Open House 2009

NTS PLAYS JACK-IN-THE-BOX!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009,
FROM 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

Montreal, September 15, 2009 – This year, while all of Quebec celebrates the 13^th edition of Journees de la Culture, the National Theatre School plays jack-in-the-box, and invites everyone to play along.

jack-in-the-box, noun

a children's toy that outwardly consists of a box with a handle. When the handle is turned, delightful surprises emerge, including (but not limited to) puppets, clowns and jesters.

Instructions:

1. Wind us up. Nothing gets us going like an audience. Every year, on the last Saturday in September, the National Theatre School opens its doors to welcome the public, exposing its inner workings for all to see and experience. Anyone who has ever been curious about what really happens inside Canada's leading theatrical teaching institution – which to date has trained more than 1,700 of the country's best and brightest talents – can satisfy that curiosity on Open House day. All activities are in both English and French and, best of all, admission is totally free.
2. Enjoy the surprises we have in store for you. Each section, English and French, has been working hard to make this year's Open House the best one yet.
   
   Every facet of theatre training will be shown off to its best advantage: playwriting, acting, directing, set and costume design, sound and light design, voice, movement. Listen to the beat and be entertained by a gumboots theatrical dance session, slide into some exquisite ballroom dancing, sit in on 2^nd year actors in their physical theatre exploration with Maiko Yamamoto – if the School teaches it, the public will witness it. There will be open rehearsals, choral concerts, literary fast-food snacks, and, in keeping with our theme this year, some amazing puppetry courtesy Zach Fraser, making it a family affair sure to delight young and old alike.
   
   Zach has taught at the National Theatre School and has acted throughout Canada and the US, most recently with The Montgomery Theatre (PEI) and Montreal's Centaur Theatre. He is also an outstanding puppeteer and has performed and toured with the acclaimed Mermaid Theatre as well as various other troupes throughout Europe and Asia. Zach is presently teaching in the theatre and music department at John Abbott College.
3. Repeat. Each year is different and we look forward to seeing you next year. Tell all of your friends – more and more Montrealers are taking part in the School's annual Open House activities.

WHAT: OPEN HOUSE AT THE NATIONAL THEATRE SCHOOL
WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009, FROM 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
WHERE: 5030 ST-DENIS STREET
FREE