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| Hello, You are receiving this e-bulletin because you are a preferred contact of the National Theatre School of Canada (NTS). |
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SIMON BRAULT HONOURED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF QUÉBEC
Yesterday, Wednesday June 15, CEO Simon Brault received the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Government of Québec. He was honoured with the distinction of Officier de l'Ordre national du Québec by Premier Jean Charest. The NTS extends its congratulations to Simon Brault for receiving this prestigious honour that recognizes his leadership and communication skills as well as his pro-active stand on arts and culture. Bravo! Simon Brault is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a recipient of the Keith Kelly Award for Cultural Leadership. (+) Read the press release (in French only) |
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DIANE PAVLOVIC HONOURED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTREAL
Each year, the faculty of Arts and Sciences of the University of Montreal celebrates the success of alumni who have significantly contributed to the advancement of Quebec and Canadian society. Diane Pavlovic, who is the Director of the NTS's French Playwriting Program (Écriture dramatique) and who graduated from the University of Montreal in 1983, will receiving an honorary diploma from her alma mater later today. Congratulations Diane! (+) Read more (in French) |
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ANDREA LUNDY BECOMES DIRECTOR OF THE NTS PRODUCTION PROGRAM
The School is delighted to announce that award-winning lighting designer Andrea Lundy (our photo) has been appointed Director of the Production Program. Andrea, who is the recipient of 9 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, will assume her new position in August, at the start of the 2011-2012 school year. She takes over from Peter Roberts. Welcome Andrea! Andrea has been a lighting designer for the past 20 years in Canada and internationally. She was Production and Tour Manager for the Necessary Angel Theatre Company in Toronto, as well as Production Manager for the Dora Mavor Moore Awards ceremonies. She also spent four seasons at the Shaw Festival. (+) Read the press release |
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PETER ROBERTS LEAVES THE NTS TO RETIRE
Peter Roberts (our photo) is leaving his position as Director of the Production Program to take his retirement, as of August 1, 2011. "It is with deep regret that I have accepted Peter's decision to leave his position, said School CEO Simon Brault. Peter is a respected and admired leader among his colleagues, students and peers across Canada. His presence at the School has been a tremendous asset to the program, which he directed for 2 ½ years. He will be missed." The NTS wishes to thank Peter for his remarkable contribution to the advancement of the School's mission, his invaluable team spirit and his success in the training of his students. |
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A VISIT FROM THE LAKEFIELD COLLEGE SCHOOL BOARD
On June 5th, the LCS Foundation Board (Lakefield College School in Ontario) visited the Monument-National. These Board members come from across Canada and the U.S.A. and they had approached the NTS to see if there would be an opportunity for the membership to see the M-N and to hear about the School. A tour of the Monument-National was followed by a moving presentation by recent Acting graduate Ishan Davé (Acting, 2011). Then Architect Theatre performed an excerpt of Highway 63: The Fort Mac Show. Jonathan Seinen (Acting, 2007) and Georgina Beatty (graduate of Studio 58) performed the excerpt of this CALP-supported play and had the audience shaking with both laughter and tears as they beautifully recreated the conversations of the citizens of Fort McMurray, Alberta. |
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CALP: PROJECTS SELECTED ON APRIL 15, 2011
26 projects were submitted for approval to the CALP selection committee by the April 15 deadline. The students and graduates responsible for 23 of these projects will receive support from the School's Artistic and Cultural Leadership Program in order to help them bring their ideas to fruition. Aware of the importance of this aid for its students and recent graduates, the School went to great lengths to perpetuate the program. Therefore, as of September 2011, the CALP will become Theatre and Community Engagement. (+) To see the list of selected projects |
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THEATRE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
As a legacy to mark its 50th anniversary, the School launches Theatre and Community Engagement to encourage community engagement among NTS-trained emerging artists, whether students or alumni. Created by the NTS and largely funded by The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, Theatre and Community Engagement includes the establishment of seven endowments which will eventually equal $2 million. The endowments were initially seeded by the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and will be managed by community foundations in Vancouver, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and St. John's to support projects developed by NTS students and alumni who come from these regions or who come from elsewhere in Canada but wish to develop projects in these regions. The first call for submissions is expected to take place in autumn 2011. Proposals should engage the public – particularly youth, ethnic minorities and marginalized communities –, promote social inclusion and support cultural innovation. (+) Read more |
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TO ALL NTS ALUMNI!
