Tag: acting

“The Last Real Summer” THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CAST

Stay tuned for more show information, coming soon!

The Last Real Summer is a story about love, war, and growing up. A beautifully written memory piece, narrated by the main character, Elizabeth Wharton. When Elizabeth returns home for a trip down memory lane, she brings the audience with her for a nostalgic journey to 1939 and 1942.  As she relives those memories, they come to life on the stage, played out by a much younger Lizzie, in tandem with a variety of other characters ‘as she remembers them’ during those years. Set in rural Alberta, Canada.

Touching, funny, and at times heartbreaking…The Last Real Summer is a gorgeous period piece with plenty of room for strong actors to flex their muscles.

The Last Real Summer will be the Emerald Pig Theatrical Society’s entry into the 2023 Fraser Valley Zone Festival (Theatre BC).

Characters (Cast of 8)

Elizabeth Wharton: an actress cast in this role will be able to believably play 58 yrs of age, and must be a skillful, emotionally energetic story teller. Elizabeth feels her memories deeply, and this is reflected in the telling. Elizabeth is Mother to Kathy and is the elder version of Lizzie. (Lizzie and Elizabeth are the same person). Elizabeth is telling the story we are watching.

Lizzie Tingley: an actress cast in this role will be able to play both 17 and 21 years of age. Lizzie is spirited, vibrant, growing into a strong and determined young medical student. In love with Douglas Cameron.  This character is Elizabeth’s memory of herself from 1939 and 1942.

Herbert Tingley: an actor cast in this role will be able to believably play 35 to 50 years of age.  Herbert is Lizzie/Elizabeth’s father. He is the school principal, easy going and pleasant. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.

Molly Tingley: an actress cast in this role will be able to believably play 35 to 50 years of age.  Molly is Lizzie/Elizabeth’s mother. She is from Ireland (Irish accent required), she is strict and fussy, but not entirely without a sense of fun. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.

Douglas Cameron: an actor cast in this role will be able to believably play both 17 and 21 years of age. Doug is a farmer’s son, and he loves Lizzie…but he wants more out of life than farming…eventually running away to join the Air Force. He is playful and fun, and an adventurous dreamer. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.

Peggy Cameron: an actress cast in this role will be able to believably play 35 to 50 years of age.  Peggy is Douglas’s mother. A typical 30’s farm-wife, doting, doesn’t like conflict, always cleaning or mending something. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.

Duncan Cameron: an actor cast in this role will be able to believably play 35 to 50 years of age.  Duncan is Douglas’s father. He is a farmer, gruff and often angry, served in WWI. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.

Kathy Wharton: an actress cast in this role will be able to believably play 33 to 40 years of age.  Kathy is Elizabeth’s daughter.  Kathy has joined her mother on this trip back ‘home’. She is an instrument, serving to create breaks in the memories…bringing us back to the now.  She is less than happy with her life as a wife and mother, finds it unfulfilling.

*Believable family/character resemblances will be a part of casting, particularly with Elizabeth and Lizzie since they are the same person at different ages. As close as we can get it, so if you have family in the theatre, bring them out to audition.

Open Call Auditions
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 – 7:00pm to 9:30pm
Heritage Hall: 12460 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows

Monday, January 30, 2023 – 7:00pm to 9:30pm
South Bonson Community Centre: 10932 Barnston View Road, Pitt Meadows

Callbacks by Invitation – Saturday, February 4 – 11am to 2pm

Those cast MUST be available for the following dates in order to audition:
Production Run Dates:
May 5 to 7, 2023 at the NEW Albion Community Centre in Maple Ridge
May 12 to 14, 2023 at the South Bonson Community Centre in Pitt Meadows
Tech/Dress Rehearsals:
May 3, 4, 10 and 11 (evenings) at the respective venues.
Theatre BC Fraser Valley Zone Festival:
Festival will be held at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre between May 22 and 26
Schedule has not been confirmed as yet, this date is TBA
Mainstage:
If successful at the festival – cast must make themselves available for additional rehearsals and 1 performance in July.
Mainstage will be held at the Surrey Arts Centre, so travel will not be required this year. Performance Date TBA.

Additional Information:

  • Please let us know if you require a specific audition time, otherwise auditions will be first come-first served.
  • Auditions will consist of reading sides from the script.
  • Please come prepared with a list of any dates you may not be available to rehearse. The calendar can be adjusted at the beginning of the rehearsal process if selected performers have minor conflicts – but once we finalize based on casting, there will be no further changes – so be sure to let us know now.
  • The first read-through will be Wednesday, February 8 at 6:30pm.
    Rehearsals will be on Wednesdays in February.
    In March and April they will be on Wednesday and Thursday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 and Sundays from 11am to 3pm.
    Not all actors will be needed for every rehearsal.
  • We are a theatre CLUB. Everyone involved is expected to be a team player and pitch in where needed, whenever reasonable, including but not limited to loading in and out of the venues.
  • This is a Non-Equity, Community Theatre Production. All cast must become members of Emerald Pig Theatrical Society. Membership is $10, or $20 for a family (must reside at the same address) – the fee is payable at the first rehearsal.
  • This is a Theatre BC Festival entry, and all cast will need to become members of Theatre BC.

If you require additional information please contact the Director, Angela Bell, at thelastrealsummer@gmail.com.

“Halfway There” THIS SHOW HAS BEEN CAST!

AUDITIONS – “Halfway There”

Welcome to the small town of Stewiacke (stoo-ee-ack), Nova Scotia – a town whose claim to fame is that they are located halfway between the Equator and the North Pole.
There’s no such thing as a secret in Stewiacke. Not when the gossips meet for coffee every day at the local diner. Vi, Rita, Mary Ellen, and Janine are all as close as can be, and they know everybody’s business. But when Sean, a heartbroken doctor, moves in to take a temporary job at the clinic, he tips the Maritime town off its axis.
What follows is a month of lessons learned for all, through hilarity, tears and the bonds of unshakeable friendship. Sugar and spice and everything nice…with a dash of Maritime salt! Halfway There is a feel-good theatrical experience that will keep you smiling long after you leave the theatre.

Characters (Cast of 5)
Janine Babineau: mid to late 30’s – attractive, honest, straight forward, down to earth (what you see is what you get). Not shallow or flirty.
Sean Merrit: 42 – Good looking and knows it, but not conceited. Playful, determined, confident…but geniune.
Vi, Rita and Mary Ellen: all are 50-60 years old. Janine’s dearest friends. These ladies are the heart and the comedy.

When are the Auditions?
Thursday, January 12, 2023 – 7pm to 9pm
Saturday, January 14, 2023 – 11am to 1pm
**There will be no callbacks, so be sure to bring your A-game to the auditions.

Where are the Auditions?
Heritage Hall, Multipurpose Room
12460 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2J5

Production Run Dates:
March 2 to 5, 2023 in Pitt Meadows
March 10 to 12, 2023 in Maple Ridge
Cast will also need to be available March 1, 7 and 8 for load in/dress rehearsal at the respective venues.
Venues have been secured, but will be announced at a later date.

Additional Information:

  • Please let us know if you require a specific audition time, otherwise auditions will be first come-first served.
  • Auditions will consist of reading sides from the script.
  • Please come prepared with a list of any dates you may not be available to rehearse. The calendar can be adjusted at the beginning of the rehearsal process if selected performers have minor conflicts – but once we finalize based on casting, there will be no further changes – so be sure to let us know now.
  • The performance will require some actors to execute simple dance steps (waltz – Sean & Janine). Dance experience not required, but it would be an asset.
  • The first read-through will be Sunday morning, January 15 at 11am. Rehearsals will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 and Sundays from 11am to 3pm. (subject to change)
    Not all actors will be needed for every rehearsal.
  • We are a theatre CLUB. Everyone involved is expected to be a team player and pitch in where needed, whenever reasonable, including but not limited to loading in and out of the venues.
  • This is a Non-Equity, Community Theatre Production. All cast must become members of Emerald Pig Theatrical Society. Membership is $10, or $20 for a family (must reside at the same address) – the fee is payable at the first rehearsal.

If you require additional information please contact the Director, Angela Bell, at halfwaythere2023@gmail.com.

Audition Sides for “As You Like It”

Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Simon Challenger

Below you will find the Cast of Characters for our upcoming auditions. Click on the character name to download the Audition Side.

We can’t wait to meet you – break a leg!

Orlando de Boys, youngest son of Sir Rowland de Boys

Oliver de Boys, Orlando’s eldest brother

Adam, servant to Oliver, friend to Orlando

Rosalind, daughter of Duke Senior

Celia, cousin to Rosalind, daughter of Duke Frederick

Touchstone, a court fool

Duke Frederick, the usurper

Charles, a wrestler at Duke Frederick’s court

Le Beau, a courtier at Duke Frederick’s court

Duke Senior, exiled ruler, Duke Frederick’s older brother

Jaques, Lord attending Duke Senior

Hymen, God(ess) of marriage

Corin, a Shepherd

Silvius, a young shepherd

Phoebe, a shepherdess

Various Lords, attendants and musicians

For the Audition information (dates, location, etc.) click here.

If you require additional information please contact the Director, Simon Challenger, at schallenger@shaw.ca.

Audition Announcement!

Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Simon Challenger

Welcome to the Roaring ’20’s. Duke Frederick has usurped his brother, Duke Senior. He and his gang have taken over the Duchy and he’s opened the Speakeasy, a place with few rules, lots of illicit liquor, music and dancing. Wrestling matches and other spectacles are part of the entertainment. Duke Senior, meanwhile, has escaped with a few of his loyal supporters and lives in the Forest of Arden where he can hide from Duke Frederick. Duke Senior has set up his own still operation and makes moonshine for the local inhabitants, an offbeat group of yokels going about their business. Rosalind is Duke Senior’s daughter, best friend to Celia, Duke Frederick’s daughter. She’s still at the Speakeasy but she falls out of favour with Duke Frederick because she is taken with Orlando, the son of Sir Rowland de Boys, who was banished along with Duke Senior. She’s exiled under pain of death. Along with Celia, Rosalind flees to the Forest of Arden. They bring along the court fool, Touchstone. Orlando is also forced to flee for his life after he defeats Duke Frederick’s champion in a wrestling match. In order to protect herself, Rosalind disguises herself as a young man, Ganymede. While in disguise as Ganymede, Rosalind meets up with Orlando but can’t reveal her identity to him. Mayhem, confusion and mistaken identity ensue, but all is well in the end as everything is resolved and order is restored.

When are the Auditions?
Saturday, March 12, 2022 – 12pm to 5pm
Sunday, March 13, 2022 – 12pm to 4pm
*Actors who are concerned about in-person auditions may contact the director for a Zoom appointment.
Callbacks by invitation, Date TBA

Where are the Auditions?
Maple Ridge Leisure Centre
11925 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6G2
Covid Protocols remain in place at this time.

Production Run Dates:
July 14 through 16, 2022 in Pitt Meadows
July 21 through 23, 2022 in Maple Ridge

Additional Information:

  • Please let us know if you require a specific audition time, otherwise auditions will be first come-first served.
  • Please come prepared with a list of any dates you may not be available to rehearse.
  • No experience with Shakespeare necessary! We’ll provide you with plenty of assistance to better understand and deliver your lines.
  • The performance will require some actors to execute simple dance steps and sing as part of an ensemble. Musicians will perform on stage during the performances.
  • Rehearsals will commence on April 5. Rehearsals will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6pm to 9pm, and Sunday afternoons 11am to 4pm. (subject to change)
  • This is a Non-Equity, Community Theatre Production.

If you require additional information please contact the Director, Simon Challenger, at schallenger@shaw.ca.

One Night Only!

A Night of the Macabre

Join us for an evening of 3 short, small cast, socially distanced plays, set at 3 different locations within walking distance from each other. Directed by Simon Challenger.


Admission by donation. Thanks for your support of the arts in our community!

Take in 1 or attend all 3. See them in any order you like. The 3 shows will run simultaneously, and each will start again every 40 minutes, so there is no need to rush to the next showing.

The Telltale Heart, by Edgar Allan Poe
See it at St. Andrew’s Heritage Church
22279 – 116th Avenue

In the Red Light, by Maurice Level
See it at Haney House
11612 – 224th Avenue

Slumach’s Gold and the Widow’s Curse, by CL Young
See it at the Maple Ridge Museum
22520 – 116th Avenue

“SUCH STUFF” Thanks for the Memories

SUCH STUFF was a wonderful success!

Thanks very much to everyone involved! Whether you worked behind the scenes, on stage, or were in the audience, we couldn’t have done it without you! Please enjoy these memories of the show, and many thanks to Christina Waschko for sharing her photos.

Workshop Announcement! Scene Work.

Shakespeare’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’

Exploration through Scene Work for Directors and Actors, with Colleen Wheeler.

This weekend workshop will allow actors and directors to examine, through scene work, Shakespeare’s ‘The Winter’s Tale’. The workshop will be lead by one of Vancouver’s foremost actors, seven time Jessie Richardson award winner, Colleen Wheeler. Her long-time association with Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach will add an extra dimension to our understanding of the Bard, and how to play him.

Colleen Wheeler is a long-time member of Bard on the Beach, having been last seen in Coriolanus, for which she received a Jessie nomination. She is the winner of 7 Jessie awards. Other recent Theatre: Timon of Athens (Bard on the Beach); The Party/The Candidate (Citadel); Forget About Tomorrow and The Valley (Arts Club/Belfry). Recent Television and Film: Head of The Snake, Twilight Zone, Altered Carbon, Tully, and Hailey Dean Murder Mysteries. Colleen graduated from the University of Alberta’s BFA (Acting) Program.

When: Saturday October 3 and Sunday October 4 – 12pm to 6pm each day

Where: This is a zoom event with break out rooms. There are very few spaces left, so register soon!

Cost: TBC/ Fraser Valley Zone members – $100 per person or $400 per group.
Non-members $150 per person or $500 per group.

Click here to register online, and someone will contact you regarding payment.

For more information email: emeraldpig@theatrebc.org

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