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!

Closing LITTLE WOMEN in Rosebud

Today is the first Wednesday in three months I’m not hitting the stage in Rosebud with the cast of Little Women. What a gorgeous crowd! Thanks Rosebud!

From Left, Standing: Shauna Murphy (Piano), Devon Hunter (Dresser), Steven Morton (Mr. Brooke/Braxton/Flute), Jocelyn Hoover Leiver (Meg/Clarissa), Grant Tilly (Professor Baehr), Cassia Schmidt (Jo), Joel Stephanson (Mr. Laurence/Knight), Grace Fedorchuk (Beth/Rodrigo 2), Tim Dixon (Mr. Laurence/Knight), Griffin Kehler (Laurie/Rodrigo), Jarred Albright (Violin)
From Left, Seated: Glenda Warkentin (Marmee/Hag), Annette Loiselle (Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk), Karyssa Komar (Amy/Troll), Brad G. Graham (Stage Manager)