Friday, February 28, 2014

flashback friday | writer's retreat | 1991

Here's a fun photo that long time Pacific Theatre artist Lucia Frangione un-earthed recently. It was taken at a playwriting retreat on Galiano Island in 1991. Just in case anyone needs proof that we've been doing this for a long, long time:

L to R: Ron Reed, Morris Ertman, Jennifer Morison, Lucia Frangione and Tim Anderson. 

Thanks for the fun memory Lucia!

Thursday, February 27, 2014

seafarer | a trip to ireland

SEAFARER actor John Innes took a trip to Ireland right before we started rehearsals, and we are lucky enough to have some photos from his experience!

A pub in Baldoyle, where The Seafarer is set.

A rainbow over Dublin!

A basement apartment in Dublin, perhaps like
Richard and Sharky's?

Sharky has made his mark on a Howth bus stop.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Monday, February 24, 2014

classic chic | fundraiser | an evening with Lisa Wolpe

PT staffer Kaitlin Williams is a member of Classic Chic Productions, which is an all-female ensemble  dedicated to performing classic works. This Thursday night the company is hosting a fundraiser for their upcoming production of The Winter's Tale. Details below:



Acclaimed Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company, Lisa Wolpe, is coming to Vancouver to give the chicks of the Classic Chic Productions ensemble a workshop on playing the men of Shakespeare. Since this is her first time back in Vancouver since 2006 we are holding an Evening with Lisa Wolpe to kick off this great weekend on Thursday, February 27 at the Anza Club!

She will talk about her life in the theatre, the hows and whys of playing cross-gender, and what it’s like to play those great parts of Hamlet, Iago, Leontes, Richard III, Jacquis, and Shylock.

There will be appys, drinks, and a silent auction as well as some great entertainment from Morgan Brayton and The Legion of Flying Monkeys Horn Orchestra.

We're excited to announce that the our evening will be hosted by the dynamic duo of David C. Jones and Janet Glassford and that the incomparable Shawn Macdonald will interview Lisa Wolpe in "Inside the Actor's Studio" format.


An Evening With Lisa Wolpe
Thursday Feb 27th at the Anza Club
6:00pm onwards
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

More details found on the event page here

march 10 | poems of gerard manley hopkins | twu

Trinity Western University's Department of English and Creative Writing is hosting a night of poetry.

auditions | theatre in the country

Our friends at Theatre in the Country are holding auditions for two plays - THE LOWER ROOM and THE SOUND OF MUSIC.  Details below.


The Lower Room

This powerful drama takes us into the hearts and minds and moments of the women who knew Christ best.
A new look at an old story.
Auditions - Feb 26th

The Sound of Music

The world-renowned musical that tells the story of a family who defied Hitler with music.
Auditions - March 8th

Audition info on the website here.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

march 8 | celticfest | 10th anniversary gala

Since THE SEAFARER is a dark Irish comedy and just happens to be running through St. Patrick's Day,  we're partnering on this one with our friends at the CelticFest. They've got a ton cool events coming up in March, including this 10th Anniversary Gala.


CelticFest Vancouver is celebrating their 10th Anniversary year with nine jam-packed days, over 80 extraordinary free and ticketed shows featuring the best in Celtic music! Tickets are now on sale for the amazing The Irish Edge concert March 8th featuring Hermitage Green & the Vagabonds. The 10th Anniversary Gala on March 14th will feature performances by The Once, Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project, Hermitage Green and The Paperboys!

Tickets and more information here: http://bit.ly/1binO5r

Friday, February 21, 2014

march 14-29 | the hiding place | gallery 7 theatre

Our friends at Gallery 7 Theatre in Abbotsford are staging THE HIDING PLACE, featuring Glen Pinchin (TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, YOU STILL CAN'T).


Corrie ten Boom's post-war mission to bring healing and forgiveness to victims of the holocaust reaches a crisis when she comes face to face with the man who turned her and her family in to the Nazi police during the war. What follows is an incredible recounting of the ten Boone's work with the Dutch underground to hide Jews in a hidden room above the family's watch repair shop and their subsequent internment in a concentration camp. Wrestling with her own emotional scars, Corrie must come to terms with her need to forgive in this grim yet beautiful story of faith and survival.

