tag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=1Latest News2024-03-20T09:38:08-04:00Phoenix Playersfalsetag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/73697492024-03-20T09:38:08-04:002024-03-20T09:38:08-04:00Shorthanded: A Ladies Game on stage April 19-27 at The Gladstone<h3 style="text-align:center;">
<i><span><strong>Shorthanded: A Ladies Game</strong></span></i><span><strong> on stage April 19-27 at The Gladstone</strong></span>
</h3><h4 style="text-align:center;"><span>Canadian play by Michael Grant is Phoenix Players’ first production of 2024 </span></h4><p><span>“Give me victory or give me death!”</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/220013/ff8bdf3d9332b8be26162b60d1d9cb7b5700f177/original/shorthanded-portrait.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" alt="Phoenix Players presents Shorthanded: A Ladies Game " height="1350" /><p><i><span>Shorthanded; A Ladies Game</span></i><span> gives an honest look into the dynamics of long-time friendships (and rivalries), and the impact they have on both personal relationships and team dynamics.</span></p><p><span>This is a story of a team in the (fictional?) Tri-County Old Timers Women's Hockey League – a group of women who have played together since the first days of girls’ ringette. It’s game seven of the championship, and they find themselves short-handed (and suddenly short on beer). As the reality of their situation sets in, between the exhaustion and frustration, the women find themselves not only in a battle on the ice against the other team, but in the locker room as well, amongst themselves. Will a shared love of the game – and each other – keep them going?</span></p><p><span>In the words of director Rachel Worton: “This play shows the strength of women. It takes an eclectic group of middle-aged women, each of whom is dealing with their own personal battles, and reminds us that no matter where we are in life or what is happening, we can overcome and achieve anything, regardless of the odds.”</span></p><p><span>Directed and stage-managed by women, and starring a cast of 8 women, this is an incredible, female-powered Canadian play you won’t want to miss!</span></p><p><span><strong>Details of the run:</strong></span></p><ul>
<li>
<i><span>Shorthanded: A Ladies Game</span></i><span> runs April 19–27, 2024, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm</span>
</li>
<li><span>There will be three matinées: Saturdays and Sunday at 2:30pm</span></li>
<li><span>Phoenix Players will be running a charitable campaign for the run of this production: a percentage of all ticket sales, as well as all donations collected on site, will go to The Canadian Cancer Society.</span></li>
<li><span>The production is at The Gladstone Theatre, 910 Gladstone Ave (at Preston), Ottawa, ON</span></li>
<li><span>This production is recommended for approximately ages 12+ due to some suggestive language</span></li>
</ul><p><span><strong>Tickets:</strong></span></p><p><span>Available via: </span><a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.phoenixplayers.ca/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.phoenixplayers.ca&source=gmail&ust=1711028028679000&usg=AOvVaw3X4sTHKr7GGBO7WoYvH6ER"><span>phoenixplayers.ca</span></a><span> or </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.thegladstone.ca/shorthanded-a-ladies-game/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.thegladstone.ca/shorthanded-a-ladies-game/&source=gmail&ust=1711028028679000&usg=AOvVaw0qVqeVDo4W32GX2mTC6WcK"><span>thegladstone.ca/shorthanded-a-<wbr>ladies-game</wbr></span></a></p><ul>
<li><span>Regular: $27</span></li>
<li><span>Student / 65+ / Unwaged: $24</span></li>
<li><span>Tuesday, April 23 is a pay-what-you-can show [Choose your own ticket price, from $5-$75]</span></li>
<li><span>Angel: $75 [These tickets are for any “Angel” who wants to go above and beyond in supporting Phoenix Players. The Gladstone only retains the facility fee.</span></li>
</ul>Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/62370462020-03-04T11:25:36-05:002022-05-10T11:13:56-04:00Ottawa Theatre Troupe brings Sherlock Holmes to life in support of the Ottawa Food Bank <h2><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/b6c6adc2e17b2bc800806198b40ea6d6f3b5e365/original/sherlockposter-11x17rgb.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_" />Ottawa Theatre Troupe brings Sherlock Holmes to life in support of the Ottawa Food Bank </h2>
<h4>This November, Ottawa’s Phoenix Players is presenting The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes, a play by John Nassivera, with ticket sales contributing to a fundraiser for the Ottawa Food Bank. </h4>
<p>Phoenix Players presents two shows every year, but this time they are issuing a challenge to the people of Ottawa. The Bums in Seats, Food in Bellies (BISFIB) Challenge encourages Ottawans to purchase 1,500 tickets over the run of ten performances at The Gladstone Theatre. If this goal is met, cast member Dr. John Kershman will make a $5,000 donation to the Food Bank. For every 100 tickets above that, Dr. Kershman will donate another $250 and the play's director, André Dimitrijevic, will donate another $750. </p>
<p>Anyone who is unable to see the show, or would like to further support the BISFIB Challenge, can donate tickets to the show itself by making their purchase and emailing confirmation to the Food Bank at annette@ottawafoodbank.ca. Everyone is are also encouraged to donate directly to the Ottawa Food Bank’s website, to support their ongoing needs. After the recent tornados, the Food Bank’s stocks have been depleted and they need help from the community, which is where Phoenix is stepping in. The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes runs from November 23 to December 1, and every bum in a seat means much needed food in the belly of a neighbour. Three of the ten shows will be matinées. </p>
