NovaStage

August workshop, 2009

2009-10-05T22:21:00.007-04:00

Here are some pictures taken during NovaStage's workshop from August. This workshop is our first step toward a new project. The actors participating in the workshop are Jennifer Carter and NovaStage's own Sean Williamson.

The first update in AGES!!!

2009-07-01T18:55:00.002-04:00

Hello!!

It's Anne here. Both myself and NovaStage are still alive!

After finishing with 'Wickedly' in September of 2008, there were big changes coming. On top of that, I personally needed a long break. I travelled to England where I got some R&R (and some INCREDIBLE theatre) and got the chance to reflect on what NovaStage had accomplished up to that point.

So there has been a hiatus to rest and collect. During this time there has been quite a bit of talking and brainstorming about the next production and what it might entail. Our first new activity began in June with workshops between myself and selected NovaStage actors. These workshops are the first steps toward a larger production that will take a much longer time to gestate than our previous shows.

There are a few other plans in the works - and all the while NovaStage productions will be moving into a new, crowded, but vibrant territory - Toronto.

An Update from Anne

2008-09-01T20:19:00.004-04:00

A Blog from Sean

2008-08-12T21:12:00.001-04:00

Sean Williamson stars as 'The Man' in Wickedly Wonderful, opening September 5th 2008.

Hey Everyone! Sean here with a blog. Anne always asks us for them...and I almost always forget to do it. So here it is.

Man is this show fun! The rehearsals so far have been a blast. We've had a lot of laughs while we try to discover our characters. I'm really excited about being given this challenge of playing 10 different characters. It's interesting trying to find ways to make them different but still real. I still need a little work. A few of them have come really easily...and a few are causing some stress. But we'll get through. Thanks to the fabulous ladies (Piper, that means you too!) in the cast for their patience and Anne for all her constant coaching! And Bridget for keeping me on top of the lines ... even though I still have the script in my hand! Oiy!

This script is a lot of fun. It may be "kid-friendly", but I laugh so much listening to the dialogue. And that has so much to do with the four very talented witches. They ROCK! But they are witches...seriously. It can get a little scary sometimes. :P

Wednesday is our last "on book" rehearsal. From there, the scripts go down and we have like 6 more rehearsals. Eep! Not that it's really that scary, it's just coming up quick! Look forward to seeing you there! Hope you all enjoy the show! I know I will! : )

'Wickedly Wonderful' revs up!

2008-08-09T23:41:00.006-04:00

Anne Meighan is directing Wickedly Wonderful for NovaStage.
Hello NovaStagers, it's Anne...

It's been a fabulous summer so far! And after a couple of months off after Desperate Housepets, it's time for Wickedly Wonderful.

I have to say that although I was excited about this show starting up, I didn't predict how much I would enjoy it once it got started. This is a slightly bigger show for us, with 5 adult actors and one child. Our rehearsal space is busting with talent.

Here's the cast rundown:

Wickedly Wonderful
written by Heidi M. Hayward
directed by Anne Meighan

Starring
Jaimie Birnbaum as Freya (Snow White's witch)

Lori Distel as Helga (Hanzel and Gretel's witch)

Carly Heffernan as Dierdre (Sleeping Beauty's witch)

Courtney Smith as Violet (Rapunzel's witch)

Also Starring
Sean Williamson as The Reporter, The TV Assistant, The Editor, The Boss, The Pageant Host, The Ad Executive, Daddy, The Barfly, Big Bad Wolf, and The Handsome Prince.

...and Piper Distel as The Page and Little Girl

If you want to learn more about the actors featured in this show, you can read all about them at http://www.novastage.com/Bios.html.

AND...if you would like to grab tickets for this show, which is going to be both beautiful and highly engaging, just click your way over to the magic website: www.novastage.com and purchase tickets quickly, and safely using paypal. Still a massive bargain at $13!

'Desperate Housepets' Curtain Call...

2008-05-14T11:49:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Desperate Housepets. What a fantastic show it was - we're all so very proud!!

I'd like to personally thank everyone who came to see Desperate Housepets. Thanks to you, we've had one of our most successful runs ever and were able for the first time to make a contribution to a local charity - The Cambridge & District Humane Society - through one of our shows.

Producing shows in this area is always a challenge, and at times it can be a real uphill battle. But each time we open a show, it's a little smoother. And I don't know if I mentioned this, but the actors in Desperate Housepets were truly outstanding - intelligent, hilarious, fearless and hard-working. I could never have hoped for better.

Lori and I know that NovaStage is going to continue to develop and grow over the next few years - - but with growth and development comes lots of change. I always remind myself that the future is what Shakespeare calls the undiscovered country and that means it always has the possibility of adventure. It's scary, but also exciting.

So...what of the immediate future? Well - there is a second show to this season and it's a lulu!!! Here it is:

WICKEDLY WONDERFUL
by Heidi M. Hayward

directed by Anne Meighan

September 5, 6*, 11, 12, 13 (*our first ever matinee!)

Tickets available online from July 2nd 2008

We'll see you very soon...

Anne x

First Official Desperate Housepets Post

2008-03-22T23:54:00.005-04:00

Anne here. No joke - I have been attempting to finish this post for a week now.

SO! To business. Once again, we're right in at the deep end (no wading in for us) and well into Desperate Housepets rehearsals.

Yes...it's true...I very nearly always say this, but this cast is incredible! A lot of fun for me as well to be directing comedy after last year's wonderful, but intense pieces...and these guys are FUNNY. I'm really looking forward to opening and sharing DH with the community and tri-city area. Opening night kicks off with a gala to raise money for the Cambridge and District Humane Society. The entire show's run will donate a portion of ticket sales to this very busy (and very needed) organization. Huge thanks from me to our mastermind Artistic Producer Lori D. for getting this hefty project in motion.

Lots of fiddly stuff going on right now - - props and costume lists, Lori and Sean putting their incredibly large brains together to create a backdrop for the stage, sound cues getting collected...all the good stuff that comes together to make a nice sharp piece of NovaStage.

I also had the very interesting opportunity last week to do a play polish at Galt Little Theatre. A polish involves asking a guest director (that would be yours truly) to come in, watch a run in rehearsal, and then work with the actors on a few scenes and 'sharpen' as you see fit. The play in question is Les Liaisons Dangereuses, a highly ambitious and challenging play and certainly a change of pace for me as well. The people at GLT were extremely hospitable and welcoming to me and I had a great time working with actors Andrea, Jane and Robin. The show opens April 10th if you're curious -- I will certainly be checking it out.

Auditions 2008

2008-02-02T22:12:00.001-05:00

Anne here. We're now through all our original audition bookings - auditions are not officially closed down yet, but we've had a good two Saturdays.

Once again, we were very happy to see a lot of really high-end talent come out. I want to sincerely thank EVERY actor that came to the Cambridge Centre for the Arts over the last two weekends to perform for us and let us see how great you are. Casting desicions made over the next few days are going to be extremely difficult.

You might remember last year, I did a blog entry with a few audition pointers on them. I'd like to reprint one from last year in this entry:

If you have to cancel your audition: Either email or call at LEAST 24 hours ahead to cancel. If you have to leave a message on a machine, do it. Someone will pick it up in time. If something terrible happens and you just were not able to call ahead, go ahead and send a message afterward. It's not as good, but at least it shows you did not forget altogether. For the love of god don't just not show up. Here's what happens. In the case of small theatre companies: You are not anonymous. They WILL notice that you have not shown up. They will also be annoyed by the fact that they could have booked another actor in your place who wanted a chance to audition and couldn't get booked. It's insulting to the company, but you might get a second chance. In the case of large theatre companies (IE Stratford, Shaw, etc): they will notice immediately that you have not shown up. If anything, their lists will be more structured and they'll notice sooner than the small company. Everything above applies, except it can hurt you more, and you're less likely to get a second chance.

Oh man. This is so important. We have had a fairly decent sized group of no-shows this year. I cannot stress this enough: pulling a no-show at an audition is just the absolute worst thing an actor can do. It's not only insulting to the company but it shows that you are totally unreliable. Considering that the theatre community (and yes, actors and directors from neigbouring cities know and speak to each other very regularly) is so very small, this news gets around. People remember all this stuff, because no one wants unreliable actors in their productions who may or may not show up for rehearsal. A good friend of mine who works in an opera company out west told me "Opera companies will blacklist you for one no-show!". Yes indeed. I will not be so dramatic as to say blacklist (even though it's an awesome word), but all companies do keep a list of people not to book, and not showing up one season is a good way to get on that list for the next.

