The Grand Theatre acknowledges that we are located on the traditional territories of the Original storytellers and caretakers of this land, and of the Nations, both settler and Indigenous, who continue to uphold the various treaties of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lunaapéewak
In London, our treaties include the 1796 Township Treaty and the 1822 Longwoods Treaty. The London Township Treaty was a regional treaty signed by diplomats representing all parties living on the land, which today we know as Southwestern Ontario. The Longwoods Treaty was signed by representatives of the Crown and the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation and covers approximately 580,000 acres in the area
Locally, there are three first Nations Communities
They are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the Oneida Nation of the Thames, and the Munsee Delaware Nation. We would also like to recognize the growing Indigenous urban population, comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, and affirm our commitment to welcoming these communities to the Grand Theatre, while working to remove barriers to access and participation.
We value the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional First Nations, and all of the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (colonially known as North America), and acknowledge the traditional lands upon which we live, work, and tell stories together.
Designed by Katie Wilhelm
Welcome to the Grand Theatre’s 2025/26 season!
Much of this season is about the magic of theatre Whether it’s the magic of fantasy, magic realism, or the magical power of community, one of theatre’s greatest strengths is doing things right in front of our eyes that seem impossible ... until they aren’t!
The Play That Goes Wrong is a love letter to the magic of theatre Every person who has ever been involved in theatre has at least one horror story of things “going wrong ” This show plays into those nightmares by piling them all in, all at once! We often talk about the way that big comedy works best is when everyone involved is trying very, very hard to get it right. No matter what goes awry, we keep trying, keep doing more, keep pivoting. This show has perhaps more “tricks” in it than any other show that you will see on stage And yet, what makes it so funny and delicious and appealing is not so much those outstanding effects, but instead the very human drive to go on with the show
I was once trapped in a car at a border crossing with an actor from the original West End production of The Play That Goes Wrong. In the nine hours we were
thrown together, I heard stories that would knock most stage managers off of their chairs But through the invention of that time, the original team worked out a set of stunts and tricks, along with a delightful story, that launched the “Goes Wrong” empire. Everything discovered in that original British production is here in the hands of Dennis Garnhum, former Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre and a director for whom the razorsharp specificity of farce is second nature He has assembled the incredible team of artists whose work you will see on stage, and through the alchemy of that combination the magic of this production sparks (and occasionally bursts into flames).
Go on the journey with us – you are here to see the Cornley Drama Society’s community theatre production of The Murder at Haversham Manor until you aren’t!
PRODUCTION SPONSORS come from away THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
disney’s frozen
sPRIET tHEATRE sPONSORS
ADVERTISING PARTNER VOIP SPONSOR
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
LONDON MADE SPONSORS
High School Project program sponsors JEANS ‘n ClASSICS
SPRIET STAGE, OCTOBER 14 to NOVEMBER 2, 2025
OPENING NIGHT, OCTOBER 17, 2025
The Play That Goes
Wrong
By Henry Lewis, Henry Shields, & Jonathan Sayer
A revival of the Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s 2024 production.
Presented by arrangement with Dramatists Play Service under license from Mischief Worldwide Ltd
The Mischief Production of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG was originally produced on the West End Stage by Kenny Wax & Stage Presence and on Broadway by Kevin McCollum, J J Abrams, Kenny Wax & Stage Presence
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG was first presented by Mischief Theatre under title The Murder Before Christmas on December 4th, 2012, at the Old Red Lion Theatre in London.
an absolute thrill to be back at the Grand Theatre. My seven ons here as Artistic Director were an extraordinary time, and I'm ly grateful to return to this creative place, surrounded by so y supportive, passionate, and incredibly talented people
you ever had a day that just didn't go as planned? A truly ble, horrible, no good, very bad day" where one thing after her goes wrong, leaving you to wonder, "Really? Come on!" Now, ine that happening in a theatre, at our beloved Grand, with a p of dedicated people working their hearts out on stage and off. s the world ofThe Play That Goes Wrong.
s the key: if the cast and crew let the problems stop the show sent us all home, it would be a tragedy But they don't The show on, and they make it through Because they persevere, we can brate this as a comedy We laughwiththese theatre people, not at . When I first read this play, I cheered for these characters from nning to end. Why? Because I know these people. I love these le. They are my hard-working colleagues, whom I've been around my entire life. Their passion is contagious, their devotion is aweinspiring, and they are truly wonderful humans. The play within the play that they are presenting,The Murder at Haversham Manor, goes down as a triumph simply because they saw it through and never gave up
This production was created in collaboration with the Citadel Theatre (Edmonton), Theatre Calgary (Calgary), and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (Winnipeg) last year. It has been a delightful and uplifting experience, and I was so thrilled when the Grand's extraordinary Artistic Director, Rachel Peake, invited the production to come here to London.
