2023 Season Announcement

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Driftwood Theatre presents The Final Bard’s Bus Tour

A 30-year Tradition of Outdoor Summer Theatre Winds Up in 2023 

Driftwood Theatre Group today announces their 2023 season including the return of Shakespeare D&D, and the final season of The Bard’s Bus Tour from August 5-27, 2023 in eight Ontario communities including Kingston, Bloomfield, Peterborough, Oshawa, Pickering, Ingersoll Toronto and Burlington.

With gratitude to audiences, artists and company members who have shared in nearly 30 years of outdoor summer theatre, Driftwood Theatre will bring its celebrated Bard’s Bus Tour to a close in 2023. 

“The past few years have prompted significant reflection about Driftwood’s history, legacy and long term goals,” says Artistic Director Jeremy Smith. “We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished and grateful to our partners, supporters and audience members across the province who have supported The Bard’s Bus Tour since 1995” 

Driftwood will carry on with a new mandate in 2024, but before then The Bard’s Bus Tour will hit the road one last time with its most personal production to date: Living With Shakespeare, a love-letter to the poetry and plays of William Shakespeare. 

Living With Shakespeare image by Ramon Perez.

Living With Shakespeare, created by Jeremy Smith and Steven Gallagher, brings Jeremy officially back to the stage for the first time in over a decade as he reckons with his life-long relationship to the Bard of Avon. Weaving scenes, passages, and music from Shakespeare’s greatest plays with personal stories from Jeremy’s lifelong relationship to the Bard, Living With Shakespeare is an exploration of our continuing fascination with the world’s most recognizable playwright. 

“It has been a privilege to work alongside one of the greatest playwrights in the history of English theatre for almost 30 years,” explains Mr. Smith, “but all things come to an end. I’m so thankful and thrilled to be able to personally share this final tour with our audiences across Ontario.”

Shakespeare D&D image by Jeremy Smith

The 2023 Driftwood Theatre season will kick off with the return to the 2022 sold-out phenomenon, Shakespeare D&D: 2nd Edition. A live-play event of the world’s most popular tabletop roleplaying game, Shakespeare D&D: 2nd Edition brings together a cast of Driftwood friends for an evening of Dungeons and Dragons on a quest of Shakespearean proportions. Shakespeare D&D: 2nd Edition will take place live on May 15 at Toronto’s Social Capital Theatre, and streaming on YouTube.

Behind the scenes, Driftwood’s Beyond the Bard new play development program continues to work with playwrights Gloria Mok and Ahmed Moneka on their new plays, Diminished and The Onion Cellar respectively. In May, these artists will be coming together with the Living With Shakespeare creative team for Driftwood’s first-ever  playwrights’ retreat in Picton, Ontario.

Tickets for Driftwood’s 2023 Season are now on sale online at driftwoodtheatre.com. In keeping with Driftwood Theatre’s vision of theatre for all people, all performances offer a range of ticketing options and Driftwood continues to offer Community Tix, free tickets to community members for whom the cost of attending is prohibitive.  

Driftwood Theatre is dedicated to good people connected by great stories and is grateful for the support of the Ontario Arts Council, The Canada Council for the Arts, and season sponsors Ontario Power Generation and Deighton Associates. For more information about Driftwood’s mission, mandate and projects, visit  www.driftwoodtheatre.com 

 

Shakespeare D&D: 2nd Edition

May 15 at 7pm
Social Capital Theatre, 154 Danforth Avenue

Click HERE for more information

 

Living With Shakespeare

Bard’s Bus Tour 2023 Confirmed Schedule

AUGUST 5 & 6 (previews) – Kingston at Springer Market Square in association with The Kick & Push Festival

AUGUST 9 (Opening) & 10 – Prince Edward County at BMO Pavillion at the Eddie presented by County Stage

AUGUST 12 & 13 – Peterborough at Peterborough Museum and Archives in association with the Peterborough Museum

August 15 & 16 – Oshawa at Ed Broadbent Park presented by the City of Oshawa

AUGUST 17 & 18 – Pickering at Esplanade Park in association with the City of Pickering

AUGUST 19 & 20 – Ingersoll at Ingersoll Cheese Museum in association with the Ingersoll Cheese Museum

August 22 & 24 – Toronto at Kew Gardens Park

AUGUST 25, 26 & 27 – Burlington at Royal Botanical Gardens presented by the Royal Botanical Gardens

Additional dates to be announced soon

Click HERE for Full Schedule

Media Contact: Damien Nelson, damien@wantandable.ca

Driftwood Summer Job Postings

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Driftwood Theatre’s 2023 Bard’s Bus Tour is expanding its summer team with a number of positions 

Driftwood Theatre is once again hitting the road with a return to live, outdoor touring summer theatre. We’re looking for some creative, outgoing and friendly folk to help us manage, create, and celebrate our plans for The 2023 Bard’s Bus Tour.

