Welcome To Our 2025 / 2026 Season:
beyond the stage
Workshop Information
For novices and seasoned cast and crew, our interactive workshops offer creative and technical training.
@ptbotheatreguild
Good friend and colleague, Chuck Vollmar passed away early the morning of June 11. We wanted to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Chuck was noted for both his comedic and dramatic roles in numerous productions at the Peterborough Theatre Guild and elsewhere. Throughout his thespian career, he won Best Actor awards. He had leading roles in productions that traveled to festivals in Asia, Aruba, Venezuela, and Newfoundland.
Chuck was one of several PTG actors who represented Canada in an international Theatre festival in Japan with the production Hedges.
Not only was he an actor, but he also wrote Fishing Buddies and Kawartha Love Letters which were produced in Peterborough.
Chuck believed that teaching young people the art of acting was important. He founded Peterborough Improv Group (PIG), a troupe of improv actors who performed murder mysteries at private functions and local venues in the area.
Chuck was also a talented cartoonist and graphic designer. Many of the promotional posters and program covers for the Peterborough Theatre Guild were designed by him.
We, at Peterborough Theatre Guild, will miss Chuck. When he was in the audience, his contagious laugh could be heard throughout the theatre. His quick wit, beautifully kind nature, and amazing talent will be missed by all. In a nutshell, Chuck was a beautiful human being and wonderful friend.
May he rest in peace.
Auditions for Opening Night by Norm Foster
Directed by Margaret Monis
Opening Night centres on Jack and Ruth Tisdale, a middle-aged couple celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. Ruth, an enthusiastic theatre-goer, sees the evening as a dream come true, while Jack, a varnish salesman, would rather be at home watching the World Series. Their night at the theatre becomes a comedic adventure as they interact with a cast of eccentric characters, including actors, a director, and other patrons, leading to a series of humorous and unexpected events.
The play is known for its witty dialogue and exploration of human relationships, offering a gentle satire of the theatre world and the complexities of marriage.
Characters:
Jack Tisdale, a varnish salesman: 40 to 60 yrs. old
Ruth Tisdale, an accountant and Jack’s wife: 40 to 60 yrs old
Richard Hyde-Finch, a director: 40 to 60 yrs. old
Cilla Fraser, Richard’s girlfriend: 30 to 50 yrs. old
Michael Craig, an actor: 40 to 60 yrs old
Clayton Fry, an actor: 40 to 60 yrs. old
Libby Husniak, an ingenue: 20 to 30 yrs old
Tom Delaney, a waiter and aspiring actor: 20 to 30 yrs old
AUDITIONS
Sunday, June 8, 2025 - 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
To set up a time for your audition, please follow the link below and enter you name into the program.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45AFAA2FA5FDC43-57135590-opening
PERFORMANCE DATES:
September 19 - October 4, 2025
September 19, 20, 21m
September 25, 26, 27, 28m
October 2, 3, 4
The Peterborough Theatre Guild is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, showcasing a mix of comedy, drama, and musical theatre, with a strong focus on Canadian talent.
The season kicks off with Opening Night by renowned Canadian playwright Norm Foster, directed by Margaret Monis. This hilarious play takes audiences on a journey behind the scenes of a chaotic theatre premiere. Get ready for twists and turns, sharp wit and great characters.
Adding a dramatic twist, 291, written by local playwright Jade O’Keeffe and directed by Lisa Dixon, brings a touch of historical intrigue with a locally written piece that delves into the letters between acclaimed artist Georgia O’Keeffe and her lover, photographer Alfred Stieglitz. This original work highlights the artistry and emotion behind one of history’s most famous creative couples.
As the holiday season approaches, families can enjoy the beloved children’s production of The Emperor’s New Clothes, written and directed by Gerry McBride based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. This adaptation promises to be full of humour and enchantment for audiences of all ages. Music by John Austin.
In the new year, look forward to more comedies. Where You Are by Kristen Da Silva, directed by Jerry Allen, is a heartwarming tale of love, family, and unexpected second chances in a charming, small-town setting.
Midnight Madness by Peterborough Native, Dave Carley is a romantic comedy about two former classmates who unexpectedly reunite at a furniture store’s going-out-of-business sale.
For those who love a musical spectacle, the season rounds out with the electrifying production of Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, directed by Nate Axcell. This hilarious parody of the horror genre promises electrifying choreography, clever wordplay and big belly laughs.
With most productions proudly Canadian and a lineup designed to entertain and inspire, the Peterborough Theatre Guild invites audiences to experience the magic of local, live theatre.
Season tickets and individual show tickets will be available starting July 1
Artwork by: Taylor Polley
Join us for Venus in Fur by David Ives on Sunday, June 1st at 2pm. This will be our final staged reading of the season!
Director - Bea Quarrie
Stage Manager - Lyn Braun
Thomas, a beleaguered playwright/director, is desperate to find an actress to play Vanda, the female lead in his adaptation of the classic sadomasochistic tale Venus in Fur. Into his empty audition room walks a vulgar and equally desperate actress—oddly enough, named Vanda. Though utterly wrong for the sophisticated part, Vanda exhibits a strange command of the material, piquing Thomas’ interest with her seductive talents and secretive manner. As the two work through the script, they blur the line between play and reality, entering into an increasingly serious game of submission and domination that only one of them can win.
Please Note: Venus in Fur is a Dark Comedy with complex adult subject matter and mature language. It is not suitable for children under 12.
Carissa Kaye
Carissa began her acting career in Hamilton, where she successfully ran her own theatre company and staged many Festival productions for nearly a decade. In November of 2023, she settled in Peterborough with her husband and their many cats. With the Electric City Players she has been both Banquo (Macbeth2024) and Olivia (Twelfth Night2025), as well as acting in Bea Quarrie’s Tick Talk and a staged reading of Home, I’m Darling. Carissa is ever so thankful for the warm welcome she has received from Peterborough’s theatre community, from the very first day she moved in.