Listen -- most theatre companies are pretty reasonable. If you can't make it, just call ahead. They'll be much more understanding if they have enough time to book in another actor for your audition time. One other suggestion - make it a good excuse eh? The best possible thing to keep you from an audition? You've booked another job. Saying things like "something came up" - one I've heard countless times over the past few years - doesn't cut it.

Well that's not much of a pep talk - but it's some good old honest advice. Soon I'll return to the frightening and often thrilling task of casting NovaStage's 2008 season.

The announcement will come within 2 weeks! Stay tuned and take care.

Back from Philly - and ready to cast...

2008-01-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

Anne here -

Well that was quite a trip. Short and crazy! The shows went as well as I personally ever could have hoped. The students at Renaissance went for Harris lock, stock and standing O! Yes, besides being a terrific audience, I have to say the students at Renaissance Academy gave NovaStage's Harris Superman the most enthusiastic and heartfelt standing ovation I've seen for some time. I had a wonderful view from my table at the back of the theatre of hands going up into the air! Sean and Hayley certainly got a little taste of rock-stardom last week. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone in Philadelphia who saw our show and gave us such a great response -- and to playwright Jenny Kreyl whose determination to get our version of her show to Philadelphia. It's because of her work and effort that we had the opportunity to do our first international performances.

It was a thrill for me to be able to be there, and to see one of my all-time favorite shows - the show I am proudest of - be performed again. And I have to say, even sadder to see it end for a second time. This show combined with these two very special performers created real theatrical urgency and electricity.

Well. Now to follow that with the exciting (and scary) prospect of casting our 2008 shows. Lots of promising applications this year, and the possibility of seeing some familiar faces back onstage as well. Yours truly is back in the director's seat (need to find cushions this year) for Desperate Housepets, and back again is our fearless and annoyingly gorgeous stage manager, Jacqueline. And for all your Lori Distel fans out there, fear not - she's back with a vengeance. We like to work her extra hard, so besides the heavy task of set design, we've decided to put her onstage as well. Anyone who saw Whispering Lodge or feMAELSTROM will know that's a very, very good place for her to be.

All in all...should be pretty good. I'll keep you posted.

It begins again!

2008-01-08T18:26:00.000-05:00

And we're back! Things are now starting to pick up steam as Season 4 starts to take shape.

We're starting off this season with a bang (and early!) with a tour version of May 2007's Harris Superman. This show is without question one of my very favorites, and it's very exciting to see up and running again. It will enjoy a strictly limited engagement in Philadelphia this week. Sean and Hayley are both back as Harris and The Woman. They had a very intensive rehearsal period last weekend and I'm proud to say the show is in as good a shape as ever. Break a leg everyone...and enjoy the trip.

At the end of January 2008, casting begins for Season 4 productions Desperate Housepets by Robert Watson and After Ever After: Wickedly Wonderful by Heidi M. Hayward. Most spots are filled at this time which is great, but there are still just a few spots left, so if you're interested in working with the Nova crew, shoot an application (rez and headshot) to novastage@gmail.com

Plenty of images from rehearsal, and I'll be carrying my trusty old camera to the states as well...stay tuned.

Fall news...

2007-10-16T23:14:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone, it's Anne.

I'm happy to let the hardcore NovaStagers know that our May 2007 show, Harris Superman by US playwright Jenny Kreyl will be enjoying a strictly limited engagement in Philadelphia in January 2008! This is a new departure (literally and figuratively) for NovaStage, and we are looking forward to getting Harris back in fighting shape!

Besides that, auditions will be coming up at the end of January for our 2008 season, so keep your eyes on www.novastage.com!

Reluctantly bidding a fond farewell to the 2007 Season!

2007-09-23T10:16:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone, it's Anne!

Well, it's been quite a season, featuring what I think I may safely call NovaStage's most interesting, highest-quality work to date.

Not much left to say now except thanks to our great audiences. We got heaps of positive feedback this year for both Harris Superman and feMAELSTROM which was fantastic to hear; for me personally it reaffirms my belief that alt-theatre can work in Cambridge.

There are a few new developments in the works for NovaStage - our 08 season will commence next May, but between then and now there's alot of work to be done in prep. Stay tuned, because the site will continue to be updated over the winter. Have a great one...!

NovaStage feMAELSTROM 2007

NovaStage Harris Superman 2007

Sliding into the home stretch...!

2007-08-31T20:31:00.000-04:00

A sports analogy for theatre. That's right.

Anne here. It's the beginning of Labour Day weekend, and for NovaStage, the calm before the frenzied days leading into feMAELSTROM begin. Everything seems to be going fairly well, although there are always unforseen obstacles to jump. It's quite possible this is what drives us to do better.

The women of feMAELSTROM are ready. This show is different from anything seen in this area before. I'm very excited for it. This show also features some of the most interesting Art and Graphics yet created by Nova. In fact, Lori and I are so excited by the images we've created that for the first time, on top of the artcards always available in exchange for a donation - we are also offering feMAELSTROM posters (feM pin-ups) at the performances. These things are wild! I may have to take one home myself. As always, everything is priced extremely reasonably. Bring a pocket full of change (throw in a few toonies eh??) and you'll be able to bring a fantastic piece of NovaSWAG home either clean and virgin, or signed by a Nova actor or two. Watch out for that Lori Distel though ... from what I understand she can be quite difficult.*

So...remember to come in and see this show. You can buy tickets ahead of time by calling the Centre 519.622.9676 or you can get them the night of the show. Whatever you do, just get there. It's the end of the season and we can really use your support guys! Can't wait to see you.

Ax

Note: The rumours are true. NovaStage has entered the mystical world of Facebook. Find our group (called NovaStage) and jump on board!

*Why are the great ones always so crazy?!

Rolling along with feMAELSTROM

2007-08-16T01:31:00.001-04:00

We have now finished nearly all rehearsal periods! Work still needs doing on general props and M/M. Slowly but surely however...we are nearing the big opening. Very exciting!

It has been such a pleasure for me to work with our guest artists, both Jennifer and Sharon just came into rehearsal with guns blazing and demonstrated their skill and creativity for their entire rehearsal period. They also both looked absolutely gorgeous in their costume and makeup tests.

Counting down...

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their August. See you all in September!

feMAELSTROM rehearsals continue...

2007-08-06T23:32:00.001-04:00

Anne talks about rehearsing with Lori Distel and Jennifer McNaughton.

A Blog from Anne: feMAELSTROM workshop #1

2007-07-03T11:24:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone, it's Anne.

Well the first chunk of workshop/rehearsal for feMAELSTROM is done, but the work is just beginning. Miriam Weisfeld (writer and director on the M/M segment) and Jen Coe (costume design) were in Cambridge during the last week of June for fittings, table talk, workshopping, rehearsing and more rehearsing. I had a great time except for my knees which took a beating getting up and down from the Art Centre's concrete floor again and again rehearsing the part of Medusa (which incidentally, is a role that any actor would drool over - very exciting for yours truly). Directors sure love getting actors down on their knees...which is why we got Sean kneepads for Harris Superman - - I will shortly be acquiring a pair of my own!

Besides that, a brand new shiny web page for feMAELSTROM is now online. I hope you enjoy it and keep checking back for updates. Upcoming features will include a new and hopefully much more convenient way for you to purchase tickets. There will also be more details about the show, so come on back. Right now, each section of the site is getting a moderate upgrade to make updates easier and of course, more attractive.

Cheers for now -
A

William Hutt 1920-2007

2007-06-27T17:37:00.000-04:00

It is with great sadness we bid our respects to the great William Hutt.

Rest in Peace William, we love you.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2007/06/27/william-hutt-obit.html

A Blog from Anne : Theatre in the UK

2007-06-10T06:35:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,

Coming off the great high from Harris Superman, the last few weeks have been interesting. Our small company is starting to generate more local interest and I was thrilled (albeit somewhat stunned) to receive the Bernice Adams Performing Arts award for 2007. Obviously NovaStage is doing something right, so thanks again to all of you who are supporting us by coming to see our shows -- we love you.