Let's celebrate the power of live theatre And let me make this very clear: ! summer excellent an had you hope I and Theatre Grand at here us joined have you glad so am I
DennisGarnhum Director
From the cast and crew meet and greet until the team moves to its final rehearsals on the Spriet Stage, the magic of theatre comes alive in the Grand Theatre’s rehearsal halls, props, wardrobe, and scene shops, located right here, in London, Ontario.
WORLD CURIOUS. LONDON MADE.
PICTURED CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: NATALIE TSANG (PROPERTIES), PHOTO BY TOURISM LONDON | BECK LLOYD AND ERIC CRAIG REHEARSING FOR ‘PRIDE AND PREJUDICE’ (2025), DIRECTED BY REBECCA NORTHAN, PHOTO BY BLUE FREE COOPER | JONATHAN TSCHIRCHART (SECOND SCENIC CARPENTER) AND AVA LEWIS (CARPENTRY STUDENT - 2025 HIGH SCHOOLPROJECT),PHOTOBYJORDANPORTER| LISAWRIGHT(HEADOFWARDROBE),PHOTOBYTOURISMLONDON
ARTISTS
ALEXANDER ARIATE
Jonathan
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut.
VANESSA LETICIA JETTÉ
Sandra
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): The Play That Goes Wrong (Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, RMTC); The Three Musketeers, Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Citadel Theatre, The Arts Club); Heist, The Importance of Being Earnest, Clue (Citadel Theatre); Heist, Might As Well Be Dead, Murder on the Orient Express (Vertigo Theatre); HORSEPLAY (Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre); The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest, Othello, Twelfth Night, The Winter's Tale (The Shakespeare Company); The Odd Couple, Listen Listen (Teatro La Quindicina)
FILM & TV CREDITS: Fortunate Son (CBC Gem).
OTHER: BFA from University of Alberta
IZAD ETEMADI
Stage Crew
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Elf: The Musical, Grow UPCOMING AT THE GRAND: Disney’s Frozen, Come From Away THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Come From Away (You Are Here Inc , ACC Gander); Frozen (Citadel); The Bidding War (Crow's Theatre); Mad Madge (Nightwood Theatre); The Play That Goes Wrong (Neptune); Sweeney Todd, Music Man, Play Joey, The Gamblers, Amadeus (Talk Is Free Theatre).
FILM & TV CREDITS (SELECTED): Orphan Black: Echoes (AMC), Settle Down (CBC Gem), Ghosts (CBS), Cows Come Home (Bell Fibe TV), The Love Club (W Network); Mother Father Sister Brother Frank (Highball TV), The Handmaid's Tale (Hulu), Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (Paramount+), Tall Boyz, Revenge of the Black Best Friend, Overlord and the Underwoods (CBC).
OTHER: Canadian Film Centre Alumni His new comedy series, Wine Boys, will air on Bell Fibe TV1 in 2026 @izadetemadi
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): The Play That Goes Wrong (The Citadel/Theatre Calgary/Manitoba Theatre Company); A Christmas Carol 2019-2023, The Mousetrap, Little Women, Hamlet (Theatre Calgary); The Extractionist, Clue, Sherlock Holmes and The Vanishing Thimble (Vertigo Theatre); Premium Content (Major Matt Mason Collective); The Strid (Downstage Theatre); Hamlet Frequency (One Yellow Rabbit/The Shakespeare Company); In and Out of Love, Radioheaded Three (One Yellow Rabbit)
ANDREW MACDONALD-SMITH
Max
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Frozen, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Sound of Music, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Crazy For You, One Man Two Guvnors, Avenue Q (Citadel Theatre); Pith!, Cocktails at Pam's, A Grand Time in the Rapids (Teatro Live); Avenue Q, Matilda: The Musical, Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Arts Club); Shakespeare in Love, Matilda: The Musical (RMTC); Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Crazy For You, Mary Poppins (Theatre Calgary).