<p>The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes features the famous detective venturing into the occult where, during a séance, he is warned that he is about to meet his maker. The play has Holmes, Watson and Professor Moriarty meet Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who wishes to end their existence literally with the final stroke of his pen. Who is the creator and who the pawn becomes the central question as Holmes and the others threaten their creator with the death to which he has sentenced them. </p>
<p>Tickets can be purchased online at The Gladstone’s website or at the box office at 910 Gladstone Avenue. </p>
<p>About Phoenix Players </p>
<p>Phoenix Players was founded in November 2001. They are a registered charity, incorporated in Ontario, with the goal of bringing affordable, high-quality live theatre entertainment to the communities in and around Ottawa. Phoenix Players welcomes new members whether they be experienced actors, stagehands, or totally inexperienced people looking to try their hand at something new. All Phoenix Players productions are presented at The Gladstone Theatre in Ottawa’s Little Italy, where they hold the distinction of being the only community group that is a resident company. </p>
<p>For more information, visit www.PhoenixPlayers.ca. </p>
<p>For media enquiries: </p>
<p>Angie Sauvé </p>
<p>angie@quirkcomms.com </p>
<p>613-868-8299</p>Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/54873702018-10-29T08:15:23-04:002022-05-26T07:07:15-04:00Cast and Crew Spotlights: The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes<p><span class="font_large">We're so excited to be presenting this great show, full of suspense, spooky twists, and special effects! Let us now introduce the cast and crew of <strong>The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes</strong>.</span></p>
<hr><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">CAST!</span></h2>
<hr><p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/51140615fa8c7d3e34ed6b35a19f70250e74afc8/original/ian.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" />IAN STAUFFER </strong></p>
<p>Ian Stauffer is playing the role of Sherlock Holmes in The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. This is his first production with Phoenix Players. Ian has acted in many local companies, including the Ottawa Little Theatre, Kanata Theatre, Orleans Young Players Theatre (now the Ottawa Theatre School), Tototoo Theatre, More Theatre, Vintage Stock and in the annual ‘lawyer play’, first at the Gladstone, then at the GCTC. </p>
<p>Notable past roles include Henry Drummond in Inherit the Wind, Richard Burbage/Father Henry Garnet in Equivocation, Charles Condomine in Blithe Spirit, and Captain Hook in Peter Pan. He is always on the lookout for roles in the Ottawa area. </p>
<p>Ian is a lawyer, specializing in civil litigation. Among his other pursuits, he enjoys writing. He has written four plays and a novel, The Quickbeam Chronicles. He’s currently working on the sequel. Ian lives outside the beautiful village of Metcalfe.</p>
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<hr><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/cda6f982255dcada3a994a1e9a012eb5ab5e2038/original/craig.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" /><strong>CRAIG MILLER</strong></p>
<p>Craig is playing the role of Doctor Watson in The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. He has performed with Phoenix Players several times, in the productions of Stage Kiss, Sleeping Indoors, and Rexy! for which he earned a Capital Critics Circle nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of William Lyon Mackenzie King. </p>
<p>He has also performed in numerous other productions with other companies like Nepean Little Theatre, Ottawa Little Theatre, and the Hamilton Players Guild.</p>
<p>By day, Craig works for the Department of National Defence, and lives in the small village of Edwards near the mighty Castor River.</p>
<hr><p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/ef4acd5d3ee9e90febfd87fd18c9aa60102f5cac/original/randy.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" />RANDY BELLINI </strong></p>
<p>Randy is playing the role of Professor Moriarty in The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. This is his first performance with Phoenix Players. </p>
<p>Randy took up acting eight years ago at the urging of his daughter, who is also an actor. Since then, he has had lead roles in Meeting Mr. Bennett (as R. B. Bennett) and A Long Way Home (as Rockcliff Fellowes). He has performed at the Shenkman Centre in Orleans with Vintage Stock Theatre and has had numerous roles with the Ottawa Theatre School (OTS) over the years. </p>
<p>This coming Spring, Randy will be reprising the role of the Cowardly Lion in a production of The Wizard of Oz for the OTS at the Shenkman Centre. He will be acting alongside Sherlock co-star Ian Stauffer once again, who is playing the Scarecrow. </p>
<p>When not on the stage, Randy is a Family Services Director with Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery. He has a background in athletics, primarily football, which he played and coached in Canada and coached in the United States. He has been living in Orleans for over 40 years.</p>
