Thursday and Friday are SOLD OUT!!

Hi all,

So we sold out half our shows last week - and that trend is repeating itself this week!

Unfortunately, all tickets for both Thursday and Friday are now completely SOLD OUT!!

We have a few tix left Saturday, but please book in advance at torontotheatretrilogy@gmail.com They will most likely go quickly...

As for our final show on Sunday Oct 4th @ 2:30pm, it will be first come, first served. We are NOT pre-selling tickets - to be fair to our audience. Since every ticket available is selling right now, I can only assume that getting there an hour to 30 min before the show could guarantee you a seat, but I really don't know what to expect??

Get there early Sunday to be safe - or book your tix for Saturday like now!

And thank you to everyone for this exciting journey!! Who knew we could put up such an awesome show for ZERO dollars??? All of these SOLD OUT houses... is just gravy. :)

Thanx for your support.

Bobman

The new format is AMAZING!!

Hi all,

So I made a few tweaks - and they totally paid off!!

Made some adjustments to our opening act - and our hosting (as well as some text cuts) - and the show is getting consistent laughs for 1.5 hours!!

I like to say that we get a laugh every 30 seconds. That's pretty much true - if you calculated the statistical mean - but sometimes we go 10 seconds, sometimes 1 minute. The point is that our audience is laughing consistently throughout each of the 3 plays. That's not an easy feat...

I have written many comedies and dramas over the years, and they're very different animals. It's very difficult to gauge a drama. For me, it's more about stillness. If the audience is focused on the show, you're doing your job. If they're doing lots of fidgeting/seat-shuffling, they're probably not into it. For comedy, it's about laughs. You gotta make them laugh, or it's probably just not very funny...

I'm happy to report that this show is zipping along though! While our opening night was good, the show is about 3 times better now! Actors know their lines/blocking better, I made some good cuts, we've found the right balance to open the show, and word of mouth is getting us the right kind of audience...

We've sold out most shows this week, but we still have a bunch of tickets available next week. Please join us. The only thing I can guarantee: We'll make you laugh. :)

Bobman

We're trying a new format tonight...

So after a few shows, I've decided to try a new format.

We have replaced the comedy troupe with cast member K Trevor Wilson - who is also an acclaimed stand-up comedian (as well as a fantastic actor).

We're hoping this new format can make the show even better!

Stay tuned - as we may continue to make adjustments as the run continues...

Bobman

P.S. Here is the new list of credits....


Produced by Bobby Del Rio and Jason Morneau. Stage managed by Jason Morneau. Cast (alphabetical): Ryan Moleiro, Jessica Salgueiro, Jonathan Shatzky, Julie Tesolin, Bahia Watson and K Trevor Wilson.

With stand-up comedy by K Trevor Wilson.

Our first review...

Well, we're selling out pretty much every show now. So I guess this reviewer was right...

“People will like Three Plays about Toronto Theatre. It's funny. People will go and it will sell out. It is certainly entertaining.”

http://www.timeandspacemagazine.com/2009/09/review-3-plays-about-toronto-theatre.html


Please book in advance to guarantee yourself a seat. torontotheatretrilogy@gmail.com

Bobman

Here is all the info you need...

Hi everyone,

For anyone who wants to track our adventure with the ZERO budget journey, start at the bottom of this blog and work your way to the top. I am PROUD to say that we ended up producing the ENTIRE show for absolutely no money... We even managed to get flyers donated to us, and some nice Eye Weekly preview press without hiring a publicist...

I'm not sure I would do the no budget thing again - as it certainly complicates mundane transactions like buying batteries or renting a moving van - but it definitely was creatively satisfying...

Here are a few things you need to know:

1. The best way to find our location is to go to Givins/Queen (1 block East of Ossington). We're pretty much right at the corner, so just look for the people congregrating...

2. The best way to guarantee yourself a seat is to e-mail torontotheatretrilogy@gmail.com Just simply tell us what night you want to come, and we'll reserve you tix. Shows are Tue - Sat @ 8pm for $10, and Sunday PWYC @ 2:30pm. We open tonight (Sept 17), and close Oct 4!

