Thank you to everyone who made our opening night a success – you can see The Birds onstage at Hart House Theatre from now until December 10, 2022. Visit Hart House Theatre or Bygone Theatre for tickets and more information.
The Birds Are Here!
Tag: suspense
Now Accepting Audition Submissions for The Birds
Written and Directed by Emily Dix. Inspired by the Daphne DuMaurier short story and Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name.
SHOW DATES:
November 25 – December 11 (minimum of 12 performances)
FEE STRUCTURE:
All artists will be given a flat $400 honourarium and will be engaged in a profit-share. If union members are cast the show will be produced under the Equity Collective Agreement.
HOW TO APPLY:
Submit resume and headshot to auditions(at)bygonetheatre.com with the subject “The Birds – Auditions”. Those selected will be asked to submit a self-tape: callbacks will take place in-person at a date and time TBA. All cast and crew must be triple vaccinated against COVID-19 – proof of vaccination will be required along with self-tape submission.
SYNOPSIS:
THE BIRDS is a Cold-War Era thriller that examines what happens when the line between truth and paranoia becomes dangerously blurred. New York Socialite Daphne Daniels is headed to an old family cottage with her brother and husband for a weekend of R&R, but when her husband is unexpectedly delayed and their neighbours turn out to be Daphne’s old flame and his new girl, tensions run high. Things take a bizarre turn when reports of violent bird attacks start flooding the airwaves and the sudden crisis brings out everyone’s deepest fears and darkest convictions.
CHARACTERS:
Daphne: Female, 25-30
A young, recently married NYC socialite who is trying to bring some excitement to her marriage, reconnect with her brother, and stop the boredom of married life from pushing her to do something reckless as she would have in her younger days. Opinionated and outspoken at times, she finds herself following the pack if it seems like it will mean positive attention from those she admires.
David: Male, 25-35
Daphne’s brother. Sensitive, anxious, and unsure of his sexuality, he has difficulty fitting in. Recently spent some time in the hospital after a botched suicide attempt, which his family brushes off as more of a retreat stay than necessary medical treatment. Attempting to reconnect with his sister who he has not been close to in many years. Feels like he’s on a tipping point.
Mitch: Male, 30-35
Daphne’s old flame, the picture perfect version of mid century masculinity. His good looks and charm just barely cover his misogyny. Likes to be the hero, but prioritizes his own interests.
Annie: Female, 20-25
Mitch’s new girlfriend, young and seemingly naive, eager to please and often submissive. The prototypical “girl next door”, she is underestimated by those who first meet her, but is more observant and clever than people give her credit for.
Hank: Male, 35-50
A rough-and-tumble older man who lives alone in a small cottage and works as caretaker for those who use the houses as summer homes. Initially seems like a “good ole’ boy”, but the years spent living alone make him stubborn and set in his ways in a sometimes disturbing fashion. Old fashioned, well-meaning, but not to be messed with.
Diversity & Accessibility Mandates:
As per our mandates, 50% of all audition slots will be reserved for those who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Person of Colour). Please see our mandate in full on our website: https://www.bygonetheatre.com/diversity-accessibility
The Rear Window
The world premiere of The Rear Window runs March 8-17, 2019 at Theatre Passe Muraille, Toronto.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MONDAY JANUARY 28, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Dix | emily@bygonetheatre.com | 647-343-5965
The Rear Window Collective Presents the World Premiere of
THE REAR WINDOW
A Thrilling New Stage Adaptation of a Classic Tale
TORONTO, ON (Monday January 28, 2019) – Bygone Theatre has partnered with the newly formed Rear Window Collective to support their upcoming production of the world premiere of The Rear Window, written and directed by Emily Dix. This Canadian Actor’s Equity Association production is being produced under the Artist’s Collective Policy, and runs March 8 – 17, 2019 at Theatre Passe Muraille, on their mainstage.
SYNOPSIS
Recuperating from a broken leg, photojournalist L.B. Jefferies (Tristan Claxton) spends his days cooped up in his NYC apartment, watching his neighbours through the rear window of his home. What starts out innocently enough quickly grows into a dangerous obsession, as Jefferies – hopped up on painkillers and too much alcohol – becomes convinced he’s witnessed one of his neighbours commit a brutal murder. Has Jefferies’ really solved a terrible crime? Or have his inner demons finally got the best of him?
Based on the short story It Had To Be Murder by Cornell Woolrich, the same tale that inspired the 1954 Hitchcock film, Rear Window (James Stewart, Grace Kelly), The Rear Window takes a new look at this classic tale of a peeping Tom who saw more than he wanted to see. Still set in the 1950s, the play’s relevancy to today is undeniable in a world where many of us waste away our hours “spying” on others through social media, making our own stories and assumptions based on these small glimpses of a person’s life. A gripping, psychological thriller that will leave you guessing until the final moments whether or not what we’re seeing can truly be believed.