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<hr><p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/32822d48679dcf2d5ec37f05e58d39cd75f2a6f5/original/angie.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" /></strong><strong>ANGIE SAUVÉ</strong></p>
<p>Angie is playing the role of Mrs. Leonora Piper in the Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. She is thrilled to be returning to the theatre community after a long hiatus. This is her first performance with Phoenix Players. </p>
<p>Angie is a lifelong fan of musical theatre and has performed in Godspell. She played Hermia in a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and had leading roles in various high school productions, a few of which she wrote and directed. She was a member of the St. Matthew improv team for three years, two of which she acted as Captain, leading the team to a bronze medal in the Ottawa regional division at the Canadian Improv Games.</p>
<p>In 2004, she wrote and directed a play that was chosen via competition to be performed at the Ontario Sears Drama Festival, for which she won the award for Best Student Director. She hopes to take part in other upcoming community theatre productions in the Ottawa area. </p>
<p>By day, Angie is a digital marketing and communications specialist for non-profit associations and small businesses. Her hobbies include writing, playing guitar, karaoke, antiquing, and attending any type of geeky convention she can find. She lives in Orleans.</p>
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<hr><p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/74cc19ad1f8a662598c960d6fbef1f7bd7398606/original/dave.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" />DAVE McINTYRE </strong></p>
<p>Dave is playing the role of Inspector Lestrade in The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. This is his first production with Phoenix Players. </p>
<p>Dave has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Windsor. He has previously played the role of Peter in a production of Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, and you can see him next in Kanata Theatre’s production of Silent Sky. </p>
<p>Off stage, Dave is a carpenter with a particular love for old house restoration. He enjoys camping, cooking, and practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He calls the Craig Henry area of Ottawa home.</p>
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<hr><p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/128200261ee6f115f59d726fdfa9799c025623e4/original/kitty.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" /></strong></p>
<p><strong>KITTY GALT </strong></p>
<p>Kitty is playing the role of Mrs. Hudson in The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. She is a seasoned performer with Phoenix Players, having appeared in productions of Dixie Swim Club, Rexy!, Staff Room, and Welfarewell. She also worked behind the scenes on Plan B, Office Hours, and Stage Kiss. Kitty is also on the Phoenix Board as Membership Director. </p>
<p>Kitty gained theatre experience in high school and has also taken part in acting workshops presented by Phoenix Players. </p>
<p> Kitty works as a Community Support worker and recreation coordinator in a drop-in centre, where she organizes beach trips, hockey and baseball games, museum excursions, outings to Winterlude, Haunted walks, pumpkin carving, and theatre trips to The Gladstone! </p>
<p>In her spare time, Kitty hosts international students who have come to Canada to learn English. She enjoys adventures with her grandson, and lives in the Trainyards area.</p>
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<hr><p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/8993b1e07fb272f0bee19944c71a9ea8c9eaac7b/original/pat.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" />PAT McCOLM </strong></p>
<p>Pat is playing the role of Irene Adler in The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. This is her second production with Phoenix Players, having acted in Office Hours in 2017 where she played Francine and Ellie. </p>
<p>Pat took on the role of Bobby in the 2016 Ottawa Little Theatre production of The Mouse House, and performed in the Vagina Monologues in 2018. She has taken part in showcase productions at the Ottawa Acting Company including Glengarry Glenross, Les Belles Soeurs, and The Long Weekend. She has also taken courses in improv including improv showcase. </p>
<p>When not on stage, Pat works in human resources for the government. Since she has no green thumb and failed miserably at arts and crafts, Pat decided to take up acting in 2015 and she discovered that it made her heart happy and allowed her soul to sing. It has become her passion. When not treading the boards, Pat can be found walking her Golden Retriever in Ottawa South. In Sherlock Holmes terms, their daily walks would be titled ‘The Case of the Blonde Leading the Blonde.</p>
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<hr><p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/f803416eae0f9ad5ef3fcd69558bfa8c19c0ed1d/original/john-kershman.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" />DR. JOHN KERSHMAN </strong></p>
<p>Dr. John Kershman will be playing the role of Auguste Dupin in The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. John has spearheaded the Bums in Seats, Food in Bellies Challenge for this production, which encourages Ottawans to purchase 1,500 tickets over the run of ten performances at The Gladstone Theatre. If this goal is met, he will make a $5,000 donation to the Food Bank. </p>