Driftwood Theatre is committed to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity in all aspects of our work We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will prioritize applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Women, Gender minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, d/Deaf, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodiverse.

The following positions are made possible with the generous support of Canada Summer Jobs. Candidates must be between 19-30 years of age and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Here’s a list of what we’re looking for (full postings below). 

  • Properties and Wardrobe Coordinator, June 12 – August 6, 2023. Application deadline: Mon. April 24th.
  • Front of House Manager, July 3 – August 27, 2023. Application deadline: Mon. April 24th.
  • Communications Coordinator, July 3 – August 20, 2023. Application deadline: Mon. April 24th.
  • Event Marketing Coordinator, July 10 – August 27, 2023. Application deadline: Mon. April 24th.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume (as a single PDF document) to Producer, Kay Wong at kwong@driftwoodtheatre.com, with the subject line stating the position you’re applying for and name, e.g. “Front of House Manager Application – Kay Wong”.

 

Properties and Wardrobe Coordinator

Reporting to the Production Designer, the Props and Wardrobe Coordinator will be responsible for the creation and maintenance of hand-held and scenic props and wardrobe for the summer season. The Props and Wardrobe Coordinator will also be responsible for purchasing materials, assembly and repairs. 

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Working under the supervision of the Producer and under the direction of the creators to realize all prop and wardrobe elements for productions
  • Sourcing and purchasing materials
  • Constructing and purchasing hand props and set dressing
  • Pattern drafting, cutting and stitching
  • Wardrobe assembly, alteration, fittings and repairs
  • Wardrobe budget management
  • Attending and reporting at all production meetings

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
  • Experience in prop design and construction
  • Experience in wardrobe sourcing, patterning, cutting and stitching
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications

Salary/Job Details

  • Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
  • Contract dates: June 12 – August 6, 2023
  • Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
  • This position may work from home, participating in regular meetings
  • online and/or in-person and fittings in-person
  • Driftwood is committed to a five-day work week, however this position 
  • May require evening and weekend work, and occasional travel
  • Time off in lieu of payment will be given for overtime

 

Front of House Manager

Reporting to the Producer, the Front of House Manager will be responsible for delivering a safe, orderly, timely and enjoyable theatre experience for Driftwood’s audiences, presenting partners, volunteers, donors and company members.

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Managing onsite relationships with presenting partners in each community
  • Preparing, setting up and running box office, seating and concessions at each performance
  • Supervising all front of house volunteers
  • Maintaining financial and attendance records for performances and outreach activities
  • Handling online and in-person banking while on tour
  • Participating in the daily set-up and strike of the performance site

Knowledge and Skills Required 

  • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
  • Experience in client/customer service and some degree of management
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Cash-handling experience
  • Full class G driver’s license with clean driving abstract and experience driving large vehicles (Ford E350 chassis or equivalent) is an asset
  • The ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers
  • Capacity for lifting and carrying supplies and equipment
  • Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications

Salary/Job Details

  • Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position 
  • Contract dates: Mon. July 3 – Sun. August 27, 2023.
  • Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract, and $135 per/diem for overnight stays while on tour
  • This position will work primarily from Toronto, with some time in Picton, ON during rehearsals and pre-production, and travel while on tour.

 

Communications Coordinator

Reporting to the Manager of Development and Communications, the Communications Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of online publicity and communications for Driftwood’s 2023 summer programming, including Community Play and educational displays/activities related to the Bard’s Bus Tour.

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Liaising with the publicist, the production’s director and creative team to develop publicity materials and packaging for the summer season
  • Implementing monthly, weekly, daily social media plans, including posting photos, videos, stories, reels and other media while on tour.
  • Evaluating and reviewing communications plans on a regular basis
  • Coordinating PR events with company members, community partners, the media and the public

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
  • Experience in digital marketing and communications
  • Experience in recording, editing and posting social media content
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Experience in event management and coordination
  • The ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers
  • Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications
  • Comfortable with using mobile devices for recording, photos and posting on social media. 
  • Proficiency with Photoshop, InDesign, WordPress an asset
  • Photo or video editing experience is an asset. 

Salary/Job Details

  • Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position
  • Contract dates: Mon. July 3 – Sun. August 20, 2023
  • Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
  • This position will work primarily remotely, with some time in Picton, ON during rehearsals and pre-production

 

Event Marketing Coordinator

Reporting to the Manager of Development and Communications, the Event Marketing Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of digital engagement programs as part of Driftwood’s summer programming, including Community Play and educational displays/activities related to the Bard’s Bus Tour. They will be traveling along with the Bard’s Bus Tour for the duration of performances.

