Boom!

Closed

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:38:00 +0000

Whew. The Festival is finished--has been for a few days now--and I feel as though I am just coming up for air. The adrenaline, the excitement, and the enthusiasm surrounding what is happening with Paprika is nothing short of inspiring. We had nine days of new work, showcasing some of the best emerging artists in the city. Theatre of all sorts graced our stage, from readings to movement to comedy, making each night an exploration of the process of creation. Our Studio-Cabaret Series was an astounding success in its first year--with performances consistently wowing and entertaining crowds every night. Everything, actually everything, just felt right. We had a wonderful (albeit sleepless) time putting everything together and we are already excited about what is to come in the 10.11 season. If you missed this year's Festival, you missed a lot. If you were there, you already know that.

Congratulations to the participating artists for creating a canon of new work that is inspiring and essential. Audiences and adjudicators were consistently blown away by the quality of the work presented. There was more than just a spark--there was a full-blown fire. Thank you for sharing your talent with Paprika. We hope to see much more from all of you. Thank you to the many volunteers (and Tarragon staff) who were supportive to the enth degree--keeping myself and the Executive sane. Thank you to the adjudicators and mentors for sharing your artistry with this year's participants. You were gracious and constructive, and it is your feedback that will inspire the next generation of Canadian artists. And thank you to the Executive--they are the finest and most dedicated group of individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. It is their work and vision and drive that allowed this year's Festival to take flight.

Wow. That sounds like a page out of a sappy screenplay. We'll stop right there.

But don't think that we're done because we're not. Paprika may be most obvious for a couple of weeks in March, but we work year-round and we have a lot planned for our 10th Anniversary next year, plus the Call For Submissions is coming soon, plus there's Silent Auction stuff to distribute, plus the...

I should really stop. And get some sleep.

Day Four!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 19:31:00 +0000

I can't believe that I haven't posted since last week. The opening weekend went by in a snap. That is, if a snap is actually an awesome number of performances by very very talented emerging artists at the Tarragon studios...

Adjudicators so far: Daniel MacIvor, Brendan Healy, Kelly Thornton and David Storch. All were blown away by the quality of work on our stage and rightfully so. People are starting to notice what happens at the Paprika Festival, and it's truly inspiring. And truly awesome.

Sunday afternoon's Olde Spice Mimosa Reception (hosted by the one-and-only Sara Farb) was absolutely incredible featuring Daniel Karasik, Anna Gallagher-Ross and Alexandra Parravano as our guests.

There is so much more to come this week and there are still a few seats available, so book your tickets now by calling the Tarragon Box Office. AND be sure to join us for the Studio-Cabaret Series starting every night at around 9:30 pm.

Tonight we hear the first readings from our Playwrights-in-Residence (VERY exciting), followed by a post-show cabaret with Kate Sloan, the 17-year-old youtube sensation. She will not disappoint... and neither will the readings. Be there. For your sake.

Paprika Festival. that's hot.

One Week Left!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:31:00 +0000

There is only ONE more week until the Festival opens! The real fun begins this weekend, with final rehearsals, lots of preview performances, and the build for our Studio-Cabaret. We've along confirmed most of the acts for this brand new adventure in the world of Paprika, so be prepared! Even if you can't get tickets--and let me tell you, they are hard to come by--you can still join us for the Studio-Cabaret series, starting every night around 9:30 pm (or when the performance finishes). Here's the schedule (mostly)... you should come!

Friday, March 19: Opening Night Party, featuring The Roaring Girl Cabaret

Saturday, March 20: Singer-Songwriter Night

Monday, March 22: Kate Sloan, the local youtube sensation

Tuesday, March 23: TBA

Wednesday, March 24: Spoken Word Night

Thursday, March 25: Musical Theatre Night (hosted by Jenni Burke from Curtains Down)

Friday, March 26: Over 21 Artist Smackdown - our mentors show off their pre-21 work!

