CONNECTING THROUGH THEATRE
JOIN US FOR FREE ACTIVITIES, WORKSHOPS, AND THEATRE OUTINGS
*Please note, our regular spring classes have finished. Our final Audience 101 outing is in late April. Workshops finish in early May.
STAY TUNED FOR SUMMER 2025 PROGRAMMING NEWS!
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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.
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→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.
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 Play That Goes Wrong
Date and time: Thursday, Apr. 24th, 2025. 7:30pm – Showtime is 8pm
Location: Whitby Courthouse Theatre – 416 Centre Street South, Whitby.
You all know the classic whodunnit story, there has been a murder at a country manor and an inspector is set on the case to find who the culprit is. However, when this plot is given to the accident-prone thespians at The Cornley Drama Society, everything that can go wrong… does!
*This is a “bonus” Audience 101 presentation and as such, there will not be the typical pre and post-show conversations. Just come to the theatre with us and enjoy!
Please sign-up here.
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WORKSHOPS
Wigs for the Theatre with Eric Evans
Sunday April 13th from 1:30 to 4pm – Church of the Ascension, 266 North St., Port Perry.
Eric Evans is a wig maker with extensive experience in theatre, opera, television, and film. With a passion for his craft, he has worked on countless community theatre productions and collaborated with renowned companies like the Canadian Opera Company, Mirvish Productions, and the Stratford Festival. Beyond the stage, Eric creates custom wigs for television and film across Canada and the U.S.
This workshop will introduce you to the work of Eric Evans, custom wig designer to the stars! Eric has worked in theatre, television and film, designing and making wigs from scratch. He will cover the basics of wig design and wig-making, and share his passion for the craft. Eric will bring a number of wigs at various stages of completion, and students will get the chance to try their hand at wig-making. He will also share his insights on how to prepare wigs for a theatre production, and how to properly fasten a wig to your head.
Please sign-up here
Makeup for the Theatre with Shelby Down
Sun. Apr. 27th from 1 to 4pm
Green Room of the Town Hall 1873 Theatre, 302 Queen St., Port Perry.
Shelby is a professional Makeup Artist who’s been serving Durham Region and beyond for nearly ten years. With two diplomas in Makeup Artistry, she has developed the expertise to create versatile looks for any theatre production.
Shelby is excited to share her knowledge and passion with you in this workshop. She will guide you through the basics of Stage makeup, key techniques and hands on training. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or dive into stage makeup for the first time, you’ll leave the class with confidence and practical experience to bring you and your character to life.
Please sign-up here
Introduction to Singing with Carol Salamone
Sat. May. 3rd, 2025, from 10 am – 1 pm.
Church of the Ascension – 266 North St., Port Perry
In this workshop we will take you from singing in the shower to having the confidence to sing along with your friends. Does looking at a piece of music boggle your mind? We’ll help with that too! You’ll be ready to start singing happy birthday to your friends and family and, who knows, maybe even try your hand at karaoke! Whether it’s 50’s, 60’s or 70’s music, rock and roll, or musical theatre, let’s work on giving you the confidence to enjoy the ride! Whatever the genre, we’ll help you to take that first step towards experiencing the joys of music in a more personal way. Let’s have some fun!
You can sign up here
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