Get Ready to Grab Your Summer Seat and stuff some stockings!

“…Theatre On The Ridge have pulled together a cast of up-and-coming actors-on-the-cusp, and the results … are utterly spectacular”
 
Gift certificates are now available for Festival 2019 season subscription packages and patrons can take advantage of our holiday gift pricing to save 25% on either a pair of tickets for a single show or a full season.
 
Packages purchased before December 20th will also receive an added holiday bonus - purchasers will be automatically entered into a draw to win a private, in-home performance by Theatre on the Ridge artists. 
 
Our Festival 2019 Season*
Willow Quartet Musical (world premiere) book and lyrics by Joan Burrows & Ron Cameron Lewis, music and lyrics by Jason Saunders
The Wind in the Willows by John Morley (from the book by Kenneth Grahame)
Tempting Providence by Robert Chafe
The Valley by Joan MacLeod
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Venus In Fur by David Ives
 
Gift Certificates may be purchased in the following amounts:
 
$50 one pair of tickets to any one production
$150 one season subscription to all six productions
$300 two season subscriptions to all six productions
 
NOTE: Gift certificates may be redeemed after March 1st and before June 1st, 2019. Gift Certificate holders may exchange their voucher during that time for specific performances and seats, which will be assigned based on availability at time of redemption. For best performance and seat selection, it is recommended that gift certificate vouchers are redeemed prior to April 1st, 2019, when general box office sales begin.
 
Click here for more season details and gift certificate link to get your summer seats now!

Follow Theatre on the Ridge on Facebook @theatreontheridgeportperry to stay informed on all the details yet to come, including news on more Festival 2019 events and programs, such as Pine Grove Plots, summer camps and a playwright in residence workshop.
*productions subject to change
 

Get Ready to Grab Your Summer Seat!
July 3 – August 16, Port Perry, Ontario
 
We will once again captivate audiences next July and August with another diverse slate of entertaining and compelling plays - three Canadian works (including a world premiere musical), a beloved children’s classic, the quintessential Victorian comedy and a provocative look at power and sexuality.

Our Festival 2019 Season*
Willow Quartet (musical world premiere)
book by Joan Burrows & Ron Cameron Lewis, music by Jason Saunders
The Wind in the Willows by John Morley (from the book by Kenneth Grahame)
Tempting Providence by Robert Chafe
The Valley by Joan MacLeod
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
Venus In Fur by David Ives

Click here for more details and to learn how you can save 25% on tickets with our Pre Season Holiday Gift Certificates!

Follow Theatre on the Ridge on Facebook @theatreontheridgeportperry to stay informed on all the details yet to come, including news on more Festival 2019 events and programs, such as Pine Grove Plots, summer camps and a playwright in residence workshop.
*productions subject to change

We are pleased to welcome Valerie Lecomte to the TOTR roster and are looking forward to 2 great acting skills workshops that Valerie is bringing to Utica Hall.
​Read on to learn more!

Meet Valerie
Valerie Lecomte is French and Canadian and has been acting for twenty years. She has taken part in feature films and short films, in France and Canada. She loves to play on stage too and has also directed and acted in her own short film: À Coeur Ouvert (Paris, France). She is now in the process of producing a new short film.

Valerie has been teaching acting techniques since 2009 (Vancouver and Toronto). For the last four years, she has embraced the Michael Chekhov Technique as an actor and a teacher, attending international workshops offered by the Michael Chekhov Association (MICHA, USA).

On Camera with Valerie Lecomte
Saturday November 10 & 17
1 – 4 pm
(2 days)
 Pre-registration is required by November 6th.
In this On-camera workshop, participants become familiar with on-camera work, learning how to prepare a scene and to play it with in directions that can be used in the room or on set. Participants will gain confidence through exercises in front of the camera.
More details and program fees at www.theatreontheridge.ca/utica-hall.html

Coming in January!
An Introduction to Michael Chekov Technique
With Valerie Lecomte
January 12 & 13, 2019
1 – 4 pm
(2 days)
 Pre-registration is required by January 6th, 2019
Through a prepared monologue learn the important tools of the Michael Chekov technique including qualities of movement, centers, psychological gestures and more. More details coming soon!
 More details and program fees at www.theatreontheridge.ca/utica-hall.html

Get ready for Hallowe’en with two great events happening at Utica Hall on October 20th!
Costume Sale
Saturday, October 20
9:30 – 4 pm,
Utica Hall
Find the perfect costume and accessories at our costume sale. We’ve gone through our costume collection and are parting with many great pieces for youth, men and women, including unique one of a kind items, prom and formal wear, wigs, hats and other accessories. All items reasonably priced and all proceeds to benefit the programs of Theatre on the Ridge.
 

Specialty & SFX Make-Up Workshop with Shannon Fennell
Saturday, October 20
10 am – 4 pm
Utica Hall
Pre-registration required by October 13!
Join Shannon for this 2 part workshop and learn a variety of specialty stage and costume special effects make-up looks. From animals and fantasy characters to zombies, Shannon can help you create your Hallowe’en look.
The morning will feature Shannon demonstrating several classic specialty and special effects looks and in the afternoon, it’s hands on as she helps you build your own specific make-up look. Participants will be able to indicate in advance which make up looks they are most interested in.
Click here for full details and to register!

​Photo by D. Zwicker

Mondays & Fridays, 10:00 to 11:30 am
Single Drop In Class - only $10
 
Everyone needs to rebalance and re-energize their body after the demands of specialized or repetitive activity and too much time spent behind a computer. Discover the benefits of moving well and realizing your full movement potential, including the value of incorporating stretch, strength and breathing into your body maintenance philosophy.
 
This non-aerobic class works with gravity, body weight, breath and relaxation to improve overall strength, flexibility, muscle tone, posture and alignment. The class structure is built on proven stretch and strength sequences, as taught and developed by Carey, while on faculty with The School of the Toronto Dance Theatre for over 15 years. These sequences have their roots in Nicklaus, Feldenkreis, and yoga techniques and are supplemented with additional sequences drawn from the work of neuromuscular therapist Irene Dowd. It is particularly helpful with pre-season sports conditioning, injury prevention and recovery, stress reduction and counters the negative impact of extensive sitting, now being recognized as a major contributor to poor physical wellbeing.
 
Toronto’s The Globe and Mail has quoted Carey as saying “Healthy posture is natural and relaxed (and) alignment is a collaboration of all body parts working together. It’s a matter of feet that are well aligned, legs that are strong enough to allow the pelvis to sit naturally and abdominals that support the spine. Your body has to work as a whole to stand together. The whole process (of Moving Well) is designed so that when you stand up at the end of the class, you’re bringing everything together in one motion. It’s about having a body that’s capable of supporting itself in an energy-efficient way.”
 
Carey has an extensive background in dance and movement and received her professional training at both George Brown College and The School of the Toronto Dance Theatre. She has taught in the general and professional training programs at both schools and also in Durham, with the Davis Studio of Dance, Island Dance Studio and independently. She is currently the artistic director of Theatre on the Ridge and has personally practiced Moving Well for over 30 years. She believes physical self-awareness and mobility are essential to the art of performance and of living well.
 
Classes are held Monday and Fridays from 10 am to 11:30 pm at Utica Hall 13990 Marsh Hill Rd, Port Perry, ON L9L 1Z5. (Southwest corner of Goodwood Rd (Durham 21) and Marsh Hill Rd, Utica).
 
Moving Well sequences are moderate to almost intense and are suitable for adults and young adults of all ages and occupations. We recommend you consult a health care practitioner before undertaking any new form of physical activity. Visit us at ​http://www.theatreontheridge.ca/utica-hall.html for full program fees, details and requirements.
 

Take 2 Minutes of your time and you may win 2 Seasons Passes for Festival 2019
 
Captivating live theatre doesn’t exist without an audience and we have a special thanks for our Festival 2018 patrons. Your generosity of support by attending multiple performances, purchasing tickets for the art auction and spreading the word to friends and associates helped to make this summer’s Festival so successful!
 
You are an essential part of our Festival and, as we begin to plan for next year, we would like to hear from you. Take a moment before September 15 to follow the link below and complete a short survey (approx. 2 - 5 minutes of your time). Your answers will be kept confidential, unless you wish to accept our thanks for your time, by entering your email for a draw for 2 seasons passes to Festival 2019.
 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FP9NZHF
 
Please complete the survey by September 15th to be eligible for the seasons pass draw.

We would like to acknowledge the overwhelming support for Festival 2018 (July 5 to August 18) at Town Hall 1873 and other locations in Port Perry. It was a season of powerful and captivating theatre to be proud of and we would like to thank our patrons, supporters, venues, volunteers, sponsors, partners, funders, and believers for making this season so successful!
 
Special thanks to Vos’ Independent Grocers, Town Hall 1873, Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, Scugog Council for the Arts, Township of Scugog, Utica Community Hall, Church of the Ascension, Prince Albert Community Hall, Pine Grove Cemetery, Scugog Memorial Public Library, M. Meyers & R. Henderson, Heather Chapman, Canadian Tire Port Perry, North Durham EcoWater, Hark Nijjar Photography, Puckrin & Latreille Real Estate, HandtoHeart Healing, Legacy Vintage, Framer’s Gallery, Domino's Pizza, Willowtree Farm, META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery, Pamela Meacher, Libby Burns, Grant Lucas, anonymous and the golden girls of Perry St.
 
We would have not been able to accomplish so much without the support of the above or without the commitment and enthusiasm of our actors, artistic, production, marketing and front of house teams, and the staff and board of directors, not to mention the word of mouth provided by so many patrons.
 
Festival 2018 brought us new insights, new experiences, new friends and great theatre in a great community. Thanks again to all and we look forward to Festival 2019!
 
Sincerely,
 
Carey Nicholson, Artistic Director
Ruth Spearing, President
 

​Volunteer Opportunities #2 – Theatre on the Ridge   
Festival 2018
 
Production Support
Festival 2018 is just around the corner and we’re now looking for production support. Help keep our Festival 2018 productions running smoothly during each performance by volunteering for props or wardrobe supervision, or technical operator. If you are a theatre lover and have experience backstage with either props or wardrobe, we have lots of dates available with several shows requiring your support!
 
We’re looking for:
Props Supervision 
Wardrobe Supervision
Technical Operators
 
Props supervision: Be available before, during and after performances. Assist with keeping props organized and in place backstage, and prepare and restock live props (food) and serving containers.
Must have previous properties experience. 
A commitment to an entire production is preferred but ad hoc/show by show support is also welcome. Approx. 4 hrs/day.
 
Performance Dates & Productions for Props Supervision
Melville Boys 
July 5/6/7/12/13/14 @7:30 pm
July 8/11 @2pm
 
Peter Pan
July 11/19/20/21/26/27 @ 7:30 pm
July 14/15/18/28 @2pm
 
The Glass Menagerie
August 1/3/4/15/17 @7:30 pm
August 11/12 @2pm
 
Wardrobe Supervision: Be available before, during and after performances.  On hand backstage in the need of emergency costume maintenance and repairs, sort and reorganize costumes as required pre and post show.
Must have previous wardrobe and costume construction experience. 
A commitment to an entire production is preferred but ad hoc/show by show support is also welcome. Approx. 4 hrs/day.
 
Performance Dates & Productions for Wardrobe Supervision
Melville Boys 
July 5/6/7/12/13/14 @7:30 pm
July 8/11 @2pm
 
Peter Pan
July 11/19/20/21/26/27 @ 7:30 pm
July 14/15/18/28 @2pm
 
Armstrong’s War
July 24/28/31, Aug. 2/8.9 @7:30 pm
August 4 @ 2 pm
 
The Glass Menagerie
August 1/3/4/15/17 @7:30 pm
August 11/12 @2pm
 
The Drowning Girls
August 7, 10, 11, 14, 16 @ 7:30 pm
August 8 @ 2pm
 
Technical Operators – Lighting:
Be available before, during and after performances. Lighting board and/or spotlight operator positions available. 
Previous experience preferred but an aptitude for technical equipment and computers is essential. 
A commitment to an entire production is preferred. Approx. 4 hrs/day.
 
Performance Dates & Productions for Technical Operators - Lighting
Melville Boys – lighting board
July 5/6/7/12/13/14 @7:30 pm
July 8/11 @2pm
 
Peter Pan – lighting board and spotlight
July 11/19/20/21/26/27 @ 7:30 pm
July 14/15/18/28 @2pm
 
The Glass Menagerie - lighting board & spotlight
August 1/3/4/15/17 @7:30 pm
August 11/12 @2pm
 
The Drowning Girls - lighting board & spotlight
August 7, 10, 11, 14, 16 @ 7:30 pm
August 8 @ 2pm
 
Location:  Town Hall 1873, Port Perry
 
Volunteers will have the opportunity to see dress rehearsals of all productions
 
Time commitment: 
Roughly 4 hours per performance. You may sign on for as many days as you want. NOTE: high school students may use hours towards required community service contribution.
 
If interested in volunteering for one or more performances, please email:
info@theatre3x60.ca
 
Show details available at www.theatreontherridge.ca

One of Port Perry’s best events is happening July 1st in Palmer Park and we’ll be there! Look for our booth alongside the Scugog Council for the Arts from noon to 6 pm to fish for great ticket deals and sample the entries in our Bake The Best Turnip Cake on the Lake contest. At 5 pm, stop by the gazebo sneak peek performances of some of our festival 2018 summer shows!
​
Can you bake a better turnip cake than Mary?
​If you think you can, enter our Best Turnip Cake on the Lake contest!

In The Melville Boys, our opening play of Festival 2018, one of the characters bakes a turnip cake for the dance. She is not a cook and the cake comes back to the cottage relatively intact as “everyone was too full after all the other food”. We’re now on the hunt for a turnip cake that will have people licking their plates clean!

​Turnip cake entries can be brought to our promotion booth in Palmer Park, Port Perry on Canada Day by 12 noon and we’ll be invite visitors to have their say on the tastiest cake. Entries must be accompanied by a list of all ingredients to be eligible.

The most popular entry will be selected based on tasters’ choice and we’ll be in touch with the baker for the recipe so that we can serve it up at our opening performance of The Melville Boys on July 5. The baker will also be presented with 2 tickets to the show. Questions? Contact us at info@theatre3x60.ca!

This Canada Day - Go Fishing with Lee and Owen Melville!

​We've got a classic fish pond game at our Canada Day booth in Palmer Park and it's filled with great ticket deals! For a small donation, cast your line and see what you catch! From a $5 discount coupon to a season’s pass, we’ve got fish of all sizes for all our productions of Festival 2018. Proceeds will support Theatre on the Ridge education and community programs.