Saturday, March 27: Closing Night Gala, featuring The Emotionally Unavailable Mariners

Seriously, these nights are going to be unforgettable, but all the action happens between 9:30 and 11, so come early or you won't get in! No reservations....

Now I must go and sort the awesome blind/silent auction items. 2010 Paprika is seriously amazing.

Festival is FAST APPROACHING

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:37:00 +0000

It feels like a constant landslide! As the Festival is approaching (only 10 days away!), I constantly am finding myself side-tracked with the millions of things going on. Ticket sales, press releases, performances, tech schedules--emails are flying everywhere. BUT the good news is that it's all incredibly exciting.

The schedule is now up on the website and the tickets become available to the public on March 15 by calling the Tarragon Box Office. We ALWAYS sell-out, so be sure to book early as you don't want to miss this year's line up. You will also want to check out our new Studio-Cabaret Series, even if you can't get a hot ticket to the shows. Cabarets start at 9:30 nightly in the Far Studio, and each night is a new theme. Featuring bands such as The Roaring Girl Cabaret and The Emotionally Unavailable Mariners, along with Spoken Word, Singer-Songwriter and Musical Theatre Theme Nights, this cabaret is the perfect place to hang out with the Festival performers and meet new people working in the youth and emerging artist communities.

Frankly, I'm pumped. More to come soon, but I must sleep now. Dreams of spices descend...

Almost Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:48:00 +0000

As the Festival ramps up, I'm going to have to try and post more often, but also as the Festival ramps up, more and more has to be done so it's getting busy. Bri (Director of Artistic Programs) and I have almost finished putting together the Festival Schedule, and we will finish previewing all of the productions by this Saturday afternoon. So far, everything has been amazing and it just gets me excited to think about previewing this fresh new works to a public audience. I'm certain that we will be selling out once again this year. Tickets become available to the public on March 15 by calling the Tarragon, so call early or we'll be booked solid.

We also have a new youtube video!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFB9jbLR9fo It stars some of the members of our Creators Unit so it is not to be missed. Post comments and tell us what you think of it!

Also, Paprika is going to be featured at an awesome all-ages FREE party put on by the Canadian Stage Company this Saturday night at the Whippersnapper Gallery on College. Come on by and say hello--admission is free and there's tons of free performances and food too. Here's the facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=313547006944

It's called SyncroniCITY. And it's going to be awesome.

Stay tuned for more Festival updates (including the SCHEDULE!) soon!

Whoot!

Weekend of Paprika

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:49:00 +0000

It feels like we're really moving into the final stretch now as this was a very full Paprika weekend! Saturday was spent at Bri's house drowning in post-it notes as we tried to program the Festival. We're pretty excited because we think we have it just about done, with maybe a few tweaks here and there. So although it was a long day, candy, ketchup chips, The Only Cafe, and a quick afternoon nap meant that we had a great day all-in-all.

Sunday began with a bright-and-early Board meeting. It was really nice to reconnect with the Board, and enjoy a "Canada doughnut"--courtesy of Patrick (it had maple leaf sprinkles!). Following that, we had an amazing final Training Day. Camilla Holland (Tarragon) and Mitchell Marcus (Acting Up Stage, LuminaTO) made up our panel about producing as we uncovered the details of how to put up a show, from the practical standpoint. Workshops included Stage Management (Michael Sinclair), Sound Design (John Gzowski), Set and Costume Design (Gillian Gallow) and Props (Katie Horrill). Topping it all off was picture day with our wonderful photographer, Jeremy (www.jclayphoto.com).

My favourite quote of the day:

"People think that Dress Rehearsals are sexier than spice racks." - Camilla Holland

Thanks for that, Camilla. Amazing.

Picture Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 04:25:00 +0000

I'm officially returning from the land of silence. January has been a busy month administratively, as we had to get a lot of grant reports and financial stuff sorted out. We're currently working on developing a really solid set of core values to help guide us in the years to come. Admin stuff is so important to an organization, but it can also bog you down.