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Liaising with Driftwood partners throughout our touring region, assisting with ensuring all partner organizations have access to promotion and marketing materials
  • Liasing with the publicist, the production’s director and creative team to develop publicity materials and packaging for the summer season
  • Developing and implementing free digital content to accompany live programming including recording and editing videos and preparing them for release
  • Supporting the Manager of Development and Communications with community based promotion projects. 
  • Capacity for lifting and carrying supplies and equipment
  • Participating in the daily set-up and strike of the performance site
  • Documenting Driftwood events by taking photos, recording videos and helping to prepare them for public release or posting. 

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
  • Experience in digital marketing and communications
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • The ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff, community partners and volunteers
  • Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications

Salary/Job Details

  • Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position
  • Contract dates: Mon. July 10 – Sun. August 27, 2023
  • Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract, and $135 per/diem for overnight stays while on tour
  • This position will begin work remotely, with some time in Picton, ON during rehearsals and pre-production and travelling on tour across Ontario for the duration of performances.

Job posting: Technician and Board Operator

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Join Driftwood Theatre as a Technician/Board Operator and work with us in bringing our 2023 season to life for people across Ontario

Driftwood Theatre, dedicated to good people sharing great stories, has been touring outdoor, summer theatre to Ontario communities since 1995.

We’re currently looking for a Theatre Technician, who will be responsible for the coordination and completion of the daily set up, testing and strike of all staging, lighting and sound equipment, control booth and front of house area, including daily operation of lighting and live sound mixing for Driftwood’s 2023 outdoor, summer touring production. The Theatre Technician reports to the Stage Manager and Producer.

The successful candidate will have related work experience or training in technical theatre; a high degree of professionalism, motivation and time management skills; the ability to build positive and respectful relationships with a small touring team and community partners; the ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers; a working knowledge of LED lighting systems and wireless lav mixing in a live-theatre environment is an asset; Class G driver’s license with experience driving large trucks (cube vans) an asset.

Driftwood Theatre welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who reflect the many communities that make up the province of Ontario. In particular, we continue to prioritize and consider first applications from artists who identify as BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQ+. 

This position will begin work in Picton, Ontario prior to setting on a provincial tour with Toronto as point of origin. Transportation to Picton and accommodations will be covered by the theatre.

Contract dates: July 10 – September 3, 2023.

Salary: $20/hour. 35 hrs/wk.

Candidates are invited to make application by sending a brief cover letter and resume (as one pdf file) by email to Producer, Kay Wong (kwong@driftwoodtheatre.com).

Application deadline: March 12, 2023. 5pm.

www.driftwoodtheatre.com

Finding Inspiration in 2023

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Hello and Happy New Year from Prince Edward County!

After digging ourselves out of a very snowy holiday season, we’re almost ready to pull the curtain on Driftwood’s plans for our 29th season. Almost, but not quite.

I’ve always worked from home. It’s one of the great perks of running a non-venued theatre company. Since moving to Picton, home has also come to include a second business, a licensed Bed & Breakfast (www.instagram.com/gillespiehousebnb), and our house is now a hub activity.

This summer we’ll welcome artists and staff here for the duration of rehearsals and preparation for the summer season; a place to come together in the celebration of our imaginations and creativity. Throughout the rest of the year, we’ll welcome guests as they embark upon their own adventures here in PEC.

Today the house is empty, as my family are off at school and work. After a December filled with the hustle and bustle of construction, it’s nice to have some quiet in the house again. It’s also helpful, given that I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately.

This is a distinctly different experience for me: writing. Not grant or administrative writing (I do those things all the time), but writing as an art form. It’s been a little like dragging out my sketchbook after months of letting the practice slip. I find myself hesitant. Too often, my brain gets in the way of any progress – self-doubt crippling any meaningful momentum.

As I meander through the empty house on my way to my desk, I’m finding inspiration from my daughters who, even when they aren’t at home leave constant reminders of their presence: the hand-made multi-coloured necklace hanging from a doorknob, the recently-completed 1,000 piece Harry Potter Lego set proudly displayed in the fire room, countless canvasses and pages of art strewn about the house, a giant cardboard box decked out as a Club House making a statement in the front hall.

As much as it might frustrate me to constantly be tidying the detritus of my children’s creativity, I do hope they continue to create and imagine with such fearlessness. 

It’s ironic how, when we’re kids, our imagination is the progenitor of all our fears (last night I was up four times consoling both kids after nightmares) and yet we’re often more fearless in the way in which we explore the world and express ourselves. We just haven’t learned to fear the dragon of self-doubt, haven’t armored ourselves against the barrage of other people’s judgement.

When a kid commits to doing something, they do it with relentless abandon. They imagine completely, freely and without hesitation. It’s an important lesson, really. A great reminder of the power we all hold within ourselves.

As I continue to write, I’m going to try and hold onto that willingness to play, to explore, to create. Just get in there and do it.

And when my daughters get home, instead of chastising them for not cleaning up, I’m going to tell them how delighted by and proud I am of their boundless creativity (ok, and then maybe get them to tidy up a little bit) and join them in the Club House with some Lego.

Jeremy.