ADAPTED BY TIMOTHY GREGORY
from the book by Corrie ten Boom with John and Elizabeth Sherrill

March 14-29

MEI AUDITORIUM
4081 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford

BOX OFFICE: House of James
2743 Emerson Street, Abbotsford

Call 604-852-3701 or toll free 1-800-665-8828

Tickets available online here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/461202

www.gallery7theatre.com

sideshow | rehearsal pictures

SIDESHOW opens tonight! Earlier in the week the players got together to warm up and practice some games. Here's some shots from their rehearsal.











Thursday, February 20, 2014

sideshow | artist profile | peter abando

Up next in our artist profiles for SIDESHOW is Peter Abando!  When Peter isn't playing for the Off Key Players, or other local theatre productions, he is teaching music to elementary school students.  So, basically, he is improvising all the time, day and night.


What got you started improvising? I started improvising at the piano as a little kid, since I often got bored or tired of the music that got put in front of me.

What is your favourite part of improvising? I love the feeling of not knowing what's coming next, but knowing that it's probably going to be really fun.


How does musical improv actually work? Musical improv doesn't actually work. It's magic.

Who is your role model, when it comes to performing? UK jazz pianist/singer/songwriter Jamie Cullum.


If you were to get a Sharpie tattoo on your back, what would it be? An excerpt from the prayer to St. Michael the Archangel. It's a different kind of awesome. Can you call a prayer "bad-ass"?

(Note: here are the first two lines of the prayer, judge for yourself: "St. Michael the Archangel, / defend us in battle. / Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.")

What is your favourite way to unwind at the end of a long week? Here's a good one - with gunpowder - at the rifle or pistol range, with my brother.


Five people you want to have for dinner? All at once? Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, Lin Manuel Miranda, Kristen Bell, and Stefani Germanotta (Lady Gaga). I'd have a composer/performer round table, for a week, and record every minute of it.

Are you afraid of ghosts? Ghosts? I ain't afraid of no ghosts. I've done Waiting for Ghostbusters with Genus Theatre.


Give me three “fun facts” about you.
1. I'm left-handed.
2. I originally went to Uni for computing science, not music composition or music education (that's how I finished).
3. Won $32 front row tickets to the Book of Mormon, on my second-last day in NYC in 2011, through their ticket lotto, saw the original cast, and took a photo with Andrew Rannells as proof.

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

sideshow | artist profile | cara cunningham

Our next artist profile for SIDESHOW is Cara Cunningham.  Last year Cara was a season apprentice for writing, and this year she's joined our staff as Box Office Manager.  She is also a gifted performer, so we are excited to have her on board for SIDESHOW!


What got you started improvising? I was a part of Side Show Last year and realized I didn’t totally suck at it.

What is your favourite part of improvising? I like that it is instant theatre. As a playwright I think it is really awesome to have an idea and within seconds it is being played out on a stage in front of people. Most playwrights don’t get that opportunity.


How does musical improv actually work? We get a suggestion and then we start a regular improv scene and when someone gets an idea for a song they will start an acapella song. Then the pianist begins playing and whoever starts the song creates the chorus. Then the next person sings the verse and we re-sing the chorus that was just made up and so on and so forth. It takes a lot of trust in each other.

Who is your role model, when it comes to performing? Amy Poehler, she is the Queen of everything.

If you were to get a Sharpie tattoo on your back, what would it be? Leo the Lion, like Geri Halliwell from the Spice Girls. It would be badass.


What is your favourite way to unwind at the end of a long week? Watch really bad reality TV. It makes me feel like my life isn’t so bad.

Five people you want to have for dinner? Amy Poehler, Minday Kaling, Jason Segal, My fiance and Jesus.


Are you afraid of ghosts? Not really. What powers do ghosts have? I’ve never understood this fear. You get to talk to dead people, that’s awesome not scary.


Give me three “fun facts” about you.
I consider eating jelly beans to be an actual meal
My favorite TV show is a really bad show on the CW. I’ll let you guess which one.
I’m getting married in May and I hate weddings.

