BURNABY COUNCIL APPROVES GRANT TO KEEP MICHAEL J. FOX THEATRE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC — FOR NOW
After thousands of artists, performers, technicians and theatregoers made a case to keep the Michael J. Fox Theatre open to the
public, Burnaby city council has approved funds so it can operate for the next two years.
https://vancouversun.com/news/burnaby-council-approves-grant-to-keep-michael-j-fox-theatre-open-to-the-public-for-now
LIGHTS, CAMERA, OTTAWA:
THE STRATEGIC VISION FOR GROWING THE FILM CAPITAL
The Ottawa Film Office has big plans to develop the city into a sustainable, world-class production hub, and they have been very successful over the years. Ottawa had record-breaking live-action film and TV production, with $62 million in local economic activity, and a 25% increase in productions during summer 2025.
https://www.thegate.ca/film/072424/lights-camera-ottawa-the-strategic-vision-for-growing-the-film-capital/
WHO’S A GOOD BOY? AI CAN’T REPLACE DOGGIE ACTORS, DIRECTOR SAYS
At a time that Hollywood is grappling with the job-killing effects of AI – and
as the organisers of the Oscars and the Golden Globes have said avatars cannot win prizes – the new technology will never displace the warmth of a real-life performer, human or animal.
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/whos-a-good-boy-ai-cant-replace-doggie-actors-director-says
CANADIAN THEATRE DEFENDS PRODUCTION AFTER STUDENTS REMOVED FROM MATINEE PERFORMANCE
According to Regina Public Schools, students attended the performance after the production had been presented as appropriate for ages 14 and up and connected to several
curriculum areas. Teachers made the decision to leave during the performance after determining that the content was more mature than they had expected.
https://www.onstageblog.com/onstage-blog-news/2026/5/11/canadian-theatre-defends-production-after-students-removed-from-matinee-performance
CINEPLEX CEO APPLAUDS LONGER THEATRICAL WINDOWS FOR NEW RELEASES, DOWNPLAYS SALE TALK
Movie watchers might be disappointed they'll be waiting longer to see some new releases from the comfort of their own couches, but for Canada's
largest cinema chain, it's reason for applause. Cineplex Inc.
https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/national-business/cineplex-ceo-applauds-longer-theatrical-windows-for-new-releases-downplays-sale-talk-12263044
WHY IS HOLLYWOOD GHOSTING CANNES?
Spooked by social media pile-ons, eye-watering costs and a string of high-profile misfires, the major studios have calculated that a glitzy Palais premiere might not be worth it (in more ways than one).
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/why-is-hollywood-ghosting-cannes-2-1236592024/
DO ARTISTS NEED TO SUFFER TO MAKE GOOD ART? THIS FESTIVAL OFFERS ANOTHER WAY
In its 25th year, Paprika is doubling down on its mission to support emerging artists.
https://www.cbc.ca/arts/paprika-festival-25-9.7195343
TONY AWARD FOR EDUCATORS WON BY A GEORGIA TEACHER WHO STRESSES SELF-EMPOWERMENT AND STORYTELLING
At this year's Tony Awards, sound designer Justin Ellington has gotten a nomination to theater's biggest prize. Someone who
helped him get there is also being highlighted.
https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/the-mix/tony-award-for-educators-won-by-a-georgia-teacher-who-stresses-self-empowerment-and-storytelling-12263505
CAN WE
TALK ABOUT PARTICIPATION FEES IN COMMUNITY THEATRE?
I know community theatre is expensive. I know rights are expensive. None of it is cheap, and most community theatres are doing their best with budgets held together by ticket sales, donations, and volunteer labor. So no, I am not pretending these organizations are sitting on piles of money. But I still do not love the practice.
https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2026/5/10/can-we-talk-about-participation-fees-in-community-theatre
HOW TO PREPARE AN ACCENT FOR AUDITIONS: TIPS ACTORS CAN USE FAST
Some roles require in-depth research or working with a dialect coach, and even
then it can be difficult to master. You might only have one or two days to prepare, so instead of counting yourself out of an job, look at what you can do with the limited time you are given.
https://www.castingnetworks.com/news/how-to-prepare-accent-for-auditions-tips-actors/ |
BIZ STUDIO: PROFESSIONAL FILM+TV ACTING CLASSES FOR KIDS+TEENS
Biz Studio has a twenty-year track record of training young actors who work regularly in film and television.
Our
classes offer double the focused 1:1 time of any other school. Each class takes a maximum of six students, and each student also gets 30min of private coaching each week to help prep for class. This is the place for young actors ready to take their work to the next level!
https://www.bizstudio.ca/classes DIALECT COACHING - TONY ALCANTAR & ASSOCIATES
L.A. producers trust Tony with their biggest shows & stars: Oscar winners Mel Gibson, Halle Berry, Billy Bob Thornton, Sam Rockwell, Emmy winner Martin Freeman plus Vince Vaughn, Joel Edgerton, Bob Odenkirk, Nathan Fillion, Stellan Skarsgard...FARGO, SHOGUN, LOST OLLIE, FEAR THE WALKING DEAD,
MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, MANY MORE!
* Teaching since 1989, Tony is Vancouver's #1 dialect coach recommended by agents and casting directors. Learn with confidence and book that role!
Contact: 604-418-1192 or [email protected]
https://www.tonyalcantar.com RAILTOWN ACTORS STUDIO
Classes are open for registration!
New to us? Click here: www.railtownactors.com/interview
* Acting on Film/On Camera classes with John Cassini & Janet Kidder
* Scene Study classes with Brian Markinson, Frank Cassini, Janet Kidder
* Voice and Movement for the Actor with Kendra Anderson
Details for all Classes: www.railtownactors.com/classes
We look forward to hearing from you! THE MAGIC CHAIR WITH SAMANTHA ALEXANDRA
A Kids Acting Workshop with Pivot Theatre
May 31 | 10am-12pm
This playful and imaginative improv workshop invites children 8 to 12 to explore creativity, collaboration, and storytelling through one simple object - a chair. Using improvisation, movement and purposeful play, participants will discover how a single item can transform into anything they imagine, from a bus stop to a pirate ship, and how collective imagination can build entire worlds. This course encourages
creative thinking and flexibility, helps to develop teamwork and communication skills, and to build confidence through self-expression and performance, while introducing children to the basics of improvisation and storytelling.
https://www.pivottheatre.ca/workshops VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENS FESTIVAL
May 25 - 31
Head down to Granville Island for this year's festival and enjoy spectacular performances from around the globe for kids and
families of all ages! The 2026 Festival will feature circus arts, puppetry, theatre, dance, and music shows plus lots of arts activities created just for children.
https://www.childrensfestival.ca
REVOLVER FESTIVAL
May 22 - 31
rEvolver Festival is the latest ongoing evolution in Upintheair Theatre’s history of Festival production and presentation. The festival takes place each May at The Cultch in East Vancouver and other alternate venues across our city. It features new performances and premieres reinterpretations of existing works by Canadian artists.
https://upintheairtheatre.com/revolver-festival/
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