Mark Scanlon
Mark first appeared on the Theatre Guild Stage in late 1986, shortly after moving to Peterborough. He appeared in eight productions over his first four years in Peterborough, receiving Best Actor nominations at both the 1988 EODL and Theatre Ontario Festivals for his role as David in PTG’s The Melville Boys, and an Adjudicator’s Award for Best Use of Comedy at the EODL Festival. A busy father of four daughters, and a pharmacy owner/pharmacist, Mark traded theatre activities for professional and family responsibilities for nearly two decades, returning to the PTG stage in 2010 in Death of A Salesman, in which he played two different roles.
The Peterborough Theatre Guild
is deeply honoured to host the Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival!
The 2025 Nogojiwanong Indigenous Fringe Festival is coming to the Guild, with multiple performances in the theatre from June 19 – 22, as well as a visual art display in the lobbies and weekend craft vendors in the studios. It’s going to be a busy place with activities for all ages and interests.
This year’s performers, chosen by lottery as is the Fringe tradition, are:
Juicebox Theatre (Winnipeg) with their play, “Under the Table”
Centre for Indigenous Theatre (Toronto) with “Whistling Pine (A Dark Comedy)” by Chris Mejaki
John-Paul Chalykoff (Sault Ste. Marie) and his puppet friends with “Songs from Gichi-Gamiing”
Oshkagoojin Theatre Projects (Winnipeg) with “Niin Anihinaabekwe”
Indian Way Theatre (Akwesasne) with “My Good Friend Jay”
3 Soul Goddess (Peterborough) with their drama “Postcards from Colonization”
Subi-Baba-Yi Dilalan (Cameroon) with “People of the Forest” (to be confirmed)
More information about the festival and shows is on our website, www.indigenousfringefest.ca. A full schedule for the June 19-22 festival will be available in early May and ticket sales will start in late May.
Billets Needed
We are urgently looking for billets for NIFF 2025 artists. If you have a spare room from June 17-22 this is a great opportunity to get to know one of these lovely people.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Lee at (705) 312-3492.
A heartfelt congratulations to the entire cast and crew of Joseph! You filled the stage—and our hearts—with light, joy, and incredible talent. What an unforgettable journey this has been! Enjoy today’s sold out performance!
A special thank you to @ptboshowplace and @dj_dollabill for your expertise, dedication, and behind-the-scenes magic. We are also deeply grateful to our platinum sponsor, Medical Centre Hearing Services, @leonsptbo for the PTG’s beautifully furnished lobby, and our media sponsors, @ptbo_canada and @kawarthanow, for their generous support.
To our amazing community: thank you for spreading the word, showing up, singing along, and helping make this production so special. We truly couldn’t have done it without you. We’ll see you next season!
@cwsphotog
@harrisonperkinsphotos
@globalpeterborough
@ptbocurrents
@whattoday.ca
@movingmedia.ca
Package Plus
🗓 Save the Date! 🎭
If you're passionate about the arts and want to get involved backstage, then join the PTG family as a volunteer!
Stop by our booth at Peterborough Square next Wednesday and meet the incredible Yvonne MacDougall, a long-time volunteer who can share her experience and answer all your questions.
We welcome helping hands of all ages and will find volunteer opportunities that match your availability, interest and skill!
Here are just some of the volunteer areas:
- Costume design and sourcing
- Props
- Set building and painting
- Ushers, bartenders and house managers
- Social media and photography
- Community outreach
- Production crew, stage hands, producers, stage managers
#peterboroughvolunteers
🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Theatre 🌟 What an unforgettable Awards Brunch for the EODL's Full-Length Play Festival! Congratulations to all the talented winners. We're so honoured that PTG's Silent Sky earned honorable mentions and took home multiple awards!
Winners:
David Geene - Peterborough Theatre Guild Award for Set Design
Kevin O'Neill - Arnold Connerty Award Adjudicator's Award
Esther Vincent - Deep River Players Award for Best Visual Presentation
Honourable Mentions:
Silent Sky - Armagh Sifton Price Award Adjudicator's Award
Jayne Martin - John L. Walley Award for Best Costuming
Lyndele Gauci - Peterborough Theatre Guild Award for Best Use of Speech
Laura Lawson - Margaret White Award for Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Kevin O'Neill - Bancroft Theatre Guild Award for Best Male Actor in a Supporting Roel
Bea Quarrie - Trentonian and Tri-County Award for Best Director
@
We are heading into the 2nd night of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Showplace Performance Centre!
We’d like to shine a spotlight on more of our incredible team members!
We have been so fortunate to have these wildly talented humans give so much of their time and talents to this production!
Don’t wait—secure your tickets now!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
April 25 - May 4
Showplace Performance Centre
Tickets through Peterborough Theatre Guild
It takes an incredible team to put together a spectacular show like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Today we're so excited to showcase the talents of the costume and make-up team, lead by Elaine Day, Gwen Hope and Shelley Moody. We're so fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers who have helped to make this show come to life.
Joseph opens this Friday at Showplace, so make sure to get your tickets through Peterborough Theatre Guild now.
We'd like to shine a spotlight on more of our brilliant Children's Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! These young performers bring magic to the stage with their boundless energy and captivating voices.
Don't wait—secure your tickets now!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
April 25 - May 4
Showplace Performance Centre
Tickets through Peterborough Theatre Guild
Introducing some of the shining young stars of our Chorus in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! These talented young actors bring energy, heart, and pure magic to every scene. Their voices and smiles are lighting up the stage.
