This is a problem for many artists. People love the arts, but often don't understand those who lend their lives to them. Support is not always forthcoming, and jobs and stability are a struggle. It's easy to let it chip away at you; to become jaded and cynical. It's easy to let it grind you down -- and when you get into that kind of mindset, you invite stress, negativity, and a host of other things that can tank your career before you get a chance to catch your stride. 

With a bit of gratitude, though, just a little change in perspective, you stand a much better chance of getting what you want and need. And of being happy. 

I subscribe to this. I teach it to my kids.

Now don't get me wrong -- it's not about accepting that your current status quo is "good enough" or about giving up your drive to get what you want for a coke and a smile. It's about being grateful for the good things you do have. It's about injecting some happiness into your life and your endeavours now, and the positive impact this perspective can have in your life and career choice.

The author of the post I mentioned, Vancouver local and artistic producer Sabrina Evertt from Twenty-Something Theatre, actually has some personal statistics to prove the power of positive perspective (I love alliteration). She keeps a spreadsheet timeline that tracks all of her jobs, starting from the moment she graduated theatre school to the present day. That's seven years of data. She even had the presence of mind to split the spreadsheets to mark her own epiphany in regard to the gratitude perspective. That was about two years ago.

Sabrina started to look at her career from "a perspective of abundance" as opposed to "a perspective of lack." She used to be mostly concerned with what she didn't have: the jobs she wasn't getting, the goals she hadn't reached -- sound familiar? Starting around 2009, she made a conscious effort to appreciate the things she did have. She began to look at, and be grateful for, the opportunities she had received, the people who came to support her (no matter how few), and to take pleasure in her personal achievements.

According to her data, she has seen more success in the two years since her shift in thinking -- more in the last year alone, even -- than in all of the previous years, combined. And I believe it. I don't have the same sort of data that she has -- I haven't kept spreadsheets for my life -- but I do have a pretty solid record of pulling myself up from down and out situations, and a reputation enjoying my life even when things are in the proverbial $#!^hole. I know -- there's no guessing here... I know -- that I couldn't have done those things without learning to be grateful for what was going right in my life, as opposed to dwelling on the negatives.

Am I rich? No? Am I wildly successful, career-wise, with my name in lights? No. Am I happy? Abundantly. Am I successful in my life? Indubitably. And I can tell you, without equivocation, that the things that brought me happiness and success only arrived when my perspective shifted. It was that shift that allowed me to see the opportunities in front of me, allowed me to be open to them, and allowed those involved to see me as the right person for the opportunity in the first place.

Getting back to theatre and the post in question, Sabrina recognizes how difficult it can be to produce and be successful in. But she refuses "to become bitter and cynical and spend (her) whole life whining, moaning & grumbling about it."

Near the end of the post, she says the following:

"We need to start to change our perspectives. As a community. We need to start appreciating the amazing theatre we do have. We need to start loving the audiences we have cultivated. We need to start being grateful for those people who do support our work whether by coming to see it or by donating their time or their hard earned money. And, we definitely need to start being more grateful and supportive to each other as artists.

If that can happen. If we can change our perspective. Maybe, just maybe, the kind of exponential growth I’ve seen in my own life will start to happen in our community as a whole. Maybe it is already happening but our collective perspective of lack is not allowing us to see it."

I agree with this, wholeheartedly. This is wisdom, and it works. Apply it to your own life. Help someone else to see it, too. The world will be a better place as a result.

Prepare yourself for an afternoon or two of jazz, gospel, country, or latin music -- not to mention a touch of the blues from someone who used to open for The Guess Who and The Monkees. Read on for details!

 Whiskey Jane - February 12, 1:30pm

Whiskey Jane is a local Vancouver group that rocked their New Country sound all the way to a WMCA and two BCCMA nominations since their inception in 2006. The group features Natalye Vivian as the lead vocalist, Rafe Haines on the drums and vocals, and Kirby Kaye on guitars, banjo, mandolin, keyboards, and, yes, vocals too. Whiskey Jane is more than just country. They've got a rock and roll edge and a sound that's all their own!

Dalannah Gail Bowen and The Jacksonaires (featuring Tom Pickett, Joanie Bye, and Linda Kidder) - February 26, 1:30pm

If you like a seasoned performer who knows how to do everything from croon to rock the house down, then you need to dedicate this particular Sunday afternoon to the experience of Dalannah Gail Bowen. She used to open for The Monkees and her hometown (Winnipeg) super-group, The Guess Who, and she's played with many others in the jazz and blues world, since.

Check out this video of Dalannah in action:

Look forward to seeing you there!

It's almost New Year's Eve; Terry Fox Theatre is on break -- whatever are you to do for fun? Now, we're talking family fun, here, not your typical New Year's hoopla. You can get that stuff anywhere. Not to worry, though, Port Coquitlam and the Tri-Cities area actually have a lot going on to close out the year and ring in the new. We're going to hip you (you bet I said it!) to three of them that are fun for everyone, and won't utterly destroy your wallet and hopes for financial solvency in 2012.

New Years Eve Skate in Port Coquitlam

Calling it a New Year's Eve skate is actually a bit of a fallacy, as it really happens between 1pm and 4pm -- but, hey, it's almost dark by then, right? And what else are they supposed to call it? New Year's Eve-Day Skate? I don't think so.

In any case, the skate takes place at the Port Coquitlam Recreation Complex at 2150 Wilson Avenue. It includes games, music, crafts, hot chocolate and apple cider, and even skating! You're tiny ones are free, 4-12 year olds are $2.35, 13-18 and seniors (60+) are $3.50, and 19-59 year olds are $4.70. Or you can just do the whole family for $9.40, grab the $2.35/person rate for groups of 21 or more. No skates? Don't worry about it. Rentals are available as well.

Note: If you're closer to Port Moody, there is a family skate going on there, as well, from 1pm to 3pm.

New Year's Eve Fireworks 2012 - PoCo

Everybody loves fireworks. Nothing like pretty and colourful explosions spreading across the sky for spectators to ooh and ahh over, right? This year -- or next year, if you like, as they happen round midnight -- head over to the Maple Creek Middle School on Glenwood and Hastings in Port Coquitlam and enjoy a professional and fiery experience set to music and under the theatre of the stars -- or partial clouds, as it were (according to the most recent forecast -- at 11:35am, Friday).

The show is free, but donations are appreciated. Be sure to show up early-ish -- around 11:15-11:30pm -- and bring the family!

Quiring In The New Year at Evergreen Cultural Centre - Coquitlam

If you know that what you need to close out the 2011 year is some beautifully performed classical music, then pop over to Coquitlam's Evergreen Cultural Centre on Pinetree and Guildford for Quiring In The New Year. They've got the Quiring Chamber Players and Friends from the Boston Symphony, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and Lions Gate Sinfonia. Features are Brahms F Major Viola Quintet, some Martinu, and, of course, some Beethoven; and there will be a reception, besides.