<p>John has worked with Phoenix Players previously, in their production of Plan B, and he played the role of William Lyon MacKenzie, in Rexy!. He has also been a part of shows like Homechild, My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding (both with GOYA), and he was a Chorister with the Ottawa Harmonia Choir and participated in the Distinguished Concerts Of New York Series, at Lincoln Centre, NYC. John has taken an acting workshop with Chris Ralph and the Dundas Valley School of the Arts. </p>
<p>Offstage, John is an Orthodontist and Periodontist, and enjoys cycling, guitar, choir, and cultivating orchids. He calls the Westboro area of Ottawa home.</p>
<hr><p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/6caeebf68753a8f8436872235a8b4d3ccc161f93/original/joel.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" /></strong><strong>JOEL RAHN</strong></p>
<p>Joel is playing the role of a Gentleman in The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. To discover his identity, you’ll just have to get your tickets!</p>
<p>Joel is the Director of Publicity and Marketing on the Phoenix Players Board of Directors. He is a seasoned member of the Phoenix troupe, having had roles in past productions such as Squabbles, Over the River and Through the Woods, The Hollow, My Three Angels, The Happy Time, I Remember Mama, Bedroom Farce, The Diary of Anne Frank, Rexy!, and Office Hours. He is currently involved in a new endeavour, The Ageless Players, bringing live, old-time radio shows to seniors' residences.</p>
<p>With other companies, Joel has had roles in productions like And Then There Were None, A Christmas Carol, The Importance of Being Earnest, Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, The Odd Couple, Widowers' Houses, Having Hope at Home, Inherit the Wind, and more. Over the years, he has taken acting workshops and courses with The Acting Company.</p>
<p>Joel is a retired professor from Université Laval and lives in Riverside South. Off stage, he enjoys curling, travel, and watching old movies.</p>
<hr><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/e9089565f03bfaa366ad12cc2ecb6e70f4dc4aee/original/chantale.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 20px;" /><strong>CHANTALE SAUVÉ</strong></p>
<p>Chantale is playing the role of Ellen Watson in The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. </p>
<p>Chantale was born and raised in Ottawa and has been a lifelong performer. She has participated in musical theater, choirs, has sang with stars like Shania Twain, and most recently has been performing and acting as an ambassador for international singing app, Smule. She blends her love of cosplay and singing in her on-app performances as her alter ego Chanticleer providing her 60,000+ fanbase with a variety of musical entertainment.</p>
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<hr><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/e5894b0c756ac0f76b33a52b4a77b1399c2502fc/original/william.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><strong>WILLIAM MORRISON</strong></p>
<p>William is playing the role of Doctor Phinuit. He has been a member of Nepean Little Theatre and Phoenix Players from way back. After studying Theatre in England, he first appeared with NLT in Arsenic and Old Lace, then Love Is Strange, the Tomorrow Box, Dirty Work at the Crossroads and a few other plays. He has also directed (Play it Again, Sam; The Odd Couple, and Back to Beulah) and done Sound and Lighting Design. More recently, with Phoenix Players, he has appeared in Mors Draculae. During the day, he is a Drama Teacher in a local Intermediate School.</p>
<p> </p>
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<hr><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">CREW!</span></h2>
<hr><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/5f71b271d13cad2ccc399eb710e1909804b27805/original/andre.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" /><strong>ANDR</strong>É<strong> DIMITRIJEVIC</strong></p>
<p>André is the Director of The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes.</p>
<p>André is the Director of The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes. He sits on the Board of Directors of Phoenix Players as Co-Artistic Director, and has directed a number of plays for Phoenix, most notably Alan Stratton's "Rexy" and Michael Healey's "Plan B." </p>
<p>André has acted with a number of theatre companies in the area, including Isle in the River Theatre, le Theatre du Village d'Orleans, Vintage Stock Theatre, Linden House, and Phoenix Players. His last appearance with Phoenix Players was in the role of Mr. Van Daan in the production of the Diary of Anne Frank. </p>
<p>For the past few years, André has been directing plays mainly for Phoenix Players and for ITR Theatre. He has taken a number of courses and workshops at various institutions including the then Ottawa School of Speech and Drama, the Canadian Screen Training, Centre, The Ottawa Little Theatre, the Summer Institute for Film and Television and the Theatre Ontario Intensive courses. </p>
<p>After Sherlock Holmes, André will be directing Robert Chafe's play about Nurse Myra Bennett, a nurse in a Newfoundland outport: "Tempting Providence" for Isle in the River theatre in the Spring of 2019. </p>
<p>André is retired and living in Manotick. He dabbles in drawing and cooking, and belongs to two play reading groups.</p>
<hr><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/220013/4702d7fa235fa6f297a595dc62241abc90089257/original/rachel.jpg/!!/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" style="margin-right: 15px;" /><strong>RACHEL WORTON </strong></p>
