PLAYSMELTER PUTS WOMEN’S VOICES FIRST

Playsmelter festival is upon us! The annual new works theatre festival presented by Pat the dog Theatre Creation kicked off its seventh season on Tuesday, April 30^th but the fun still continues until May 4^th. Playsmelter provides an amazing opportunity for Northern playwrights to showcase new works to live audiences. More than that though it also offers theatergoers an unprecedented look into the work that goes into bringing a new piece of theatre from page to stage. Pat the dog will also be facilitating Master Classes in directing, drama writing and publishing throughout the week. Don’t miss your chance to see something special come to life and catch a show as Playsmelter takes over the Sudbury Theatre Centre now until May 4^th, find show info at www.playsmelter.ca.

This year’s edition of Playsmelter puts a highlight on women in theatre. In late 2018 Pat the dog Theatre Creation was honoured with a Sector Innovation and Development Award from the Canada Council and with it have officially been able to launch a brand new initiative; Regional Women Lead: A Grassroots Approach to Gender Parity for Women in Theatre. The initiative was created in response to a 2015 study by Michelle MacArthur which revealed some staggering statistics about the representation of women’s voices in Canadian Theatre. These facts hit too close to home for Pat the dog Artistic Director Lisa O’Connell, and she set about creating the Regional Women Lead program. The program will allow for multi-layered opportunities to tell their stories and further their professional development through Master Classes, conversation cafes, mentorships all let by nationally recognized theatre professionals. By inspiring an urgency in regional playwrights to have their stories told the hope is for our area to become a leader in gender equity in theatre Canada wide.

“Less work produced by women means fewer jobs not only for writers but also for actors as there is a corresponding relationship between women playwrights and roles for women actors. Our stories are vital, delightful and need to be heard. Regional Women Lead will make this happen.” – Lisa O’Connell

There are still a few more days left to make sure you’re part of all the action! Look out for readings from local playwrights Sarah Gartshore, Kim Fahner (former poet laureate ), and Matt Heiti as the festival takes over Sudbury Theatre Centre April 30^th – May 4^th. Head to www.playsmelter.ca for showtime info or more details about the Regional Women Lead initiative.