s hottest established and emerging artists. ArtAttack is a chance for art collectors to catch fresh new work and for cultural trailblazers to take home coveted design treasures and enchanting excursions at a steal – all while supporting Canada’s home for Queer Culture.

Buddies has put itself in the skilled hands of three curators, Sholem Krishtalka, Stephanie Rogerson and Ryan G. Hinds, who will infuse the auction with new life. They have scoured the city for hot, smart, contemporary art that reflects Buddies’ mandate to challenge assumptions and push boundaries. ArtAttack includes both new and established artists who are making exciting contributions to Toronto’s art scene such as Chris Ablett, Liss Platt, Shannon Taylor, Kevin Charlie, Tanja-Tiziana, Amy Lockhart, Chris Curreri, Robyn Cumming, Oliver Husain, Cecilia Berkovic and David Grenier.

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre presents
ArtAttack
Nov 26, 2009, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre
12 Alexander Street, Toronto.  Box Office 416-975-8555
Preview 7pm, Live 8pm, $10
www.artsexy.ca
follow us: yyzbuddies.blogspot.com | twitter @yyzbuddies

ArtAttack is generously sponsored by our Queer Media Partner Xtra and by The Fine Print Copy Shop, Incredible Printing, Steam Whistle Brewery, Sassafraz, hogtownprintco.wordpress.com. O’Connor Gallery, GayGuideToronto and Akimbo. Graphic Design by Jakcreative.com, Cover Art “Bash Back” by Stephanie Rogerson will be up for bidding.

Applications Online

The application forms for the 2010 SummerWorks Theatre Festival are now online.

We are pleased to announce that this year we will be accepting 75 minute applications as well as 60 minute applications.

Applications for both local and national series can be found at:

http://www.summerworks.ca/2009/participants-applications.php

Deadlines:

Local: Monday, February 1st

National Series: Friday, January 1st

Arts Vote 2010

Nightwood looking for Volunteers

Nightwood Theatre Seeks Volunteers for 4×4 Festival – Box Office and Front of House

The heart of the Nightwood Theatre’s 4×4 Festival will occur from November 13, 2009 to November 22, 2009. Nightwood is seeking volunteers for a variety of ticketing and front of house positions throughout these 10 days.

The majority of shifts will be in the evening and on the weekends and will take place at the Berkeley Street Theatre and in the Distillery District. The average length of the shift will be 2 to 3 hours.

Volunteers who commit to 5 hours or more will receive 2 tickets to a 4×4 Festival Production of their choice. For box office volunteers previous experience in ticketing is an asset.

Interested volunteers should send their name along with availability and a resume to Hilary at hilary@nightwoodtheatre.net or call 416-944-1740 x5 for more information.

Canonize This! Lunch-and-Learn Professional Development Series

Canonize This! Lunch-and-Learn Professional Development Series

These hands-on workshops are open to all playwrights and theatre creators, and are designed to encourage networking, strengthen skill sets and re-evaluate the play creation process.  Lunch is provided.

Registration is required as space is limited! Download Registration Form Now. (http://www.obsidian-theatre.com/CT%202009.pdf)

Contact the office (416.463.8444) to reserve.

Location: Harlem Restaurant, 67 Richmond Street East, Toronto (at Church St.)
When:       October 21-23, 2009
1-3:00pm (Please be punctual)
Cost:        $10 per lunch or $25 for 3 lunches*
*Includes a ticket to that evenings’ reading

Wed. Oct 21st
Workshop: CopyWrong to CopyRIGHT
Facilitator: Nicolas Billon

Summary: From mash-ups to adaptations and the rich resource of the Public Domain, participants are invited to join the engaging discussion on how Intellectual Property Law and Copyright law directly affects the Artists/creators ability to create freely and make a living.  (Small amount of advanced reading required)

Nicolas Billon’s first play The Elephant Song opened at Stratford’s Studio Theatre. That winter, Nicolas became the first playwright to attend Stratford’s Birmingham Conservatory. Stratford also produced Nicolas’ second play, The Measure of Love, in 2005. Nicolas was also a member of the inaugural Soulpepper Theatre Academy where he created a new version of Chekhov’s Three Sisters, worked as the production dramaturge for Brecht and Weill’s The Threepenny Opera and William Saroyan’s The Time of Your Life, and co-created BLiNK with the other eight members of the Academy.
Nicolas is currently a member of the 2009 Tarragon Playwrights Unit, where he is working on a new play, Smuggling Buddha. His adaptation of Molière’s The Sicilian premiered at the Toronto Fringe Festival in July 2009, followed by a new work, Greenland, at the Summerworks Festival in August.

Wed Oct 21st
Workshop: Going to Market: Who you are and why I should care
Facilitator: Jules Bedeau

Summary: Like it or not, we are all products of our surroundings. Understanding who is around us is one of the first steps in knowing your market.  This highly anticipated workshop offers insight into creating networks of support, self-promo, and how to maximize the potential of an idea to create a marketing plan that works for you.

Jules Bedeau is the owner/Operations Manager of the Urban Recreation Association, the Once Upon a Roti Workshop Series and Toronto’s Blue Devil Mass.