<p>Rachel is the Stage Manager for The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes, and also a member of the Phoenix Players Board of Directors. This is her fourth season with Phoenix, having stage-managed past productions such as; So this is Christmas, Staff Room, and Plan B. She co-directed the recent Phoenix Players production of Stage Kiss with Sherlock director André Dimitrijevic. In February 2017, Rachel stage-managed School House with Kanata Theatre and was nominated for an award with the Eastern Ontario Drama League Festival (Adjudicators Choice for Best Stage Manager) for her work. </p>
<p>Rachel is no stranger to performing! She played Maureen in a 2008 production of Rent, and played Officer Hackett in Welfarewell, a 2016 Phoenix Players production. Rachel credits her years as a competitive dancer as having led to her love of performance and theatre. She attended University for Theatre and holds a BFA in Fine Arts for Technical Theatre, focusing in stage management. </p>
<p>After The Penultimate Problem of Sherlock Holmes, Rachel will be stage managing Silent Sky with Kanata Theatre, opening in February 2019 at the Ron Maslin Play House. She’s also working with All Saints High School, putting on The Drowsy Chaperone in April at Centre Pointe Studio. </p>
<p>When not managing the stage, Rachel works as an administrator for a construction company. She enjoys photography, softball, and is also musically-inclined, playing French horn and piano when she can find the time. Originally from Lanank, Ontario, Rachel currently resides in Nepean.</p>
<hr><p> </p>Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/45632052017-02-06T17:40:44-05:002022-04-21T03:12:12-04:00Directors' Mentorships<p>Phoenix Players will be offering a mentorship program for those interested in acquiring and developing directorial skills. <br><br>Under this program,you will be working on directing a play for Phoenix Players under the tutelage of an experienced director. This "on the job" training will have you involved in all aspects of directing including the development of the concept, script and character analysis, set design, planning for sound and light effects, auditions and cast selection, and the production of the play. <br><br>As part of the training you will be exposed to a number of tools, and tricks of the trade. In implementing this program, it is the goal of Phoenix Players to create a resource of directors who will then be available to take on and lead future productions. <br><br>This program will start with one candidate for the Fall 2017 Phoenix Players production. No previous directing experience is required to participate in this program.<br><br>If you are interested in being considered please If you are interested in being considered please Reply to this message. Please provide us with a resume of your theatre activities.<br> <br>We will contact you when we have made our selection of a candidate.</p>
<p>We look forward to hearing from you. </p>
<p>Sincerely, </p>
<p>Phoenix Players <br><phoenixplayers.ottawa></phoenixplayers.ottawa></p>
<p> </p>Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43640732016-09-09T00:32:48-04:002022-05-10T03:14:00-04:00Staff Room – April 2016<p><img src="//www.phoenixplayers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/website-image.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="website image" height="250" width="504" /></p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43640742016-09-09T00:30:49-04:002022-04-21T04:20:57-04:00So This Is Christmas – Dec 2015<p><img src="//www.phoenixplayers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/STIC-slider.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="So This Is Christmas" height="315" width="616" /></p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43640752016-09-09T00:22:47-04:002022-03-01T04:31:18-05:00Costume Designer – Nicole Piche<p>Nicole is new to costume/wardrobe for theatre but brings a wealth of experience in the creative arts using fabrics as media. She started making her own clothes at the age of twelve and holds a Fashion Merchandising diploma from Ryerson University. Of late, she has focused on learning different techniques in quilting and wall art. This first foray into theatre has afforded her the opportunity to apply this varied knowledge and she looks forward to contributing to Staff Room in the Spring.</p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43640762016-09-09T00:12:00-04:002021-09-15T07:13:11-04:00Plan B<p><img src="//www.phoenixplayers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Plan-B-Poster-11-x-17-663x1024.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Plan B by Michael Healey Directed by André Dimitrijevic" height="1024" width="663" /></p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43640772016-09-09T00:07:23-04:002023-12-16T08:25:11-05:00Welfarewell<p><img src="//www.phoenixplayers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Wellfarewell-11-x-17-RGB-663x1024.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="wellfarewell-11-x-17-rgb" height="1024" width="663" /></p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43620062016-09-07T22:53:46-04:002023-05-08T05:21:28-04:00Audition Notice – Spring 2017 Play: Plan B<div id="attachment_1763" style="width: 204px" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<a href="http://www.phoenixplayers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Plan-B-Poster-11-x-17.jpg"><img src="//www.phoenixplayers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Plan-B-Poster-11-x-17-194x300.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Plan B, by Michael Healey, directed by André Dimitrijevic" height="300" width="194" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Plan B, by Michael Healey, directed by André Dimitrijevic</p>