The show starts at 8pm and tickets range from $10-$38. A little higher on the price scale, I know, but still better than most New Year's Eve events out there. There might even be time for you to catch the fireworks in PoCo...

Make sure you have a fun and safe New Year's Eve We wish you all a fantastic New Year, and we’ll see you in 2012 for more great theatre, music, and events in Port Coquitlam!

Have a happy holiday, and be safe!

First and foremost, the site is easy to navigate and decent on the eyes, which makes for a good browsing experience -- something that is hit or miss with theatre sites. If you are looking for plays, you can easily get to the browse and order pages, or download (or be mailed) a catalogue for later viewing, offline. Every play has a free sample option so that that you can read a bit of it before you buy, and can be downloaded as a printable PDF, or sent to you as a book. Photocopy and Video-recording Licenses are also available for most plays -- which is something many people forget about.

The plays are, as mentioned, written or adapted to be appropriate for high school or middle school performers, but are not just for beginner actors. There are also plays for advanced drama classes with flexible casting and challenging structure, Shakespeare cuttings, musicals that don't require you to work with an orchestra, and more.

Theatrefolk is a Canadian company based in Crystal Beach, Ontario, and is the brainchild of Lindsay Price (playwright) and Craig Mason (actor). They started out as a production company that would write and perform their plays. This eventually evolved into a publishing company, and now is a niche focused source for plays that are written by Lindsay Price and other playwrights. The cost of plays vary, and for some, the added licenses for photocopying and video-recording may seem steep, but I found them to be pretty competitive, overall. Plays (outside of PDF downloads) are shipped via regular or expedited mail, and, while the focus is on Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, they can be shipped to most countries in the world. They accept MasterCard, Visa, Purchase Orders, and cheques -- though the last two are for North American schools or institutions only (and no personal cheques).

If you're not in the play-shopping mood, however, Theatrefolk also hosts some books and an online workshop on playwriting,  a whole host of free resources that help with monologues and scenes (not just tips -- actual monologues and two-person/group scenes), acting, directing, playwriting, costumes, and technical needs. There is even a section on Shakspearean insults and a bit of theatre history (specifically about Sophocles). The free theatre resources are mostly pdf downloads, but there is also an entire section of tips that are in video form on YouTube.

Finally, if you are digging on the free information, then be sure to check out their blog. Many of the posts contain great tips and other useful information on theatre, playwriting, and more, and the others still make for a fun read.

Check out our other profiled sites and theatre blogs!

Let's start with this Friday night, where our friends the Showstoppers Academy return to us once again for their annual Christmas Showcase. If you like movies, musicals, or just a good Christmas show featuring kids from 5-20 years old singing their hearts out, you will love Showstoppers Christmas Showcase 2011. Songs run the gambit from Christmas classics to selections from Wicked, Newsies, Honk, and Thoroughly Modern Mile.

On Saturday, the Tiny Tots (Let Your Music Shine with Lisa and Lucy) are back to entertain your little ones with 2011's Holiday Hooray! The kids will get a taste of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's string players and some musical fun to the tune of the Nutcracker and other "frosty favourites."

On Sunday, the Polish Canadian Dance Society, "Polonez," will bring a performance of epic cultural proportions to the Terry Fox Theatre stage. If you are remotely interested in traditional folk music and dances, especially from different Polish regions, you're going to want to be here. Bring the family!

From December 15th through 18th, Christmas Pops! returns once again to Terry Fox Theatre. James Productions' fantastic two-hour Christmas Revue is always a hit, and features Popular hit songs performed by James Bryson's Chorus and Orchestra. It's a must-see, non-traditional Christmas show that is sure to entertain your entire clan.

This year, we're closing out the holiday season with a bit of magic! Not just any magic, either. This is the sort of sleight of hand and entertainment that leads to full bellies for those in need. SHARE The Magic only costs $10 per ticket, and all proceeds of this wonderful show go to Port Coquitlam's own SHARE Food Bank. The show is on Tuesday, December 20, at 6:30pm. Be sure to come down, have fun, and support your local Food Bank!

Happy Holidays!

Haley's theatre tips for eye contact are broken down into three steps:

Scene Stare Down

This is where actors "perform the scene repeatedly straring each other deliberately in the face." This is used to lower the discomfort level of people -- especially teenagers -- who don't know each other from a hole in the wall, but are concerned not only with what the other thinks, but what the class thinks, what they think, what the world thinks, and what the source material + eye contact makes them feel. I can see how it would lower the possibilities of uncomfortable giggle breaks and shy mumbles -- especially with the added step of starting face to face, and then adding distance while doing the scene.

Mirrors

Anyone who has any interest in performing has probably worked in front of a mirror. This is not that excercise. This is the other mirror -- the one where the performers "face and mirror each other's movements only using peripheral vision, calm composure, and silent switch of who leads." I remember doing this exercise in theatre classes, and it is not only a good way to focus and learn to hold eye contact, but it's a lot of fun, too!

Zip. Zap. Zoom.

This is an improv game that Haley learned at Indiana State University. I've never done this one, myself, but I'd love to try it out -- it sounds like it would be a great way to hone your mind and your concentration, as well as keep you mindful of eye contact.

It's a little complex, so I'm going to quote her here, to make sure I get it right:

"Place your performers in a circle.  The word “zip” travels around the circle (“Zip. Zip. Zip.”) But when a player says “zap” in response, the “zip” changes direction and goes the other way in the circle.

“Zoom” throws that “zip” across the circle to any other player.  This requires eye contact and a point gesture.  The game sounds silly from afar:

Zip. Zip. Zip. Zap! Zip. Zip. ZOOM! Zip. Zap. Zip Zip. ZOOM!

Once your players are proficient at keeping their composure and a quick pace, try the game using dead silence and eye contact.  It requires great concentration—and composure from dissolving into giggle fits. But giggle fits are okay in rehearsal."

What are your favourite tips for learning to keep eye contact?

Write and Win Entry: Acting Tips for Eye Contact [Theatrefolk]

Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia

The Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia "collects and disseminates information on plays, playwrights and theatre practitioners. The website has been around since 1993 and was put together by Gaetan Charlebois, a theatre critic and actor, as well as a playwright and theatre editor for Montreal's Hour Magazine.

If you're looking for information on pretty much anyone in the Canadian theatre scene, this is the place to go first. It contains information on their works, lives, deaths, and other interesting tidbits, and usually contains a photo. The encyclopedia also hosts links to several other good Canadian theatre websites, as well as documents that are "of Interest in Canadian Theatre History," such as a (hilarious) letter written by British actress Fanny Kemble about her 1830's tour of Canada.

The Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia is currently maintained by Athabasca University, and submissions are encouraged. Submission guidelines are here.

