New Stages Theatre has announced the details of its second annual Brand New Stages Festival, taking place in downtown Peterborough at the end of February, with tickets now on sale.
The week-long festival, which showcases new, emerging, and re-emerging theatre shows and artists, comes a year after the successful inaugural festival.
“Last year’s festival was such a success with the community, with three sold-out plays in six days, that we’ve leaned into it with even more programming and festival events for this year,” says Mark Wallace, artistic director of New Stages, who has enlisted the help of Kate Suhr as festival producer.
Taking place from February 25 to March 2, the festival features four plays at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, four theatre-related training workshops at The Theatre On King, and five late-night events at The Theatre On King, including a unique jazz and visual art performance, a panel discussion on solo performance, a storytelling open stage, a concert, and a staged reading.
“The focus remains on making the festival affordable and accessible to a range of ages and interests, with tickets ranging from pay what you can to a maximum cost of $22 plus venue fees,” Wallace notes.
In addition, a festival pass for all four of the plays at Market Hall is available for $80 (inclusive of venue fees), and individual tickets for each play are discounted by 50 per cent for arts workers, students, children, and the underwaged.
More information about the festival is available at www.newstages.ca, with tickets and passes for the Market Hall shows available at markethall.org and registration and tickets for the workshops and late-night events at The Theatre On King available at ttok.ca.
Below is the complete lineup by date for the 2025 Brand New Stages Festival.
Tuesday, February 25
“Expressive Body” with Dreda Blow
4 – 6 p.m. at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough)
Dance-theatre artist Dreda Blow will explore the expressive capacity of our bodies through dance improvisation techniques, games, and creative play. Absolutely no dance experience is necessary. This workshop is fun, gentle, and adaptable to all physical abilities. Space is limited. Participants must be 14+. The cost is $25 ($20 for New Stages subscribers, students, arts workers, under-employed).
“Fireside Munch”
7 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
Experience a theatrical re-telling of classic Robert Munsch stories like “Paperbag Princess” and “Mortimer”, adapted and performed by M. John Kennedy and directed by Dahlia Katz. “Fireside Munsch” is a high-energy, high-quality one-person show that has been performed all over the province and was nominated for eight Dora Mavor Moore Awards in Toronto. Tickets are $22 plus fee ($11 plus fee for arts workers, students, children, and the underwaged), with a $80 festival pass available for all four plays at the Market Hall.
VIDEO: “Fireside Munsch” trailer
“Brushstrokes & Jazz” with Rob Phillips, Carling Stephen, and a mystery artist
9 p.m. at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough)
“Brushstrokes & Jazz” is an unforgettable evening where the worlds of live music and visual art beautifully converge. As Rob Phillips and Carling Stephen fill the room with soulful jazz melodies and captivating rhythms, an acclaimed painter (to be announced) creates a masterpiece right before your eyes, inspired by the music. A unique way to witness two art forms influencing each other and evolving together. Space is limited. Cost is pay what you can ($15 to $20 suggested).
Wednesday, February 26
“Creating a Solo Show”
8 p.m. at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough)
Have you wondered about creating a one-person show of your own? What are the challenges and joys of making your own solo show? As an audience, what do you enjoy, or maybe not enjoy about them? This panel discussion features experienced playwrights and creators from the Brand New Stages Festival and beyond, talking about their craft. Come with questions, leave with a wealth of insights. Space is limited. The cost is pay what you can ($10 suggested).
Thursday, February 27
“Take 5! Wellbeing for Theatre Artists” with Nicolle Nattrass
4 – 6 p.m. at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough)
Led by Suddenly 50 writer and performer Nicolle Nattrass, this workshop is designed to address the unique challenges faced by theatre artists (including production and administration). It will provide a safe space for participants to look at their own challenges and stressors in the broader environment, as well as exploring five different tools to enhance and maintain mental well-being. This workshop fosters community and strengthens support systems for all. Space is limited. Participants must be 14+. The cost is $25 ($20 for New Stages subscribers, students, arts workers, under-employed).
“Magic Lies: An Evening with W.O. Mitchell”
7 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
A fond remembrance by Orm and Barbara Mitchell of the life and work of beloved Canadian writer W.O. Mitchell, Orm’s father. A delightful and enriching staged reading full of tall tales, Canadiana, and lots of humour and wit, performed by Martin Julien and directed by Mark Wallace with musical accompaniment by Rob Phillips. Recommended ages: 12+. Tickets are $22 plus fee ($11 plus fee for arts workers, students, children, and the underwaged), with a $80 festival pass available for all four plays at the Market Hall.
“StorySLAM” hosted by Megan Murphy and Mandy Roveda
9 p.m. at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough)
Your chance to share a true, personal story that connects, inspires, makes us laugh, or moves us forward, StorySLAM is an open invitation for anyone who has a story to tell, and for anyone who just wants to enjoy an evening of communal storytelling. Each storyteller will have five minutes to share a personal story based on the theme “Breaking the Rules”. Stories must be true and from your own experience. No notes or props allowed. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or have never spoken on stage before, all are welcome to participate. Space is limited. The cost is pay what you can ($10 suggested).
Friday, February 28
“Auditioning for Theatre Schools” with M. John Kennedy
4 – 6 p.m. at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough)
Are you considering going to a college or university to study acting? Do you have to audition to get in? Do you know what they are looking for? This workshop is for anyone getting ready for a theatre school audition, or anyone wanting to work on their auditioning and acting skills. Learn practical skills and what questions to ask that will make your acting more believable and interesting. It is recommended that you prepare a memorized monologue to work on (ideally from a full-length contemporary play that you have read), but if you don’t have one prepared, don’t let that stop you from attending to learn more about the auditioning process. Space is limited. Participants must be 14+. The cost is $25 ($20 for New Stages subscribers, students, arts workers, under-employed).
“Suddenly 50” by Nicolle Nattrass
7 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
“Suddenly 50” is a funny and authentic staged reading about Nicolle, a BC woman who is grappling with a mid-life crisis as she enters “season 50” of her incredible life, written and performed by Nicolle Nattrass and directed by T.J. Dawe. Part of the Brand New Stages festival. Recommended ages: 14+. Tickets are $22 plus fee ($11 plus fee for arts workers, students, children, and the underwaged), with a $80 festival pass available for all four plays at the Market Hall.
“A Soulful Night” with Beau Dixon
9 p.m. at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough)
Singer-songwriter, musician, and actor Beau Dixon takes the stage for an intimate, soulful concert performance. He will weave stories through music, blending blues, soul, and heartfelt ballads. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, this night promises to be a celebration of life, love, and the power of music to connect us all. Space is limited. The cost is pay what you can ($15 to $20 suggested).
Saturday, March 1
“Clown Fish” by Paul Tedeschini
7 p.m. at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre (140 Charlotte St., Peterborough)
In this immersive theatre experience that transports you to another world, BC-based writer, clown, and sound designer Paul Tedeschini takes the insular and isolating experience of grief and anxiety and transforms it into a love story. Written and performed by Tedeschini and directed by T.J. Dawe. Recommended ages: 14+. Tickets are $22 plus fee ($11 plus fee for arts workers, students, children, and the underwaged), with a $80 festival pass available for all four plays at the Market Hall.
VIDEO: “Clown Fish” trailer
“Venus in Fur” by David Ives
9 p.m. at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough)
A staged reading of the acclaimed contemporary play, directed by Dahlia Katz and featuring Erynn Brook and M. John Kennedy. Playwright-director Thomas auditions enigmatic actress Vanda for the lead role in his adaptation of “Venus in Furs”, a novel about power and sadomasochism. As the audition unfolds, Vanda proves to be unexpectedly perfect for the role, blurring the lines between performance and reality while reversing the power dynamic between her and Thomas. The play becomes a tense battle of gender, dominance, and submission, culminating in an ambiguous and electrifying conclusion. Content advisory: 18+ for sexual content, coarse language, mild violence. Space is limited. Tickets are $22 ($11 for arts workers, students, and the underemployed).
Sunday, March 2
“Intro to Mask Play” with Mark Wallace
10 a.m. – noon at The Theatre On King (171 King St., Peterborough)
When you put on a theatrical mask, it can transform you by unlocking physicality and emotion that you might keep hidden away. In this intro to mask play, participants will learn about how, when, and why different kinds of masks are used in theatrical performance and training. You will have the chance to experience mask play and the physical and vocal work needed to make masks come to life. The objective is for you to push your boundaries as a performer, to transform your everyday self, to play freely, to laugh and to learn. Space is limited. No experience necessary. Participants must be 14+. The cost is $25 ($20 for New Stages subscribers, students, arts workers, under-employed).
kawarthaNOW is proud to be media sponsor of New Stages Theatre Company’s 2024-25 season.