Don't miss your chance to see their incredible performances live—tickets are selling fast!
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Showplace Performance Centre
April 25 - May 4
Tickets through Peterborough Theatre Guild
We're thrilled to introduce more of our brilliant cast from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are these talented actors.
This group brings unforgettable energy to the stage. There's no better way to boost your spirits, sing and laugh along.
Don't miss out!
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
April 25 - May 4
Showplace Performance Centre
Tickets through Peterborough Theatre Guild
More Faces You’ll Love!
Here’s the next group of amazing actors who light up the stage in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
With their charm, talent and comedic flair you're in for a treat! Tickets are selling fast, Opening Night is around the corner, so reserve your tickets today.
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
April 25 - May 4
Showplace Performance Centre
Tickets through Peterborough Theatre Guild
Meet the cast of our upcoming musical, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!
Their talent brings this fun and fabulous story to life. Their energy and passion will transport you to a world of dreams, drama, and dazzle. Stay tuned for more from our spectacular cast!
Don't wait to get your tickets!
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
April 25 - May 4
Showplace Performance Centre
Tickets through Peterborough Theatre Guild
Introducing a few members of the Creative Team behind Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!
Over 15 years ago, Director Robert Ainsworth envisioned bringing this vibrant production to life, teaming up with a talented Musical Director Brian MacDonald to make the dream a reality. Now, their collaboration is set to light up the stage! As Robert shares, "The quirky script and memorable songs are right in my ballpark. I love comedy, and it was always my goal to add as much comedy as I could."
You'll be dazzled by creativity of this brilliant team and their hard-working crew.
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
April 25 - May 4
Peterborough Showplace Centre
Tickets through Peterborough Theatre Guild
GO GO GO JOSEPH!
We're so excited to bring the magic of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Peterborough!
Braydon Ellis takes the stage as Joseph. This talented actor has over 15 years of experience and has also directed and choreographed productions, trained in vocal and piano by the Royal Conservatory of Music and acquired a decade of dance experience with Artistic Movement Dance Studio.
Macayla Vaughan is thrilled to be playing the role of the Narrator and joining this incredible cast for her first show with the PTG! Her charisma and warmth are perfect for the role.
Let yourself be transported to a kaleidoscope scope of colour, music and dazzle!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
April 25 - May 4
Showplace Performance Centre
Tickets through Peterborough Theatre Guild.
Our second last staged reading of the season is Pugwash by Vern Thiessen. We hope you can join us!
1957. Barely a decade after the first use of atomic bombs, the world is divided and fearful of the real threat of nuclear weaponry. In an effort to understand the devastating effects of radiation, leading scientists and academics—world-renowned “Thinkers”—are invited to a conference in the small town of Pugwash, Nova Scotia.
Two local children, Conni and Jamie, take interest in some of the Thinkers, who are humbled by their innocent welcome. But a spy disguised as a reporter has conned Jamie for information to use against the Thinkers, putting the entire conference—and the town of Pugwash—at risk.
“It’s an intelligent and thoughtful play that is relevant in many ways to today’s political climate, while shedding light on an intriguing local story. ”
- Michael Lake, The Coast
Run time: 105 minutes
Sunday May 11th
PTG Main stage 2pm
We are excited to announce Andrew Finlan and Stephen Cullen’s Keepin’ It Campy Roadshow will be presented in the Gwen Brown Studio May 30th and 31st! Tickets now available on our website.
“Comedian Andrew Finlan and Musical Performing Artist Stephen Cullen are coming home to the Peterborough Theatre Guild to host The Keep’n It Campy Roadshow in the Gwen Brown Studio A on May 30th and 31st at 7:30 pm. The Stand Up Comedy Show celebrates Andrew’s plunge into Trailer Park life at Spring Rock Camp in Young’s Point. Guest Comedians include Liam Kelly from Yuk Yuk’s and Ted Morris hot off the Halifax Comedy Festival stage. Earl Crapper from Shady Shores Trailer Park will host the Trailer Trash Olympics adding to the fun. A social lounge with a professional DJ and a licensed bar will be set up in the Gwen Brown Studio directly after the show. Don’t miss out on the fun. Doors open at 7pm with a 7:30pm curtain call. This event is 100 % Canadian made by two local boys.”
A very special thank you to @petedalliday77 @ptbo_canada and @harrisonperkinsptbocklnews for stopping by the Peterborough Theatre Guild on Wednesday! This dazzling and colourful production hits the @ptboshowplace stage on April 25th. Tickets are moving fast! Don’t miss the chance to see this incredible cast sing and dance their hearts out!
“Sha la la, Joseph, you’re doing fine! You and your dream coat, ahead of your time!”
The Peterborough Theatre Guild is ecstatic to present Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Showplace Performance Centre!
With a cast of over 50 community members, the Joseph team shall take the Showplace stage from April 25th - May 4th.
And now, on with the show!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. One of the most enduring musicals of all time, this show is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors.
Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph.
After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife.
While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh.
Joseph’s insight into Egypt’s impending famine propels him to a position of power as Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his long-lost family.
This musical launched the Rice-Lloyd Webber collaboration, becoming a multi-award-winning show performed in over 80 countries. It features many songs that have gone on to become pop and musical theatre classics, including Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door to Me, There’s One More Angel In Heaven and Go, Go, Go Joseph.
There are still tickets available for Home, I’m Darling, our upcoming play reading!
Join us for this thought-provoking comedy by Laura Wade (Posh) about one woman’s quest to be the perfect 1950s housewife.
Home, I’m Darling received its World Premiere at Theatr Clwyd in 2018, before running at the National Theatre and transferred to the Duke of York’s theatre in the West End, winning the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.