Improv Encyclopedia

Improv is essential to actor development, and is, at its core, a hell of a lot of fun! If you're looking for information on techniques, improv games, exercises, handles, et al, the Improv Encyclopedia is your friend. It's easy to navigate, and chock full of great information.

The Improv Encyclopedia is not a list of improv troupes or events. They even say so in their FAQ. It does, however, contain a glossary of improv terms, a great list of sites and articles for reference, and a multitude of games sorted by category (such as Association, Audience Participation, Icebreakers, Trust, Verbal wit, Warm-up, and many more). You can even download the entire website as a PDF, as well as some other resources.

What essential theatre sites do you recommend? Let us know in the comments!

Nobody in the audience cares how we feel about these things. Nobody in the audience cares about actors one way or the other -- except for how well we show ourselves in the parts that we're playing. They expect us to be nothing less than the person we are committing ourselves to portray. For them, not us.

In an article I read recently, Allen Barton (actor, director, teacher, and owner/CEO of the Beverly Hills Playhouse acting school) breaks this concept down by doing what is unthinkable for many actors or creative types: he compares acting to *gasp* ...a regular job. In this case, a plumber. While this may seem horrifying to some, I assure you, it makes absolute sense. Here's a quote:

"You've got a leaky faucet. You call the plumber. The plumber comes over and he either fixes the faucet or he doesn't. You generally don't give a crap how the plumber may feel about his own work, you may or may not be aware of the full range of his 'talent' as a plumber, or whether he thinks this plumbing career will really pan out for him. All you want is for him to fix the faucet. He may have been engaged in suicidal thoughts the entire time, but if he mentions them he becomes really annoying. If he shows up when he said he would, stops the leak, and charges a reasonable fee -- you're all set."

This resonated with me -- and it applies to any and all career paths, jobs, or tasks that require you to be accountable for your performance. Have you ever had a moment where you showed up late for something -- anything -- and, while you were busily trying to explain the horrific circumstances that lead to your lateness, you realized that the person you were explaining yourself to not only didn't care, but was trying to glare you into either silence or a short "sorry, it won't happen again?" Have you ever been the person on the other end, the one having to listen to those excuses -- reasonable or not? I'm going to go out on a limb and say that you have -- that we all have. The fact is, all that really matters to any of us, in the end, is that the job we are expecting gets done.

Allen Barton visits this concept in detail, encasing it in the three points of his school's approach to actor training: Acting, Attitude, and Administration. It's well worth the read, and I recommend it, but the main takeaway here is this: no matter the situation, if we are to be successful, we need to be able to remove ourselves from how we're feeling, personally, and just get the damned job done.

This isn't to say that we should be emotionally bankrupt, of course. As actors, we need to be able to effectively manipulate our emotions -- to play them like an instrument. We need to be both the interpretive pianist, and the piano itself.

Profound, no? Well, while I'd like to take credit for that one, it is actually me paraphrasing Barton -- who is paraphrasing the late Milton Katselas, founder of the Beverly Hills Playhouse; and from all accounts, one hell of an acting teacher.

Feelings Don't Matter [Allen Barton's Blog]

Here's just a few of the things we have in store:

This Thursday (tomorrow!), Port Coquitlam citizens can come down for a free meet and greet with their municipal candidates. It's a great opportunity to get a feel for the people who are interested in running our fair city! 

Saturday, November 5th, will be an evening show you won't forget. A gala event that features Sadie, a fantastic international preforming artist and world renowned Belly Dancer -- not to mention instructor and choreographer.

The following weeks feature a plethora of culture to the tune of the Birth of Baha'u'lla Celebration Concert (music and dance from the Port Coquitlam Baha'i community); the North Shore Celtic Ensemble fiddle show, Transformations; Alice in a Winter Wonderland 2011 by Backstage Youth Performers Society, and this year's Shrine Fantasy Show -- world class illusionists, comedy, and music.

We're looking forward to a great month! Hope to see you there!

Today we post our 51st blog post.

Here are the ones that made the short list:

Why Language Barriers Don't Exist In Theatre

Theatre proves that, as with any art, it is transcendant of culture or language.

4 Ways to Use Traditional Event Marketing to Build Your Online Community

Its time to embrace new media as a primary means of marketing your show -- but there is still room for offline marketing out there. In fact, you can use offline techniques to make your online endeavours more meaningful.

5 Olde Timey Stage Effects Still in Use Today

Technology has brought all kinds of innovations and conveniences to the theatre, but there are still a few tried and true techniques in use today, especially when you're on a tight budget.

3 Theatre Superstitions To Never Run Afoul Of

There are some words you should never utter, and some things you should never do when you are in a theatre. People take these things seriously -- learn them well or consequences may be dire.

Patsy Rodenburg: Two Short, Inspirational Videos on YouTube That You Must Watch

If you are in the mood to be inspired, then you need to take a moment and watch the great Patsy Rodenburg explain her concept of the Second Circle. It may change your life -- or at least your presence when you perform.

And two of the posts that didn't make it into the last Best of the Blog (but are still awesome):

Audition Tips: It’s the Little Things

From the tiniest twitch of the mouth that paints a character into vivid reality, to the seemingly insignificant or inane details that could make or break your audition -- it's always the little things, in the end.

Owning the Stage: How to Protect Your Voice

Like any part of your body, your voice needs to be properly stretched and strengthened when used extensively. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you keep one of your most important tools in tip-top shape.

Happy post 51 to everybody! We hope you've found these posts as fun to read as they were for us to write!

Goldyhands is featured as the musical niece of the great composer, and finds herself involved in an enchanting fairytale with the talented Bow family. Children will clap, sing, and become immersed in the music, while the musicians play and the ladies of Let Your Music Shine entertain.

In past performances, sisters Lisa Allison and Linda Sebenius would take the stage, guiding children through stories and arrangements that open them up to the world of classical music. This time around, Let Your Music Shine has a new addition: Lucy Horton. Lucy has been a part of many Let Your Music Shine performances over the years, and will be Lisa's partner for the performance of Goldyhands in Vancouver and Port Coquitlam. Lucy is a Music Education student at the University of Washington, as well as a successful songwriter who released a debut CD last year.

Tiny Tots is a four-part series that comes to Vancouver's Playhouse Theatre and our own Terry Fox Theatre throughout the season. If you miss this one, don't fret -- but be sure to come back for December's Holiday Hooray, Mother Goose Goes to the Symphony in January, and Sailing the Musical Seas in March. The shows are generally just over a half-hour, so they should fit well into your family schedule, and tickets range from $2 to $15.

Goldyhands & the Three Bows will be at Terry Fox Theatre on Saturday, October 22nd. Get more info, here.

Tell us about your experiences with the Tiny Tots shows!