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<p>Phoenix Players invites you to audition for its Spring production of “Plan B” by Michael Healey, directed by André Dimitrijevic.</p>
<p>Auditions will be held at The Nepean Creative Arts Centre (NCAC), 35 Stafford Road in Nepean, on the following days:</p>
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<li>Thursday, September 15, 7:00pm to 9:00pm in Studio 00</li>
<li>Sunday, September 18, 3:00pm to 5:00pm in Dance Studio 4</li>
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<p>Callbacks will be on Tuesday September 20, 7:00pm to 9:00pm in Studio 00</p>
<p>Please complete the <a href="http://www.phoenixplayers.ca/audition-request-page/" target="_blank">online audition form</a>. You will receive a date, time, and location for your audition.</p>
<p>Actors are invited to bring a prepared piece to the audition. If you do not have a prepared monologue, we will have a selection of suitable ones for your use. Actors will also be asked to do a cold read from the play.</p>
<p>This play is about relationships and the way we behave when we are in them. It’s about relationships between men and women, between French and English, and between governments. It’s about relationships just starting out, about relationships that may be ending and about relationships that may never end.</p>
<p>The setting for this play is the arcane world of negotiations between the federal government and Quebec over the terms of a separation by that province. The schemes and machinations of the two sides keep getting more and more intricate. But these pale in comparison with the intensity of the Intergovernmental Relations taking place in another room!</p>
<p>A biting satire of our real national sport.</p>
<p>Rehearsals will be held Sunday, Monday and Thursday evenings starting at 7:00pm. Monday and Thursday rehearsals take place at the NCAC. Sunday rehearsals take place at the Maki House Community Centre.</p>
<p>Production dates are Mar 31 – Apr 8 at The Gladstone Theatre.</p>
<p>Here is a list of the characters with a brief description and age range to be portrayed by the actors:</p>
<p><em>Michael Fraser </em>– Federal Minister of Finance. 35-55. A technocrat. Polished but self effacing and sometime quirky. Appears willing to smooth the waters but is doggedly determined in pursuing his goals.</p>
<p><em>Mathieu Lapointe</em> – Premier of Québec. 45-65. Bright but at times pedantic and full of himself. Feels superior to the others and is very sure of himself.</p>
<p><em>Lise Frechette</em> – Quebec Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs. 35-55. A refined politician. A sensual woman, powerful and self confident. Chic.</p>
<p><em>Colin Patterson</em> – Senator from Saskatchewan. 50-70. An old style politician. A “good old boy” from the Prairies. Cunning, irreverent but seemingly disarming.</p>
<p>NOTE: The roles of Mathieu Lapointe and Lise Frechette require fluently bilingual actors because they will be required to deliver their lines in French and English.</p>
<p>If you have any questions, please call the director at 613-692-9988 or email him at <a href="mailto:andre_dimitrijevic@yahoo.com" target="_blank">andre_dimitrijevic@yahoo.com</a></p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512252016-04-13T11:02:57-04:002023-12-10T11:58:51-05:00Matinee Talkbacks Sat. 23rd, Sun. 24th<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, April 23 & 24 at 2:30pm, will be followed by Talkback sessions. The audience is invited to engage with the cast and crew about their impressions, reminiscences, experiences with Staff Rooms.</span></strong></p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512262016-01-24T16:09:52-05:002024-03-20T03:22:22-04:00Director’s Workshop Intensive with Natalie Joy Quesnel<h1>Director’s Workshop (Intensive)</h1>
<p>Phoenix Players is pleased to sponsor a Directors’ Workshop to be held on two consecutive Sundays in February: February 21 (10-5pm) and February 28 (10-5pm), 2016.</p>
<p>Over two full days, you will learn the broad strokes of what it is to do a director’s job. Your workshop leader will guide you through the process from pre-production, to casting, to rehearsals and beyond. We will also look at text analysis, stage composition, and working with actors.</p>
<p>Please come prepared, having read Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie”. This script will be the basis of our work together; bring the script to the workshop.</p>
<p>Workshop leader will be Natalie Quesnel who has a Master’s degree in Directing for the Theatre as well as several years’ experience as a director/actor/choreographer. (See below )</p>
<p>Directors, potential directors, and actors are all welcome to attend (the directors need someone to direct and the actors can always learn how to be directed !)</p>
<p>This workshop is limited to a maximum of 20 participants<br>
Cost: $40.00 for Phoenix Players members<br>
$60.00 for non-members</p>
<p>Lunch will be the responsibility of the participants. Please bring your own lunch.</p>
<p>The workshop will be held at the Maki House Community Centre, 19 Leeming Drive, Nepean (in the Crystal Beach Area). Here is a link to a map: <a href="http://mapq.st/1PS3UGt" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="http://mapq.st/1PS3UGt">http://mapq.st/1PS3UGt</a></p>
