The Emerging Playwrights Reading Series
Produced by The Flare Productions & Liza Hersh
The Emerging Playwrights Reading Series is a series of staged readings showcasing three new Canadian plays by Justin Otto and Thea Fitz-James, Rebecca Ostroff, and Keara Voo selected from an open call by a panel of theatre professionals. The Series was created by and for early career artists as a response to feedback surrounding the challenges associated with transitioning into professional spaces.
Under the guidance of established directors, the playwrights were provided one week of workshopping time to develop their plays-in-progress, culminating in a festival of staged readings taking place September 21 and 22, 2024.
Please join us in The Theatre Centre’s Cafe/Bar after each show for a chance to meet the artists:
Saturday, September 21
3:00pm – Camp Halo by Rebecca Ostroff
4:45pm – Something Old by Keara Voo
7:00pm – Horses by Justin Otto & Thea Fitz-James
Sunday, September 22
12:00pm – Horses by Justin Otto & Thea Fitz-James
2:15pm – Camp Halo by Rebecca Ostroff
4:30pm – Something Old by Keara Voo
About the Plays
Horses by Justin Otto and Thea Fitz-James
Directed by Ziggy Schulting
What lengths will people go to in order to make a better life for themselves? Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the characters compete in a dance competition to win a life changing sum of money. The show explores the corruption of finances and the risks we’ll take to survive, even when the odds are stacked against us.
Something Old by Keara Voo
Directed by Aaron Jan
Lily and Cameron are excitedly preparing for their upcoming wedding. While Lily’s mother, Stephanie, dreams of her daughter’s big, white wedding, Lily has other plans, opting for a traditional Chinese wedding instead. After a disagreement, Lily leans on her Pau Pau to aid in her preparations. When Pau Pau passes, Stephanie must decide if she can put aside her hopes for her daughter’s big day.
Camp Halo by Rebecca Ostroff
Directed by Cass Van-Wyck
Four teenage girls at an overnight summer camp are confined to their cabin as their counselor, Haley, is questioned by the administration. Haley had been at once a role model, goddess and parental figure to the girls – in their eyes, she could do no wrong. As the depth of Haley’s actions comes to light, the unit’s perception of Haley, and of themselves, unravels.
Advisory Warning:
Horses – Content warning: Profanity, mention of suicide, mature subjects, gun shots
Camp Halo – Content warning: references to abuse and sexual content
SOMETHING OLD by Keara Voo
Directed by Aaron Jan
Alexandra Crenian, Lily
Ben Caldwell, Cameron
Carolyn Fe, Pau Pau
Elana Post, Stephanie
Jeff Yung, Peter
Shelayna Christante, Emily
HORSES by Thea Fitz-James and Justin Otto
Directed by Ziggy Schulting
Emcee/Rocky, Jacob MacInnis
Gloria, Shakura Dickson
Actress, Shanda Bezic
Sailor, John Jarvis
Robert, Desmond Lazar
CAMP HALO by Rebecca Ostroff
Directed by Cass Van Wyck
Lauren Wolanski, Sam
Brianna Wright, Dani
Karen Scora, Emily
Anne van Leeuwen, Taylor
Aurora McClennan, Producer
Liza Hersh, Producer
Jenna Brown, Stage Manager
September 21
to September 22, 2024
Tickets are $17.50
See all 3 shows for $40
BMO Incubator
CAMP HALO by Rebecca Ostroff
Saturday, September 21 – 3:00pm
Sunday, September 22 – 2:15pm*
HORSES by Thea Fitz-James and Justin Otto
Saturday, September 21 – 7:00pm
Sunday, September 22 – 12:00pm*
SOMETHING OLD by Keara Voo
Saturday, September 21 – 4:45pm
Sunday, September 22 – 4:30pm*
*Please join us for a short talkback after each performance.
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