For the past 2 weeks I have been in the UK, in fact I'm still here until Wednesday. The whole thing has been a great experience, but for me especially being able to observe the theatre community up close has been very interesting. I was extremely fortunate to take part in several workshops at the Globe Theatre -- if you find yourself visiting the UK, please take the time to visit the Globe. It's beyond description. I also went to the West End to find a cheap seat somewhere and wound up on Avenue Q, a musical playing on Broadway (and the West End). For those of us who are part of the Sesame Street generation, this show is mandatory viewing.

http://www.avenueq.com/

Soon back to Canada...and feMAELSTROM!

Ax

A Blog from Jenny

2007-05-22T18:22:00.000-04:00

Jenny Kreyl wrote Harris Superman, produced by NovaStage May 2007.

WOW!!!

For the past year I had a gut feeling that NovaStage would produce a successful version of my play, Harris Superman. I could never have imagined their production would be as overwhelmingly amazing as it was. Sitting in the first row Thursday night, I remember the music starting to play and the lights coming up on a very intense Sean (Harris). I knew from that second that this play was going to be incredible. I can't express enough how impressed I was with the acting, directing, lighting, music...just EVERY aspect of the production was top notch.

The artists at NovaStage are a dream come true to a playwright. Anne's direction was inspired, thought-provoking, and dynamically powerful. It is obvious that she is a director who digs deep into the meaning of the play and strives to give the audience a three-dimensional look into the hearts of the characters.

Sean's "Harris" was so moving. He was charming, layered, and magnetic. He touched my heart with his dedication to portraying Harris's story in a personal, very poignant way. Hayley managed to make the many characters she portrayed all incredibly rich and varied. Few actresses could pull that off. Her ability to capture both the comedy and darker moments within each character was just remarkable. Both actors were as close to perfect in those roles as humanly possible.

Everyone at NovaStage made me feel so welcome, appreciated, and honored for my work as a playwright. I greatly enjoyed meeting the wonderful stage manager, Jacqueline, and Lori and Joe (Distel). Just incredible people! This experience is one I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life and beyond. Thank you so much for elevating my dreams to new heights.

A Blog from Anne : HARRIS FINALE!

2007-05-22T18:04:00.000-04:00

Anne directed Harris Superman for NovaStage which ran from May 10th-19th 2007.

Hayley and Sean are happy to sign an autograph for you...

That's just the kind of hard-working actors they are.

It has been an eventful 2 weeks to put it mildly. The show went as well as I ever could have hoped. As I have stated time and again, our actors (Sean and Hayley) are outstanding - they blew me away. Never the kind to "surface" act, these two give soul-baring performances which are both mentally and physically taxing, and the audience certainly appreciated that.

Another thing I really appreciated about the show was how good it looked. Our lighting was greatly improved this year and Lori created a beautiful backdrop for our stage that seemed to come alive under the lights.

Jenny Kreyl, the playwright, came all the way from Philadelphia to see the show. She was very happy with it (naturally I was relieved). She and her husband Mike are the original USA cast of the show, so to have them say it was great was a huge compliment. They came with the cast and friends on several nights to our "branch office" after the show (the Golden Kiwi Pub in downtown Galt) and we had a great time. The end of Harris Superman was very sad for me. I worked with such incredible people and we bonded very closely as the cast was so small. But this is the way of the theatre...

I'd like to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who came to see Harris Superman and I ask that you will continue to support this amazing venture. I love the work we are doing and I think it's something new and worthwhile.

A Blog from Anne : Final Run in the Space!

2007-05-09T22:36:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone, it's Anne.

Tonight we had our FINAL run in the space, with Sean and Hayley, myself, Jacqueline (intrepid Stage Manager extraordinaire), and Lauren (intrepid Lighting Tech extraordinaire).

The lights this year are a great improvement over last year's nice but rather low and close lighting (with all its charms, the multi at the CCA is a very challenging space to light). We have 2 very tall trees and two specials at the back of the room. The stage is much more evenly lit and the actors look great.

After our run and notes were complete, Lauren and Hayley headed for home. Jacqueline had some ideas with some of the background material we have that she wanted to try out, and Sean stayed on to assist (besides being famous for catnapping and burping, he's also eminently handy). I think it's safe to say chaos ensued, but fortunately I had my camera with me...

Sean and Jacqueline work with what appear to be giant dryer sheets.

That famous eye...

Time for a hug! Are we for real? The answer, disturbingly, is 'yes'...

She had a face for directing, but by god, she could shred dryer sheets.

That's when they knew it was time to leave.

To everyone in the cast and crew of Harris Superman,

BREAK A LEG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Blog from Anne : Final Rehearsal INSANITY

2007-05-06T20:12:00.000-04:00

Anne directs Harris Superman, opening May 10th 2007.

Hey everybody. Just thought I'd weigh in with an entry before I lie down somewhere quietly and am seen no more until tomorrow.

We had quite a rehearsal today, which was our final rehearsal space run before moving into the Cambridge Centre for the Arts for a tech run on Tuesday. I don't want to relive it by repeating every detail but suffice to say our actors were battling just about every kind of distraction imaginable, including an unexpected room change, noise, chatter, the whole shebang.

Let me tell you, just about every rehearsal venue no-no was demonstrated for us today in real time for our viewing pleasure. But let me tell you why I love working at NovaStage:
Some actors (and many directors..fair is fair) just can't handle this kind of situation. They can become distracted and off their game. Worse, they whine and bitch. Worst of all, they take out their frustration on their fellow actors, their stage manager, they don't co-operate with the director.

But not here. Sean and Hayley were true professionals, pushing through and adapting to the mild chaos and pulling off a shockingly engaging and alive run of the show. Does a professional get frustrated by this stuff? Of course!! Is he/she able to suck it back and give us top-notch rehearsal work? YES. That's what makes a true pro. Both were in good spirits as well, Sean finally showing the strain of the run on break when Hayley took off to Tim's for us and he lay face down on our set chairs and fell into an immediate, deep sleep (Sean is NovaStage's most famous rehearsal cat-napper). Up again by the end of our break and ready to polish up a few scenes.

So all in all, a good prep for transitioning into the space, which will probably seem quite peaceful after today. I'm grateful to have such great talent who prevent me from going nuts. Cheers!

A Sean kind of break, seen a few weeks ago

and using just one set chair -- a leg is

always a handy place to rest the specs.

PS - A shot of "Harris" and "The Woman" will feature in the KW Record this week so keep your eyes peeled. We sure do love the Record for coming out to see us, thanks to Kevin Swaze for arranging it!

Rogers, here we come.

2007-05-02T23:22:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, it's Anne - -

People often say to me, they say to me, "Anne, when is Sean Williamson going to be on TV and what do I have to do in order to see it?"

Well, all your dreams are about to come true. Both Sean and I will be appearing on Rogers 'daytiime' tomorrow May 3rd at 11am. If you miss it, you can tune into Rogers for a rerun of us at 4pm, 6pm, or 11pm.

Stay tuned for a snippet of Harris Superman on CKCO's 'the beat' (edit) May 3rd also! End of the 6pm broadcast...it's a busy day.

The play is looking crazy good.

A

A Blog from Anne : Leaning towards the deep end...

2007-04-28T00:06:00.000-04:00

Anne Meighan directs Harris Superman, opening May 10th at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts.

Hello everyone, it's Anne. Things are getting quite exciting (and of course, STRESSFUL) now as we slide into the home stretch of rehearsal time for Harris Superman!

Wow. This is a good show. These are GREAT actors. And this is a pretty tough town to sell a show in. I remain edgy looking at advance sales, but I also know we're going into high gear promo-wise in the upcoming 2 weeks, and I also have heard a lot of people at the Centre and in the neighbourhood talking about going as a walk-in. Whatever night you end up coming, whether the audience is full or thin, I think you're definitely going to have a great night.

Stay tuned to your local TV channels next week, as NovaStage will be appearing on Rogers 'daytime' on May 3rd, and also appearing on CKCO's 'The Beat' before opening!

Yours, remaining (for now) in the shallow end,
Anne x

A Blog from Anne : the ups and downs...

2007-04-17T20:38:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone, it's Anne.

Ah, the glorious highs and terrifying lows of running a theatre company out of your attic turned office with little to no support staff.

The good news is that this show is great. There's no question about that. I love this tiny company, and I always love working with great talent which we have miraculously hit upon again this year.

The scary stuff comes with handling all sides of production and sales out of this attic turned office. Will the show sell? This and others are the horrifying questions that make the stomach flip flop in the middle of the night. Jacqueline is working on sheets which will allow business to promote themselves in our program for a cost which is a great idea (actually I believe it was my idea) and yet tonight looking at a demo sheet I feel like a prostitute. Welcome to the schizophrenic mind of the artist.