The site is the baby of Jerry Wasserman, professor of English and Theatre at UBC. Jerry is an author and speaker on Canadian Theatre, modern fiction and dramatic literature, theatre history, and blues music. He's reviewed over 1000 plays for the Province newspaper, CBC Radio and other venues, has a performance resume of over 200 appearances (some of his film credits include I, Robot, The Watchmen, Look Who’s Talking, for those interested), and is the editor of the Modern Canadian Plays Anthology.

VancouverPlays is a fantastic place to find out what's playing in the Lover Mainland theatre scene. The way the site is approached is more like a periodical or newsletter than a more traditional website, what with the homepage referencing a volume number below the date, and a Letters to the Editor section, and while that normally might have thrown me a little, it works out fine here. There are several ads floating around the site, but nothing is out of place or irritating as they are all advertising current or upcoming shows. If anything, they help you as the reader get to the point of why you're on the site in the first place.

You can find news and show information on the homepage, a straight list of what's playing where in the "on this week" and "coming soon" sections, and read reviews of shows that date all the way back to 2004 under "archived reviews.

If you have a show you want to advertise or list on the site, it's pretty straightforward, as well. They do previews that run for a month before the show's opening, and continue through the entire run. All in all, VancouverPlays.com is a solid and to-the-point resource that is good for both theatre watchers and theatre producers. Which, of course, means that it is good for theatre in general.

Check it out!

If you are an actor or theatre aficionado

In just those few minutes, Patsy Rodenburg -- renowned teacher who has worked with some of the biggest names in both theatre and film (Helen Mirren, Ian Mckellan, and many more) -- will paint a picture of why theatre is so vital to us, as people, and open a door to a way of life -- of being -- that is both empowering and sustaining.

Patsy Rodenburg, OBE, has been the Director of Voice at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for 26 years, and has also worked extensively with the Royal National Theatre (London), the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Court, Donmar, and Almeida Theaters, Moscow Art Theatre and Comedie-Francaise. She holds workshops in New York and travels around the world speaking under the umbrella of Michael Howard Studios, and has several books, DVDs, and an upcoming movie about her life and philosophies. She has even been a featured speaker at TED talks. Suffice it to say, she's well-known, and extremely respected.

In the two videos below -- which are the first and second part of one of her workshops at Michael Howard Studios -- Ms. Rodenburg first tells us a story that explains why theatre is important to her, and to the world at large. What follows, in the second video is a brief explanation of her philosophy of The Second Circle. The Second Circle is one of three circles of energy that define our lives; our successes, failures, and, in so many ways, our interactions with others. It's about being present, in the moment, and other things that you've probably heard before -- but explained in a way that makes it more clear and resonant than many of the other voices on the subject.

I highly recommend you watch the videos. They are 16 minutes well-spent. 

Patsy Rodenburg: Why I Do Theatre

Patsy Rodenburg: The Second Circle

Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 

For example: Terry Fox Theatre is a non-profit theatre run by the Port Coquitlam Theatre Society. It just so happens that our benevolent managing body is, as the name implies, interested in fostering the arts. As such, they offer a chance for you to take your production to that ever-elusive "next level" of theatre awesome -- which is to say that they offer a grant that gives you access to Terry Fox Theatre at reduced rates. 

The theatre grant is a fantastic way for your community group to amp up your show or event without breaking the budget. It's available to people in the Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and throughout the Lower Mainland area, with preference given to events that take place during the months of July-November, and January-March.

Here are a few of the prerequisite highlights:

• The Port Coquitlam Theatre Society community grant should significantly help your group pursue artistic and/or charitable aims 
• Priority is given to Port Coquitlam citizens/organizations when submissions of equal interest are made 
• Existing Terry Fox Theatre rental clients are welcome to apply in support of new initiatives, special events or fundraisers 
• Successful applicants are welcome to apply again for future years; however priority may be given to new initiatives or organizations

You can download the theatre grant application here, or visit this page for more information – including info on the Terry Fox Theatre Inner Circle Club, which is yet another way you can save some of your hard-earned coinage. If you want more explicit detail, or just feel like chatting for a bit, contact us! We're happy to help out any way we can!

It's important to be aware of these superstitions when working in theatre. If you're not, you could find yourself on the wrong side of some very unhappy people. Here are three of the most common:

"Good Luck"

This is by far the most widely known of the the theatre superstitions: you never tell someone "good luck" before a show. Many acting companies will actually spend time together, before a show, cursing and otherwise wishing bad luck on each other. The general idea is that, if you don't say good luck, you won't invite the opposite, less pleasant form. The method that is most commonly used in English-speaking countries is to say "break a leg." There are several possible reasons for this, most of them having to do with bending down and "breaking" the line of the leg, whether it was to pick up thrown money, or a the leg-back bow that theatre performers do at curtain-call. Both are signs of a good performance, and breaking a leg is a more... direct way of wishing a good performance.

Not all countries or regions subscribe to leg breaking luck assurances, however. In Australia, they say "chookas." In countires that are predominantly French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, the mantra is more often related to references of fecal matter. Yes, you read that right. It comes from the fact that, in those countries, people would often arrive at the theatre by horse-drawn carriage. A lot of people meant a successful play -- which meant a lot of horses hanging about, if you get my drift.

Peacocks

Peacock feathers, while beautiful, are generally not welcome in the theatre. The tail of the proud bird is, according to the Greek myth of Argus, infused with the 100 eyes of a monster. Naturally, this easily leads to the idea that peacock feathers contain the "evil eye" and are therefore a direct line to evil and all of the potential disaster that can bring. Ask around among the elders of the theatre and you may find that more than one of them has or has heard a story about a costume or prop that uses peacock feathers being the cause of some theatrical disaster or other. There are even some tales of stages collapsing and the like. Bottom line: don't plan on bringing your pet peacock to rehearsal.

The Scottish Play

If you didn't know, the awesome tragedy that is Shakespeare's Macbeth -- is cursed. Cursed, and most foully. Possibly by witches. There are many tales of disaster not only related to the performance of the play itself, but where even uttering the name of the show can be dangerous. In fact, when in the theatre, unless you are performing the play, it is only to be referred to as "The Scottish Play," or some other indirect reference.

Again, there are several possible causes for this superstition. Some say at Shakespeare quotes actual witches in the chanting's of the Weird Sisters. The words could be a spell that causes the play to go awry, or it could be that the witches themselves (the real ones) saw the play and did not like how they were portrayed. There is also talk of an overzealous stage manager actually stealing a cauldron from real witches. Either way, cursing ensued.

Two other possibilities behind the censoring and potential dangers of Macbeth are that there is a higher risk of injury in the performance of the play due to the raw amount of swordplay in the show, and that, in the original production, the boy who played Lady Macbeth died either before, during, or directly after the performance.