We've also posted pictures from the Launch Party on the website so check them out if you haven't already. Our amazing photographer, Jeremy Clay, is a wizard when it comes to making any situation (even one with very low lighting) work well. Check out his website at www.jclayphoto.com. His work will blow your mind.

That said, tonight was really exciting because it was the photo shoot for the Executive. We had our pictures taken at the Tarragon in the Far Studio and it felt a little bit like picture day at school. We had all spent a little extra time picking out our outfits this morning, and we had all done something new with our hair. Jeremy told us to tilt our heads, cross our hands, and smile. I think it was when we started telling dirty jokes and talking about going for a beer afterwards that we remembered we weren't in elementary school.

Those pictures will be posted soon, and when they are, be sure to look for the ladder in the background of the pictures. I tried to suggest that we all sit on the ladder and use it as a real prop piece (in honour of my New Kids on the Block poster from my youth), but Jeremy didn't go for it. He did, however, allow it in the background of a few shots. It's probably a good thing that he's the professional photographer and I'm not.

So many other things going on: we have our last Training Day coming up this weekend, we're getting close to having the Festival schedule all done, conversations with Olde Spice applicants are underway, and we're starting to get the word out about March. It's going to be crazy amounts of fun had by all.

More posting from now on--I promise.

Paprika gets to the Next Stage!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:28:00 +0000

Literally.

Yesterday we had an amazing Training Day, held at Theatre Passe Muraille. It was fun to be in a new space, and also fun to get to hang out on stage at such a wonderful theatre. All in all, the day was wonderful. We started off with a great spread of food--I should hope it was great, since I nearly killed myself lugging it all the way down to TPM. There are apparently no grocery stores at Queen and Bathurst--NONE. Though I guess I would never buy groceries either if I lived next-door to Pizzaiolo, the Wine Rack and that great tiny Indian place who's name I can't remember. Plus, there's a Starbucks on the corner for that mass-produced, gentrified kind of feel. Either way, I was pretty thrilled with my spread of cookies, pita and hummus, veggies, fruit and chips and salsa. Just sayin...

After some pretty epic food time, Andrew Lamb (Theatre Awakening, Tarragon Theatre) and Ashlie Corcoran (Theatre Smash) entertained and enlightened us in an amazing panel, facilitated by the lovely Director of Artistic Programs, Bri Brown. I was sort of hoping for a blood-brawl, but the two of them were nothing but congenial and lovely. I think the participants probably learned a lot about the artist lifestyle, and the road to a career in directing.

Following the panel, Daryl Cloran (yes, THE Daryl Cloran) led a surprising, fantastic, and hilarious workshop with blindfolds and some pretty interesting interpretations of Mamet. It was nothing short of a theatre nerd's dream. Thus, we were all pretty excited about it.

Though Daryl said some pretty important things, the quote of the day came from a participant (who I won't name here): "I learned about the difference between horny and 'horny'. I mean, I've been horny before, but I don't think I've been 'horny' before." I love Paprika.

We then headed down to the Next Stage Festival for the Artist Mixer, and mix we did. Paprika artists mixed and mingled with ease with Next Stage artists. Connections were made, delicious food was eaten and fun was had by all. Thanks to Gideon and Adam at the Festival for the invitation (and the delicious Magic Oven treats) and thanks to Dan (our Director of Twitter) for making it happen from our end.

What a great day... I'm off to see some more Next Stage shows tonight! Busy, busy, busy...

Cheers,
Rob

New Year, New Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:29:00 +0000

Again, I haven't posted in a while and again I am sorry to anyone who's actually reading. I think I'm going to stop apologizing and just post when I can remember to do it and/or when I have something to say. If I posted everyday, you would all stop reading instantly since I'm NOT that interesting. And even Paprika (which is that interesting) has slower points throughout the year.

