We are so fortunate in Victoria BC to have a plethora of arts events and festivals during the year, including the spring SPARK Festival at the Belfry Theatre. Since 2009 SPARK has grown to two concentrated weeks of theatrical goodness in March (12th – 25th) with five components: big shows, miniplays, new play readings, professional development workshops and one big party right in the middle. There are a total of over 70 shows and events (many … [Read more...]
The Crackwalker at Theatre Inconnu – a review
March 10, 2012 By 4 Comments
Recently I met Monica Prendergast, professor of theatre at UVic, actor, director, reviewer and blogger. Our conversation was wide-ranging. At one point, she recommended a book "The Necessity of Theatre: The Art of Watching and Being Watched" by Paul Woodruff. From the book description: A good audience is emotionally engaged as spectators; their engagement takes a form of empathy that can lead to a special kind of human wisdom. … [Read more...]
15th Annual Victoria French Fest
March 1, 2012 By 2 Comments
Celebrate French culture and heritage March 8-11th in Victoria BC with free events for children, circus workshops, a sugar shack, artisans marketplace, performances and more! Centennial Square is the site of the 15th annual Victoria French Fest. (Complete program guide -in French and English here). Most free events take place noon - 4pm in the Square. People are often amazed at the number of Francophones and Francophiles in the Capital Region … [Read more...]
Kindness Rocks Concerts Victoria BC
February 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Kindness Rocks is the brainchild of Jonas Falle and Jeanette O'Keeffe of Mooncoin Productions. Designed to bring the message of kindness - to self, others and the planet - to high school students province-wide, their high-energy productions have reached over 50,000 young people in BC since 2009 with messages of kindness, compassion, forgiveness and social responsibility. image provided by Kindness Rocks In conjunction with Pink Shirt Day … [Read more...]
A Spring of Theatre in Victoria BC 2012
February 28, 2012 By 2 Comments
After an amazing fall and winter season of theatre, we enter spring and an incredible line-up of shows including the Intrepid Theatre 2012 Presenting Series, Theatre Inconnu’s 2012 season opener, the YOU Show, SPARK Festival at the Belfry, the TD Performing Arts Festival with the Canadian College of Performing Arts, UNOFest, and the start of Blue Bridge Theatre’s fourth year. Paper Street Theatre brings improvised “film noir” to the stage, and … [Read more...]
Idea Wave 2012
February 26, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In 2010, Kris Constable conceived Idea Wave - a two day conference of short 10 minute presentations by people who had an idea - big or small, on any subject. Since then, there have been three Idea Wave conferences, the latest February 25 and 26th in Victoria BC. I've had the pleasure of speaking at all three and would personally like to thank Kris for creating a space/place and community for people who share a passion for thinking, ideas, … [Read more...]
Traditional Indonesian Puppetry Workshop at Merlin’s Sun Home Theatre
February 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
I've written before about the intimate performance space at Merlin's Sun Theatre in Victoria BC. Timothy Gosley and Petra Kixmoeller have worked hard to create a theatre with a variety of performances and classes, suitable for many ages groups. Tim, a well known puppeteer, has convinced Javanese puppet master Sutrisno Hartano to offer a workshop (Victoria's first) in traditional Indonesian shadow puppetry (Wayang Kulit). … [Read more...]
Urban Arts Productions Announces their Second Season
February 10, 2012 By 1 Comment
We are so incredibly fortunate in Victoria BC to have a vibrant arts culture. Most people are familiar with larger companies like the Belfry Theatre and Intrepid (producers of the Victoria Fringe Festival), but there are many smaller and younger groups that merit our attention too. Urban Arts Productions had a very successful start in 2011, and has just announced their second season. … [Read more...]
Casino Royale a fundraiser for the Canadian College of Performing Arts
February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Glam, glitz and gambling. What fun! Step into your best gown or tux and out of this dreary and damp February weather. Imagine yourself in Montenegro at the famous Casino Royale, made popular by the Bond movie. For one night only, leave your pre-occupations aside for more pleasant pastimes at this fundraiser for the Canadian College of Performing Arts (CCPA). The college holds a special place in my arts world. I remember hearing co-founder … [Read more...]
Sing Your Heart Out Vocal Jam Sunday February 12 2012
February 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Music! And people. What a great community building endeavour. Carol Sokoloff, a local poet, writer and jazz singer sent me information about the new "Sing Your Heart Out Vocal Jazz Jam" taking place at The Well 821 Fort St (Victoria BC) on Sunday February 12th 7pm. Come to listen or to sing at this weekly vocal jazz jam. Try out new tunes and polish your stage presence in a friendly atmosphere, with emcee Carol Sokoloff and Laura Cave on … [Read more...]