OTHER: @drewmansmith www drewmacsmith com
ARTISTS
JAWON MAPP
BERNARDO PACHECO
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut
Robert
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Come From Away (Mirvish/Junkyard Productions); The Amen Corner, A Grand Night For Singing, Brigadoon (Shaw Festival); Into The Woods (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre); Crack Of Doom (Toronto Fringe Festival).
OTHER: Graduate of the Musical Theatre Performance Program at St Clair College Jawon would like to thank his mom, family, closest friends, and the 10 Talent Management team for believing in and pushing him to achieve his dreams! @jmoneyswagswag
EMILY MEADOWS
Stage
Crew
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Into The Woods, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (RMTC); Blue Beads & Blueberries, A Year with Frog and Toad, Frozen River (MTYP); Li Keur: Riel's Heart of the North (Manitoba Opera); Gentleman's Guide (Dry Cold); Reefer Madness (WST); Stronger Together (Suitcase Theatre); The Dream Catchers (Charlottetown Festival YoCo Eastern Canada Tour); We All Got Lost (Hamilton Fringe); Jo's Coat (Rainbow).
FILM & TV CREDITS (SELECTED): Kara Robinson Story (Lifetime); Aberdeen (Farpoint); Safehaven
OTHER: Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance (Sheridan), Second City Conservatory Programme for Improv and Sketch Comedy, Toronto @emilyevameadows
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut
Trevor
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): A Midsummer Night's Dream: The 70's Musical, Network (Citadel Theatre); Forgiveness, Little Women (Theatre Calgary); The Play That Goes Wrong (Citadel Theatre/Theatre Calgary/RMTC); The Curious Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Vertigo Theatre); With Bells On (Lunchbox Theatre)
FILM & TV CREDITS (SELECTED): Heartland, Under the Banner of Heaven
HONEY PHAM
Annie
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Carried By The River (Red Snow Collective); The Play That Goes Wrong (Citadel Theatre/Theatre Calgary/RMTC); A Perfect Bowl of Pho (Toronto Fringe); Kitchen Potluck (fu-GEN); Nobody Asked To Be Here (Persephone Theatre); Narnia (Theatre Sheridan/Bad Hats). Apprentice Director: Waitress (RMTC)
FILM & TV CREDITS (SELECTED): Zaasaakwe, Fourth Period Burnout (CBC); The Colour Of Scar Tissue (APTN/ImagiNATIVE/TIFF).
OTHER: Graduate of Sheridan College Music Theatre Program
ARTISTS
JOHN ULLYATT
Dennis
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: A Little Night Music, Great Expectations, The Importance of Being Earnest
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): The Three Musketeers, A Christmas Carl, Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret, The Pillow Man, Rocky Horror Show, Death of a Salesman (Citadel Theatre); Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes (Theatre Network); Matilda (RMTC/Citadel/Arts Club); Beauty and the Beast (Citadel/Theatre Calgary)
OTHER: John is a co-founder of Firefly Theatre & Circus and a notable street performer whose works include the Human Fountain and Crosswalk Theatre
DANIELA VLASKALIC
HENRY LEWIS, JONATHAN SAYER, & HENRY SHIELDS
Playwrights
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut.
Krista
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): By the Light of a Story (Theatre Orangeville); Hamlet (Rose Theatre/Shakespeare Co /Hit & Myth); Disgraced (Magnus Theatre); Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (Theatre Aquarius); Hurry Hard (Lighthouse Festival); Doubt (Canadian Stage); How the Other Half Loves, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, Deathtrap (Drayton); All’s Well that End’s Well, Hamlet, Taming of the Shrew (Stratford Festival).
FILM & TV CREDITS (SELECTED): Private Eyes (Global); Murdoch Mysteries (CBC); The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair (Muse Productions).
OTHER: Playwriting credits: Sleight of Mind and The Fox Co-writing credits: Dora Maar: the wicked one, Comrades, Mules, and The Drowning Girls.
Henry, Henry, and Jonathan met while training at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). All core members of Mischief Theatre, they had already worked in comedy together for several years before they started out as a writing team. The three’s first piece was The Play That Goes Wrong (winner – Best New Comedy – Olivier Awards and What’s On Stage Awards) The show started out on the London and Edinburgh fringe before touring the UK and internationally and then returning to the West End in September 2014, where it is still running It's also playing on Broadway and began a US tour in 2018 and has been performed in over 20 other countries around the world. Peter Pan Goes Wrong was the trio’s second piece, opening in November 2014 for a UK tour before a hugely successful West End season in Christmas 2015. Henry, Henry, and Jonathan recently adapted the script of Peter Pan Goes Wrong for the BBC, which was filmed with the original West End cast and broadcast to rave reviews on New Year’s Eve. They were invited back to wreak more havoc at the BBC in 2017 with Christmas Carol Goes Wrong on BBC1 The Comedy About a Bank Robbery marks their third writing project as a trio and earned them another Olivier Nomination @mischiefcomedy and mischieftheatre co uk
JOHNULLYATT
DANIELAVLASKALIC
HENRYLEWIS
JONATHANSAYER
ARTISTS
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Artistic Director from 2016 - 2023
DENNIS GARNHUM Director
Director: Clue, Elf: The Musical, Grow, Home for the Holidays, Cabaret, Timothy Findley’s The Wars, Prom Queen: The Musical (High School Project), Chariots of Fire, Beethoven Lives
Upstairs, A Christmas Carol THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Director: The Play That Goes Wrong (Citadel/Theatre Calgary/MTC); Liars at a Funeral (Drayton); World premiere of musical The Little Prince (Theatre Calgary); Barber of Seville (Florida Grand Opera, Opera Lyra, Vancouver Opera); Timothy Findley's The Wars (Theatre Calgary, Vancouver Playhouse); Carmen, La Traviata (Pacific Opera); West Side Story (Bangkok University); Rat in the Skull (Berkshire Theatre Festival) Stratford Festival (four seasons); Shaw Festival (six seasons). Director/Adapter: Lost: A Memoir (Theatre Calgary, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Neptune Theatre); King Lear (Theatre Calgary, Bard on the Beach).
OTHER: Artistic Director of Theatre Calgary from 2005-2016
Recipient of a Calgary Award for Community Achievement in Arts and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Dennis published his first novel TOWARD BEAUTY: Reigniting a Creative Life on the Camino de Santiago In 2022.
MORGAN YAMADA
Fight & Movement Director FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Fight Director: Beauty and the Beast (WCT). Movement & Intimacy Director: The Play That Goes Wrong (Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Royal MTC); A Streetcar Named Desire (Citadel, Theatre Calgary); Prison Dancer, Jersey Boys, 9 to 5, The Fiancée (Citadel); The Maids (Putrid Brat); Deathtrap (Teatro Live). Actor: The Three Musketeers (The Arts Club & Citadel); Pride and Prejudice, Peter and the Starcatcher (Citadel); Glory (Chemainus Theatre Festival/National Tour/Original Cast - WCT, et al.); GIANT (Ghost River Theatre).
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Life of Pi (Citadel/RMTC), Legally Blonde (Theatre Calgary/Citadel); The Play That Goes Wrong (Theatre Calgary/Citadel/RMTC), Chris, Mrs (Boldly Productions); Little Shop of Horrors (Arts Club/Citadel); Jersey Boys (Citadel); Horseplay, Metronome, Mob (Workshop West); Sleight of Mind (Western Canada Theatre); The Secret Garden, Village Wooing, Playboy of the Western World, Overruled, Bright Lights (Shaw Festival)
OTHER: Edmonton-based set & costume designer currently living with a beloved household of friends and dogs
DENNISGARNHUM
HENRYSHIELDS
MORGANYAMADA
BEYATAHACKBORN
ARTISTS
JOSEPH ABETRIA
Costume Designer
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Grand Ghosts, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Life of Pi, The Play That Goes Wrong (RMTC/Citadel); Little Women, Indecent, The Comeback (RMTC); Prophecy, Mary's Wedding, Iceland (Theatre Projects Manitoba); Snow White, Spelling 2-5-5 (Manitoba Theatre for Young People); Volare, Space Girl, Voice (Prairie Theatre Exchange)
OTHER: BA (Honours) Theatre Design and Production from University of Winnipeg
KIMBERLY PURTELL
Lighting Designer
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Prom Queen: The Musical, Elf, Home for the Holidays, The Phantom of the Opera, This London Life.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Stratford Festival, Shaw Festival, Mirvish Productions, National Arts Centre, Banff Centre, Canadian Stage, Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Arts Club, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, Pacific Opera, Edmonton Opera, Opera Philadelphia, Kansas City Lyric Opera, Arena Stage, DC, Soulpepper, Crow's Theatre, Charlottetown Festival.