The only way to counteract the bad luck that could result from uttering the dread word -- well, one of the most extreme methods, anyway -- is to immediately leave the theatre, spin around three times, spit, curse, and then beg to be let back in. There are also variations on that theme, and watered down rituals that involve speaking a line from another Shakespearean play right away, or running around the theatre counter-clockwise -- but you get the idea. Saying Macbeth or anything related to it is generally bad, could tank your show, or, at the very least, get you fired or severely yelled at. Best to avoid it at all, costs.

These are only a few of the multitude of superstitions that surround theatre culture. Also be aware that the theatre you are working in probably houses ghosts, the colour blue (and in some cases green and yellow) is not cool to wear without some sort of countering colour; mirrors, whistling, and three lit candles are bad; and giving flowers that have been stolen from a grave is good -- as long as it is after the show closes. The superstitions exist in various forms and intensity, depending on where your are and who you're working with, so keep your eyes and ears peeled to avoid potential faux pas or a pox on your house.

What other superstitions do you know of in theatre? Have you come across any of these ones?

It starts tomorrow. You should go.

The Fringe Festival, now celebrating 27 years,  runs for 11 days, contains 89 different troupes and more than 700 performances. Head down to Granville Island and explore the wonders of fringe theatre: everything from play-styles that you might be more familiar (and comfortable) with, to controversial and even out and out weird themes.

You might be surprised at whom you might find there, too -- both performing and partaking. One year, for example, I had the pleasure of sharing an audience with the great Sir Ian Mckellen. I don't remember the play, as it was some years ago, but it's hard to forget the man. He was quite pleasant to people in general, and happy to answer questions about his craft.

This year, some of the more interesting works promise to be the "on-site acts." These shows don't use a theatre stage -- unless you subscribe to Shakespeare's "all the world is a stage" concept -- they use Granville Island itself as backdrop, props and playhouse. Weekend tickets are $12 per show, and the weekday shows cost $10. Get them (and more info) at the Fringe website.

If you miss the shows, no worries. The audience favourites get encore performances from September 21st to 25th.

Love the fringe? Share your experiences in the comments!

Dig a bit of world rock do you? You're going to want to keep reading...

Lombard has been rocking the Polish music scene and the world at large for 20 years, with some 25 album releases to their credit. Some of their more famous hits include "Przezyj to Sam" and "Live Through It Yourself" -- check out a video below:

Black Powder Toys, who have been on the Vancouver music scene since 2004, have recently released their debut album, Made In China. You can find some samples on their website and mySpace page.

The show kicks off at 7pm (6:30pm doors) September 17th, and tickets ($35) can be had at several Polish deli's around the lower mainland (Sunshine Deli in Port Moody, Austin Deli in Coquitlam, Polish Deli in Burnaby (Metrotown) Niche Market - Fraser St. in Vancouver, Polonia Sausage House (Hastngs St) in Vancouver, Can-Pol Deli in Port Coquitlam, Polonia Bakery and Deli in Surrey). You can also call 604-520-6172. However you get them, do it soon -- they move quickly!

Don't despair! Like I said... There are a few out there who get it right. They find that sweet spot of great content, social connectivity, and visual appeal (easy navigation!). We've covered some of them on this blog already, and Dennis Baker's personal website and blog is the latest and one of the most well-rounded additions to that list.

One of the reasons that DennisBaker.net works so well is that that Dennis also works in web design and search engine optimization (focusing specifically on actor websites). This gives the man an inside look at the benefits of doing a website right. Considering that he makes his living as a freelance actor, fight director, teaching artist , and audition coach as well, his website and blog give him a leg up when it comes to getting work -- as does his personal investment is social media networks such as Twitter, and Facebook.

Don't think the site is just a pretty face, either. There is a wide array of content on the site (which is semi-regularly updated) covering everything from the future of theatre, to benefits and techniques in online marketing, stage combat techniques/tips, teaching, educational theatre, Writing, auditioning and acting tips, and more. He even has a free ebook on overused monologues. The site isn't perfect, but it is a good read, as well as a good stepping stone toward increasing your own online networks as an actor or theatre aficionado.

Visit DennisBaker.net. 

Here are five of the best, as outlined by About.com:

The Trap Door

Initially used by the Romans, the trap door is still used today in everything from theatre, to musical performances, to magic acts. They can be found in walls, in floors, and even in props (like a magician's cabinet), and have been used to great effect over the years -- to create mystery and suspense -- or even provide a hiding place for actors to make animal and other sounds. These days, the trap door can be simple or can be precision technology that is sometimes used with low and high-speed elevators to demonstrate the drama of a slow rise or fall, or a sudden disappearance. I've even seen them be used to launch people into the air out of seeming nothingness.

Thunder and Snow

We've all seen or heard about the person backstage shaking about a sheet of aluminum or other metal to simulate thunder. That started with the Elizabethans. Before that, and dating back to ancient Greek theatre, something a little more obvious was used: drums. And what an effect! During storms and battle scenes, or as a poignant crash to emphasize the displeasure of a god, thunder is one of the original audio effects to stimulate our senses.

Snow falling on stage was nearly as easy, and provided a feast for the eyes that would help to round out a winter scene. The snow bag (also known as the snow cradle) was one of the first artificial snow makers, and was nothing more than a perforated bag hung above the stage that would be shaken to to release small pieces of cloth. This is a method still used today, though there are more modern techniques and machines -- ones that don't leave bits of cloth on the stage floor that can potentially break a dancer's leg.

Blood

As a whole, people are fascinated by the stuff that runs in our veins, and find it difficult to turn away when it starts showing up on the outside. Violence, death, and other facts of life are rarely so enrapturing or otherwise provocative as when blood is visible. It started out as paint or animal blood, and can be traced in theatre back as far as the Greeks and Romans -- though it has been used to tell stories among ancient tribal people's as well, during dances and other rituals. These days, we've gone past the sheep's bladders of real animal blood, and even jars of paint, and use little plastic pouches that can be burst on cue called "squibs."

The Turntable

Now, I'm not saying that hip hop DJs are alien time-travelers or anything so spectacular -- that would be neat though, yes? Smacks of a spin-off story like "A Brooklyn Beat-maker in King Arthur's Court." But I digress... What we are talking about here is a means of easily swapping out scene backgrounds and creating movement that is also known as the Trebuchet (not to be confused with the medieval siege weapon). The turntable has been around since the 1300's, and according to About, was used to great effect in Les Miserables.

Deus ex Machina

The name has taken on different connotations, these days, but this is one of the oldest and most widely used of special effects out there. Without it, there would have been no Superman movies, no Spiderman Broadway show, and Jackie Chan would have had a somewhat limited career. Deus ex machina literally means "machine of the gods" and it is the basis of all of the flying devices used for special effects today. It is how the ancient Greeks would have the gods fly in to save the day, wreak havoc and otherwise do what Greek gods were wont to do. Movies, theatre and stadium music concerts, alike, would have had a few less "oohs" and "ahhs" without this one.

These are just five of many special effects techniques that have withstood the test of time and developed over years of fantastic theatre. Know of others? Have a favourite? Let us know in the comments!

One of those great specialized stores is entirely dedicated to books on theatre, film, dance and opera, and is an internationally known Canadian treasure that's been around since 1975. It's simply known as TheatreBooks. And yes, they ship.

While much of the information that you could ever want or need to find about theatre, film, dance, and opera is available online, there is infinitely more that is available in print. TheatreBooks was established when the world wide web was more concept than public reality, and Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page were just wee-little-itty-bitty babies (2 year olds, in fact). It was established in Toronto, Canada, by Leonard McHardy and John Harvey, who met while "working in one of Toronto's 'alternate' theatres." The store has since gone on to become a leading resource for book on theatre and the performing arts and has supported an enthusiastic following and community for 36 years.

TheatreBooks has most anything you could think of: books on theatre production and dramaturgy, opera, dance, drama and theatre in education, actors and acting, creative writing, television and film, theatre costume design and fashion, arts administration, and more -- not to mention that they say they carry every play that has been published in Canada, as well as many from abroad. If you can't find a book or playwright that you're looking for, you can email them or call them (toll-free), or even send them a fax, and they will do their best to help you out.

The website, TheatreBooks.com, is a good starting point for any theatre or performing arts book you might be looking for. The search feature is a bit archaic, but powerful and easy enough to get the job done. The site is straightforward and easy to navigate, and, while there are no pages specifically dedicated to each book, the different book-lists and categories all have a cover-shot, short description, and price (in Canadian dollars).

TheatreBooks.com has no online store, however, and this is unfortunate, as it would make life easier for all concerned. There is an Order Now page, but it requires you to either call with your credit card information, or to send your number and expiry date via email. This is a practice that has also been used by AbeBooks.com and is defended by them here, and if you feel comfortable with that, that's your prerogative. TheatreBooks is a reputable business and has been around for, as stated, 36 years, but I am not recommending you conduct your orders in this way.

No matter your approach to buying, the TheatreBooks website is an excellent online resource for finding great books. It should be a stop for anyone even remotely interested in the theatre, performing arts, and many related topics. And, of course, if you happen to be visiting Toronto, you should definitely pay them a visit! In the mean time, also take a look at their blog, their Facebook Group, or follow them on Twitter.

Yes, the flyer is approaching the end -- at least in its traditional form -- but it's not dead yet. In fact, there are several ways that you can utilize offline marketing tactics to help you build and grow your social, online community. 

The key here is to make sure that your flyers are no longer just static informational ads with a tear-off phone number. Attention spans are getting smaller and smaller, and people are inundated with interesting things daily, so you want your flyers to be instantly actionable. They need to either get people into your empty seats, or at a minimum, get people to take note of you for later. Not just any note, though -- you want that note to be something that reminds them that you exist and of how consistently awesome you are. You want them to become a part of the community that you're building -- the one where you share fantastic information, inspiration, and, yes, even deals and freebies. To do this, you need to take advantage of social media on the flyer itself.

1. Put Your Website On Your Flyer

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how many people leave it out. Or don't have one. If you don't have a website... get one. It's important. When was the last time you didn't head to Google (or your search or social engine of choice) to get more information before spending your hard-earned cash? It's the same for the rest of the modern world, as well. And what if you can't find a website (or a nice website) that is related to that product, how much are you going to trust in its legitimacy? How good can a show really be if you can't find it online? Barring trendy and elitist "we refuse to be online because we are too cool and artsy" shows that is... But I digress.

2. Put Your Social Networks On Your Flyers/Ads

Let people know who you are online. Let them connect with you and learn more about you. Let them see all of the cool people you are connected with, and how you are doing something that matters to people. You have a voice -- use it. And make sure that the people reading your flyer can find your voice by inviting them to follow you on your blog, Facebook page (or Facebook Event), Twitter account, Google+ profile, or whatever social networks are most relevant to what you're doing. Don't be afraid to offer incentives, either! People like deals and they really like free stuff, or even a chance at free stuff. Offer them something that will sweeten the pot a bit, and inspire them to connect with you right then, as they're looking at your flyer. They have the internet in their pockets, after all.

3. Consider Using QR Codes

Talking about instant action, the QR code is a fantastic way to accomplish it. It's a bar code, really, but one of the fancy square kind that contains a ton of information -- and all people need to do is load up an app on their phones that can scan the code (via the camera) and you can lead them to all sorts of neat stuff.

You can make the QR code simple, and have the scan lead them to your website or social media page, or you can even run contests through them, or send people directly to where they can buy tickets online. Right there. While they are walking down the street and happen to see your ad. It doesn't get much more instant than that.

There are plenty of services out there that can help you set up the complex QR codes, but if you want to do something straightforward, there are several free QR code generators out there, as well.

4. Don't Stop with the Flyer

Once someone is interested in your show or event -- or you -- enough to buy a ticket, you want to keep them connected to you, so that they'll keep coming back, share their experience with you and (important!) with others, and so that they can be a part of the living, breathing community you are creating around your passions and your work. There are many offline ways you can inspire these connections, such as using the methods mentioned above on ticket stubs, programs, on a sign (and on merchandise!) at the merch table, etc. You can even hand out cards with your social info and maybe a follow up contest on them as people walk in or as they leave -- or you can simply ask them, verbally, to join you as you thank the audience for coming and bid them a good night.

Ultimately, what you are doing is building a community around your show or event, or on a larger scale, around yourself. Use everything at your disposal to accomplish this. Mix, match, combine -- use your imagination, and do your level best to honestly engage with and interact with your target audience -- both online and offline.

How do you use offline advertising to build a community around your theatre event or show?

For her, the experience was both enlightening and spellbinding, as it drew her attention more toward the other aspects of the performances, such as movement and dance, visual appeal, and the music and audio intricacies. The languages and the plots and dialogue they painted were still important, and missed, but the overall production was illuminated in ways she hadn't considered.

I was led to wonder, as a result, of the importance of language in any performance, be it theatre, music, film, or combinations thereof. I was reminded of performances of the operas Elektra and Aida that I've seen, where I was given only a bare outline of the plot by the person who took me. I had no trouble following the gist of the shows, and was completely enraptured by the productions in a way I had not expected. Truly, I had thought I would be bored!

I remembered similar experiences while watching Shakespeare as a young teenager and struggling with some of the language. If I thought about it too much, I became frustrated, but when I allowed myself to step back and just watch, rather than paying too much attention to what was being specifically said, I was able to understand what was going on well enough, and free to enjoy the show as a whole. The same could be said of my experiences learning and performing operatic or other-language songs while at school for music, or listening to them at any point in my life. The overall experience and message is almost always conveyed clearly, even without understanding of the words.

This is another element of proof that artistic endeavours such as theatre and other performing arts transcend the boundaries of language and society, and can speak to us on a near-elemental level -- one more reason why the performing arts are so necessary to us as a people.

Can You Understand Theatre When You Don't Speak the Language? [guardian.co.uk]

Community Theater Green Room  

Community Theater Green Room is a decent resource, in general, with an active community forum of more than 3500 members. If you are looking to ask your peers about set design, directing, props, scenery, costumes, etc. the forums are a good first stop. If you just want some quick tips and tricks that get right to the point, however, skip the forums and head right to their How-To page.

The How-To page has 14 (very) short articles that are directly based on experience; effects and other tricks that were used in actual shows, and often required a bit of ingenuity to pull off. Some of the highlights are Lighting Candles on Cue, Realistic Wrinkles, Ghost of Christmas Future (a Christmas Carol), Grey Hair Without Spray, and Sinking the Set. The tips go for quality and effectiveness, but come from community theatre -- which means that they also will keep your budget (or lack thereof) intact.

The site itself doesn't appear to have seen much in the way of updates in the past while, which is unfortunate. This is especially noticeable in their articles on using the web to market your theatre or performance, which involves techniques and examples that are out of date. The how-to section and forums, though, are great! Just sift through the rest of the site with care.

Check out the highlights of the site, below:

Production Heads Blog - The homepage of Vancouver Actor's Guide (VAG) features links to the latest posts from Production Heads Blog, which is "the brainchild" of Kenji Maeda, the owner of VAG since 2003. The blog features posts like The Secrets to Getting an Agent | The Parents Guide for Child Actors Part 1 and Part 2, So You've Written the Perfect Screenplay, Now What?, and How to Have a Great Audition from Casting Director Bernie Telsey.

Current Auditions - Vancouver Acotr's Guide lists auditions that are upcoming and ready for you right now. The format is detailed and easy to understand, and includes everything you need to know before you put yourself out there.

In The Know - The VAG In The Know section reads more like a book than a website -- and probably should be downloadable as an eBook, as well. It contains information on auditioning, casting directors, how to prepare a cover letter and resume, demo reels, head shots and photographers, choosing training classes, talent agents, unions, and more. This section is a must for anyone getting started in the acting industry.

Resources - The Resources section of Vancouver Actor's Guide has links to local talent agencies, casting directors, training facilities, photographers, and more. The Links section of the site further compliments VAG's resource list by listing theatre companies, organizations and unions, festivals and screenings, and even more.

The Forum - The Vancouver Actor's Guide Forum is probably the best resource on the site. Here is where you will find living, breathing people to connect with who can help guide you and answer questions you might have about the local acting industry in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland area. There are nearly 2300 members, nearly 6000 threads, with almost 27,000 posts on topics that cover the entire spectrum of the industry. This is where the community lives on the site, and you will want to be a part of it.

The Vancouver Actor’s Guide could use a little help with search engine optimization and design, so that they can be better noticed and a touch more user friendly, but the site does the job it means to, and it does it admirably. The most important thing is the content, and there, VAG has quality in abundance.

If you know of any other local resources for actors and performers in the Lower Mainland area, we'd love to hear about them in the comments!

Port Coquitlam may be a smaller city in the Lower Mainland, but we like our culture and there is strong support for the performing arts here. Every summer, the city puts on a weekly set of shows for your viewing pleasure, which is great for both tourists and "staycationers" alike.

This year, Port Coquitlam's Summer in the City presents three weekly (free!) cultural events: 

Village Vibe Performing Arts Series

This used to be called Live @ Leigh Square. For the 2011 summer season, though, it's been renamed, revamped, and re-awesomed. Every Staruday afternoon throughout July and August, Leigh Square will feature all sorts of music, dance, and yes, even theatre (yay!) performances under a covered stage. It's free, all ages, and rain or shine, so get down there for some cultural cocktail! More info here.

Music in the Park

Didn't get enough on Saturday? Head down to Lion's Park in Port Coquitlam on Sundays for fantastic FREE music! You'll get to see live contemporary music, as well as jazz, blues, folk, and world music that will blow your socks off. This isn't amateur night -- or afternoon, rather: it starts at 2pm -- either. Port Coquitlam's Music in the Park series features professional musicians from all over the Metro Vancouver area. And it's free. Yes I already said that... but free is worth mentioning as often as possible. More info here.

Cinema Under the Stars

So we covered Saturday and Sunday -- but what about Friday night? How about some free movies at the park? Cinema Under the Stars has that for you, on a 26-foot-tall movie screen that will be travelling to a different PoCo park on Friday evenings. You can wathc Tangled this weekend at Sun Valley Park, and that's followed by Blindside, Avatar, and Footloose at Gates Park and Aggie Park. It's family picnic-on-a-blanket time! More info here.

Don't get stuck at home this summer. You don't need to. There's plenty going on every weekend right here in Port Coquitlam that will keep you entertained, feed your soul, and not cost you a dime. See you out there!

Know of any other great cultural events in the Tri-Cities or Greater Vancouver? Let us know in the comments!

Amanda is a Halifax native and student of the University of Toronto's Drama Studies Program, as well as a playwright, novelist, and educator (she teaches theatre to 4-9 year olds -- and you know how we love that). She started TWISI in 2007 and has since gained a solid reputation as a theatre critic and interviewer. She's covered shows from many of the professional theatre companies in Toronto, as well as shows in Halifax and Edmonton, on Broadway, and in here our own Vancouver backyard. As an interviewer, here repertoire includes Tony Award winner Idina Menzel, several Canadian theatre stars such as Patricia Zentilli and Patti Loach, director David Storch, and many more.

The Way I See It theatre blog is a great resource for information on different shows, and the quick wit and off the cuff humour of Amanda Campbell makes for an entertaining read. From a design perspective, the site is a fairly straightforward Blogger template, which means it's readable, but not that interesting to look at. Don't hold that against her, though! The content is great, is regularly updated for the most part, and Amanda is in the midst of a push to develop her site and take it "to the next level." She even has a donation drive going on right now, so she can throw some money at it. If the blog isn't your thing, you can connect with Amanda on Twitter, or her TWISI Facebook Group or Page to keep up to date on all of the happenings in Canadian Theatre.  

Personally, I'm excited to see where The Way I See It will take me at the next level -- I would love more reviews and posts on our own local Vancouver and Greater Vancouver area scene. How about it Amanda?

What's your favourite theatre blog?

Here are just a few of our favourite posts so far:

Dancing with OUR Stars was a Fantastic Success!

Dancing with OUR Stars was our first featured event of the the Fall, and the first to appear on our completely revamped website (we even got a new logo!). We were particularly proud of this one, not only because it was also part of our 10 year celebration, but because of the money it raised for the Crossroads Hospice Society in Port Moody ($16,000). Theatre never felt so good -- and watching local celebrities competing covered in rhinestones didn't hurt much either!

Check out the other Featured Events that have hit the Terry Fox Theatre stage the past 10 months.

5 Reasons Kids Need the Performing Arts

The performing arts are one of the best things your child -- or any child -- could be a part of. Whether music, theatre, dance, or a combination of the above, children of all ages will gain self-confidence, learn to overcome fears, express themselves creatively (and positively), and learn the value of hard work, discipline, and working as a team. There are plenty of studies out there that report the possibility of increased intelligence, as well...

Owning the Stage - 5 Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright

Stage fright, in one form or another affects everyone. You could be terrified of public speaking, of microphones, of singing in front of others, job interviews, or simply that people will make fun or reject you if you open yourself up to them. We've put together five tips to help you control those fears and own both the stage and your life.

Check out our other Owning the Stage tips and tricks.

5 Things to Look For When Renting a Theatre

Not all venues are created equal, and you need the right one for you. We love our theatre, and we think you should rent it -- but before you make a decision on any theatre rental, you should take a good look at it using the criteria we put in this post to make sure its a good fit for your show or event.

If you need a bit more info before you make your decision, check out our follow up post: 5 More Things to Look For When You Rent a Theatre.

Theatre Photography Tips

Theatre photography is a specialized art. Check out these tips -- and the photography trainer who coined them -- for the best techniques, tips, and tricks on shooting spectacular performance photos.

Six Tips to Help You Remember Your Lines

Remembering your lines -- in life or in theatre -- can be a nerve-racking thing. Unfortunately, those nerves can be the very cause of your forgetfulness, so we put together six tips to help you embed your lines in your mind.

4 Reasons Volunteering Will Change Your Life

There is little in life that will be more gratifying than volunteering your time and particular skills to a worthy cause. It's not just about work experience, or changing the world -- it's about expanding yourself. We give you four reasons why volunteering will change your life.

30 Theatre and Acting Quotes to Inspire, Make You Laugh, or Make You Think

We all love quotes. They inspire us, make us think, make us laugh, and give us cool things to say at parties and in email signatures. We've got 30 quotes for you; all about theatre. Check them out!

Blog Profile: The Acting Blog

We're on a mission to discover and share the best and brightest theatre blogs and resources on the web. The Acting Blog by Mark Westbrook is one of our favourites so far for presentation of some solid acting advice.

Check out all of our profiled theatre blogs and websites

A Month of Dance, Music, and Variety in Port Coquitlam

As the 2010/2011 season comes to a close, Terry Fox Theatre was -- and is -- proud to host a whack of dance and music shows and recitals, as well as some youth opera and even a variety show!

Stay tuned in the off-season for more theatre tips, news, articles, and profiles right here on our blog. If you have some favourite posts of your own, or want to suggest a topic, leave us a note in the comments!

So put on your maple leafs and come check out a bit of opera to the theme of the Greek myth, Pandora's Box.

Opera for Everyone

The Young People's Opera Society of BC (YPOSBC) was founded to help make opera more accessible to our youth and the general public; providing education, teamwork, fun, and the presentation of a full-blown opera every year.

As we have stated before, we love anything that brings performing arts to kids. The arts help kids to develop life skills such as teamwork, discipline, creativity, and self confidence, all of which help children to succeed in life as adults. YPOS provides all of those things, but also opens up young minds to a powerful and emotional art that is often stereotyped as boring or elitist. In fact, opera is meant to be enjoyed by all, and can provide those watching with stories and music that will bring about a full range of emotions; from happiness, to anger, fear, and even tears.

YPOSBC launched their first full scale -- and completely original -- production, The King Who Wouldn't Sing, in 2007 on the Surrey Arts Centre Main Stage. The show was co-written by founder Patricia Dahlquist and founding member George Austin. Patricia has been performing professionally for more than 40 years, and has taught people to sing since 1978. She's been a force in the Surrey and Delta arts scenes for some time as a former member of their respective arts councils, producer Gala '98 at the Surrey Arts Centre, and co-producer of Surrey Sings! for eight years.

George Austin is a pianist, performer, composer, voice teacher, conductor, and choir director who has been the music director for Fraser Valley Gilbert and Sullivan's Theatre productions, and also founded the Richmond Community Orchestra.

Young People's Opera Society of BC performs here in Port Coquitlam at our Terry Fox Theatre from June 29th (dress rehearsal preview show) through Sunday, July 3rd -- taking a day off so we can wave about maple leafs and celebrate Canada's birthday, of course. Get the performance details here, get your tickets, and join us in enjoying the operatic interpretation of Pandora's Box!

Take, for example, a previously happy married couple who are now bitterly angry over backward toilet paper rolls and improperly squeezed toothpaste. Are these things truly the cause of their unhappiness with each other, or are they simply indicators that show a larger lack of respect for each other's feelings, and an inability to effectively communicate?

What about that small twitch of the mouth or subtle way of moving that seems to signify a character? Obviously, the affectation doesn't really define that character -- there's no detail there, no meat -- but it is a strong indication of who he is and what he's about. There’s a story there, and it gives us gut feeling about what to expect from that person; it makes us want to know more. The simple fact that the quirk stands out hits our body language translators like a fist, turning that small, potentially insignificant thing into a beacon that can make for a truly electrifying performance.

Finding that little identifier isn’t the only way for you to stand out in an audition, however. There are several small things that you can (and should) do that will help you prepare, help you focus, and help you make a good first impression with the auditors. The blog Ace Your Audition contains several good tips to this effect. In their post, Audition Tips & Tricks for Actors, they focus on the little things that can make all the difference in landing that elusive job. Sure, you need to know your lines, and you should have an idea of who the character is and what happens in the script -- but if you really want to give yourself a fighting chance, shouldn't you make sure you brush your teeth?

Ace Your Audition doesn't actually talk about dental hygiene, but among several other practical tips, the post does try to help you make your auditions a positive experience for all concerned. It's a great post and a great blog in general and I recommend you give it a read.

Here are a few of the highlights:

• Bring something to do. Something that will keep you from obsessing and chewing your nails. Something that will keep you from engaging in conversations with other actors who might be trying to psych you out before you go in.
• Good slating is all about getting to the point and being polite -- but more the former than the latter. It is also about asserting yourself and engaging the auditors.
• Practice with a stopwatch so as to avoid bumbling your way through a monologue or song.

...and several other good tips, besides. Check it out!

What small things are the most important to you when auditioning?

This post is an installment of both Terry Fox Theatre's Owning the Stage series, where we bring you theatre performance tips, tricks, and techniques, and our Theatre Blog Profiles series. Have a look! While you’re at it, check out our tags Theatre Tips and Theatre in Life, as well. Happy reading!