Don't miss the School's first-ever Homecoming reunion, taking place on October 28, 29 and 30, 2011. The festivities kick off with a cocktail-dinner party, at the Monument-National (M-N), on Friday. On Saturday, there'll be conferences and workshops on timely topics, exhibitions (production photos and posters, books written by alumni, etc.) and backstage tours of the M-N. During the evening, you can experience another first for the School: the graduating students from both the English and French sections will perform together on the Ludger-Duvernay stage in a bilingual show created especially for the School's anniversary. And, of course, the Alumni Cabaret, featuring the many talents of NTS graduates from all generations, which runs on Friday and Saturday nights. On Sunday, there'll be a brunch and a farewell cocktail party at the School's St. Denis Street campus; an opportunity to wander the halls and get a glimpse of what the NTS looks like today. We look forward to welcoming you back to your National Theatre School! For more information, please contact the Alumni Office; 514 842-7954, ext. 122; or 1-866-547-7328, ext. 122. You can also visit the School's 50th anniversary website. |
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ATFC – BANFF – NTS PARTNERSHIP
The National Theatre School is joining forces with the Association des théâtres francophones du Canada (ATFC) and the Banff Centre (Alberta) to create an intensive continuing-education residency for francophone theatre practitioners in Canada. The three organizations have issued a press release announcing the launch of the residency's first edition, which will hereafter be an annual event. From November 28 to December 17, 2011, in Banff, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, three artist-teachers from the School, Sylvain Bélanger (Interprétation, 1997), Luc Bourgeois and Alice Ronfard (guest-teacher at the School and interim director of the French Acting program, 2000-2001) will lead the residency made up of some 15 theatre artists. NTS is pleased to take part in this important initiative to promote French-language theatre in Canada. |
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THE NTS AT THE 2011 PRAGUE QUADRENNIAL
Laurence Gagnon and Diana Uribe, two 2011 alumnae of the School's Set and Costume Design Program, are currently representing the NTS at the famous Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space in Prague (Czech Republic). Laurence and Diana have created and will man an information kiosk that explains the NTS Set and Costume Design Program. They will also host the other theatre schools present in Prague in a public discussion on Space and Setting Choreographic Images. Laurence and Diana are also participating in the Incendies Project initiated by the Quadrennial. For this, the two young professionals have created a sculpture inspired by an element of the play Incendies (translated Scorched in English) by Wajdi Mouawad (Interprétation, 1991 – French Acting program). Danièle Lévesque, the Director of the bilingual Set & Costume Design / Scénographie Program, is also at the Prague Quadrennial, as part of her professional development. |
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HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE SHAW FESTIVAL
The venerable Shaw Festival (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this season and the NTS extends its heartiest congratulations on achieving this milestone. Over the years, a large number of the School's alumni have worked at the Festival, on stage and behind-the-scenes, as actors, directors, playwrights, set and costume designers, production professionals, etc., and 2011 is no exception. We wish you all a happy and successful season! |
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MORE NTS ALUMNI AT THE SUMMERWORKS FESTIVAL
Toronto's SummerWorks Festival swings into action from August 4 to 14, 2011. Once again, there's a strong presence of NTS alumni at the festival, including Judith Thompson (Acting, 1979), Kristina Nicoll (Acting, 1986), David Storch (Acting, 1987), Hannah Moscovitch (Acting, 2001), Indrit Kasapi (Acting, 2006), Jonathan Seinen (Acting, 2007), Matthew MacKenzie (Playwriting, 2009), Philip McKee (Directing, 2009), and Philip Nozuka (Acting, 2011); as well as current students Sébastien Heins, Colin Mercer, Flora Quintus, and Nico Racicot (all starting this September their 3rd year in the Acting program). Michael Rubenfeld (Acting, 2001 – our photo) is the festival's Artistic Producer and Jordi Mand (Acting, 2006) is Program Coordinator. |
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DORA MAVOR MOORE AWARD NOMINATIONS
The NTS is very proud of its many alumni who have been nominated for a 2011 Dora Mavor Moore Award, to be presented by the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) on June 27, 2011. Nominees include: Gina Wilkinson (Acting, 1982) (posthumously) and Brendan Healy (Directing, 2005) for Outstanding Direction; David Ferry (Acting, 1973) and Joseph Ziegler (Acting, 1979) for Outstanding Performance; Pamela Sinha (Acting, 1990) for Outstanding Performance; Robin Fisher (Set and Costume Design, 2001) for both Outstanding Set and Outstanding Costume Design; Julie Fox (Set and Costume Design, 1994) and Glen Charles Landry (Set and Costume Design, 1998) for Outstanding Set Design; Darrah Teitel (Playwriting, 2007 – our photo) for Outstanding New Play and Matthew MacFadzean (Acting, 1998) for Outstanding Performance, both in the Independent Theatre Production division. (+) To consult the complete list of nominations Furthermore, congratulations to David Ferry who was honoured with TAPA's Barbara Hamilton Memorial Award for excellence in the performing arts, as well as the inaugural Toronto Theatre Critics' Award for best actor (Blasted). Our best wishes to everyone. |
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WINNIPEG ARTS COUNCIL AWARDS
Congratulations as well to Zaz Bajon (Production, 1968 – our photo), who is the co-winner of the Winnipeg Arts Council Award in the "Making a Difference" category; the prize celebrates the contribution of an artist or arts administrator to the growth and development of the arts in Winnipeg. A fitting tribute to Zaz, who is retiring from his position as General Manager of the Manitoba Arts Centre after a 30-year career. Kudos as well to Ann Hodges (Directing, 1992) who had been nominated in the "Making a Mark" category. |
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ESPACE GO HOSTS A TRIBUTE TO THE NTS!