Directed by Bea Quarrie
PTG MainStage 2pm
Sunday April 6th
The dazzling cast and crew of Silent Sky are heading into their final week of shows! This production celebrates the life and work of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, whose groundbreaking contributions to science were largely overlooked in her time. A beautiful story, celebrating the beauty of our skies. Tickets available now through our box office!
“…sheer magic [is] in Lauren Gunderson’s SILENT SKY…Gunderson [writes] economically and with bursts of smart, infectious humor.” —San Francisco Chronicle.
“[SILENT SKY] is a startling, entertaining true story of a brilliant, history-making woman—hitherto unknown to many of us.” —Atlanta In Town.
“Lauren Gunderson’s luminously beautiful play SILENT SKY is an intellectual epic told on an intimate scale. Bottom line: Heavenly.” —Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Creative Team:
Director: Bea Quarrie
Assistant Director: Lisa Dixon
Producers: Ina Stenner and Antje Burness
Stage Management: Marilyn Robinson
Assistant Stage Management: Hayley Griffin-Montgomery
Set Design – David Geene
Lighting & Projection Design – Esther Vincent
Cast:
Henrietta Leavitt – Lindsay Unterlander
Margaret Leavitt – Lyndele Gauci
Peter Shaw – Kevin O’Neill
Annie Cannon – Laura Lawson
Williamina Fleming – Lela Fox-Doran
We are doing our best to serve our patrons and know that not everyone has access to internet or phone yet.
If you had tickets to our matinee show this past Sunday, we're here to help. Please connect with us and we will work with you to accommodate your preference.
If you would like to exchange your tickets for another day, please indicate in your message, which day you prefer. Our phone and email are being monitored and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Final performances are this upcoming Thurdsay, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm. We are grateful for the continues support from the community and hope, everyone is safe.
Happy opening to Silent Sky! Come stargaze with us!
📷: @cwsphotog from @pboroexaminer
Creative Team:
Director: Bea Quarrie
Assistant Director: Lisa Dixon
Producers: Ina Stenner and Antje Burness
Stage Management: Marilyn Robinson
Assistant Stage Management: Hayley Griffin-Montgomery
Set Design – David Geene
Lighting & Projection Design – Esther Vincent
Cast:
Henrietta Leavitt – Lindsay Unterlander
Margaret Leavitt – Lyndele Gauci
Peter Shaw – Kevin O’Neill
Annie Cannon – Laura Lawson
Williamina Fleming – Lela Fox-Doran
Platinum Sponsor: The Medical Centre Hearing Services
Media Sponsors: PTBOCanada and KawarthaNOW
With Support from The Peterborough Foundation and the Gwen and Bill Brown Fund for the Arts
Lobby Generously Furnished by Leon’s Peterborough
Season Artwork: Colton DeKnock
✨ David Geene has brought the vision of Silent Sky to life! ✨
A talented set designer and artist (and actor), he tackled the many challenges of the script with creativity and collaboration. From seamless scene transitions to multiple locations to supports for breathtaking lighting design, David tried to represent the play's powerful themes: women’s empowerment and emancipation, music and science, family and career, and, of course, the boundless cosmos.🌌.
🌠 The stage features a striking round central stage painted as the night sky, a raised semi-circular platform, a “home” space, all complemented by five massive discs for jaw-dropping projections. The result? An experience as awe-inspiring as the cosmos itself! 🚀💫
Huge thanks to the PTG creative team—director, designers, builders, painters—who transformed this vision into reality.
Silent Sky runs from March 21 to April 5.
You can see David's wonderful art at @geeneiousstudios
Kevin O'Neill is no stranger to the PTG stage. This talented actor brings wit and charm to the role of Peter Shaw in Silent Sky, opening this Friday, March 21.
Along with some directing, Kevin has performed in more than 10 plays with PTG over the years, most recently God of Carnage and The Crucible. He has also performed in various shows with Ennismore Homestead Theatre and the old Artspace. During this exploration of big cosmic questions and essential human questions, Kevin feels honoured to be working with such a stellar cast and crew.
We are so lucky to have @lisajoydixon as part of the production of Silent Sky. Not only has she been Bea Quarrie's right hand with auditions, rehearsals and so much more, we've also been lucky enough to enjoy the yummy treats she has brought for cast and crew!
As she says "Being a part of The Theatre Guild has been such a rewarding experience! Moving from owning and operating blackhoney to theatre has been the best idea!"
Silent Sky opens this Friday and runs until April 5.
SILENT SKY, March 21 – April 5: We’re transforming the theatre! Our stage will be illuminated like never before.
Based on the real life of Henrietta Leavitt, the astronomer whose research made it possible to measure the universe, this play has great characters, snappy dialog and an important message.
Curious, how we'll use those big spheres? Come see the show! Tickets are available through the Peterborough Theatre Guild website or our box office.
If you saw PTG's Fiddler on the Roof last year, you will remember Lyndele Gauci (@lil.lyndyloohoo) and her beautiful voice. See her in the role of Margaret Leavitt, Henrietta's sister, in the upcoming Silent Sky, opening March 21.
Lyndele has been a fixture in the Peterborough Theatre community for over 30 years. After returning from York University where she studied theatre, she worked with various companies on shows like CHICAGO, Legally Blonde, Les Misérables, More Than A Memory, CATS, Mamma Mia, and Gibson & Sons.
Tickets for Silent Sky are now available on our website or through our box office.
We're thrilled to have Lela Fox-Doran (@nerd.socks) playing Williamina Fleming in our upcoming production of Silent Sky. They've dazzled us with astronomy facts (follow @ptbotheatreguild as we share these).
No stranger to the stage, they been involved in theatre since childhood but didn't begin in Peterborough until 2023. Since then, they have appeared in 5 shows, including TTOK's The Real Inspector Hound (Felicity Cunningham), PTG's Dorothy in Wonderland (Scarecrow), and ECP's Twelfth Night (Fabian).
You might also recognize Lela from their weekly radio show The InfoDump, or Trent campus where they work as a mol-bio research assistant. They are infinitely thankful for every woman in the sciences that helped to pave the way for they/them in STEM.
Curious about our next play, Silent Sky?
It's based on the real life of Henrietta Leavitt, whose observations of cepheid variables like this one led to her discovery of an accurate way to measure distances well beyond the Milky Way. It had a profound impact on our understanding of the scale and structure of the universe. No longer was our sun at the centre of the Milky Way or the Milky Way the centre of the universe. There were other galaxies!
We're lighting up the stage with her story. Join us for Silent Sky opening March 21.
Last seen in the musical Fiddler On The Roof, Laura Lawson is back on stage for our upcoming play, Silent Sky.
Laura fell in love with the magic of the stage studying at the National Ballet School of Canada and went on to complete a BFA in Theatre Performance at Toronto Metropolitan University. Highlights of her career as a performing artist include: The Nutcracker with the National Ballet of Canada, The Ring Cycle with the Canadian Opera Company, and appearances in the films Save the Last Dance II and Hairspray. Laura's previous appearances with the PTG include Fiddler and Rumours; she is thrilled to be a part of Silent Sky.
Don't miss this inspiring play, running March 21 to April 5.
We're thrilled to have Lindsay Unterlander back on stage at PTG for the production of Silent Sky!
She began her theatre career in stage management and gradually began taking roles on the other side of the curtain. She has joined the ensemble of several musicals and performed in lead roles in Genet’s The Maids, McNally’s Frankie and Johnny, and Ionesco’s The Bald Soprano, among others. Lindsay was a writer and performer of the sketch comedy and improv troupe “LLAADS” and has collaborated on and/or appeared in many original works.
You may recognize her from Adam Scott CVI, where she teaches Drama and History.
It's magical when our wonderful volunteers transform our stage for the next production. We can't wait to share the next play, Silent Sky, with you. It's the inspiring story of the brilliant astronomer Henrietta Leavitt.
March 21 - April 5
Tickets are available on the Peterborough Theatre Guild website.
Joseph rehearsals are in full swing and bringing so much joy to the Peterborough Theatre Guild! We cannot wait for you to hear and see this incredible cast at Showplace Performance Centre this spring.
Tickets are on sale and moving quickly! Don’t miss Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat directed by Robert Ainsworth @ptboshowplace!
April 25th - May 4th
We are so fortunate to have Kay Gregg’s artwork on display at the Peterborough Theatre Guild from now until April 5th!
Kay depicts herself as, “A self-described maximalist, curating and composing big, bold colour always foremost in the process.”
Kay is no stranger to the PTG family. She brilliantly designed the backdrop Dorothy in Wonderland, and has lent a hand to many other productions.
Join us for Silent Sky and “Third” to see Kay’s inspiring creativity!
Our next play reading is approaching fast! Join us for "Third" by Wendy Wasserstein, directed by Lisa Dixon!
His name is Woodson Bull III, but you can call him “Third.” And Professor Laurie Jameson is disinclined to like his jockish, jingoistic attitude. He is, as she puts it, “a walking red state.” Believing that Third’s sophisticated essay on King Lear could not possibly have been written by such a specimen, Professor Jameson reports his plagiarism to the college’s Committee of Academic Standards. But is Jameson’s accusation justified? Or is she casting Third as the villain in her own struggle with her relationships, her age and the increasingly polarized political environment?
Featuring: Dani Breau, Darius Maliha-Evans, Tom Quinn, Sam Weatherdon and Gillian Woodhouse
Recording Voices by: Beau Dixon
We are excited to announce our upcoming production of Silent Sky, the inspiring and thought-provoking play by Lauren Gunderson. Directed by Bea Quarrie and Co-Produced by Ina Stenner and Antje Burness, Silent Sky will be opening on March 21st and running through April 5th.
This production celebrates the life and work of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt, whose groundbreaking contributions to science were largely overlooked in her time.
Set in the early 20th century, Silent Sky tells the true story of Henrietta Leavitt’s determination to uncover the mysteries of the universe, despite the barriers imposed by both society and her gender. Through her work at the Harvard Observatory, Leavitt made a significant discovery that would change the course of astronomy—but, tragically, she never lived to see the full extent of her impact.
It has been an incredible run for Outside Mullingar! There are 2 more opportunities to catch these brilliant actors this weekend.
Come for a laugh, a tear, and maybe a Guinness beer!
Actors:
Steve Foote
Mary Delaney
Luke Foster
Nancy Towns
Directed by Jerry Allen
Produced by Pat Hooper and Bob Campbell
Do you have a short script? Or script idea?
Peterborough Theatre Guild is sponsoring a theatrical first in Peterborough:
10 Minute Sunday!
10 plays, 10 minutes each, and we’re looking to round out the lineup with local talent. If you have written a short script or if you have an idea or notes for a 10-minute play, we want to hear from you.
The shows will take place on Sunday, August 10 at 2 PM and 7 PM.
Please contact our 10 Minute coordinator D’Arcy Jenish
E: darcyjenish@outlook.com
Beat the winter blues with a feisty Irish love story. Tickets are selling fast. Looking for good seats? Try Friday, Feb 7 or closing night Saturday, Feb 8. Tickets are available on our website. Our Winter Package is also still available and includes this show, the brilliant Silent Sky and the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
https://www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com
Opening night of Outside Mullingar directed by Jerry Allen, was truly special! Thank you to our incredible community for all of your support.
Huge thank you to our sponsors as well as David Geene and Karyne McKnight for the beautiful artwork! Come join us for a pint of Guinness and enjoy this delightful play.
Sunday’s performance is sold out, BUT There are a few tickets left for this evening as well as next week.
☘️
We are excited to announce our upcoming Staged Reading! Calendar Girls by Tim Firth will be directed by the one and only Jacquie Ainsworth Butler @butlerjacquie.
Sunday, February 9, 2025 - 2:00 PM
When Annie’s husband John dies of leukemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow Women’s Institute members to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women’s charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press soon descend on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their newfound fame.
Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund, Calendar Girls opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre and has since become the fastest-selling play in British theatre history.
“Calendar Girls, with a script by Tim Firth, who also co-wrote the movie, achieves exactly what it sets out to do. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, and it leaves you feeling better about life than you did when you entered the theatre.” - The Telegraph
“It’s a show full of poignant moments – about friendship, determination and hope; about loss in many forms; about the importance of acceptance; about knowing when to let go. But it also offers plenty of humour, as the six friends and WI members decide to pose nude for a calendar” - Liverpool Daily Post
John Patrick Shanley's Outside Mullingar on at Peterborough Theatre Guild from Jan. 24th to Feb 8th.
Anthony and Rosemary are two introverted misfits straddling 40. Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, a state of affairs that—due to his painful shyness—suits him well. Rosemary lives right next door, determined to have him, watching the years slip away. With Anthony’s father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary has every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. But then, in this very Irish story with a surprising depth of poetic passion, these yearning, eccentric souls fight their way towards solid ground and some kind of happiness. Their journey is heartbreaking, full of laughter, and ultimately deeply moving. Outside Mullingar is a compassionate, delightful work about how it’s never too late to take a chance on love.
Get your tickets now >>>
https://www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com/
John Patrick Shanley's Outside Mullingar on at Peterborough Theatre Guild from Jan. 24th to Feb 8th.
Anthony and Rosemary are two introverted misfits straddling 40. Anthony has spent his entire life on a cattle farm in rural Ireland, a state of affairs that—due to his painful shyness—suits him well. Rosemary lives right next door, determined to have him, watching the years slip away. With Anthony’s father threatening to disinherit him and a land feud simmering between their families, Rosemary has every reason to fear romantic catastrophe. But then, in this very Irish story with a surprising depth of poetic passion, these yearning, eccentric souls fight their way towards solid ground and some kind of happiness. Their journey is heartbreaking, full of laughter, and ultimately deeply moving. Outside Mullingar is a compassionate, delightful work about how it’s never too late to take a chance on love.
Get your tickets now >>>
https://www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com
The first day of rehearsal for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was a great success! The cast and crew came together beautifully, and we’re off to an exciting start. It was wonderful to see so many dear friends and new faces!
Tickets on sale now through our website and box office! Joseph will be taking the stage April 25th at Showplace Performance Centre.
We are excited for the next play of our 2024/2025 season, Outside Mullingar by John Patrick Shanley. This deeply moving Irish story is directed by Jerry Allen and Co-Produced by Pat Hooper and Bob Campbell.
Featuring: Mary Delaney, Luke Foster, Steve Foote and Nancy Towns
This Tony and Pulitzer winning play is a compassionate, delightful work about how it’s never too late to take a chance on love.
Praise for Outside Mullingar:
“Mr. Shanley’s finest work since Doubt…a soft-hearted comedy freckled with dark reflections on the unsatisfactory nature of life and the thorns of love.” —The New York Times.
“John Patrick Shanley has not written a more beautiful or loving play than OUTSIDE MULLINGAR.” —Variety.
“OUTSIDE MULLINGAR is a valentine to the wonder and weirdness of love.” —New York Daily News.
AUDITION CALL - NEW SPOTS HAVE JUST BEEN ADDED for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!
NEW AUDITION SPOTS
Sunday, December 1: 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
CALLBACKS
Thursday, December 5
Auditions take place in 10-minute increments in the Gwen Brown Studio at the Peterborough Theatre Guild. Please enter through the stage door on the right side of the building.
Each person should prepare a song of their own choosing and bring the music and/or a soundtrack as accompaniment, along with a way to play the track if needed. You will also be doing a short dance audition with our choreographer, so please wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
For a list of characters and to reserve your audition spot, visit https://www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com/get-involved#Auditions
#auditions #ptbocanada
Dorothy in Wonderland - The Musical is coming to Peterborough theatre Guild! Get your tickets now!
Date and Time:
Nov. 29, 30m, Dec. 1m, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7m, 8m
7:30pm
m = matinees at 2 pm
Tickets:
$15.00 - $15.00 including fees
The worlds of Oz and Wonderland collide in this fantastically fun romp, cleverly and carefully adapted from the works of L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll. Dorothy Gale has made her way to the end of the Yellow Brick Road, and the wonderful Wizard of Oz is just about to help her get back home to Kansas. But before she can hop into the wizard’s balloon, another whirlwind appears over the Emerald City, sweeping Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion away to Wonderland. Equipped with their new assets — brains, heart, and courage — Dorothy’s friends try to help her find her way home, meeting many other interesting characters along the way, including Alice, the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, March Hare, the Cheshire Cat and many more. They also must face a dangerous new foe — the Queen of Hearts! Dorothy and Alice team up to defeat the queen at croquet, but will that be enough to return Wonderland to normal? And how will they ever get back home to Kansas and to London?
Website:
https://www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com/upcoming-plays/dorothy-in-wonderland
#dorothyinwonderland #theatre #ptbo #ptbokawartha #peterborough
AUDITION CALL for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat!
The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be performed publicly is coming to the Peterborough Theatre Guild next April. This reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph is told entirely through song.
AUDITION DATES
Sunday, December 1: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Monday December 2: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 3: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m.
CALLBACKS
Thursday, December 5
Auditions take place in 10-minute increments in the Gwen Brown Studio at the Peterborough Theatre Guild. Please enter through the stage door on the right side of the building.
Each person should prepare a song of their own choosing and bring the music and/or a soundtrack as accompaniment, along with a way to play the track if needed. You will also be doing a short dance audition with our choreographer, so please wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
For a list of characters and to reserve your audition spot, visit https://www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com/get-involved#Auditions
#auditions #ptbocanada
An Art Exibit for Every Show! Proud to showcase @corin_ford_forrester_ and Stephanie Ford Forrester and their beautiful art.
If you have tickets for one of the last three performances of Mary's Wedding (Thu, Fri, Sat) or the Staged Reading of August: Osage County (Sun), take a moment to enjoy their beautiful work.
We are holding auditions for the March 2025 production of SILENT SKY by Lauren Gunderson, the story of Henrietta Leavitt, the astronomer who worked at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900's as a human computer mapping the stars.
THE CHARACTERS
Henrietta Leavitt: (F) 30's, passionate and meticulous
Margaret Leavitt: (F) 30's musically creative, sings and plays piano
Annie Cannon: (F) 30-40, funny sharp witted, devoted suffragette
Williamina Fleming: (F) early 50's, Scottish, smart and funny
Peter Shaw: (M) sweet, awkward, traditional
AUDITION DATES
Friday, November 15: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.�
Saturday, November 16: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
CALLBACK
Sunday November 17th: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
SHOW DATES
March 21 - April 5, 2025
Sign up on our website under "Get Involved".
#ptbocanada
#auditions
What a crew!
Introducing the final cast members of August: Osage County! We hope you can join us on November 10th at 2pm. We are grateful for this incredible company and for our dedicated patrons. Your support is deeply appreciated.
Tickets available online or through the box office 705-745-4211
Actors in Alphabetical Order:
Justin Boyd
Scott Lale
Laura Lawson
Bea Quarrie - Director
Tom Quinn
Barb Russell
Mark Scanion
Jack VanRoosmalen
Esther Vincent
Gillian Woodhouse
We are thrilled to announce the cast from our upcoming staged reading of August: Osage County. We are so lucky to have Linda Kash, Beau Dixon, Megan Murphy and Lyla Elliott joining us. You won't want to miss these heavy hitters do what they do best on November 10th at 2pm. More cast highlights to come!
Photo top left to bottom right:
Beau Dixon
Lyla Elliott
Linda Kash
Megan Murphy
Last night’s opening of “Mary’s Wedding” at the Peterborough Theatre Guild was nothing short of magical! Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable evening—your support means the world to us.
The cast and crew are excited to get back to the stage this evening! Get your tickets to see this poignant and very special play written by Stephen Massicotte and directed by Jane Werger. Mary’s Wedding runs until November 9th.
Producer: Jennifer Gruer
Stage Management: Marilyn Robinson
Set Design: David Geene
Featuring: Justine Christensen and Edward Sweeney
We are thrilled to share our next Staged Play Reading with you!
August: Osage County
By Tracy Letts
Directed by Bea Quarrie
Stage Managed by Sharon McLeod
A vanished father. A pill-popping mother. Three sisters harbouring shady little secrets. When the large Weston family unexpectedly reunites after Dad disappears, their Oklahoman family homestead explodes in a maelstrom of repressed truths and unsettling secrets. Mix in Violet, the scathingly acidic matriarch, and you’ve got a major modern Shakespearean play that unflinchingly - and UPROARIOUSLY- exposes the dark side of the Midwestern American family.
Exciting cast announcements coming tomorrow!
BOOK YOUR TICKETS
Mary's Wedding opens this Friday.
This unforgettable tale weaves memory and dream to recount the story of Mary’s first love, Charlie, from their meeting in a barn during a thunderstorm to his letters from the battlefront in France during WWI. This award-winning paly is at times funny, romantic, sad and dramatic, and has a heart as big as the skies that serve as its stage.
Tickets are available online or at the box office.
Join us for a special “Pay What You Can” event for Mary’s Wedding at the Peterborough Theatre Guild! Whether you can contribute a little or a little more, your presence is what truly matters. Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with captivating storytelling, incredible talent, and the shared joy of theatre. Bring your friends and family—everyone is welcome! Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something special.
Mary’s Wedding runs October 25th - November 9th with 2 PWYC evenings on October 26th and October 31st.
*PWYC starting at 10.00 per ticket
It is an absolute delight to welcome Justine Christensen to the Peterborough Theatre Guild family! The incredibly talented Justine will be playing Mary and Gordon Muriel Flowerdew in Mary's Wedding opening October 25th on the PTG main stage.
Justine Christensen is a Toronto-born actor, writer, and producer. She is a co-founder of LET ME IN, a platform through which she produces remodelled “classic” plays for a contemporary audience, as well as hosting accessible Short Film Shares where emerging filmmakers can screen short film content. Her favourite acting credits include Kayleen (Gruesome Playground Injuries, Theatre at Eastminster), Rosalind (As You Like It, GBTS Theatre), and Bridget
(Cannibal, Nextstage Festival). Justine has appeared in TV series such as Murdoch Mysteries, Chucky, The Expanse, and The Umbrella Academy. You can follow her work on IG @justinextnsn.
Last seen in Peterborough Theatre Guild’s production of Fiddler on the Roof, Edward Sweeney returns as Charlie in Mary’s Wedding. Do not miss your chance to see his incredible performance October 25th - November 9th.
