Chris Mayhew documents SOULO

The lovely and talented Chris Mayhew just completed a short documentary about the SOULO Theatre Festival at the Red Sandcastle Theatre back in May. In addition to being an extremely amusing and risible addition to the cast of Magic@theCage, he does some extraordinary video work (back in April, we co-hosted the launch party of his feature length film A Series of Unfortunate Effects). You can watch the film below and perhaps take a moment to vote for SOULO in NOW Magazine'sBest of Toronto 2014.

Tracey Erin Smith

The SOULO Theatre Festival, under the direction of Tracey Erin Smith, is an eclectic collection of one person "solo" shows which are often autobiographical, occasionally hilarious and always inspiring. Every show ran for a single performance along with several special workshops and panels for performers who want to develop their own solo work.

The documentary was filmed at the Red Sandcastle Theatre in Leslieville, Toronto and features (in order of appearance) David Harrell, Sebastian Heins, Adrianna Prosser, Rachelle Elie, Tracey Erin Smith, James Alan (whoever that is), Martha Chaves, Caryn Ladovsky, Terrence Bryant, Christopher Sawchyn, France Raymond, Michael Wolk, Linda Griffiths, Zabrina Chevannes, Polly Esther, Joanne Latimer, Sean Towgood, Sage Tyrtle, Tantoo Cardinal, Debra Bennett, Marsha Shandur.

The SOULO Theatre Festival is also nominated for Best Small Theatre Company by NOW Magazine. You can head over to NOW, now and vote.

Or click to Watch on YouTube.

SOULO_2014_POSTER-web

Photos from The Uncertainty Project

At the Wychwood Theatre, June 18-21.

Beyond the Mundane

On Friday, May 31, I was on Beyond the Mundane hosted by Elsie Lynn Leyland and Randi St.Claire. It's a very long interview and we cover a wide range of topics from magic, belief and disbelief. But mostly we're talking about The Uncertainty Project. You can "watch" the interview here, even though this is supposed to be radio. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jYar-jv20M?rel=0]

Tickets for The Uncertainty Project are now available online at www.uncertaintyproject.com/tickets 

Care About Us - Documentary

A few weeks ago, I performed at a fundraiser for Care About Us, full length documentary about homelessness around the world. I did magic alongside several musical acts, and a pair of martial artists. The production, conceived by Dan Balcaban, is supported entirely through crowd funding. It has already completed filming in twelve cities around the world and is currently raising money to complete its post production. You can take a look at highlights from the fundraising party below or contribute on their Indiegogo Page.

www.CareAboutUs.net

Photos by Duy Nguyen

Some Extra Awesomeness

This is what an Award of Awesomeness looks like.

I was recently awarded this Award of Awesomeness from the SOULO Theatre Festival where I spent most of my weekend submerged in one-person theatre. I think I'll hang it next to my Larry Award.

It was a wonderful experience to be part of. I have no doubt that embarrassing and unusual photos will surface in no time. In the meantime, here are mine:

(For the juicier ones, head over to Instagram #soulo)

SOULO Theatre Festival

Tickets are now on sale for the SOULO Theatre Festival, May 22-25 in Toronto. SOULO Theatre, created by Tracey Erin Smith, highlights solo performances and one-person shows with a focus on personal storytelling. This is the second year of the festival and I've joined their team as their general manager, thanks, I'm sure, to my mother teaching me to make elaborate spreadsheets so I could survive managing Camp Black Belt all those years ago - love you!  (Insert joke about "Selling my soul-o" here.)

The entire festival takes place at The Red Sandcastle Theatre (922 Queen Street). The quality of the performers is exceptional. I was at the launch party which was preceded by a showcase of four short solo shows which were wonderful, heartwarming, disturbing and uplifting (but not necessarily in that order).

In the festival there are seven one-person shows (selected from nearly fifty applicants) and two showcases of four short performances, The SOULO Salon and the SOULO Allstars. And if you're more interested in the work behind the scenes - the creation, production and promotion of SOULO Theatre, there are five workshops and panels for those just curious or those seriously considering getting their stories out there.

Every event at the festival is $15. All of the tickets are available here. You can also get a pass to get into all of the workshops and panels for $50 (save $25) here. With the festival just two weeks away, tickets are going quickly, so grab yours while you still have the chance.