Thurs. Oct 22nd:
Workshop: Busy Bees (Cross-media pollination /Idea Generation)
Facilitator: Erika Batdorf

Summary: An exploration of Erika Batdorf’s creation model and story generation ideas.

Erika Batdorf has written, created, performed, directed and choreographed original movement theatre since 1983. Currently she teaches at York University in Toronto.

Fri. Oct 23rd
Workshop: Word Architects
Facilitator: Joanna Falck

Summary: Know the rules before breaking them: An introduction to the ins and outs of Three Act Structure.

Joanna Falck is the Literary Manager at the Shaw Festival, where she manages all aspects of new play development. She edited the first publication of Githa Sowerby’s long lost 1924 play The Step- mother, produced at Shaw in 2008. She has also worked with playwrights from across Canada.

Banff Theatre Arts Master Class Series – Daniel MacIvor

Play Finding with Daniel MacIvor

Theatre Arts Master Class Series

Program dates: December 11, 2009 – December 13, 2009

Application deadline: October 23, 2009

Arrival: Thursday, December 10, 2009
Departure: Monday, December 14, 2009

Join celebrated playwright Daniel MacIvor and investigate the process of creating and developing original text — whether it be a monologue, dialogue, a fully-formed idea, or a vague notion. MacIvor will guide you over the course of this intensive workshop in finding the differences and connections between yourself and your idea. Through specially designed conversations and exercises, MacIvor will lead and inform participants to take their creations to the next level. This workshop is designed for playwrights and actors who are interested in creating performance text.

For more information:

http://www.banffcentre.ca/programs/program.aspx?id=929

Vicki Stroich

Artistic Associate – Festival

Alberta Theatre Projects

220-9th Ave SE

Calgary, AB T2G 5C4

(403) 294 7475 ext 1125

www.atplive.com

Harbourfront Tickets for Artists

Do you know about this? World Stage is some of the best work you will see in Toronto.  Take advantage of this!

Performance Card

If you’re under 25 or over 65 or if you’re an arts industry professional or a student of recognized dance, theatre and performance art programmes, you can apply for a Performance Card which qualifies you for $15 tickets to weekday performances. (Tues. – Thurs.) Applications for the Performance Card are available here, and must be submitted at least one week prior to the desired performance date. Tickets are available week-of and must be claimed in person at the box office or by phone at 416-973-4000.

Paprika Festival – A Call To Young Artists.

Hello Prospective Young Artists!

If you’re 21 or under and interested in exploring your capabilities as an artist, submit to the 2010 Paprika Festival! We are looking for a group of young artists who are creating dynamic, exciting, and high-calibre new work to fill the stages of the Tarragon Theatre for our upcoming festival. As a participant, you’ll have access to experienced, professional artist mentors and facilitators, opportunities to learn about the many facets of theatre, and marketing, publicity and development resources associated with the festival itself. You’ll also get free tickets to theatre around the city and the opportunity to learn from our Training Days. Best of all, everything is FREE! The deadline for submissions is Monday, October 12. Contact info@paprikafestival.com for more info or check out www.paprikafestival.com.

.meet other artists.create new work.develop your voice.play hard.

.paprika.that’s hot.

Cheers,

Rob Kempson

Artistic Producer

PAPRIKA FESTIVAL 09.10
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2009

The Paprika Festival 09.10 has four distinctive opportunities for artists 21 and under:

Paprika Collective NEW for 09.10!
This program is exclusively for past festival participants looking to further develop their skills in a tightly-knit creative ensemble. This intimate group will work together to create a devised ensemble piece, to be presented in the 2010 Festival.
http://www.paprikafestival.com/CollectiveApplication.pdf

Productions
We are seeking scripts currently in development which are less than 30 minutes in length. To apply for a production, you should have a group of collaborators who will work with you throughout the year to develop the project and perform it during the festival.  Productions are presented nightly as part of the festival.
http://www.paprikafestival.com/ProductionApplication.pdf

Creator’s Unit
This is the right place to submit if you want to develop your skills as an artist and meet and collaborate with other young artists to create a new piece for the festival.

In a unit of approximately 10 young artists, you will meet weekly for a number of workshops with professional guest artists and experiment with various ideas and forms. Then you will develop a specific piece for the festival—it could be a roaming improv, a piece for an audience member of one, spoken word, a cabaret, stand up comedy, a sound or art installation piece. Anything goes!
http://www.paprikafestival.com/CreatorsUnitApplication.pdf

Playwright-in-Residence
If you have a play (or an idea for one) and you would like the opportunity to develop it with support from the festival, apply to be a Playwright-in-Residence. Participants in this program will work with dramaturges to create new scripts of any length. A reading of each script will be presented as part of the festival programming.
http://www.paprikafestival.com/PlaywrightApplication.pdf

***

More from Paprika!
All participants attend the four mandatory Festival Training Days. Participants will also get the chance to see free performances at various arts institutions throughout the city.

Questions?
Contact Artistic Producer, Rob Kempson, at info@paprikafestival.com.

All participants must be available for 2010 Festival Dates (March 17-28, 2010) as well as tech times in the week prior. No exceptions.