3. Here is a link to Eye Weekly recommending our show by calling us a BEST BET.

http://www.eyeweekly.com/arts/bestbets/article/71695


4. Any other questions, e-mail torontotheatretrilogy@gmail.com

5. As demanded by our audience, we have decided to creatively solve our program problem by posting our program online (here and on the Facebook group "3 Plays About Toronto Theatre"). Thanx for supporting us, and we'll see you in the theatre!!

Bobman


PROGRAM:

Writer/director: Bobby Del Rio
Producer/stage manager: Jason Morneau

Cast (alphabetical order):
Ryan Moleiro - MICHEL in Plagiarism, JONATHON in Fringe Show
Jessica Salgueiro - SALLY in Schmoozers, actor in Plagiarism
Jonathan Shatzky - MARK in Schmoozers, VICTOR in Plagiarism, HOWARD in Fringe Show
Julie Tesolin - JANET in Fringe Show, GINA in Schmoozers
Bahia Watson - MARIE in Plagiarism, SANDY in Fringe Show
K Trevor Wilson - DANNY in Schmoozers, actor in Plagiarism


Playwright’s note: “These plays are sorta based on actual people, and sorta based on no one in particular. Just laugh, people. Just laugh.” -BDR

Thank you from the playwright/director: Cast and crew (especially Jay Morneau for cooking), Ben Blais and Red One Theatre (for staging all those readings for me – thanx too to all the great actors who performed at Sing For Your Supper in Toronto and Montreal), all those actors/directors who helped me do readings in various random living rooms (Absit Omen, in particular), Bill Lane and Factory Theatre (for the encouragement, development and the money), Alessya Q (for always supporting me – I love you, pretty), Derrick Chua, Gideon Arthurs and the Toronto Fringe Festival, Amanda Lynne Ballard, Angela Argento, everyone I’ve ever loved or hated working in the Toronto theatre community for 10 years, Anthony Furey (for the show that almost happened), Jennifer McEwen, Jon Kaplan, NOW Magazine, Eye Weekly.

Thank you from the producer:
Organic Boutique
Landlord and Tenants of 970 Queen St. W
Ad Factor
Timo: for helping with maintaining the space.
Laura for putting up with me. Love you babe.


BOBBY DEL RIO, writer/director
Bobby Del Rio last wrote/directed PORN LIFE (named one of 2007’s best plays by Fab Magazine). Bobby’s other independent theatre writing hits are: CHRISTIAN VALUES (#3-selling hit of 2001 Toronto Fringe Festival), WHEN CHILDREN FALL (named one of 2000’s “best Fringe/SummerWorks shows” by Eye Weekly) and CHILD HOOD (SummerWorks 2005). Published plays include: PROFESSIONALLY ETHNIC (Summer 2009 issue of Canadian Theatre Review), HALF-CHINX TAKING OVER THE WORLD (Spring 2002 issue of CTR). http://www.bobbydelrio.com/

JASON MORNEAU, producer/stage manager
Jason Morneau has spent the last seven years breaking into the Entertainment Industry. He has worn many hats in the industry such as, Stage Manager, Lighting/Sound Designer/Operator and Djing, not to mention performing Stand up and Sketch Comedy. With all this knowledge and experience, Jason has been producing and directing his own material at varies venues such as Gladstone Hotel, Healy’s and Theatre Passe Murialle. Jason is the founder of the production company, Agawa-Sapphire Productions which was formed in 2007. Since then they have produced a comedy show called Wacky Friday on a Monday, Beautiful Days (murder mystery, comedy) and filmed a Documentary, A Sense of Discovery which documents his road trip to Western Canada will his Step Dad’s Mental Illness, Bi-Polar Disorder. Jason looks forward to future projects with Bobby.

RYAN MOLEIRO, cast
Since graduating from Bishop's University's Theatre program, Ryan has worked with some of the best acting coaches in the city. Living in Toronto he has been working steadily in both film and television. He has also produced and written several short films as well as a lifestyle show that is currently being shopped. Some of his favorite theatre credits include: Tony from Savage in Limbo(John Patrick Shanley), Big Earl from Book of Days(Landford Wilson),and Sir Toby from Twelfth Night(Bill Shakespeare) He is SUPER DUPER PUMPED to be working with Bob and the rest of the cast!