Featuring: Tristan Claxton (Hamelt(s); The Dutchess of Malfi), Kate McArthur (Hamelt(s), My Entertainment World Outstanding Lead nomination; The Tom and Gertie Letters Project), Alex Clay (A Streetcar Named Desire; Inch Of Your Life), Elizabeth Rose Morriss (Tell Me On A Sunday; Harvest Moon Rising), Isaiah Kolundzic (Venus in Fur; The Boys In The Band;Six Stories Told At Night), Sarah Marchand (Umbrella Academy; God’s Plan B), Casey Romanin (Moving On), Gabriel Hamilton (Edmond; The Forest; His Girl Friday).
Created by The Rear Window Collective | Supported by Bygone Theatre
RECOMMENDED for ages 14+ | ADVISORY: Adult situations, violence
SHOW DATES March 8-17, 7:30pm evenings, 2:00pm weekend matinees
LOCATION Theatre Passe Muraille | 16 Ryerson Ave., Toronto
BOX OFFICE online via Arts Box Office | 416-504-7529
TICKETS $25-$30 | $20 Early Bird Discount tickets available until February 7
Visit www.bygonetheatre.com | Twitter & Instagram @BygoneTheatre, @The.Rear.Window
Crew Spotlight – Fight Director Siobhan Richardson
Siobhan Richardson is the Fight Director for Wait Until Dark.
BIO: Siobhan Richardson is a fight director and actor/fighter/singer/dancer. Fight Direction credits includeThe Trial of Judith K (Thought For Food Productions), A Christmas Story and The Hobbit (The Grand Theatre, London), White Biting Dog (Soulpepper), Such Creatures (Nightswimming and Theatre Passe Muraille), Death of a Chief (Native Earth), James and the Giant Peach and To Kill a Mockingbird (Young Peoples’ Theatre) and Frankenstein’s Boy (Eldritch Theatre). She has taught stage combat across Canada and Europe, including London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Munich, Brittany, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Sweden, and will be teaching at the upcoming World Stage Combat Conference. Acting credits include And Then The Lights Went Out (Stage West, Calgary), Mo and Jess Kill Susie (Harley Dog Productions), and Hogtown. For further acting credits, please go to www.SiobhanRichardson.com/actor. When not pursuing her performance career, she and her partner run Burning Mountain, dedicated to the growth and development of stage combat for the art form and for the artists.
Check out the upcoming workshop on Intimacy For The Stage: www.BurningMountain.ca/connect/StageIntimacy
Cast Spotlight – Andrew Lorimer
Andrew Lorimer plays photographer & ex-marine Sam Hendricks in Wait Until Dark
1. Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do when you’re not rehearsing for Wait Until Dark?
-WUD is my first real experience being on stage in this city. About three years ago I decided to leave home (Sault Ste. Marie) and begin seriously training for this career. I could go on and on about the events that led to this decision or why I eventually went to theatre school (wait, why did I do that?) but I’ll spare you that topic for now.
When I’m not rehearsing for the show, I watch a lot of baseball. No, I’m not a Blue Jays fan….and we’ll just leave it at that. I also watch Netflix, listen to podcasts, fantasize about owning a dog, read, and cook (I am half Italian you know, so it’s in the blood).
2. How did you hear about the show? What made you want to get involved?
-I heard about this show through social media and knew I had to get involved once I read the script. To me, this script has the feeling of a Hitchcock film. When you combine that with the 1960s New York setting, it’s too good to pass up.
I am also a huge Bruce Springsteen fan (I’ve been to almost 15 of his concerts) and the text mentions the city of Asbury Park, NJ several times. This city is essentially a place of worship for his fans (his very first album is “Greetings From Asbury Park”). The playwright could have picked any city in Jersey and chose Asbury Park. It was a sign for me to audition.
3. What has been your favourite moment in rehearsal so far?
-A few weeks ago we held a “Retro Radio Hour” fundraiser. The actors in the show (including myself) had a chance to read radio plays from the 50’s in front of an audience. What can be greater than that?! Oh, right. Add in the fact that these actors were doing this at a bar.
4. How do you prepare for playing a role like Sam? Have you done a similar role in the past?
-I’ve always felt a connection to the city of New York, especially during the 1960s. A large amount of the art I absorb has some connection to that city and time. In theatre school, we performed a children’s show set in both. It’s one of the most wonderful memories I have from that point in my life. I remember listening to ALOT of Hendrix, Motown, etc during that time to capture the “spirit of the 60s”.