Earlier this week I saw a guy on the subway and I immediately felt like sharing what I saw (well, not so immediately since I think I saw him on Monday). He was rather imposing looking, with a sideways hat, over-sized black jacket, lots of bling, baggy jeans, etc. etc. You get the idea; apparently Dan (our Director of Communications and Education) used to dress a lot like that when he was in Grade 8, but I digress. As I approached this gentleman to sit down in the one empty seat, I noticed something important. His jacket was black, but it was covered in large designed imprinted into the leather/pleather. Within each square was what seemed at first to be a general squiggle. Upon a closer look, these squiggles slowly because clearer and clearer until I realized that they were THEATRE masks. Actually. Comedy and tragedy masked printed into this over-sized black leather/pleather jacket on this rather tough guy. Not that theatre can't be tough, I was just surprised I suppose. You really can't make assumptions...

Now for my resolutions. I don't really make a list, but rather a rule listing of attainable things that I should be doing everyday.

1. WRITE or EXERCISE everyday. I can do both if I want to, but I can't do neither. And writing in this blog doesn't count. I'm going to the gym after work today.

2. DON'T TAKE ESCALATORS. Stairs only, unless the option doesn't exist. Though I might forget. But I'm trying not to.

3. LISTEN to my IPOD more. I have it, and I like a life soundtrack. I just need to remember to charge it more often. And diversify my musical selections.

That's it. Pretty standard/lame. What are yours?

Holiday Time

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:07:00 +0000

So I haven't posted in a while. It was Christmas, I'm currently in Kingston. With the purchase of a stupidly large amount of unneccesary DVDs on Boxing Day and my brother's birthday yesterday, there just hasn't been time. I may or may not have been wasting a lot of time of Facebook. So much time that I found this little gem:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNzrwh2Z2hQ

Consider it a New Years gift from me to you...

Cheers,
R.

You know what I love?

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:45:00 +0000

Christmas.

I haven't posted in a while, so I'm sorry. Christmas and holiday business has taken over. Plus I was really sick yesterday. But tonight it's home on the train for some sweet sweet family time. I'm not going to lie, my parents have a giant TV and I intend to kill many-a-brain cell by watching as much of it as possible while I'm home.

Cards, partys, gifts, festive cheer... Happy Holidays everyone!

Is it Friday yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:07:00 +0000

This feels like the week that time forgot. Apparently holiday season equals endless days of additional activity for me and I'm really looking forward to simply heading home for the holidays. I'm not going to lie, the days of sweatpants, excessive amounts of food, TV-watching, and general lazy/Christmas cheers are upon us. Though they are numbered, they are worth the wait.

Now to find some presents....

It's been a few days...

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:22:00 +0000

My apologies for the delay. Posting on the weekend just seemed insane, given the craziness of it all. Then the week caught up with me, and now it's Wednesday. How did that happen?

Yesterday was Baubles and Booze at Canadian Stage--the annual craft sale, and it was amazing. I'll post some of my favourite vendors later, should you still need Christmas presents like I do.

In Paprika news, a few photos from the Launch Party have started to surface, and more will be coming very very soon. Once we have them all, we'll be posting them on our website for all to see. Jeremy Clay, our Official Festival Photographer, is pretty freakin' amazing, so I'm really excited to see them. Check out his work at www.jclayphoto.com. You'll be glad you did.

Today, I also had the opportunity to have lunch with Richard Rose, Artistic Director of Tarragon. He's a really fantastic, laid-back, and thoughtful guy, so it makes sense why his theatre is consistently producing thought-provoking and exciting new work. We talked about the future of Paprika, the new Olde Spice initiative, and the exciting night that was the Launch Party. He also hadn't yet met me, and I felt like that was weird, since I have a desk in his offices. He was very excited to hear about all of the new work that we're doing--and our lunch was delicious to boot (we went to "dish" cooking school, which also serves a wicked lunch).