Eddy is thrilled to be performing with PTG again as Charlie in Mary’s Wedding. This is the most demanding role he has ever had the opportunity to play, and he is excited to bring this powerful story to life. Most recently, you might have seen Eddy as Perchik in Peterborough Theatre Guild’s Fiddler on the Roof or Macduff in Macbeth.
What a pleasure it is to introduce the celebrated author of Mary's Wedding, Stephen Massicotte.
Stephen Massicotte’s play Mary’s Wedding premiered in 2002 at the Alberta Theatre Projects playRites Festival and was the winner of the 2000 Alberta Playwriting Competition, the 2002 Betty Mitchell Award, and the 2003 Alberta Book Award. His play The Oxford Roof Climber’s Rebellion premiered as a co- production between the Tarragon Theatre and the Great Canadian Theatre Company and was a hit off Broadway. His play, The Clockmaker, premiered at the Alberta Theatre Projects* 2009 playRites Festival and won the 2009 Betty Mitchell Award for Best New Play and the 2011 Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Best English Language Play. Stephen wrote the feature films The Dark and Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning, the award-winning short film June and, Historica Canada’s Winnipeg Falcons and Nursing Sisters Heritage Minutes. Most recently, he wrote and produced the feature film How We Ended Us.
Love for Mary's Wedding:
"It is a lovely story. At times funny, at times romantic, sometimes dramatic, a little sad, but always with that easy charming undertow that pulls the audience along with it."
- From the Applause! Meter, Calgary review of Mary's Wedding
"With an impressive economy of means—only one set, two actors and no intermission—Massicotte has combined a fictional romance with the true story of a heroic World War I exploit. "
-New York Times
"As dreams do, Massicotte's script collages things prosaic with things fantastical, things recalled with things imagined—heightened, skewed memories, letters, news from the war. "
-CityBeat, Cincinnati
"If this production had been a videotape I would have rewound it and watched the whole thing all over again the minute it ended. "
-New York Theatre Review
We hope you will join us at the Peterborough Theatre Guild October 25th - November 9th. Mary's Wedding is directed by the one and only Jane Werger and produced by Jennifer Gruer. Featuring Edward Sweeney and Justine Christensen.
Join us for Mary's Wedding >>> Oct. 25th to Nov. 9th at The Peterborough Theatre Guild!
On the night before her wedding, Mary dreams of a thunderstorm, during which she unexpectedly meets Charlie sheltering in a barn beside his horse. With innocence and humour, the two discover a charming first love. But the year is 1914, and the world is collapsing into a brutal war. Together, they attempt to hide their love, galloping through the fields for a place and time where the tumultuous uncertainties of battle can’t find them. A play with a heart as big as the skies that serve as its stage, Mary’s Wedding is an epic, unforgettable story of love, hope, and survival.
Date and Time:
October 25, 26, 27m 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3m 7, 8, 9
7:30pm and m= matinees at 2pm
Buy Tickets >>> https://www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com/upcoming-plays/marys-wedding
Join us for our Volunteer Celebration! If you are interested in becoming involved in the performing arts as a volunteer, we would love to see you there!
If you already volunteer for the PTG, please come out so we can show our appreciation.
Wed, October. 9, 4:15-6:15pm
Gwen Brown Studio, PTG
364 Rogers St, Peterborough
Following our Volunteer Celebration, we will hold Peterborough Theatre Guild’s Annual General Meeting. This event is open to the public. Please note that a Working Membership is required to vote at the AGM. To receive a digital copy of the Reports, register with Marion Griffin at mariongriffinptg@gmail.com.
Wed, October. 9, 6:30 pm
Gwen Brown Studio, PTG
364 Rogers St, Peterborough
Join us for Mary's Wedding >>> Oct. 25th to Nov. 9th at The Peterborough Theatre Guild!
On the night before her wedding, Mary dreams of a thunderstorm, during which she unexpectedly meets Charlie sheltering in a barn beside his horse. With innocence and humour, the two discover a charming first love. But the year is 1914, and the world is collapsing into a brutal war. Together, they attempt to hide their love, galloping through the fields for a place and time where the tumultuous uncertainties of battle can’t find them. A play with a heart as big as the skies that serve as its stage, Mary’s Wedding is an epic, unforgettable story of love, hope, and survival.
Date and Time:
October 25, 26, 27m 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3m 7, 8, 9
7:30pm and m= matinees at 2pm
Buy Tickets >>> https://www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com/upcoming-plays/marys-wedding
Join us for Mary's Wedding >>> Oct. 25th to Nov. 9th at The Peterborough Theatre Guild!
On the night before her wedding, Mary dreams of a thunderstorm, during which she unexpectedly meets Charlie sheltering in a barn beside his horse. With innocence and humour, the two discover a charming first love. But the year is 1914, and the world is collapsing into a brutal war. Together, they attempt to hide their love, galloping through the fields for a place and time where the tumultuous uncertainties of battle can’t find them. A play with a heart as big as the skies that serve as its stage, Mary’s Wedding is an epic, unforgettable story of love, hope, and survival.
Date and Time:
October 25, 26, 27m 31, Nov. 1, 2, 3m 7, 8, 9
7:30pm and m= matinees at 2pm
Buy Tickets >>> https://www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com/upcoming-plays/marys-wedding
What an exciting time it is at the Peterborough Theatre Guild! As we approach opening night, the Ghosts and Zombie Slayers are hard at work!
Both casts were able to join forces and cheer one another on in their first run through Tuesday night. We cannot wait for you to see these highly informative and entertaining productions.
A Ghost Story and How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse runs September 20th - October 5th.
View more
subscribe
Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
Be the first to know when there's breaking news at the Guild.