Monday, February 17, 2014

feb 20 - march 2 | nothing but sky | rob olguin

Rob Olguin is an actor you may have seen on the Pacific Theatre stage in Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train and who will also be performing in our production of Espresso this spring. He is in a very exciting show opening this week called Nothing But Sky! The Only Animal is company who creates unconventional and dynamic theatre and this show is something you wouldn't want to miss. A comic book biopic that takes place within the drawing room of the Canadian who first drew Superman. 


Meet Joe, the artist, his best friend, Jerry, the writer, and Joanne, the original model for Lois Lane and the girl they both love. Get on board the skyrocket as their creation goes from slushpile to the most popular Superhero of all times. The play becomes a living comic book, where real and drawn characters merge as we discover that our closest friends are equal parts Villain and Hero. But the real danger comes when DC Comics gets a hold of Superman, and what you created might return to destroy you.
With 3-D projection mapping, panelled action sequences, and an animation team that includes Paul Dutton (Academy Award winner for Triplets of Belleville,Nothing But Sky is a comic book biopic, where we leap off the cliffs of artistry and love… and hope that we can fly.

Nothing But Sky
Feb 20 - March 2
Scotia Bank Dance Centre - Faris Family Studio
http://www.theonlyanimal.com/show/nothing-sky

Sunday, February 16, 2014

sideshow | artist profile | kenton klassen

Our apprentice Kenton Klassen is going to be joining the team for SIDESHOW! Here's some background on him.


What got you started improvising? My high school drama teacher Karen Towsley, an improv whiz!

What is your favourite part of improvising? I like the risk involved in not having a plan. It's scary and exhilarating!


How does musical improv actually work? Your guess is as good as mine. I'm guessing you have to make up songs or something...

Who is your role model, when it comes to performing? Hmm.. there's a few. Paul Dano, Daniel-Day Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio are a few. In the comedy world I would have to say Jim Carrey! "We've got no food, we got no jobs, OUR PETS HEADS ARE FALLING OFF!"

If you were to get a Sharpie tattoo on your back, what would it be? A tiger killing a shark. I hate sharks.


What is your favourite way to unwind at the end of a long week? Going to the movies followed by a good pub.

Five people you want to have for dinner? Amy Adams, Tom Delonge, Mila Kunis, Anna Kendrick, Jim Carrey.


Are you afraid of ghosts? Nope, I want one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zAmOuldwl0

Give me three “fun facts” about you.
I can make my tongue looks like it has split in two.
I invented a great yo-yo trick.
I've been crocodile cage diving.

Saturday, February 15, 2014

sideshow | artist profiles | ryan scramstad

And now introducing Ryan Scramstad, a season apprentice who you've already seen in THE FOREIGNER this fall, he'll be joining the team for some improv comedy in SIDESHOW!


What got you started improvising? Highschool theatre which turned into a love for being random.

What is your favourite part of improvising? Not caring about what I'm doing.


How does musical improv actually work? We're about to find out.

Who is your role model, when it comes to performing? Ron Burgundy.


If you were to get a Sharpie tattoo on your back, what would it be? A freckle.

What is your favourite way to unwind at the end of a long week? Computer games.


Five people you want to have for dinner? Einstein, Jesus, Dostoyevsky, Leonardo DiCaprio, Uncle Rick.

Are you afraid of ghosts? Bum ba na ba na, bum bananana bum ba na (ghost busters' theme).

Give me three “fun facts” about you.
I'm taller than you
I can sometimes rhyme
Once I sucked on a lime.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

celebrating 30 years | video

Here is another video to celebrate our 30th anniversary season - this one focussing on the intimacy of our space and community. Featuring Diane Brown, Erla Faye Forsyth, Rory Holland, Anthony F. Ingram, David Jennings, Julie McIsaac, Sarah Rodgers, Brent Unrau, and Kerry van der Griend.

sideshow | performer profile | alison chisholm

Alison Chisholm is a familiar face - or voice - to anyone who's been around PT for a while.  Our Operations Manager and Producer, she makes things happen behind the scenes, while being an active performer and improviser.  Here's an interview with Alison, who will be performing in SIDESHOW!


What got you started improvising? I hated sports and my parents eventually figured that out. So they decided to sign me up for some acting classes. I loved them and one of my first acting coaches recommended I attend some drop-in improv workshops, so I did. I was the youngest by far at the time (I was only 15) but it was so much fun and such a welcoming community, I knew it was something I needed to do. I ended up taking a break from it for a number of years as I focused on my career as an administrator. I remember a time when I was in a rut and not feeling like myself anymore and that is when I went back to improv. For better or worse - I have never been more me.

What is your favourite part of improvising? I love the fact that you essentially have to put your full trust in someone else’s hands to make improv work well. There are dangers in that and sometimes things don’t always work out because not everyone is prepared. But when you succeed and everything works out - wow, is it ever an awesome feeling.


How does musical improv actually work? How does magic work? It just does okay. Don’t ask silly questions. Just sit back and enjoy!

Who is your role model, when it comes to performing? I can only have one? Well that doesn’t seem fair. I love Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I think they are hilarious, strong, intelligent women who are dedicated to their lives in comedy and that is something that I aspire for. Kristen Wiig also falls into that category. A friend of mine saw her on SNL for the first time and said she reminded him of me. That was a HUGE compliment to me. Also - I LOVE Kristen Bell. She’s funny, goofy, smart, and who knew she could sing? Have you seen FROZEN yet? Come on!!!


If you were to get a Sharpie tattoo on your back, what would it be? Probably the same as the actual tattoo I’d get if I were ever going to get one. It would be my family motto: Feros Ferio, which translates to “I am fierce with the fierce.”


What is your favourite way to unwind at the end of a long week? Board Games!!! If anyone has ever been to my apartment they know what I am talking about. If you can name a board game (or card game) I probably have it.

Five people you want to have for dinner? Well I would be honoured if I could host all those ladies I just mentioned. Dinner with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kristen Bell, Kristen Wiig and me? Yes Please! But then I’ve only invited four. Let’s throw Felicia Day into that mix too. We’ll make it a funny sassy girls night!


Are you afraid of ghosts? Sometimes. Don’t judge!


Give me three “fun facts” about you.
I grew up with three brothers. (Ah yes, I make so much more sense now, don’t I?)
I’m just a Steeltown girl, living in a West Coast world.
I can make my toes dance. FACT!

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

sideshow | artist profile | jennifer pielak

Introducing Jennifer Pielak, local improvisor and singer, creator of the Off-Key Players, and member of team SIDESHOW!


What got you started improvising? I decided to face my performing fears and try doing improv at a Table23 Comedy improv show. They told me I had to do the whole show or not at all - so I jumped and went for it. 6 months later I was asked to be a part of the group.

What is your favourite part of improvising? The unexpected genius comedic moments that happen without you realizing it. The audience laughs, and after the show, you realize why it was so funny.

How does musical improv actually work? Everyone needs to be listening really well in order to collaborate as best as they can - everything is truly made up on the spot - the music, lyrics, story, characters, and all those magic moments. We also workshop A LOT. You need to study singing, song structure, musicals, acting, storytelling, movement - all of these skills need to be developed in order to put on a successful show. A lot like a jazz musician knowing her keys and scales.


Who is your role model, when it comes to performing? In the improv world - I love TJ and Dave from Chicago - they put on really amazing two person improv shows - their characters are so real, and they are experts in their work. I also love Blaine Swen from Chicago - he put on a one-man improvised musical, which is so amazing. I’d love to do that one day. Oh, and of course Meryl.

If you were to get a Sharpie tattoo on your back, what would it be? A music note with the words, “Laugh. Think. Love."


What is your favourite way to unwind at the end of a long week? A glass of BC wine and an episode of Game of Thrones with my hunky man.

Five people you want to have for dinner? I want to eat everyone in the cast with a side of ice cream. Yum.


Are you afraid of ghosts? No.

Give me three “fun facts” about you.
1) I was born in Germany.
2) I can do a loon call.
3) I LOVE snow.