JESSICA SALGUEIRO, cast
Winnipeg-born Jessica Salgueiro loves Toronto and its theatre scene. A recent graduate from the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts; Jessica strives to constantly improve her skills. She is involved in the Second City training centre and Sears and Switzer Film School. She avidly supports independent film-makers and has starred in various short film projects with director Jerry Nguyen. Jessica has been involved in various T.V. projects, including: “In the Grid” and is currently working on a new feature film with Flow Productions. In addition to her acting, she has also delved into directing. She assisted Darlene Spencer in her production of “Les Belles Soeurs,” and directed several plays for the “Focus Theatre Festival” in Aurora, ON. Recent theatre credits include; Rizzo in “Grease” and R.P. McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.”

JONATHAN SHATZKY, cast
Jonathan Shatzky is a handful. On one hand, a hard-working professional driven by a passion for the arts, on the other, a sneaky little monster who will steal a bite of food right off your plate if you look the other way. Part man, part beast, Jonathan is known for his random acts of kindness, his devilish little smiles, his infectious enthusiasm, and his ability to play any song with a distinct melody on his teeth with a pen (true). Jonathan is very grateful to be a part of this production, and is very thankful to find himself in a position to follow his dreams and still be able to eat.

JULIE TESOLIN, cast
Since acting in her first play at the age of seven, Julie knew she wanted to pursue a life in art and theatre. Graduating with honours from the Fanshawe College Theatre Arts Program, she moved to Toronto continuing her passion for art and growing as an actor. Julie has worked in film, voice over, and theatre. Some of her favourite theatre credits include: Desdemona (Othello), Mary (The Red Coat), Puck (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Pope Joan (Top Girls). When not acting, you can find Julie teaching Hatha, Vinyasa Yoga, and Nia Technique classes in the city. Julie is thrilled to be part of this amazing cast and excited to be working with such a talented group of actors! She would like to thank everyone for coming to the show and sharing your support!

BAHIA WATSON, cast
bahia watson was born in may in carman, manitoba. a prairie girl at heart, she gave up the low-cost living and homemade bread at mom’s in winnipeg, and set out for toronto to follow her big city dreams. as the playwright-in-residence at anitAFRIKA! dub theatre, writing has provided a sense of control and contribution, turning into the eastcoast demerara projects, a storytelling company in the works. when not rehearsing, reading or writing, bahia likes to cook and eat and discover the delicate layers of love. this performance is dedicated to her black mama, the ultimate storyteller.

K TREVOR WILSON, cast
K. Trevor Wilson is a 14 year veteran of entertainment who has appeared in numerous film and TV projects some of which have actually been viewed by people including recurring roles on NBC and Family Channel’s Darcy’s Wildlife as mumbling hillbilly Deuce and Showcase’s Billable Hours an Stacey the IT tech. As a comedian Trevor has headlined shows all over Canada including Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal and is a founding member of the Sex, Drugs, and Comedy Tour and Toronto based sketch troupe Smell’s Like the 80’s. He is an award winning stage director and is certified in first aid. Who is this amazing superman?

Tech nightmares...

It's both easier and considerably more difficult to do a show in an apartment.

Benefits: Cut down on costs, and more time to rehearse in space.

Drawback: Actors get turned into human light switches.

The lighting for our show is actually going to be very cool, but it was VERY tedious yesterday to spend a big chunk of our 8-hour rehearsal on assigning individual actors to flip specific light switches... Oddly enough, it was also the FIRST TIME we were able to have all actors in the same room at the same time. 4 days before we open!!

Anyway, the show is in great shape - but we've been busting our ass. A bit more tightening to do, but we're gonna put up something special...

But I definitely have respect for the computer now. ;)

Bobman

Creative solutions to zero-budget problems...

So for anyone who's been following our adventure, you'll know that we have decided to purposefully NOT SPEND ONE PENNY on this production (for a 16-show run!) as a creative response to the recession...

Here is the update on a few production problems.

1. The program. We had been offered free photocopies, but many audience members wanted us to be a little more inventive. So I have decided that we will post the program online! Instead of a physical program, we will have an electronic program - available both at this blog and at our Facebook group (named after our show). It will have the added benefit of being available to people who don't get a chance to see the show. The main benefit of a program for the creative team is the chance to promote bios - so it'll be a nice way to get some extra publicity.

2. The venue. The main way we circumvented all costs on this show was Jason Morneau's excellent idea to produce the play in his apartment. He's got a very cool space 1 block East of Ossington/Queen - and that saves us several thousand dollars. It's a very creative space, and works really well for these particular plays. The seating is going to be very chill and casual - almost like hanging out at a house party to see a play - but admittedly it does limit the number of seats we can make available. We originally thought we could squeeze 40 people in, but the latest report is 25 comfortably. I liken the show to when Radiohead will play a 200-seat club to promote their future tour. I'm writing/directing a sample of what could be a larger run... If we sell out every show, we're the hot ticket in town. If audience response is tepid, we're not scrambling to fill too many seats. It's pretty much a win-win for us, and the price is certainly right...

3. Flyers. Now many audience members wanted us to come up with something different - like writing ads in chalk at restaurants or doing the whole thing electronically. Well, we tried and tried and decided that we're going to take some donated flyers from a local print shop. Julie Tesolin has some friends who are willing to make us some flyers for free, and with no better alternative presenting itself, we opted to go with them. Better to have donated flyers than no flyers at all. We are still trying to sell tickets after all...

In summation, I feel we've done a pretty sweet job at producing a high-quality product for literally no money. Eye Weekly has even called us a "Best Bet" for the show, so momentum is certainly building. Hopefully, we can prove that you don't need piles of money to make good art, you just need creativity...

Bobman

A bit of press...

So TIFF is officially in town, but it hasn't completely stolen our mojo...

Eye Weekly contacted me today. They're calling us one of their "Best Bets" for next week's issue - which is a very good thing. In my experience, press always brings legitimacy. And a Best Bet is sort of like a recommendation before they've had a chance to review the play (if they get a chance to review it). Considering we'll be halfway through the run before Eye Weekly and/or NOW Magazine prints their reviews (IF they review us, of course), we'll need a bit of preview press to boost our ticket sales...

These days, newspapers offer legitimacy more than exposure. I mean, the exposure is great. But in the world of social media, traditional newspapers are more of a way to tell our audience, "Look, this recognizable media publication thinks we're worth looking at. You should too!"

It's funny. When I first started writing plays 10 years ago - and oddly enough had my first bit of press by Eye Weekly - all you had to promote your play to a wide audience was newspaper coverage. These days, the right blogger can make you famous. An effective Facebook group marketing strategy can sell out shows...

Don't get me wrong though. Every bit of press helps. And definitely, the more the merrier. I'm happy for the vote of confidence from Eye Weekly, and hopefully TIFF isn't so distracting for the tonnes of arts bloggers/media types that are around town right now.

We can use all the help we can get...

Bobman

Almost there...

10 days before we open, and everything's in pretty awesome shape...

"Fringe Show" and "Schmoozers" are fully blocked. I opted to go with "Schmoozers" to end the show, but I just as easily could've switched. They're both great for different reasons, and both are fully blocked. All we need to do is memorize at this point, and we've got a great show...

There's one more play to block however: "Plagiarism". Due to our complex rehearsal schedule, we've had very little rehearsal for this play. Jonathan Shatzky and Ryan Moleiro basically have opposite schedules. The few times I could get them both in the same room at the same time, I decided to devote to "Fringe Show". "Fringe Show" is longer and has more characters, so I thought that would be a more efficient use of time.

So we've got 4 hours of "Plagiarism" rehearsal tonight. We've blocked about half of it, and my focus this week will be to tighten this particular playlet. We spent quite a bit of time on character work and blocking for the other 2 plays, but "Plagiarism" still remains largely enigmatic. The other 2 are in good shape, and a week from now, "Plagiarism" will catch up...

This is the part of the process I refer to as "getting over the hump". The actors know the show. They simply have to remember everything we've decided over the last few weeks, memorize all their lines and get in the flow of the production. My job is almost over - which is an ambivalent feeling - and it's time for the actors to take ownership of the work. It's already happening, but this next week will be more of me handing the baton to my talented cast, then figuring out what the hell to do with my time after we open on Sept 17...

Opening night is always bittersweet for the director. It's a relief because the show is finally ready to go up before an audience, but also poignant because the director now becomes redundant. I'm looking forward to simply becoming a fan of the work, but it's always tough to lurk in the shadows - as there is always another moment to refine, another choice to meddle with...

10 days until catharsis, then it's off to the next project - wherever that may be...

Bobman

Preparing for rehearsal...

I'm directing a 6-hour rehearsal in, well, 4 hours.

At this point, we've blocked roughly half the show - and will have everything blocked by Monday night. We've done a lot of work in a short period of time, and it's starting to pay off. Interestingly, since we're rehearsing in our venue, we're actually a top-heavy rehearsal process. By that, I mean we won't have to acclimate ourselves to our final venue - which will cut down lots of time before we open. Tech is always a bitch, and I'm happy to solve that problem as we go...

Surprisingly, tech has been pretty easy. We're using found light to design the show, and it's pretty amazing how this apartment lends itself to theatricalization. Hell, we even have a special. Sort of. My hope is that this show is a testament to what the human mind can accomplish - with ingenuity instead of commerce. WE HAVEN'T SPENT ONE DOLLAR ON ANYTHING! And I think audiences will be impressed with both the quality of the production overall, and the creative solutions we've constructed to avoid economic transactions.

At this point, I'm trying to decide whether to end the show with "Fringe Show" or "Schmoozers". Both are hilarious - for different reasons - but I think I'll know more after we block "Schmoozers" in its entirety today. Each play is about 25 minutes long, so although psychologically it FEELS like lots of work left to do for the actors, time-wise it's not so bad. Jonathan Shatzky, in particular, is really zipping along. He is the only actor in each and every playlet (with significant parts in all of them!), and I generally consider him my 'lead actor'. He's had to learn lots of lines in a cumbersome rehearsal process, and his hard work is definitely paying off.

I feel sorta bad singling out any individual actors in this fine cast though. It is a uniformly strong cast, and when you see the show, you'll see for yourselves. This is the first time I've written/directed a show with a non-Equity cast in many years, so I was scared I wouldn't find enough talent. But I definitely did. While this cast is not as experienced as some casts I've worked with in the past, there is NO drop-off in TALENT. That bodes well for the future of this industry, and for this show in particular.

Anyway, I thought I'd pop in here a bit before rehearsal. I'll be at rehearsal every day this long weekend, so I thank my girlfriend Alessya for being so patient. We're going to Indian buffet tonight in Brampton, so that'll be one of the only non-work things I'll be doing this Labour Day weekend. I'm a big fan of Tandoori chicken, but that's probably irrelevant to this blog entry. ;)

Bobman

Competing against myself...

So don't know if you heard, but there's a little thing called the Toronto International Film Festival coming to town. Quick plug: I'm playing the lead role in a 15-minute film at TIFF this year called "Unlocked".

Here's the problem.

My own personal network is pretty extensive, but basically all my people are more interested in my TIFF film than my new play coming out. My world premiere for "Unlocked" is Sept 15, this show opens Sept 17. See the problem?

Exacerbating the problem somewhat is the sheer amount of publicity TIFF gets. Pretty much every publicist in the entertainment industry, every arts reporter, every entertainment blogger, etc is focusing on TIFF coverage. It's very difficult to be a play trying to get attention - when Megan Fox is in town.

I knew when we planned this production that we were going up against TIFF (and I hadn't heard about my film then), but it was the only time my producer was able to offer the free venue to us. Better to do a 16-show run for FREE during TIFF, then wait til November. That's what I thought anyway.

Anyway, I'm not sure how much publicity we'll be able to generate for this thing, but all we can do is put up the best show possible. Last night's "Fringe Show" rehearsal was awesome! 4 great actors playing 4 wacky characters. The chemistry is brilliant, and I truly can't wait to show off the fruit of our collective labour.

As for TIFF, here's hoping I meet Megan Fox at a party. And she decides she wouldn't mind seeing a play...

Bobman

Secret location revealed!

How do you produce a 16-show run for ZERO dollars?? Well, it certainly helps if you find a FREE venue (thanx to our producer Jason Morneau!)...

The 3 plays will be staged in an unconventional venue: A converted downtown apartment, transformed into a site-specific theatre. Right in the heart of the Art District, the space is conveniently located 1 block away from Ossington/Queen. (970 Queen St W, Unit 7 – 1 block East of Ossington. Go to Givins St, then walk a few steps North.)

The show runs Sept 17 – Oct 4. Tue – Sat @ 8pm ($10). Sunday @ 2:30 pwyc. To reserve tix, e-mail torontotheatretrilogy@gmail.com

Bobman