New postcards came out today. This is exciting, they look quite nice. We need to sell this show - so do me a favour. Come on out and see us. It's a great experience for a very reasonable price. And if you want to chat afterward, I'll be at the Kiwi (pub across from the Centre), quite probably with most of the cast and crew!

A Blog (Bloggity-Blog) From Hayley

2007-04-16T20:19:00.000-04:00

Cross stitching is much harder than one would think. The main problem I am having is keeping the thread from tangling. It's supposed to look like nothing...which is does. So, good for me, I guess.

My Mom said that she reads this blog every once in a while...so, "Hi Mom!"

Sean and I are off book and sparks are really beginning to fly! Up until a few weeks ago, we would substitute a "passionate hug" for the described stage direction of "passionate kiss." It was quite exciting! Now we lock lips all the time...and we don't burp or gurgle or croak or anything...because we are professionals! Another first was that I went for a coffee run on one of our breaks... but it hardly compares to passionate kissing! (Beware: Sarcasm to Follow) Listen,we mostly do serious work at rehearsals...we hardly have any fun at all. Yeah, Sean is a real downer.

Miss. H. Gratto

P.S. R.I.P. Kurt.

Audition

2007-04-09T21:24:00.000-04:00

Here's an audition some of you might be interested in. Audition and show located at University of Western Ontario. Non-union, non-paying - fabulous venue, great experience.

LONDON UWO Summer Shakespeare.

Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare. Directed by Scott Brubacher.

Casting Requirements: 4 females (age 18-30, 50+), 7 males (age 18-50+).

Audition Instructions: No preparation necessary, no appointment required, bring resume. Audition Dates: April 18-20, 6-9pm. Audition Location: University College, room 224 (Conron Hall), the University of Western Ontario, London ON. Contact Name: Scott Brubacher, scott.brubacher@utoronto.ca. Show Dates: July 4-7, 10-14.
Non-union, Non-paying.

Break a leg to all who attend.

A

A Blog from Anne : Jazzed!!

2007-04-04T23:47:00.000-04:00

Anne Meighan directs Harris Superman for NovaStage, opening May 10th 2007.

Hello all,

Well it's late and I have had an incredibly long day today, but it wound down with an absolutely spectacular rehearsal which I couldn't go to bed without blogging about.

Hayley and Sean are now SCRIPTS DOWN which has helped their already intriguing performances start edging toward one of those scary stage words...mesmerizing. Yes, these are two actors who each in their unique ways have the chops to become mesmerizing while onstage - meaning you can't stop watching until you see what they will do next, and you are dying to find out. If you get that vibe happening in each scene as the play builds ... that's good theatre in my book.

Hayley Gratto. I love her face. I love her. Yes, I admit it I have extremely good taste in actors. She has brought a flood of warmth and humour to a play that tends to stray towards the black, giving us a lovely balance. I'll always be grateful that she found her way to Cambridge to audition for us...!

And Sean, well, I can give Sean a hard time now and then and that's because I love him too. HS is his third NovaStage production; he is really one of the family now. Each time we rehearse, I am so grateful that he is representing this part for us, because no one...and I mean, no one could do it better. As Prince Charming in After Ever After and as Peter in Whispering Lodge he was phenomenal in 'character' roles, and this season he gets a chance to stretch and show the kind of dramatic range that people who have seen him outside NovaStage know is there. My favorite thing about Sean is despite massive talent and good looks that in other actors could cultivate diva-ish behaviours, he remains a lovely regular guy who will jump in to help out wherever it is needed without even being asked.

Good lord, this has turned into a stomach-turning love-fest. It's probably because at this point in rehearsal the belching and dirty jokes just turn into white noise.

Cheers all until next time,
A

A Blog from Jacqueline

2007-03-24T17:32:00.000-04:00

Jacqueline Jones is Stage Manager for Harris Superman, opening May 10th 2007.

Only 15 more rehearsals to go…eek!

Well at least with a couple of characters like Sean and Hayley it makes it a heck of a lot easier. Thankfully they both take such great direction from our one and only goddess of the *?#! tongue…I mean…our wonderful director Anne, whom without fail, manages to always have great timing with her choice of words... ;) (not to mention Sean’s timing with other odd sounds) .

As for myself, I sit quietly taking notes, and trying to remain silent, since my last ‘Beat’ fiasco…don’t ask…seems I have a lot to learn about script lingo. All in all, it’s great fun so far. Now that the play itself is coming together, it’s time to focus on the ever crucial set/prop and costume designs. Shoppers beware, with Anne, Lori and I on a mission…I’m sure they’re be a cat fight* or two somewhere in pursuit of the perfect items!

*director's note: as we all know, the latin translation for 'NovaStage' is 'girls gone wild'.

A Blog from Anne

2007-03-20T00:05:00.001-04:00

Harris Superman images:

Building a 'dream house'...

Harris is comforted by The Woman...

Sean Wiliamson and Hayley Gratto. What a pair of angels -- no mischief here...

And there you have it. The very first pictures from Harris Superman, on the NovaBlog. Stay tuned for more images on the website soon.

A.

A Blog From Hayley

2007-03-19T23:58:00.000-04:00

Hayley Gratto stars as The Woman in Harris Superman, opening May 10th 2007.

Sparks are beginning to fly, I think. I'm gonna be able to unlock my eyes from my script any day now. A lovely lady with beautiful rings on her fingers took lots of snap shots of us on Sunday. They will be fab, for sure, especially the one where Mom is disciplining naughty little Harris*. And I am very excited about having a pretty dress made for my Woman character...what a treat! Actually, the real treat was rehearsing in a room where pancakes and sausages had been devoured by hungry parishioners a few hours prior...no leftovers, unfortunately.

H.

P.S. I croak, not gurgle.

*director's note: said photographs will not see the light of day until they can be sold to a tabloid for serious profit.

A Blog from Anne

2007-03-18T17:39:00.000-04:00

Anne Meighan is Director of Harris Superman, opening May 10th 2007.

Hey everyone,

Yes, for the moment I am back in the blog driver's seat. I hope you are enjoying delving into the mind of the performer in our last 2 blog entries and discovering all the dark and gaseous secrets of NovaStage.

We had an excellent set of rehearsals over this weekend, Saturday and Sunday. We are one scene away from having the entire script run and blocked. We might have finished today but I went back to earlier slightly more comfortable scenes for Carla who was there to take some pictures for us.

As well as rehearsal photos, Carla also took a long series of posed shots, some of which, at the danger of spoiling the surprise, I would venture to say will be absolutely stunning thanks in great part to Carla's artistic skill. Another big help were Hayley and Sean, both of whom are great actors and beautiful people (although somewhat disgusting as you might have read earlier on).

It will soon be time to get our publicity ball rolling as fast as we can get it. If you happen to stop at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts (try to catch the Beautiful Women exhibit - it is incredible) - take a look at our ginormous posters outside the multipurpose theatre.

Time to start booking your tickets - they're gonna go! Til next time...

A.

A Blog from Sean

2007-03-13T23:16:00.000-04:00

Sean stars as Harris in Harris Superman, opening May 10th 2007.

I love working with NovaStage. It’s not because they praise my every move, or because they verbalize their gratitude with my presence. And probably cause they don’t do that anyway.

It’s because it is such a fun and creative environment. And yes…because they are forgiving of my “belchy” ways. That and the fact that they keep letting me come back!

I’ve been really enjoying this role and discovering it with Hayley, Anne, Jackie and Lori. They described the role and in studying the script it has been daunting at times. But Anne has been great in helping to develop the character.

And Hayley…well, she’s crazy. Or just patient. I know you’ll love watching her on stage.

And to clarify.

1) I burp. Hayley bubbles. (Seriously…she bubbled in my ear. It’s the only way to describe it.)

2) Connection to Hayley - totally there! I *heart* you, Hayley!

Alright, was that sappy enough. Can’t wait for more rehearsals to really get this show off the ground!

S.

A Blog From Hayley

2007-03-12T15:51:00.000-04:00

Hayley Gratto stars in Harris Superman, opening May 10th:

A Blog from Hayley:

Rehearsals so far have been a perfect mix of light hearted fun and serious business. No wonder we already have half of the show blocked. I am really looking forward to getting my cross stitch prop going...I love to craft. Anne claims that Sean and I have already 'connected,' but I'm worried that I may have spoiled our 'connection' by claiming that Madonna writes 'stupid' lyrics...but, then again, our 'connection' was already 'on the rocks' when Sean belched instead of saying his proper line. Oh dear, I was told that my blog should be 'reasonably non-nasty.' Is belching nasty? No, it's just natural.

H.

It begins...

2007-03-02T00:46:00.000-05:00

Anne here. How's it going?

First rehearsal for Harris Superman on Wednesday night. Nice to be back in our rehearsal space again.

All signs would seem to point to this being a positive rehearsal experience, we have 2 very special and talented actors on their hands who are blessed with the gift I wish every actor had: taking their work seriously, not themselves. Sean Williamson (playing Harris) was a ball of energy as usual, and Hayley Gratto (playing The Woman and a new kid on the NovaStage block) tolerated Whispering Lodge anecdotes and various dirty theatre stories with extreme grace.

Keep your eye on the site for the Harris page coming very soon. And while you're at it, check out the MEDIA section featuring NovaStage artists discussing new ventures and creating roles. This page will continue to evolve.

Down to the CCA tomorrow to consult on improving the hydro electric situation in our venue. Things are moving...!

Brainstorms in LA

2007-02-21T14:55:00.000-05:00

Hello all, it's Anne.

In LA this week, my mind on Harris Superman now more than ever. Taking advantage of some down-time to once again go through the script, taking notes upon notes and putting on my own blocking parade in any open space. I don't know if I am the only one who can't conceptualize blocking without walking it out, but that's the way it rolls around here. Usually means I'm more than ready to start in with the actors.

Looking forward to getting back and seeing everyone soon.

Season 3 Stage II : Controlled Insanity!

2007-02-10T23:43:00.000-05:00

Hello all -

Well it's here - probably my second favorite time of the season, pre-rehearsal. A time of planning layouts, marketing, just about any niggling detail you can think of. But more important, the time I can take to just go nuts and free-jam all thoughts, ideas and through-lines in the stories we are about to begin to tell.

Casting is now complete:

Harris Superman by Jenny Kreyl
starring
Sean Williamson and Hayley Gratto

feMAELSTROM
starring
Lori Distel, Sharon Marquez, Anne Meighan, Jennifer McNaugton

I'll just say this once more - we saw alot of exceptional talent this year - it was such a pleasure.

A big 'welcome to NovaStage' to Hayley, Sharon and Jennifer. And as for Sean, well, we'll welcome him back too - looking at NovaStage's history he's really starting to make himself at home around here; it might have something to do with his staggering talent and stubborn inability to be nailed down or typecast. I have met very few actors who can take a risk and make it work the way Sean consistantly does. I can't wait to see him back on our stage in 2007.

Rehearsal begins in a couple of short weeks. Hang tight because it gets really interesting from here on in...

Early good buzz...

2007-02-03T17:15:00.000-05:00

Anne here.

The 2007 Auditons have been completed. We saw an extremely high caliber of audition performance this year and have some difficult decisions to make - which is great.

Thanks to all actors who came out and performed/read for us. Stay tuned this week for casting announcements...

Observations and Tips for Actors

2007-01-28T10:03:00.000-05:00

Hello NovaStagers, it's Anne.

Round One of '07 auditions happened yesterday at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts. For the most part we saw a wonderfully high calibre of auditions, and it's a great feeling to have a tough decision ahead (as opposed to only a few great choices).

I want to stop and talk for a moment here about general audition guidelines. I have been an actor for roughly 20/21 years and directing for 8. Small potatoes compared to some, but on the other hand I have been through the audition round enough times to make this completely viable. I encourage you also if you are interested to go to directors with years' experience in the double-digits. I can guarantee you they will tell you all of this -- and more. This is offered to make your life easier, and directors' lives as well. If some of this seems obvious, then you're on the right track.

Ready? Here we go!

Being on time for an audition means being early. Ten to fifteen minutes is usually a safe bet, but some actors come as much as half an hour beforehand. These actors are experienced enough to know that if they want to relax/prepare beforehand this is the way to go - you'd be surprised how often you get called in early if you are there.

Whether you applied to audition through email (as is nearly always the case with NovaStage) or you snail-mailed in your package, always bring another resume and headshot with you.

Always, ALWAYS be polite and pleasant in the waiting area, and to whomever the monitor is asking actors into the audition area. This person might be an assistant. They might be the stage manager. They might even be the director or producer. Whomever it is, they will report any primadonna (or just plain rude) behavior directed at them or other actors waiting to the director immediately. I just heard a story from a colleague of mine who performs with an opera company out west. If any of the auditonees are rude to the monitor before auditions, they are immediately struck from the callback list. This is a true story. People sometimes become hostile when they are feeling nervous and that is understandable. Keep it to yourself - it ain't worth it!

Into the audition room: If a time limit is set on the monologue asked for (ie 2 minutes, etc), stick to it. If you do something absolutely mesmerizing, you might get away with something longer. If you decide to go long, be prepared for the possibility of getting cut off. Getting cut off doesn't mean you stink ;) but there is always a tight schedule to follow, and chances are the auditors are already behind.

If the director initiates a conversation with you about what you have done or your career, talk to him/her. This is a good sign they are interested in you and are sussing out what you'd be like to work with by chatting. If time-appropriate, ask a question about the company or the director you're auditioning for. If you know something about the work they've done, mention it. It's a real compliment to them and instead of appearing to be sucking up (IE complementing some one's appearance - nooo!), you'll just be someone who's had enough interest to do some homework.

In Michael Shurtleff's book AUDITION (an oldie but a goodie: well worth the read) Shurtleff recommends if you are late to an audition, check in with the Stage Manager. If the director is unaware you are late, say nothing. I concur but will add: DO apologise to the Stage Manager at least. Keep in mind Shurtleff was writing mainly about Broadway - if you are auditioning for any of the smaller companies in Toronto and the surrounding area: they're very likely going to know you're late. Apologise briefly and then down to business.

If you have to cancel your audition: Either email or call at LEAST 24 hours ahead to cancel. If you have to leave a message on a machine, do it. Someone will pick it up in time. If something terrible happens and you just were not able to call ahead, go ahead and send a message afterward. It's not as good, but at least it shows you did not forget altogether. For the love of god don't just not show up. Here's what happens. In the case of small theatre companies: You are not anonymous. They WILL notice that you have not shown up. They will also be annoyed by the fact that they could have booked another actor in your place who wanted a chance to audition and couldn't get booked. It's insulting to the company, but you might get a second chance. In the case of large theatre companies (IE Stratford, Shaw, etc): they will notice immediately that you have not shown up. If anything, their lists will be more structured and they'll notice sooner than the small company. Everything above applies, except it can hurt you more, and you're less likely to get a second chance.

This business is (sometimes disturbingly) connected through the grapevine. EVERYONE knows someone else who you have worked with or will work with in the future. It's 100% guaranteed. If your last director was a scumball and you're asked about your last experience, dumb down the truth a bit and say something diplomatic like "I learned alot from that experience". Even if you've only learned you'll never go back!

This is a whole lot of talk that boils down to common sense, and common courtesy. That's all. If you can keep those two things together when you audition, you'll have a blast. The auditors will really get a kick out of you if you can manage to have fun in there and really entertain them. A great piece combined with a great personality is a no-lose scenario because even if they don't cast you, they'll remember you (really) and recommend you when asked, which is more often than you might think.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

2007-01-25T23:12:00.000-05:00

Well not really. Have you been outside lately?

But it IS very close to audition time for NovaStage's THIRD (yes that's third) season. We have seen a massive jump in audition applications this year which is delightful. NovaStage's bookable audition time has jumped from 3 hours to a full 8 hours in one year, with every minute of that time booked. It's great to have so many artists interested in working with us, and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone.

NovaStage was very pleased in December to recieve a grant from the Region of Waterloo ARTS FUND for Harris Superman to the tune of $1500.00. Because we work on a tight budget, a grant such as this really does make a big difference to our productions.

More updates will be on the way as we get through auditions and into our rehearsal period, so stick around. To this weekends' auditioneers...auditioners...auditionatrons?

Break a leg!

December Update

2006-12-01T22:48:00.000-05:00

Hello all, it's Anne.

Not a huge amount to update you on in the world of NovaStage. Things are at this time slowly and surely progressing toward casting and promotion of season 3. I am very excited to get into casting these eye-popper shows. Both our shows this season are incredible actor vehicles - if you are thinking about auditioning, please book your time sooner rather than later, as audition slots are limited!

