CONNECTING THROUGH THEATRE
JOIN US FOR FREE ACTIVITIES, WORKSHOPS, AND THEATRE OUTINGS
Attend a play, try an acting class, sit with the actors and be part of a staged reading, learn a new skill. It’s all possible with Connecting Through Theatre. This popular free program of theatre and theatre-related activities is funded by the Government of Ontario.
There is no cost or long-term commitment to participate. Adults of all ages are welcome and no previous experience or knowledge of theatre is required.
Connecting Through Theatre is the perfect way to meet new friends and feed a love of all things theatre!
Please read the program descriptions below. Please note, there are sign-up lists for First Read Club, Audience 101 and Scene Study sessions. If you do not see a link below to the sign up list, please check back closer to the session date.
→If you are NEW to the program, please fill out the registration form at the bottom of the page to be added to our program newsletter list.
(Connecting Through Theatre returns after the holidays on Tuesday Jan. 7th ,with Scene Study, 2 Classes and a lunch, and First Read. )
THE THINGS I’VE SEEN: CONNECTING THROUGH SCENE STUDY
Do you marvel at the ability of your favourite actors to create interesting and complex characters, sometimes even from the most unassuming script? Are you curious about the process of how they go from words on a page to characters that seem so genuine and original?
We explore short scenes, and discuss and try out some of the techniques actors employ to present what you ultimately see on stage, in films, and on TV. The classes are free, informal, and don’t require any previous acting experience. You can just come to one, or as many as you please. Come out and meet some new people, learn something new, and have a laugh or two!
Scene Study classes are held at the Port Perry United Church starting at 10:30am, and going until Noon.
Classes are free and will be running weekly.
Please sign-up here
FIRST READ CLUB
Read plays, dig into text and gain insight into live theatre creative and production processes.
Our First Read Club invites you to the production table with Theatre on the Ridge artistic staff and artists. Each session will feature a new play to be read aloud followed by creative discussion and conversation.
First Read Club takes place 1 pm – 3 pm in the Rotary Room of the Scugog Memorial Public Library, and will run on the first Tuesday of every month.
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→We will also be continuing with our 2 CLASSES AND A LUNCH PROGRAM!
If you join us for the Scene Study class in the morning, and the First Read Club in the afternoon, we will provide lunch! This year we will be charging a modest fee of $5 for those joining us for lunch, to help with deferring the costs of the food. There will be a variety of sandwiches, raw veggies and fruit, desserts and beverages.
If you have specific dietary requirements, please consider bringing something suitable. And please sign up for this if you plan to join us… it helps us plan properly for lunch!
Sign-up here.
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AUDIENCE 101 (LIVE THEATRE)
Audience 101 provides access to free performances of some of the best community theatre in Durham this coming season, complete with exclusive pre and post show conversations with professional theatre artists and writers.
The next plays we will be attending are both scheduled for February 2025.
Stepping Out by Richard Harris
Where: Ajax Community Theatre – The St. Francis Centre, 78 Church St. S., Ajax
When: Sun. Feb. 9, 1:30pm (show starts at 2pm)
A warm and very funny play about the lives, laughs and loves of a group of women (and one man) attending a weekly tap-dance class in a dingy North London church hall.
*This outing is now full and closed for registration.
Tick, Tick… Boom! by Jonathan Larson
Where: Whitby Courthouse Theatre – 416 Centre Street South, Whitby
When: Sat. Feb. 22, 1:30pm (show starts at 2pm)
Before Rent, there was Tick, Tick… Boom! His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue and yet, Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical. Set in 1990, this compelling story of personal discovery is a rock musical filled with instantly appealing melodies and a unique blend of musical theatre styles.
*This outing is now full and closed for registration.
WORKSHOPS
Do you have an idea for a workshop you would be interested in? Let us know! Any questions or comments can be emailed to Michael Serres at programs@theatreontheridge.ca.
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