<p><span class="s3">Participants should register as soon as possible by clicking on the button below</span>.<span class="s3"> For any other information you can contact Andre Dimitrijevic at </span><a dir="ltr" href="tel:613-692-9988" data-cke-saved-href="tel:613-692-9988">613-692-9988</a><span class="s3"> or </span><a href="mailto:andre_dimitrijevic@yahoo.com?subject=Directors%20workshop%20inquiry" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="mailto:andre_dimitrijevic@yahoo.com?subject=Directors%20workshop%20inquiry">andre_dimitrijevic@yahoo.com</a></p>
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<p>Natalie Joy Quesnel’s directing credits include The Last Drop (Salamander Theatre), This is a Recording (Ditto Productions), The Rhyme of the Nicolas Street Gaol (Théâtre la Catapulte/Magnetic North Theatre Festival), and Betrayal (Third Wall Theatre Co.). Her first foray into playwriting was also her first appearance in a solo show with First Words at the 2014 Ottawa Fringe Festival. She was nominated by the Capital Critics’ Awards for Best Director and Best Production (Betrayal, Third Wall Theatre Co.) and by the Rideau Awards for Best Director and Best Emerging Artist. Natalie Joy has obtained her MFA in Directing for the Theatre from the University of Ottawa. Rounding out her busy days, Natalie Joy also enjoys being a professor at the University of Ottawa, a private acting coach, a network marketing professional, a wedding officiant and mom. She dislikes being bored and she can’t live without chocolate.</p>
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Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512272016-01-18T21:44:20-05:002021-12-17T09:15:32-05:00Staff Room<p><strong>Staff Room<br>
</strong><em>by Joan Burrows</em><br>
<em>Directed by André Dimitrijevic</em><br>
<em>The Gladstone Theatre: Apr 22-30 </em></p>
<p>Every workplace has a staff room. It is a place which provides sanctuary to the insiders, where newbies are tested and indoctrinated and where guards can be dropped and plots hatched. If you are an outsider and you are invited into the staff room it can only be because you are in trouble or because you are privileged to be needed for some task.</p>
<p>In this play, our staff room is in a high school. Here you will meet 55 characters, including teachers, both new and jaded, secretaries, administrators, caretakers, parents and students. You will discover the challenges, difficulties and, every so often, the small triumphs they experience. They will show you how they deal with their many everyday issues with raucous humour, insight and, in some instances, poignancy.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">Matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, April 23 & 24 at 2:30pm, will be followed by Talkback sessions. The audience is invited to engage with the cast and crew about their impressions, reminiscences, experiences with Staff Rooms.</span></strong></p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512282015-11-30T14:52:19-05:002018-11-22T07:44:54-05:00So This is Christmas Review<p>We had the pleasure having “So This is Christmas…” reviewed by the Capital Critics’ Circle’s Iris Winston this past weekend.</p>
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<h2>“So This is Christmas” : Two Different Takes on the Christmas Spirit.</h2>
<h4>Reviewed by Iris Winston</h4>
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<div class="d">29 NOV</div>
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<p><b></b>The two one-act comedies that make up Phoenix Players’ <i>So This is Christmas,</i> deliver two different takes on the spirit of the season.</p>
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<p>In <i>Sleeping Indoors</i> by Jim Holt (retired artistic director of City Lights Theatre, Savannah, Georgia), a literary couple takes in a homeless man to provide him with a taste of the warmth of the season. As they learn more about him from his journal, they also learn more about generosity, individuality and his view of the world.</p>
<p>In <i>The Christmas Tree</i> by Norm Foster, two lonely people duel for the last scrawny tree available on Christmas Eve, using tall tales to engender sympathy as the weapon of choice.</p>
<p>The plays are light. The tone is pleasant and the style of presentation is gentle as director Jo-Ann McCabe leads her casts on their exploration of the Christmas season.</p>
<p>Mike Kennedy’s well-rounded characterization of the homeless Dwain, a man with extraordinary talent and a massive fear of confinement, is particularly noteworthy. As Paul and Nora, the couple who take Dwain into their home, Craig Miller and Bobby Robert are believable in their concerns and enthusiasm for his ability.</p>
<p>As Nora’s promiscuous sister, Nichole, Jennifer Bond is bubbly, though sometimes a little too exuberant and emphatic to be totally credible. Meanwhile, Grace Davidson’s pleasant singing voice and quiet guitar strumming fill in the time between scene changes in her role as the carol-singing minstrel.</p>
<p>In <i>The Christmas Tree</i> (which Norm Foster wrote for Calgary’s Lunchbox Theatre), Lisa Moore and Dan Smythe vie for possession of the last (and, as presented, possibly the ugliest) tree on the Christmas tree lot.</p>
<p>As Sonja, Moore is smart and sarcastic, while, Smythe plays up his loser status, touching it with the hope that the chance encounter might end with the lonely pair spending Christmas Eve together.</p>
<p>Despite the thin story line, <i>The Christmas Tree </i>works, partly because of Foster’s one-liners and partly because of the well-directed interaction and well-established comfort level between the two actors.</p>