Without revealing to much, I will tell you that he's agreed to do a youtube video with us, so be prepared for that...

Weekend of singing

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:02:00 +0000

I missed posting yesterday--so my apologies. However, I will say that it was my birthday, so I'd count that as a good reason. Hopefully you do too. And let's be honest, this daily blogging won't keep up forever. I also don't want you to read into this that my birthday was a wild night of debauchery like it should have been--after work I went to a choir rehearsal, then when home and read aloud to my roommates, then went to bed. Actually. That actually happened.

This weekend is full of singing for me. The GYM Choir (Canadian Stage's emerging artist choir that I direct) is performing tonight at the Berkeley Street Rehearsal Hall. Tomorrow night is my annual Christmas partying (featuring up to three hours of multi-voiced, multi-instrument carolling). And on Sunday, I will be performing (with and without the choir) at a Cuts for Cancer event that my friends are hosting. Come on over to the top floor of Pauper's Pub for some great music and a phenomenal cause.

Sunday I'm also heading to the Letters to my Grandma special show and Theatre Jones Roy fundraiser. I love Anusree and her work, and I think that her company deserves all the support they can get. You should go to this show/fundraiser too. Just sayin... call the Arts Box Office at Theatre Passe Muraille for tickets.

Sometime in there I have to buy Christmas presents, do laundry and clean my room.... oh, and have brunch. I love brunch. Have a great weekend everyone.

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:24:00 +0000

This is probably not a good precedent to set--TWO posts in one day. But I just keeping thinking about how awesome the party was. It was really really awesome. Thanks to everyone who made it out (yet again).

Also, this funny thing happened today so I thought I'd share. All of the pent up adrenaline and drive towards the party died this morning. It really died--like toe-socks or pogs. I actually fell asleep at my desk. Like dead asleep. My boss wanted to draw something gross on my face--but thankfully, she didn't.

Whoot!

What an amazing party!

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:32:00 +0000

Holy eff.

The party last night was pretty freakin fantastic. Almost everything went off without a hitch, which means that we (the Executive) were able to actually enjoy ourselves. New website, new logo, new intiatives... we feel well... new.

Thank you all for coming and supporting the Festival--both in physical presence and in financial support. Our Silent Auction was a huge success, as were our T-shirts and buttons. However, if no one had come, Bri, Liz, Dan, Andrea and I would have had to eat a truckload of food. Plus we would have been lonely and sad. So thank you again. Your attendance made our party awesome.

Enormous special thanks goes out to our performers: the enormously talented Sara Farb (Festival Alumni!) and Shari Porter, as well as the phenominal Hayley Stark. For real, Paprika has some great friends.

I'm still reeling... but I'm also tired. And tomorrow is my birthday. Actually.

Day One

noreply@blogger.com (Rob) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Tonight is the Paprika Festival Launch Party. I'm not going to lie, I'm pretty excited even though I'm pretty intimidated by this blog. This whole interweb thing is pretty daunting...

I'm also not sure who is going to read this, if anyone at all. I think I would consider myself a mildly to moderately interesting person, but maybe not interesting enough to have a public diary. That's essentially what this is, which is weird right? It's like having a public wedding (I inadvertently have attended one), a public funeral (I suppose most are technically public, but it's still weird), or a public Dungeons and Dragons party (these shouldn't even happen in private). I'm going to try and update this blog as much as possible... maybe even tonight during the party. I'll do my best.

Last night I saw the Creators Unit do their solo pieces. I have to say that I was crazy impressed with their work. In just over a month, they've developed some strong characters who have real stories and intentions. Not only that, but they're infused with beautiful movement and gesture. A lesbian plant, a marshmallow salad-making soccer mom, and a psychiatrist seeking mental help were among the fantastic performances that made for a very interesting evening of presentations.

Oh, and here's our youtube video if you haven't seen it yet. It's amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFHqjvvYsSI