Remember that Song workshop, Lunchbox Theatre

I’m very happy that Lunchbox Theatre will be workshopping a new adaptation of my musical “Remember That Song” as part of their Stage One Development program. This script was first developed with Smile Theatre in Toronto, a company that specializes in bringing theatre to older adults who can no longer leave their residences/hospices. The piece was researched through interviews that Toni MaCrae and I conducted with focus groups of older adults in the Toronto area, where we asked them questions about their favourite songs and memories associated with those songs. Smile Theatre is currently touring a version of the piece through Ontario that is geared towards folks with dementia.

This new version of Lunchbox is a departure from the previous script, as I’m now integrating these songs into a more story-driven narrative while writing it for actors who are closer in age to the characters in the show. It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to explore how these changes affect the piece and makes it such a departure from the original! You can find information about the reading on Lunchbox Theatre’s website, here.

Susan’s Dream Date Workshop

Thanks to funding from the Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA), we conducted a workshop of my new musical, Susan’s Dream Date, at the cSpace studio theatre on January 12th. In this new musical (first conceived while working on my graduate degree at the University of Calgary), Susan is on a perfect date, only to discover her date is actually taking place within a dream she is having, where her two subconscious allies lead her through the labyrinth of her mind, challenging Susan to address her unresolved issues of being a caregiver to an aging parent and guiding her towards the life she truly wants.

Elinor Holt*, Robyn Ord, Eric Wigston*, and music director Konrad Pluta.

It was a wonderful experience to explore this piece with a room of talented collaborators for a full week before presenting what we had developed (a nearly sung-through 65-minute piece!) to an audience of theatre professionals, caregivers, and friends.

I’m currently planning the second workshop of this piece, funded by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, which will include arrangements by Konrad Pluta for a three-piece ensemble. Please get in touch with me if you’d like to be invited to our next staged reading.

* The participation of these Artists are arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance•Opera•Theatre Policy.

The best defence…

The best defence? The one that earns you your degree! I’m pleased to announce that I have been awarded my Master of Fine Arts in Drama- specializing in Playwriting, from the University of Calgary. It was a very busy two years, during which I was able to immerse myself in my studies while also getting a start on two new musicals that I’ve always wanted to create. Huge thanks to my professors, and especially my supervisor, Clem Martini, for his guidance and support. I’m looking forward to applying what I have learned!