January 6, 2010
December 11, 2009
Little Shop of Horrors – December 11-13
Little Shop of Horrors
December 11-13, 2pm & 7:30pm
CCPA Performance Hall, 1701 Elgin Rd.
Check the Link for the flyer —> little_shop_final
November 26, 2009
CCPA Students Fight for their Futures
Media Release
For Immediate Release
CCPA Students Fight for their Futures
November 25, 2009
VICTORIA – Students of the Canadian College of Performing Arts are presenting “Grey”, an original work based on a society living through an arts prohibition. This play is intended to bring awareness to the impending risk of 92% cuts in arts funding, and to encourage support of reinvesting in the arts.
“Grey” was written and created by Year II students, inspired by the rallies and protests that occurred as a result of the recent proposed cuts to arts by the Province of British Columbia.
“As the future artists of our nation, we have created a work that shows how necessary art is to society and how creativity and imagination cannot be suppressed,” said CCPA student Ruth Midgley. “This is our form of protest, our version of a rally. Art is speaking out for itself”.
The students are performing “Grey” at 8pm on Tuesday, December 1st 2009 at the Canadian College of Performing Arts, 1701 Elgin Road. Everyone of every age is welcome and encouraged to bring a politician, community leader or business person. Visual and performance artists and all who appreciate art in any form will be inspired by this extraordinary one-hour performance. Admission is free.
CCPA is one of Canada’s leading arts training institutions. Located in the heart of Oak Bay, the College focuses on training many of the top theatre performers of the next generation.
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CONTACT INFORMATION: Steven Seltzer, Communications Manager
Canadian College of Performing Arts
250-595-9970
communications@ccpacanada.com http://www.ccpacanada.com
November 21, 2009
Little Shop of Horrors Media Advisory
Public Service Announcement/ Media Advisory
CCPA brings Man-Eating Plant to Life with “Little Shop of Horrors”
November 18, 2009
For Immediate Release:
What: “Little Shop of Horrors” Directed by Liza Balkan, Music Director: Brad L’Ecuyer
When: December 11-13, 2pm & 7:30pm performances
Where: CCPA Performance Hall, 1701 Elgin Road
Details: Seymour, an orphan and a nerd, is taken in and given a job by the owner of a run down Florist in a seedy part of town in this shocking, thrilling and hilarious musical.
Seymour spends his time doing menial tasks and dreaming of the shop assistant, Audrey. On the day of a solar eclipse, Seymour discovers a strange plant. He buys it and names it after her but soon discovers the plant’s disturbing appetite. The plant grows and grows, as does Seymour’s love for Audrey. But, only one may survive in the end!
In this final production, CCPA’s “Company C” 2009 performers are directed by Liza Balkan. Liza recently arrived from the Stratford Festival and has been involved in Canada’s performing arts industry for over 25 years, working as assistant director and director in such pieces as The Trojan Women, Morning Dove; and Sylvia in collaboration with Victoria’s Belfry Theatre. She is excited to be returning to CCPA to work with students who are so close to launching their own careers. “I love that they approach their roles with so much energy, passion and love of theatre,” says Balkan. “It inspires me as a director and provides hope for performing arts in Canada for the generations to come,” says Balkan. “Many people know about Little Shop, but this production will have some surprises.”
Tickets: Adults $20, Students $15 (On sale at the McPherson Box Office: 250-386-6121)
Special note: CCPA will hold a free 1-hour sneak preview on Thursday December 3, where Audrey II will be unveiled. To RSVP, call 250-595-9970.
Company C is the Year III program of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Founded by Jacques Lemay and Janis Dunning in 1998, the College provides quality training to prepare students for careers in the area of performing arts. This year, Company C is composed of twelve graduates of the Year II program who are now working alongside professional directors to bring three powerful shows to the stage this season.
Also, stay tuned for CCPA’s 2010 spring season which includes performances with the Victoria Symphony, Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale”, CCPA’s annual “On Broadway!” performances and Casino Royale, an exciting evening of music, games of chance, spotlight entertainers and gorgeous guests.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Steven Seltzer, Communications Manager
Canadian College of Performing Arts
250-595-9970
communications@ccpacanada.com http://www.ccpacanada.com
November 16, 2009
Free Sneak Preview
Join us Thursday December 3 at 10:30 am for a special preview of Little Shop of Horrors.
Call 250-595-9970 or email communications@ccpacanada.com to reserve your seat.
Get up close and personal with the cast and director of the production by CCPA’s Company C.
“Company C is the third year-program of the prestigious performing arts college founded in 1998 by Janis dunning and Jacques Lemay. This year it features 12 graduates of the second year program working with professional directors.
The ensemble will lighten up in mid-December with a production of the musical “Little Shop of Horrors”, before the students launch their careers on the world stage”
Michael Reid-Times Colonist
November 9, 2009
“Rabbit Hole” Performances this weekend only…Tix still available!
What: “Rabbit Hole” directed by Matthew Howe
When: November 13-15 (Fri. November 13, 7:30pm; Sat. November 14, 2pm & 7:30pm; Sun. November 15, 2pm)
Where: Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra Street
Details: Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for drama, “Rabbit Hole,” by David Lindsay- Abaire, is a beautifully crafted work of great sensitivity which shifts perfectly from hilarity to grief. Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. “Rabbit Hole,” charts their bittersweet search for comfort in the darkest of places and for a path that will lead them back into the light of day. It’s a dramatic piece of writing laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion and searing honesty.
The play is guest-directed by Matthew Howe. Mr. Howe enjoyed ten seasons as Resident Director/Choreographer and Master Teacher at the Tony Award winning Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was named 2005-06 Twin Cities Director of the year.
Tickets: Adults $20, Students $15 (On sale at the McPherson Box Office; 250-386-6121)
Company C is the Year III program of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Founded by Jacques Lemay and Janis Dunning in 1998, the College provides quality training to prepare students for careers in the area of performing arts.
This year, Company C is composed of twelve graduates of the Year II program who are working alongside professional directors to bring three powerful shows to the stage this season. Also, stay tuned for “Little Shop of Horrors,” which will be running from December 11-13th at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. This fall is the last chance for Victoria to see this talented ensemble as they prepare to launch their careers across Canada and beyond.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Steven Seltzer, Communications Manager Canadian College of Performing Arts 250-595-9970 communications@ccpacanada.com http://www.ccpacanada.com
October 19, 2009
Company C brings Pulitzer Winning Play “Rabbit Hole” to Victoria
What: “Rabbit Hole” directed by Matthew Howe
When: November 13-15 (Fri. November 13, 7:30pm; Sat. November 14, 2pm & 7:30pm; Sun. November 15, 2pm)
Where: Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra Street
Details: Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for drama, ”Rabbit Hole,” by David Lindsay-Abaire, is a beautifully crafted work of great sensitivity which shifts perfectly from hilarity to grief.
Becca and Howie Corbett have everything a family could want, until a life-shattering accident turns their world upside down and leaves the couple drifting perilously apart. “Rabbit Hole,” charts their bittersweet search for comfort in the darkest of places and for a path that will lead them back into the light of day. It’s a dramatic piece of writing laced with wit, insightfulness, compassion and searing honesty.
The play is guest-directed by Matthew Howe. Mr. Howe enjoyed ten seasons as Resident Director/Choreographer and Master Teacher at the Tony Award winning Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was named 2005-06 Twin Cities Director of the year.
Tickets: Adults $20, Students $15 (Tickets on sale at the McPherson Box Office; 250-386-6121)
Company C: is the Year III program of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Founded by Jacques Lemay and Janis Dunning in 1998, the College provides quality training to prepare students for careers in the area of performing arts. This year, Company C is composed of twelve graduates of the Year II program who are working alongside professional directors to bring three powerful shows to the stage this season. Also, stay tuned for “Little Shop of Horrors,” which will be running from December 11-13th at the Canadian College of Performing Arts. This fall is the last chance for Victoria to see this talented ensemble as they prepare to launch their careers across Canada and beyond.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Steven Seltzer, Communications Manager
Canadian College of Performing Arts
250-595-9970
communications@ccpacanada.com http://www.ccpacanada.com
October 2, 2009
Company C launches CCPA’s 2010 Season With “As Bees in Honey Drown”
What: “As Bees in Honey Drown” directed by Darcy Evans
When: October 9-11 (Fri. October 9, 7:30pm; Sat. October 10, 2pm & 7:30pm; Sun. October 11, 2pm)
Where: Metro Studio Theatre, 1411 Quadra Street
Details: “The buzz, the hype, the hum. The flash, the fame—this is the only thing that matters,” according to Alexa Vere de Vere, the flashy and cunning antagonist of comedic satire As Bee’s In Honey Drown. However, Miss Vere de Vere’s words could have easily been spoken to describe the arts and entertainment industry in our own culture where talent alone does not equal fame. Reality TV, publicity stunts and bad behaviour dominate the screen and airways in order to, as Vere de Vere says: “present something new and vivid to poor, fun-starved modern civilization”. Is art eternal? Or is eternal not as long as it used to be?
As Bees in Honey Drown is a comedy about the pitfalls of the unquenchable hunger for fame. Eager almost-famous painters, singers, musicians, business managers, and, of course, authors — the occupation of the protagonist of this play — are displayed as easily trapped victims of con artists who promise big, but empty, dreams. (From Answers.com)
Special note: This show is a fiercely funny satire and is for mature audiences.
Tickets: Adults $20, Students $15 (Tickets on sale at McPherson Box Office (250-386-6121)
Company C is the Year III program of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. Founded by Jacques Lemay and Janis Dunning in 1998, the College provides quality training to prepare students for careers in the performing arts. This year, Company C is composed of twelve graduates of the Year II program who are working hard alongside professional directors to bring three powerful shows to the stage this season. This fall will be the last chance for Victoria to see this talented ensemble as they prepare to launch their careers across Canada and beyond.
CONTACT INFORMATION: Steven Seltzer, Communications Manager
Canadian College of Performing Arts
250-595-9970
communications@ccpacanada.com http://www.ccpacanada.com
CCPA Featured in Victoria’s Times Colonist
Founders Janice Dunning and Jacques Lemay in front of a collage of their students at the Canadian College of Performing Arts.
Photograph by: Adrian Lam, Times Colonist, Times Colonist
By Adrian Chamberlain, Times Colonist October 1, 2009
Link to article: http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/College+showcases+talent/2054072/story.html
College showcases talent: Performing arts school starts season with satirical comedy
ON STAGE
What: As Bees in Honey Drown
Where: Metro Studio, 1411 Quadra St.
When: Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 10, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Oct. 11, 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20, $15 (tel. 250-386-6121)
Here’s a tip. If you’re auditioning to get into Victoria’s Canadian College of Performing Arts, don’t just say: “I want to be famous.”
Maybe that’s good enough for Canadian Idol. But not for the CCPA, one of the country’s premier performing arts conservatories.
Co-founder Janis Dunning says during the college’s nationwide auditions (at which only one in four applicants is chosen) they’re seeking young people with a genuine vocation for the stage.
“We actually look a bit skeptically at anyone who would say, ‘I have to be on Broadway by the time I’m 23′ or ‘I want to be
famous,’ ” she says.
The public is invited to see what talents are on display next week, when the college opens its performance season with the play As Bees in Honey Drown. A showcase for senior students, this award-winning satirical comedy by Douglas Carter Beane is about a con artist attempting to dupe a young writer. The production, directed by Darcy Evans, will have four performances at the Metro Studio.
The college’s fall/winter season includes David Lindsay-Abaire’s Pulitzer-winning play Rabbit Hole (Nov. 13, 14 and 15) and the musical Little Shop of Horrors (Dec. 11, 12 and 13). In February, students will perform Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, directed by Barbara Poggemiller. And on April 23 and 24 the school caps its year with Guys and Dolls at the McPherson Playhouse, accompanied by a full orchestra.
This year the college — situated in Oak Bay — will train 76 students, most in their late teens or 20s. Co-founder Jacques Lemay says the college is unique in Canada, in that it offers training in all aspects of the performing arts. As well as learning such skills as acting, dancing, playwriting and singing, students are coached in the basics of managing their own careers. If no one’s hiring, they are encouraged to create their own work.
“It’s very intense,” Lemay says. “We do in two years what another program would do in four. … There’s nothing like it in the country.”
Recent graduates include Brian Sutton, nominated for two Jessie Richardson Awards; Galen Johnson, who has done a U.S. national tour of the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels; and Jeff Irving, who has performed more than 300 shows as Rolf Gruber in The Sound of Music for Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre. Another former student is Kevin Durand, who acted in X-Men Origins: Wolverine with Hugh Jackman and will appear in the upcoming Russell Crowe film Robin Hood.
Lemay and Dunning are concerned the recent spate of provincial arts funding cuts might affect their college. The school is awaiting word on a $65,000 B.C. gaming grant for next year.
Dunning says they’ve kept the school relatively small due to the limited amount of work available in Canada’s performing arts scene. She’s concerned arts cuts will further limit opportunities for college graduates.
“If the arts are cut, why are we training people to go into a dying industry?” she says.
Lemay stresses the performing arts must be recognized as a legitimate business like any other.
“If someone’s at the college, it’s because they have a creative being. They have a calling. We’re not all born to be doctors or forestry specialists or nurses.”
achamberlain@tc.canwest.com
