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.

Upcoming sessions & plays :

Tuesday Dec 5th, 1 pm to 3 pm, or 6:30 to 8:30 pm. 

The Patron Saint of Stanley Park by Hiro Kanagawa.

On a wild and stormy Christmas Eve, a mysterious vagabond rescues two fatherless children and takes them to a fantastical world beneath Stanley Park’s prospect point. During the course of the magical night, the children experience wondrous visions which may help them understand the truth about their father, their rescuer, and the power of love.

Please sign up for the Dec 5th session 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.

Here are our next outing:

Wednesday, December 13th, 7:30 pm, to see Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune by Terence McNally, Uxbridge Music Hall. 

“There’s a man and a woman. Not young, not old. No great beauties, either one. She’s a waitress, he’s a cook. They both knew tonight was going to happen.” 

Warning: Adult situations and language, including some nudity. 

If you would like to join us at this show, please sign up here. Space is limited.

These are the other shows planned for Audience 101:

Sunday, February 4th, Matinee – Amadeus by Peter Shaffer, Oshawa Little Theatre. (To Be Confirmed)

Saturday February 17th, Matinee – Jenny’s House of Joy by Norm Foster, Borelians Community Theatre. (TBC)

Sunday April 7th, Matinee – Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Laine, Oshawa Little Theatre. (TBC)

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

(Sign up sheets will be posted as shows are confirmed. Spaces are limited.)

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The Things I’ve Scene: 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 will be held weekly on Tuesday mornings at the Port Perry United Church.

Please sign up for Scene Study Fall sessions here.

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Moving Well: Connecting through stretch & 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.

The Moving Well sequences have their roots in Nicklaus, Feldenkreis, and yoga techniques and are supplemented with additional sequences drawn from the work of neuromuscular therapist Irene Dowd. They are moderate to mildly extreme in physical demand on the body.

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.

Details will be announced soon.

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Theatre and Production Skills Workshops

Introduction to Theatrical Costume Design

(Date and time to be announced – November class postponed)

Curious about costumes? Intrigued by interesting fabrics and garments? Have a passion for fashion or fantasy wear?

Join Carey as she shares her approach to theatrical costume design in this informal introductory workshop, perfect for anyone taking on a community theatre or school production, or just wanting to know more about theatrical costuming in general. Even if you know nothing about sewing!

Carey draws on her 25 year experience in dance and theatre costuming to walk participants through the process from concept to execution, with tips for construction and shopping hacks, storage and maintenance, and even budget considerations.

Production images from Carey’s past designs and collaborations, along with hands on exercises will also get anyone’s creative juices going. Even if you can’t sew, this workshop will give you the confidence, creative and practical knowledge to step into the world of costume design.

This workshop is offered at no cost to participants as part of our Connecting Through Theatre program, made possible with the support of the Government of Ontario.

Please fill out the form below if you are new to the Connecting Through Theatre program. Please sign up for the Costume Design Workshop here

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!