Workshops

fall 2025

Playwriting Workshop

Facilitator: Marcia Johnson

Saturday, November 1: 2pm to 4pm

Sunday, November 2: 2pm to 4pm

$30

This workshop is open to playwrights at all experience levels who would like a fresh approach to their creative process.

Marcia takes a dramaturgical approach to help writers shape their plays to resonate on the stage. The workshop will include whole-group exercises and feedback as well as tailored exercises and feedback for individual writers’ unique voice and goal. 

Marcia Johnson is an actor, writer, dramaturg and audiobook director and narrator based in T’karonto. She has led playwriting workshops at Tarragon Theatre and Expect Theatre. In her long career she has written several plays that were staged across Canada and has performed in theatres across Ontario. 

Read more about her many accomplishments.

Interested participants should submit the following to Marcia:

• A brief letter of interest
• A short biography
• A sample of your playwriting (maximum 10 pages)

Please note: solo shows are not eligible.

Application deadline: October 15

Successful applicants will be notified by October 24 and will then receive payment information. 

fall 2025

Directing Techniques

Facilitator: Rod Carley

Friday, November 7:  7pm to 9pm

Saturday, November 8:  1:30pm to 5:30pm

Sunday, November 9:  12pm to 5pm

$50

This user-friendly, hands-on workshop will introduce you to the practical aspects of directing.

The role of the stage director is one of the most dynamic and multifaceted in the performing arts. This workshop will show you how a good director not only shapes the vision of a production but also orchestrates the collaboration of diverse talents to bring that vision to life. 

A director is not a dictator, but an artistic leader who creates an environment where the creative process can thrive. In this workshop, you’ll explore how strong communication is essential for effective direction, so you can express your artistic vision clearly, create an atmosphere of collaboration among cast and crew and manage the complex dynamics of rehearsals. 

Successful directors possess a strong artistic vision, emotional intelligence, attention to detail, technical knowledge, and strong organizational skills.

Together we will explore: 

• Text Analysis for the Director
• The Playwright-Director Relationship
• Working with Actors
• Planning & Executing Blocking
• Articulating Vision
• Collaborating with Designers
• Auditioning & Rehearsals

Friday & Saturday will be spent learning techniques. Sunday will be spent working on scenes with actors.

Rod Carley has impacted the Ontario theatre scene for the last thirty-five years. He has directed/produced 150 stage productions to date, both nationally and internationally. He has served as Founding Artistic Director and Artistic Director at several institutions and is a highly sought-after adjudicator. 

Read more about his many accomplishments.

The journey of a theatre director is one of constant learning and growth. Start your journey here. 

Register below.

You can also register by calling our box office at 705.745.4211