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 now 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.

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.

The First Read Club will be held at the Scugog Memorial Public Library on the first Tuesday of every month. You can choose to attend the afternoon or the evening class.

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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.

Our upcoming show:

Saturday April 27th, Matinee – Drinking Habits by Tom Smith, Whitby Courthouse Theatre.

Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce. Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancées, are hot on their trail. They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves.

This outing is now full.

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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!

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MOVING WELL: CONNECTING THROUGH STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

This non-aerobic class works with gravity, body weight, breath and relaxation to improve overall strength, flexibility, muscle tone, posture and alignment and is particularly helpful with pre-season conditioning (sports and garden), The class structure is built on proven stretch and strength sequences. Moving Well counters the negative impact of extensive sitting, now recognized as a major contributor to poor physical well being.

Pre-requisite: participants must be able to transition from standing to sitting to lying down with relative ease and comfortable with sitting or lying on the floor for extended periods of time. We recommend that you consult with your healthcare practitioner prior to starting any new program of physical activity. Moving Well is not intended to replace qualified and/or prescribed physical therapy or other medical recommendations for specific injuries or chronic conditions.

For comfort and ease, participants should dress in comfortable loose clothing and bring a firm pillow, towel and/or yoga mat.

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Please fill in the registration form below if you are new to the program. You can email us at  lifeastheatre@gmail.com  with any questions or concerns. Thank you!