5. Why should everyone come see the show?
-Like I said earlier, if you like the tension of Hitchcock’s films you’ll love this production.
6. Anything else you want to add?
– Next up for me is “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (Bard in the Park) followed by “Hairspray” (YES Theatre).
I wouldn’t be here today without the support, mentorship and love from the following people that I would like to thank (since this is my first show in Toronto): Theatre SMC, Jack W, Anna M, Mom/Dad, the 6CP and, most of all, Kelsey.
Catch Andrew onstage April 14-16th at Tarragon Theatre. Tickets selling fast, buy yours today at waituntildarkto.bpt.me.
Cast Spotlight: Dave Walpole
Dave Walpole plays the thick-headed con man, Carlino, in Wait Until Dark.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do when you’re not rehearsing for Wait Until Dark?
I’m a commuter. Coming from Hamilton, Ontario, and outside of rehearsing for Wait Until Dark, I am a host on several Youtube shows called on Informoverload, FTD Facts and my own show called The Ivy Show, really funny check it out. I come to work in Toronto every day. I work in the industry, and act. I’m spending time at the gym prepping for a role with Livingston Studios for a film called The Weekend. Other then that I’m a humble dude, waiting for my brother to return from teaching English in China in order to party. Outside of this industry I write working on two screen plays. And besides working kicking back and playing a good online xbox game is always fun.
2. How did you hear about the show? What made you want to get involved?
I heard about the show through a casting website called Mandy. I wanted to do this because I’m a fan of the film, and my mom once told me she saw a play version of it and it scared her to death, even after seeing the film. So I just wanted to be apart of that same magic my mom experienced. And I like the classical stuff, or retro what ever we would call a play form the 60’s. Always had a desire to do Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, or Shot in the Dark.
3. What has been your most rewarding moment in rehearsal so far?
My most rewarding part of rehearsing has been playing a character I didn’t initially see myself playing, but that’s the industry and you work with it. Carlino is a fun character, and getting into the way he thinks is fun. I’m enjoying my cast they are all really talented and cool people. And seeing Abby who is playing Gloria throwing pans around the rehearsal set. Also hearing Shannon say “Mike, Sam, Gloria” is hilarious. But over all love working with Emily, she’s a good director that is very constructive and gives great suggestions and actions to expand our scene work.
4. How do you prepare for playing a role like Carlino?
How do I prepare for Carlino. Well first know your lines, but don’t just know them study them. It is a big challenge with the amount of work I am doing at the same time of prepping for this play. But when it comes to studying lines I ask myself, “why do I, as Carlino, basically do and say what I say, how do I feel, why do I walk over in this direction?” You have to think a bit about that to understand the character and then feel the character. Carlino is an interesting character as in he’s a bit childish, with muscle. He’s impulsive and not to bright. He uses his words to keep people way from him ever having to use his brass knuckles cause the truth is he’s never used them. He’s lying to himself and I love it, because Carlino has to believe his own lies.
5. Why should everyone come see the show?
Well first of all it’s a classic or like I said Retro. Great time out. Bygone is fun indie theatre, where it’s a little more intimate, and down to earth then your bigger productions. The cast is fantastic, and the story is great. The ending is one that you will definitely remember. We have some amazing actors, and even some great young talent.
6. Anything else you want to add?
Follow me on my Youtube channel and tune in to the Ivy show. It’s a show that features me and a foul mouth long haired Chihuahua named Ivy.
Catch Dave onstage from April 14-16th in the rehearsal hall of Tarragon Theatre. Tickets available online.
Cast Spotlight: Abby Strachan
1.Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do when you’re not rehearsing for Wait Until Dark?
I recently turned fifteen and am in grade nine. At my high school I major in Drama as well as taking Advanced Placement courses in order to challenge myself academically. I love to read and write poems and stories. I’ve been dancing since I was 4 and that’s when I really found my love of performing. I’ve also been teaching dance to younger dancers since I was twelve and I love babysitting and working with kids.
2.How did you hear about the show? What made you want to get involved?
I heard about the show through mandy.com and I wanted to be involved because I love theatre and I think that the concept of Wait Until Dark is so cool because the main character is a blind woman who saves herself.
3.What has been your favourite moment in rehearsal so far?
For me this show’s been great because I’ve learned so much from the people around me. Everyone is very talented and I’ve learned a lot about acting and the industry.
4.How do you prepare for playing a role like Gloria?
In order to prepare for Gloria, I really just spent a lot of time trying to understand her choices and her thought process. Gloria as a character is pretty sad because she has such a tough home life and even though she acts really tough (and mean sometimes) she’s really just a little kid.
5.Why should everyone come see the show?
Everyone should come see Wait Until Dark because it’s very unique considering the time it was written in. In this day in age everyone’s talking more and more about female empowerment, and I believe that this play demonstrates a strong female lead. It’s also a really fun thriller!
6. Anything else you want to add?
Thanks to my family especially my mom for getting me to and from rehearsals and to my friends in drama at school for being so supportive.
Are you a high school student interested in theatre? Take advantage of our PA Day Discount and see Abby onstage Friday April 15th at 1pm – tickets only $15 for students with valid id, buy them online now.
Cast Spotlight – Mark Nocent
Mark Nocent plays the con man Mike in our upcoming production of Wait Until Dark. Mark and director Emily Dix had first worked together back in 2012 on a short play titled Noble Savages for the Newborn Theatre Odds & Ends Festival.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do when you’re not rehearsing for Wait Until Dark?
I hold a position with an escape game company, which runs games out of Casa Loma. I’ve been performing within games for a number of rewarding months, and recently became a puzzle fabricator for their newest game, Station M, a spy themed game set in the tunnels of the castle. I’m building a board game currently, and just generally enjoying life!
2. How did you hear about the show? What made you want to get involved?
Emily reached out to me, and I had wanted to work with her again after doing a short one act a number of years ago. She sent me the script for WUD and I loved it, so I had to audition.
3. What has been your favourite moment in rehearsal so far?
Jeeeze, so many. Cynical life lessons for Abby, terrific Italian accents, 1950’s radio shows, discussions about dead bodies. Plus the process itself is a pleasure with such a great group of humans.
4. How do you prepare for playing a role like Mike?
Mike is certainly in my wheelshouse, but there’s a lot of tension going on in every scene, and prepping for it has involved combing the scenes looking for moments to de-stress, and how Mike can do that.
5. Why should everyone come see the show?
This show is fun. The audience is immediately let in on the plan, and gets to watch it unfold, and watch the characters sweat when things go wrong. It’s a thriller, who wouldn’t want to see it?
See Mark in this captivating thriller April 14-16th in the rehearsal hall at Tarragon Theatre. Tickets on sale now.
Cast Spotlight: Shannon Lahaie
Time for our first Wait Until Dark cast spotlight! Shannon Lahaie stars as Susy Hendricks, a blind housewife living in 1960s New York.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself, what do you do when you’re not rehearsing for Wait Until Dark?
Outside of the show, I also write, rehearse, and perform with the sketch comedy troupe, Dame Judy Dench. We’ve been lucky enough to be accepted into The Toronto Fringe Festival this summer for the third time in a row.
2. How did you hear about the show? What made you want to get involved?
I saw a facebook post shared by a friend of mine about auditions for the show. I had been saying how badly I wanted to do a play, and knew the film. I love the story and the character challenge of playing Susy, a blind woman having to outwit a group of con men. It was something that really appealed to me, I knew I had to do it.
3. What has been your favourite moment in rehearsal so far?
I’d have to say the fight rehearsal was a standout day. It was a great bonding moment for us all to go around and practice choking and kicking each other, laughing and playing the whole time. Then to get to the detailed choreography of the individual fights, especially the end where Susy gets to kick some butt was really thrilling.
4. How do you prepare for playing a role like Susy?
I’ve never had a chance to play a character like Susy before. I feel like there’s so much to prepare. I want to avoid playing that showy blind default, constantly walking with hands out front. It’s also difficult in rehearsal, when I want to visually engage with my scene partners, and having to force myself not to make eye contact. It’s such second nature to me, so I really have to think about how else I can engage with my acting partners without using my eyes, playing with how Susy interacts with each individual differently. The script has many clues throughout about Susy and all her quirks at coping with her blindness, so I’m lucky in that way.
5. Why should everyone come see the show?
It’s a wonderful thriller. There’s a lot to have fun with, and the energy of this cast is something I think the audience will get carried away with. It’s touching, mysterious, funny, and at times flat out scary. There’s so much to enjoy.
6. Any final thoughts?
I’m so grateful for the chance to play Susy and work with this great cast of people. Also to my ever supportive partner, Andrew, who pushed me to submit to the casting, when I doubted if I could.
Come see the talented Shannon Lahaie onstage April 14-16th in the rehearsal hall at Tarragon Theatre. Tickets onsale now.
Retro Radio Hour – Nifty 50s
It’s almost that time again! Retro Radio Hour is back, this time celebrating all things 1950s! Join us and the cast of our next show, Wait Until Dark, on Friday March 25th at the Imperial Pub for an evening of vintage radio plays, oldies music, magic, classic cinema trivia and more! Doors open at 8pm, tickets are only $5 at the door (cash please!). All proceeds go to support Wait Until Dark, running April 14-16th in the rehearsal hall at Tarragon Theatre.
Hope to see you there!
Bygone Theatre 