<p><i>So This is Christmas</i> continues at the Gladstone to December 5.</p>
<p>For the <a href="http://capitalcriticscircle.com/so-this-is-christmas-two-different-takes-on-the-christmas-spirit/#more-8503">full article</a>, please visit the Capital Critic’ Circle website.</p>
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Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512292015-11-22T09:15:17-05:002022-02-16T18:52:50-05:00So This is Christmas Teaser Video<p>Take a look at our teaser video for our upcoming production “So This is Christmas…”</p>
<p><iframe width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FkkKwIx1X2k?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512302015-11-22T07:14:17-05:002018-11-22T06:24:47-05:00Florence Moore Winner of the 2015 ACTRA Award of Excellence<p>2015 Lorraine Ansell ACTRA Award of Excellence</p>
<p>ACTRA Ottawa is pleased to announce that Ottawa performer Florence Moore will receive the 2015 Lorraine Ansell ACTRA Award of Excellence. The award will be presented at an evening reception on November 20<sup>th </sup>at the Ottawa Acting Co. Avalon Studio.</p>
<p>Florence’s career has spanned more than four decades in front of the camera and on stage in the Ottawa area. She has also served on the board of a number of Arts groups including ACTRA and PAL Ottawa.</p>
<p>“Florence has made an outstanding contribution to the Ottawa film, television and theatre community,” said ACTRA Ottawa President Paula MacPherson. “Her work in front of the camera and on stage is matched by her dedication to her community and fellow performers making her one of Ottawa`s most appreciated performers.”</p>
<p>Florence’s on-camera credits include roles in Walt Disney’s <em>The Liberators</em>, Derek Diorio’s <em>Mann To Mann</em>, and the CBC series <em>Michael Tuesdays and Thursdays</em>. She has also appeared in a number of Ottawa produced TV Movies including The Perfect Roommate In addition to her film and TV credits Florence has appeared in numerous theatrical performances including a number of award winning one-act plays and Fringe Festival productions.</p>
<p>Florence was founding member of the Ottawa chapter of the Performers Arts Lodge (PAL) where she served on the board. PAL aims to provide support and services to senior members of the Arts community in the National Capital Region. She has also served on the boards of The Eastern Ontario Drama League (EODL), the Phoenix Players, and ACTRA Ottawa. Florence is also an active volunteer in her community supporting Meals On Wheels and working with several other community organizations.</p>
<p>The Lorraine Ansell ACTRA Award of Excellence is presented to a performer who has made a distinguished contribution to Ottawa’s film and television community in the tradition of former ACTRA Ottawa President, Lorraine Ansell. ACTRA Ottawa established this award to commemorate one of its most beloved members.</p>
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<p>Article by ACTRA Ottawa – <a href="http://www.actraottawa.ca">actraottawa.ca</a></p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512312015-11-15T21:30:09-05:002021-09-13T12:14:20-04:00Lighting Design – Anthony Neary<p><a href="http://www.phoenixplayers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Neary-Anthony-e1451408005138.jpg"><img src="//www.phoenixplayers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Neary-Anthony-e1451408005138.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="Neary, Anthony" height="480" width="320" /></a>Anthony is happy to be back for a second production with Phoenix Players after last season’s Dixie Swim Club. As his day job Anthony can be found around the city working on non-profit, corporate, and media special events. Recent projects include the video walls on the Rideau Hall grounds for the swearing in of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet and the Gala des Grands Chefs for the Canadian Cancer Society. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard to bring this show together, have a great show.</p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512322015-11-15T21:26:30-05:002020-10-01T03:45:03-04:00Stage Manager – Rachel Worton<p>Rachel is an Ottawa based Stage Manager and technician; she attended school in Alberta for Fine Arts focusing in Theatre. Her most recent project was the sold out run of Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune with Vacant House Theatre. Rachel is elated to work with Phoenix Players for this production and their upcoming spring production, Staff Room.</p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512332015-11-15T21:10:53-05:002021-01-12T01:35:11-05:00“Sleeping Indoors” – Jen Bond<p>Jen is excited to be back with Phoenix Players after a 4 year hiatus, which saw her performing with Lunchpail Theatre and Ptarmigan Ptheatrics in Yellowknife, NT. Many thanks to all of the hard working volunteers who make community theatre possible, and to you for showing your support for the amateur arts in Ottawa!</p>
Phoenix Playerstag:phoenixplayers.ca,2005:Post/43512342015-11-15T21:08:40-05:002021-03-11T05:27:49-05:00“The Christmas Tree” – Dan Smythe<pre>Dan is delighted to be in his second production with Phoenix Players. He enjoys the process of going from "page to stage" and has acted locally with Vintage Stock Theatre, Lakeside Players, Glebe Neighbourhood Activities Group and improv ensemble Some Assembly Required. His favourite seasonal Carol is Good King Wenceslas and, given the choice, he prefers Scotch Pine Christmas trees.</pre>
Phoenix Players