I'd like to take a moment to report on a show I saw this week at Sheridan College. Sheridan is currently presenting a musical called She Loves Me, put on for the Christmas season to showcase the senior musical theatre students.

If you enjoy an old-fashioned musical, there is no doubt you will have a good time at She Loves Me, in no small part thanks to the truly remarkable musical talent level that Sheridan is famous for. There isn't a weak link to be found in the cast. What I as a director always wonder about is what swings the powers that be to choose one musical over another in an educational setting like Sheridan. These students combined have an awesome vocal and dance range - and although I truly did enjoy seeing She Loves Me, I would also love to see a cast of this quality reach for something a little more experimental. The way I look at it is this: these young actors will, if all things go well, go into a musical theatre career which in all probability will consist mainly of these kinds of good old fashioned bums-in-seats musicals. Whilst in school, why not let them stretch to a more experimental plain? Students who might read this: College/University may be your last chance to be truly, outrageously pretentious and get away with it. So don't let it pass you by - if the school does something safe on stage, make sure that you are taking huge theatrical risks in a side venue of some kind. That's all.

One last thing - She Loves Me featured NovaStage's own Ken Chamberland (you may remember him as The Stranger in The Last Lunch) in a brilliantly executed character role: the type of role in musicals reserved for those singers with strong acting and comic instincts. I can say (and without bias) that his scenes were the comic highlights of the show. We are so proud to have Ken in our roster of actors and can't wait to see where he ends up next!

November

2006-11-19T12:13:00.000-05:00

Here I am, your intrepid NovaStage reporter!

(It's Anne, people, come on!)

Okay. Well, we have re-negotiated on our contract with the Cambridge Centre for the Arts and we are back in full swing for SEASON THREE. By full swing, I mean I am running around like a monkey putting together all our 3rd season promotion and at the beginning stages of co-ordinating auditions for Harris Superman (May 2007) and feMAELSTROM (September 2007). New for NovaStage this year, a little something called Stage Management. For Harris Superman, stage management comes in the form of incredibly brilliant (not to mention hot) Jacqueline Jones. Jackie and I go back a loooong way and she demonstrated fierce stage management skills whilst starring in Whispering Lodge last May.

Besides that, we are at the moment looking out for additional funding which does not aid in creativity, but DOES aid creativity actually taking physical form. This is always a huge challenge but I keep optimistic noting our small but steady steps forward from our inception in 2004.

September Update

2006-09-12T23:24:00.000-04:00

Well, hello everyone. That was a very fast summer...filled with work and not filled so much with blogging. C'est la vie!

Pictured above: The Last Lunch (2006 remix), NovaStage's second show and season finale of 2006. For all of you who came down to see the show, muchas smootches to you all and thanks. We had a fantastic time on both our showdates and we got some fantastic audience feedback.

And now...something juicy? Well, maybe not quite yet. NovaStage is in preproduction for our 2007 season, which will be - wait for it - our THIRD season as a theatre company here in Cambridge. Very exciting. We can't announce our season just yet, but we can tell you that there are two shows in development, and they are both incredible.

The casting for these shows will begin in early 2007, so stay tuned to the website.

Speaking of adding to the cast, we'd also like to congratulate co-Artistic Director Lori Distel, who like the stellar performer she is, put in some perfect timing this summer by giving birth to baby Chloe just after finishing directing The Last Lunch.

More to come...

NovaStage New Play Workshop

2006-06-20T23:18:00.000-04:00

NovaStage held its first New Play workshop on June 16th and 17th at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts. For two days, NovaStage's own Anne Meighan and playwright Miriam Weisfeld workshopped a script for inclusion in the 2007 season! No leaks yet on what that play might be ... but Miriam Weisfeld's material (CHALLENGER, A Brief Message... to name a couple) has a reputation for being brilliant and mesmerizing, so let's hope for the best.

In the meantime, enjoy these shots taken by Lori Distel.

Farewell Whispering Lodge . . . Hello The Last Lunch!

2006-06-06T20:40:00.000-04:00

NovaStage's first two-act production Whispering Lodge closed successfully on May 13th 2006.

Thanks to everyone who came to see us! And for those of you who didn't ... what were you thinking?!?

Good thing NovaStage is performing The Last Lunch (2006 Remix Version) twice this summer on July 22nd and August 19th -- at the Cambridge Centre for the Arts as a part of Imagination Square. This is a very special program that allows the audience to experience a performance FREE of charge. It's going to be a great show and Imagination Square is always fun, so get down there.

Also, if you'd like to check out or relive Whispering Lodge, you can check out the great photographs taken live during the May 12th performance (all photography by Tin Nevre Studio) here: WHISPERING LODGE PHOTOS.

Another show to see:

The University of Western Ontario presents The Winter's Tale in July 2006. UWO always does a solid Shakespeare in a gorgeous outdoor setting, and this year's director (Scott Brubacher) really knows his stuff, so it'll be worth seeing. You can find their website here: UWO Presents A Winter's Tale

Whispering Lodge

2006-04-11T23:44:00.000-04:00

Where does the time go??

2006-03-18T18:14:00.000-05:00

Anne here.

Ok, it's been forever since I have updated NovaStage's blog. Hey - we've been busy!

We're now well into rehearsals (Wednesday night's rehearsal found us blocking the FINAL scene that had not been blocked - so let the nitpicking begin) for our spring show and first ever two-act Whispering Lodge. Written by Sabrina Noble and directed by yours truly. This is a funny, funny show with just a hint of darkness here and there. I love it, and I love our fabulous cast. These hard-working actors have thrown themselves into this project and the results so far have been amazing. Rehearsals are the joy of my week -- the stressful parts come in around the production side, as we plough through questions and answers with our venue -- where things are set, struck, timing...etc. etc. We'll get through it eventually, but I'm glad we started early.

The venue is on the small side with a hundred seats set. Perfect for this intimate show - I'd advise early booking.

Happy New Year! Plus Auditions...

2006-01-14T18:19:00.000-05:00

Hello and happy new year!

NovaBlogger has been on hiatus for the past few weeks, but December is always a crazy month isn't it?

Well, we're back and the season officially commenced today with auditions for Whispering Lodge, our upcoming May 2006 production. Lori and I were both very excited by all the actors who came out and gave us great performances. The 'big decision' will come down early next week, so stay tuned.

Season 2

2005-11-26T23:09:00.000-05:00

Hello NovaStagers and friends! It's Anne!

It's been a long time, but things have been happening and as you can see if you have been on our website, we have now announced our 2006 season. I am primed up to direct our new projects: one completely new (Whispering Lodge by Sabrina Noble) and a second run for The Last Lunch which was first performed at the Mayor's Celebration of the Arts last spring and is now being reworked for this summer.

Whispering Lodge came to us from our open call and we are thrilled that Sabrina Noble chose to submit it to us, because it's a brilliant comedic piece with fascinating characters and a great story. I am also delighted to work with Ken and Lori again on The Last Lunch. In their hands, Mary and The Stranger developed an attractive, bizarre chemistry that made the piece the success that it was. Can't wait to jump into that one again!

Hang in there with us for exact dates and venues which are being finalized over the holidays. And speaking of those...have good ones.

See you soon.

..and the scripts just keep on rolling...

2005-10-07T22:09:00.000-04:00

Hello, Anne here.

The response to our open call for script submissions has been wonderful so far. At this point we have received scripts from playwrights in Toronto, Brampton, Burlington and Guelph, plus a few from further afield - Michigan and even the UK. Interestingly enough, nothing yet from Cambridge....come on Cambridge playwrights, I know you're out there. Lori and I have both been enjoying our reading material immensely. One or two in particular - but more on that in a couple of weeks.

The deadline for Script Submissions is October 31st. (Let's go Cambridge!) We're looking forward to reading all of your submissions.

Lori & Anne's read-a-thon begins...

2005-09-24T22:02:00.000-04:00

Hello all, Anne here.

It's been under a week since NovaStage put out a call for new plays, and we are delighted to have them coming in fast and thick to the novastage@gmail.com inbox. So far the reading has been pretty good, so huge thanks to all who have submitted for keeping things interesting. The call will be out for another generous month (Hallowe'en is the deadline), so polish up your script and get it in here! If you'd like to see our formal call for submissions, head to Work in Culture and scroll down to NovaStage where you can click on the ad to see all our fine print.

Til next time.

To assume a pleasing shape; yea, and perhaps
Out of my weakness and my melancholy,
As he is very potent with such spirits,
Abuses me to damn me: I'll have grounds
More relative than this: the play's the thing
Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king...
~Hamlet, Act II sc. II

The Lori D. Trio

2005-09-16T19:42:00.000-04:00

I'm a huge Lori D. Trio fan.

Of course you are Anne, I hear you saying. She's your co-Artistic Director for heavensakes. True, but that doesn't mean that the trio isn't something special. This is manageable jazz - the Lori D. trio's sets feature fabulous jazz standards with a few select reworked pop tunes.

I dropped into Bianco Nero at 61 Main Street in downtown Galt last week to watch a set or two. The band is there on a semi-regular basis. So, what are you all up to tomorrow night? (that would be Saturday September 17th) The first set starts at 7:30pm.

If you can't afford to come and eat, don't worry about it. Come in, sit in the lounge area (the front), have a drink and enjoy the band. If you're looking for me, I'll be the one on the white sofa holding a vodka & cran. Cheers!

You won't be seeing this one on the website...

2005-09-02T01:04:00.000-04:00

Well hey there! It's Anne.

As you can see on the site, NovaStage is now actively reading/seeking out new material. If you are a playwright or know someone who is, let them know that submissions through email are welcome.

We have had a lot of positive response to the summer shows and I couldn't be happier with the way they went. Cambridge is a nice community for giving new groups a chance, and I feel that the culture of the arts is growing here.

New picture galleries on the site also, so those of you who had to miss one or the other of our projects can get an idea of how it looked. Of course post-show, it was time to head across the street to the Golden Kiwi for some lunch and much-needed refreshment.

Image: NovaStage performers, helpers and friends at ye olde Golden Kiwi Pub.

That's good times! Always intriguing to experience that sensation of theatre which never fails: going through the show not hungry and surging with adrenalin - and then completing the show with instantaneous urge to eat a large meal and consume alcohol. That's the magic of theatre my friends.

I seemed to have some trouble parting with my tiara. An issue easily resolved by keeping it on. I found an extra for Sean which I stuck in with his post-show thank you. The truly stylish love company. Seriously. I think these things are going to make a comeback.

Thanks to all the people who have constantly been giving us a helping hand. When I see this, it's even more miraculous that they do.

Cheers til next time.

Image: The "Royals", post-show August 27th 2005.

Last Summer Project Complete.

2005-08-28T23:09:00.000-04:00

Anne here. Our final project - Scene II from After Ever After, went very well on Saturday. We had an unbelieveable turn out, and thanks to everyone who came out once again to support us. We hope you enjoyed our workshop project of Scene II.

Although we will now be entering a brief hiatus period, there are new and exciting things coming up for NovaStage. Stay tuned to yours truly on the NovaBlogger for details and watch out for an upcoming web updates - new galleries, and homepage turnaround.

Image: Playwright with Cast.

From left to right:

Heidi Michele Hayward, Anne Meighan, Lori Distel, Sean Williamson.

Saturday August 27th, 2005.

See you all very soon,
Anne xo

I dreamt of becoming a Princess...

2005-08-21T23:10:00.000-04:00

Hello, Anne here. Well it's Sunday night again already and here I am back at the Blogger. Since last week we've been up to our ears in Scene II from After Ever After, and this Princess (yes, yours truly) is fatigued! Even a pea under the mattress may not keep me awake.

The scene is looking great, really funny. I hope to see a good turnout next Saturday for the show - rain or shine. We hope to be appearing in ECHO magazine this week as well, so when it comes out on the 24th pick one up. Pick up two if you want - they're free. Just leave me a copy willya?

Where was I? Oh yes, the press. We had to do a rather hurried photo shoot this aft, but we got a couple of nice pictures out of it for the magazine and any other interested parties. We probably won't get too many on the site til the end of the show, but...

Costumes? Yes? I'm quite pleased with them. These pictures are demos and there is a little more work to be done, but you get the idea. Sure the dress is a little cumbersome to wear on a daily basis, but I'll tell you what - I could get used to that tiara easily. I think I'm going to start wearing one around for no reason at all. Also: it takes an extremely charismatic man to pull off tassels. Finally, in Lori's case...I'd like to order a quarter chicken with baked potato and poofy sleeves.

We have one more rehearsal this week. I'm looking forward to the show and to seeing everybody. See you all then.

Thanks!

2005-08-14T18:26:00.000-04:00

Hello, it's Anne.

Yesterday was our first Imagination Square performance - thanks to everyone who came out to watch our show. All 3 performances yesterday morning were well attended - even the 9:30am, which I was not so sure anyone would want to get out of bed for! The pieces seemed well received and we sincerely hope they were enjoyed. We have been extremely fortunate this week not only in the weather but in the amount of press we received last week about the upcoming shows. The KW Record and The Cambridge Times both ran articles and The Times was back out on Saturday to cover us which was fantastic.

We now have a couple of weeks to get Scene II - Special Edition from After Ever After up to speed and we'll finish August with that - a comedy of outstanding proportions (in more ways than one).

CHALLENGER (Lori Distel, pictured top right) and A Brief Message from Amelia Earhart (Anne Meighan, pictured at bottom) are definitely projects that I would run again. The writing (both by Miriam Weisfeld) on these things is amazing, and they have a mesmerizing effect as you watch them. Even for people who were not around for the Challenger disaster were drawn into Lori's performance as she brings out the qualities about McAuliffe which were so approachable and relatable. Earhart is a figure who will always be fascinating.

It's nearly time for an AEA rehearsal. We'll see you on the 27th.

The Character of NovaStage

2005-08-10T17:54:00.000-04:00

Anne here. Lori and I are back from a fairly long interview with the K-W Record. It was enjoyable for us, although we are not sure how it will come out (we are a couple of smarty-pantses if you get my drift). It was a positive experience.

At one point during the interview during which I had the opportunity to go on and on (and who doesn't love hearing me do that!?), the fabulous Kevin Swayze, our intrepid journalist/interviewer, referred to us in passing as Thelma and Louise types. I think it was about then I started hyperventilating...I mean, wondering what was going to come up in this article.

But back to Thelma and Louise. Is it Queen of the chic-flick genre? Yes, I do believe it is my friend. So right there you've got to be complimented. After I had stopped shuddering from the prospect of having my personality illustrated by means of an 80s film where Brad Pitt gamely attempts a villainous role, I started wondering -- just who is who here? Am I the Thelma? the Louise? A bizarre cross-over of the two? What about Lori?? Same questions.

Is anyone who is reading this blogger an expert on the film? If you send us your opinions I would be happy to post the results here. Which is it going to be? I'm really not looking forward to that last fateful car chase.

Okay...BESIDES that, we have our staging figured out for where we will be exactly at Imagination Square. We'll be very close to the point people enter the Square if they are crossing over from the market, and our first project this Saturday will be on the grass as opposed to cement. Lots of room for people to stand. 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30. I want to see everyone!

...seriously...Thelma and Louise???

NovaPress!

2005-08-09T20:47:00.000-04:00

Anne here. Found out today that we have a couple of articles coming up in two local newspapers. Thanks big time to Heather Franklin (head of Imagination Square) for plugging us.

Time is getting relatively short now and Lori and I are scrambling to fit the last things that have to be done into our schedule. I did a phone interview today with the Cambridge Times...rather terrifying as the mind scrambles to come up with media-friendly soundbites that can't be transformed into something offensive or non-sensical. I settled on plugging the hell out of my shows and actors. All completely true. These projects are fabulous. The outside talent we have worked with so far have been not only very talented men but great to know and work with as well. Sure I've smacked them around a little, but in the end we all learned a valuable lesson about friendship and co-operation.*

Tomorrow will be an incredibly busy day. I'll report back about any press we (hopefully) procure over the next week.

*FOR GOD'S SAKE THIS IS A JOKE. Do not write to your local paper complaining about how NovaStage abuses its male actors. Cheers! Anne xo

Scene II - Special Edition. The Saga Begins.

2005-08-01T01:05:00.000-04:00

Anne here. First rehearsal of After Ever After - Scene II - Special Edition was tonight. (Is it me or does that title keep getting longer?) Went very nicely, although there were a few technical difficulties as Prince Charming (Sean Williamson) and Cinderella (yours truly) had a tendency to break down laughing as the scene progressed and the dialogue got more insane. Lori is on very well-deserved vacation this weekend, she'll be back with us next time.

Even better news - the costumes for the royal couple fit! Ok, I got to fit mine before we got it. But for Sean I just plain guessed. Correctly. Thank you, thanks alot.

I love this script. I hope others enjoy it as much as I do. This may well be your only chance to see me in a poofy dress, heels...and a tiara...for quite some time.

www.novastage.com !!

2005-07-29T21:24:00.000-04:00

Hello all, it's Anne.

First off I am proud to announce we have found our home on the web at www.novastage.com - our old site will continue to direct visitors to the new one.

The dates of our August projects are coming up quickly! Remember -

August 13th : CHALLENGER & A Brief Message from Amelia Earhart
August 27th: Scene II (Special Edition!) of After Ever After

What is the Special Edition? I hear you asking. Well, playwright Heidi Michele Hayward has been amazing and actually expanded and re-written scene II for NovaStage. Same great scene - even more great taste. Trust me, you're gonna love it. While you are downtown taking in NovaStage, don't forget to bring a few bucks along with you, because we have some sweet NovaShirts up for grabs. You'll be helping support us and looking fabulous at the same time.

What is the 'a-ha!' factor?

2005-07-22T01:11:00.000-04:00

Hello there, it's Anne.

When a show is in rehearsal, what you would expect to (hopefully) see is a show that gets a little smoother each time until it builds into something solid. This in my experience, is almost never the case.

Instead, you get a phenomenon that I like to refer to as the a-ha! factor. The sudden turn things take as during one run (often in the middle of rehearsal not at the beginning or end), a great number of points come together at one time in the mind of the actor and things take an enormous leap forward. CHALLENGER took that leap tonight with Lori suddenly 'clicking' on all sorts of levels.

This process facinates me. It's not an uncommon thing for the human brain to work this way - for example students who stop studying a day before the exam and just let things simmer in their unconcious often do better than the last-minute crammers.

I'm still loving my piece as well, and there is a nice character growth happening with the help of Lori's steady and specific direction. And naturally, we're going to look fabulous. Don't miss it!

Twelfth Night at UWO

2005-07-11T00:15:00.000-04:00

Anne here. Went to U. of Western Ontario last night to see their summer Shakespeare - Twelfth Night. I highly recommend this production. Beautifully staged and so much fun to watch. It was exciting, funny and easy to understand - a high quality summer show for all ages. It would be a perfect introduction to Shakespeare, while still being fun for a critical warhorse like me to watch.

I was becoming concerned after seeing Shakespeareworks in Toronto last week that no one outside of Stratford could handle Shakespeare anymore. Thank you UWO for showing me that isn't the case.

For tickets, times and directions, go here: Twelfth Night at UWO.

Earhart

2005-07-07T23:29:00.000-04:00

It's Anne. I wanted to put something down here about how awesome (in the true sense of the word) it is for NovaStage to be playing the roles of Earhart and McAuliffe.

For me to be playing Earhart has to be the most A)terrifying and B)joyful experience in my adult performing life. Tonight was our first run through for CHALLENGER/A Brief Message from Amelia Earhart. These are going to be amazing pieces.

I can't really describe the feeling I have performing this piece. Becoming Earhart makes me heady, honestly like I've been up in the air for those ten minutes. These pieces are simply beautifully written portals into the spirit of both of these women.

Earhart is endlessly fascinating for me in that she was a 'movie-star' type celebrity, and relished it, used it to publicize herself and the concept of women in aviation. She was not the best female aviator of her time. What she was, was a figurehead, a poster-girl. Ironically, it was this superstardom that would drive her into taking risks that were more and more dangerous. In her final letter to her husband (left in case one of her flights would prove to be her last) she seems to state that she knows what people's opinions of her risks would be:

"Please know I am quite aware of the hazards...I want to do it because I want to do it. Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others."

Although an enormous search ensued after her disappearance, no trace of her or her plane has ever been found. Her life made her heroic, but it is the still unsolved mystery surrounding her death that makes her irresistible, iconoclastic and immortal.

I haven't even gotten started on McAuliffe. Stay tuned.

After Ever After First Read-Through

2005-07-05T22:47:00.000-04:00

Anne here. Tonight was our first read-through for Sc.II of After Ever After, which will be going up on August 27th at Imagination Square. The cast consists of:

Isabelle: Lori Distel
Prince Charming: Sean Williamson
Cinderella: Anne Meighan (yours truly)

Before I am accused of being a complete egomaniac (which is often true but not in this case)for casting myself, the casting here is the logical choice for where we are as a troupe right now. Lori has gladly taken on the smaller (but key) role of Isabelle since she was up to her eyebrows with The Last Lunch, and still is, at this moment learning the one-woman show CHALLENGER. A role which, by the way, she is going to be complete dynamite in. I can't wait to start on the Women of Flight pieces. We'll be having our first run for that on Thursday.

Two projects at once eh? That's right. We have successfully met the first and most important requirement for theatre: Insanity.

Five Guys Named Moe at Theatre Cambridge

2005-07-02T22:32:00.000-04:00

Hey, it's Anne. I was fortunate enough to recieve a ticket to Five Guys Named Moe at Theatre Cambridge a couple weeks ago. Just got back from the show.

The talent in the show is phenomenal, so if you are looking for a show that is almost all singing and dancing, this is your thing. Not exactly my thing. There is very little plot - what is there is written in as an excuse for these guys to do their thing, and they do it very well. You can check it out here at Theatre Cambridge's website. They're playing down at the Cambridge Arts Theatre - permanent home of Galt Little Theatre.

Speaking of GLT, I never did mention here that several members were there at the Mayor's Celebration on June 17th watching NovaStage perform, and they gave us a huge amount of love and support. jan durban was extremely supportive and Jim Bath, who directed me in Three Viewings was definately our biggest fan - besides Ken Chamberland's (playing The Stranger) mum!!

We have our first reading for Sc. II of After Ever After on Tuesday. I love directing. I love performing. Stage Managing. There's the rub. However...always interesting. Scheduling isn't so bad - but getting actors to write bios is another ballgame altogether. Aren't actors supposed to love talking about themselves? I know I do!

Newsflash...I'm not 19 anymore.

2005-06-28T21:26:00.000-04:00

Anne here. Just finished a huge Toronto weekend where I managed to cram in more people, places and fun than that amount of time should allow.

Caught the invited dress of Taming of the Shrew at Shakespeareworks. I highly recommend seeing a show at this venue, because it is spectacular.

Sunday was a big day downtown with the Pride Parade and I spent some of the afternoon with Sean, NovaStage's own Prince Charming in the scene from After Ever After being presented at Imagination Square in August. Did I mention the stifling heat? The cast that sweats together stays together.

The best thing about being in theatre: wherever you go, you're not alone.

Welcome to NovaStage

2005-06-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

Blogs. They're so hot right now, aren't they? Just like us.

This is the first post of this experimental blog for NovaStage theatre. I'm the director and co-founder, Anne.

On June 17th 2005 we debuted our first show, The Last Lunch - starring co-founder Lori Distel and guest actor Ken Chamberland (see image). Directed by yours truly.
The positive feedback we recieved after this show was overwhelming, thanks to everyone who came to see us. We'll be appearing again this August at Imagination Square. When exactly?

August 13th: Women of Flight

Pt. 1: CHALLENGER by Miriam Weisfeld

featuring Lori Distel as Christa

Pt.2: A Brief Message from Amelia Earhart by Miriam Weisfeld

featuring Anne Meighan as Amelia

August 27th: Sc. II from After Ever After

by Heidi Michelle Hayward

featuring Lori Distel, Sean Williamson and Anne Meighan

I urge anyone who can to come out and see the Imagination Square shows. The best part is admission is free! (I thought the Mayor's Celebration tickets were a little steep, even though the evening is very enjoyable). So come out and enjoy yourselves. I am very excited to start rehearsal on the Women of Flight series. Each part is a short one woman show - I love them both but to me, CHALLENGER is especially fascinating and Lori is going to be dynamite. I don't think anyone will ever forget the day Challenger went up. I myself was in grade school and we watched the launch on TV in class. None of the school children or adults for that matter who watched that so highly anticipated launch ever felt as hopeful or as trusting about the space program again, and that feeling of caution has remained to this day. CHALLENGER touches on all this and thoughts about space travel and what happened that day from Christa McAuliffe herself. It's one of the best short pieces I've read in a very long time.

Til next time, Happy Pride everyone.