OTHER: Three Dora Mavor Moore Awards, the Pauline McGibbon Award, a Montreal English Theatre Award, a Toronto Theatre Critics Award, an Ottawa Critics Circle Award and an Elizabeth Sterling Award.
DAVE PIERCE
Composer & Sound Designer
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Chariots of Fire
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Chicago, Annie Get Your Gun, Swing, Thoroughly Modern Millie (National Tours); Sinatra 100 (Grammy Awards); Tony Awards (Twyla Tharp Performances)
FILM AND TV CREDITS: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Ceremonies (Emmy Award); Christmas with Michael Bublé (NBC); Canada’s Walk of Fame (CTV)
OTHER: 30 years as Music Director of the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show; Composer/Arranger for World Expo Dubai and Radio City Music Hall’s 75th www.davepiercemusic.com
DONOVAN SEIDLE
Composer & Sound Designer
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): The Play That Goes Wrong (Citadel Theatre Edmonton, Theatre Calgary, Royal Manitoba Theatre); Liars At A Funeral (Drayton Festival); King Lear (Theatre Calgary, SFX Theatre) Numerous original orchestra shows (The Mysterious Maestro, Symphonic Speedruns, Kiesza in Concert, Corb Lund in Concert)
FILM & TV CREDITS (SELECTED): Lloyd the Conqueror (2011), The Agreement (2016), White House Down (Trailer), The Whale (2014), Vancouver Olympic Winter Games 2010 Ceremonies, World Expo 2020 Dubai Numerous projects of all types, many collaborations with the terrific Dave Pierce that didn't go wrong!
OTHER: Graduate of University of Calgary (BMus) and Northwestern University (MMus), Assistant Concertmaster of Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra (since 2003) www donovanseidle com
THEATRE MAGIC
ARTISTS
JORDANGUETTER
JORDAN GUETTER
Stage Manager
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Elf: The Musical, Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Million Dollar Quartet, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, A Christmas Carol, Chariots of Fire, Home for the Holidays
UPCOMING AT THE GRAND: Assistant Stage Manager – Disney's Frozen, The Importance of Being Earnest
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Richard II, The Diviners, Love’s Labour’s Lost (Stratford Festival); Don Giovanni, Carmen, Die Vögel, Il Trittico (Pacific Opera Victoria); Mamma Mia (Neptune); Baskerville (Chemainus); The Music Man, Serving Elizabeth, Kim’s Convenience, Ring of Fire (Thousand Islands Playhouse);
R U R A Torrent of Light, Oksana G (Tapestry Opera); Cock (TIFT); Passing Strange (The Musical Stage Company/Obsidian); The Brothers Size, The Testament of Mary, Hosanna (Soulpepper).
OTHER: Jordan has also worked with Volcano, Drayton Entertainment, Cahoots, b current, Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Sudbury Theatre Centre and more
LORE GREEN
Assistant Stage Manager
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: The Wars, Mamma Mia!, and Titanic
UPCOMING AT THE GRAND: Disney’s Frozen.
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): A Christmas Carol, West Side Story, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Sense & Sensibility, Hadestown, Silver Arrow, Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Clue, Jersey Boys, Rubaboo, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Disney's Frozen (Citadel Theatre); The Play That Goes Wrong (Citadel Theatre/Theatre Calgary/RMTC); First Métis Man of Odesa, Takwahiminana (Punctuate! Theatre).
OTHER: For Julien Arnold
GINA WOODWARD
Apprentice Stage Manager
FOR THE GRAND THEATRE: Debut.
UPCOMING AT THE GRAND: Piaf/Dietrich
THEATRE CREDITS (SELECTED): Coal Bowl Queen (Ships Co. Theatre, EFT, HEIST); Mamma Mia!, Little Shop Of Horrors, Disney’s Frozen, Rumour Has It: Adele Tribute (Neptune Theatre); Heathers: Teen Version, The Prom (Neptune YPCo ); Still Dancing, Downed Hearts (Ships Co Theatre)
OTHER: BA Dalhousie University, Honours in Stage Design and Technical Theatre from Fountain School of Performing Arts.
One of the most meaningful aspects of this program has been the opportunity to work alongside so many strong female leaders Collaborating with Rachel and seeing how she integrates artistic vision with leadership has been both inspiring and instructive, offering insights that I can apply to my own path toward artistic directorship. This experience has helped me refine my approach to leadership while reinforcing my commitment to leading with creativity, integrity, and vision
WHAT ARE 3 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM SO FAR?