On June 9, Montreal theatre Espace Go dedicated its annual benefit supper to the NTS in honour of its 50th anniversary. It specifically shone the spotlight on the women who helped make the School what it is today. Actresses, set and costume designers, playwrights, librarians, employees, and teachers were saluted, in both French and English. The show, which included live performances, videos, and archival footage, was both funny and touching, and full of surprises. Over 100 artists, both NTS alumni and others closely linked to the School, were present, as well as Montreal business people. Thank you Espace Go for such a heartfelt tribute, which was applauded by the theatre's donors and many of the NTS's governors, including its chair, Jodi White, seated at the head table. |
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LAURENT PINABEL PUBLISHED IN THE LANGUAGE OF GRAPHIC DESIGN 14 posters created by artistic director Laurent Pinabel, including some designed for the School, have been published in The Language of Graphic Design by Richard Poulin (Rockport Publishers), by the New York agency Poulin + Morris, Design Consultants. The series of posters that Laurent Pinabel created for the 2009 graduating students' public performances (The Importance of Being Earnest, All My Sons, le Bras canadien et autres vanités, and New Words Festival), the posters for the 2009 Open House and the poster for La Roulotte's show, Les aventures de Lagardère, were also featured in this book. Laurent Pinabel's work also regularly wins awards presented by Toronto's Applied Arts magazine. Congratulations Laurent! |
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ALUMNI NEWS
The following is a brief sampling of the news you can find in the ALUMNI NEWS section of our website. For more news on NTS alumni, their performances, projects, awards, etc., please click here. Doug Macaulay (Acting, 2009) performs with Shakespeare by the Sea theatre company (Newfoundland) during summer 2011. Bona Duncan (Production, 1990 – our photo) is stage managing The Merry Wives of Windsor, directed by Frank Galati, from May 10 to October 14, 2011. The production features James Blendick (Acting, 1966), Lucy Peacock (Acting, 1983), Steve Ross (Acting, 1991), Michael Blake (Acting, 2001) and Trent Pardy (Acting, 2004). Louise Guinand (Production, 1980) designed the lighting for the 2011 Shaw Festival's production of Lennox Robinson's Drama at Inish, directed by Jackie Maxwell, from May 6 to October 2, 2011. The show features Mary Haney (Acting, 1975) and Julia Course (Acting, 2009); set and costumes by William Schmuck (Set and Costume Design, 1981). Louise will also do the lighting for On the Rocks, by Bernard Shaw, directed by Joseph Ziegler (Acting, 1979), designed by Christina Poddubiuk (Set and Costume Design, 1980) and featuring Mary Haney (Acting, 1975); from June 14 to October 8, 2011. Charlotte Gowdy (Acting, 2002), Sean Dixon (Acting, 1988), Meilie Ng (Acting, 2010), and Thomas Antony Olajide (Acting, 2010) perform in Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, presented by Canadian Stage's Dream in High Park during summer 2011. Niki Lipman (Acting, 1968) performs in Shakespeare's Henry VI, Parts I, II & III and Richard III, presented by Bard on the Beach (Vancouver, BC), from June to September, 2011. To submit information for the ALUMNI NEWS section, kindly contact Andrée McNamara Tait at the NTS Alumni Office: alumninews@ent-nts.ca. |
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REMINDER: SUMMER SCHEDULE
The School's Saint-Denis Campus is open all summer, from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, except during Public Holidays and Friday afternoons from mid-June until mid-August. The Bleviss Family Library will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm until June 21 and then again from August 1 to 12. From June 22 to July 29, the library will be completely closed to the public. From August 15 to 26, it will be open from Mondays to Fridays, from 10 am to 4:45 pm. The library will return to its regular hours on August 23. (+) For the library's operating hours, please click here |
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Next e-bulletin :: end of September 2011
PHOTO CREDITS Maxime Côté (Simon Brault, Peter Roberts and Diane Pavlovic) Catalyst TCM (Darrah Teitel) Stratford Shakespeare Festival (Bona Duncan) NTS (The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (NTS - 1979) - Left to right: Nancy Palk, Joseph Ziegler, John Evans and Seana McKenna) Laurent Pinabel (Illustrations and Graphic Design, poster, The Importance of Being Earnest) Cylla Von Tiedemann (Andrea Lundy) |
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