Since starting here at the Grand my highlights have been witnessing the beautiful work of the young artists from London and the surrounding area in the High School Project, reading some truly excellent new and existing plays as we plan for our next season of shows, and beginning preparations as an assistant director on Piaf/Dietrich
I’ve worked with young people as an acting teacher at George Brown Theatre School, TMU, and Toronto Film School and am always so moved by the energy, commitment, and heart they bring to the work. The cast of Newsies was no exception – I feel like I got to experience the hearts of every cast member who stepped foot on that stage.
Reading new works for both season planning and for the Cascade Playwrights’ Lab that is part of the Artists in the Auburn program is so inspiring It’s exciting to peek inside the imagined worlds of new and seasoned artists and I am so honoured to be a part of their writing journey
Finally, I could not be more excited to work on Piaf/Dietrich with the talented Rachel Peake at the helm It is a piece that is
SPOTLIGHT
TD Ready Commitment supports the development of the next generation of arts talent at the Grand Theatre through the TD Emerging Talent Program.
both funny and deeply moving. I am really looking forward to working on a show that explores the complications of, and celebrates the beauty of, a longstanding female friendship between two icons
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR YOUR THEATRE CAREER?
I am a professional actor, director, and educator, and I am also Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Good Old Neon As I continue my work in this industry, I hope to continue acting and directing at theatres across Canada and beyond, and ultimately to serve as the Artistic Director of a major theatre company in Toronto I am equally committed to expanding the visibility of Good Old Neon, bringing boundary-pushing, visceral work that interrogates power into larger, more public spaces. Above all, I hope to be a leader in the Canadian theatre community, helping to cultivate a landscape where artists from families with fewer resources and opportunities are seen, supported, and empowered to share their voices, contribute meaningfully, and shape the future of Canadian theatre
WHY DID THE TD EMERGING TALENT PROGRAM SPEAK TO YOU?
This program resonates deeply with me because I have long aspired to serve as an artistic leader within a major professional theatre It offers the rare chance to earn a living while working at an A-house company, at a scale that exists in only a handful of spaces across Canada, alongside some of the most accomplished artists and leaders in the field Opportunities in artistic directorship are few and far between, and this program uniquely provides mentorship, hands-on experience, and the practical tools necessary to grow and advance as an artistic leader.
The Grand Theatre's development program for London-based artists is back for a second season!
ARTISTS in theAUBURN
I Season-long Cascade Playwrights’ Lab, led by director, dramaturge, and Grand Theatre Artistic Director Rachel Peake. This year features two participation streams: Writing Currents: Tools and Exploration, to spark new ideas and processes; and Script Development and Dramaturgy
II. A series of hands-on Workshops for actors, directors, and anyone curious about the inner workings of the rehearsal room led by some of Canada’s top theatre artists
III. The Speaker Series – a dynamic forum for local professional, indie, and community theatre artists, led by a rotating lineup of guest speakers exploring the practical side of creating theatre and sharing real-world experience.
IV. Rental space available on the Auburn Stage for independent productions, workshops, lectures, and other gatherings
... or those simply curious about getting
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DONOR SPOTLIGHT
ANITA & AMIT SHAH
The Shahs believe in an arts and culture community that celebrates diversity, acceptance, and beauty. Whether it is through their long-standing tradition of attending the holiday show as an extended family, or years as patrons, donors, and volunteers, the Shah family goes above and beyond for the Grand. Anita Shah, a past Grand Theatre Board Chair, and current Grand Theatre Foundation Board member, says her volunteerism with the Grand has extended her appreciation for all of the incredible things that happen in the theatre
Driving the Shah family’s thoughtful decisions to support theatre, is the belief that arts and culture transcend all borders, cultures, and differences and ultimately promote civility. Anita created the Kahani Wali Collective (meaning Women of Stories), a group of female donors for Mrs Krishnan’s Party For the Shah family, theatre is a building block for community, one that they have and continue to champion in so many ways
Wearedeeplygratefultothecompassionateindividualswhohavemadetheimportantandthoughtfuldecision tomakeaplannedgifttotheGrandTheatre.WehonourthemthroughtheirmembershipintheProscenium Society TheirlegacywillhelpensurethattheGrandcontinuestoflourish:
