Press Release

January, 2008

StoneCircle Theatre announces Jessica Outram as Playwright in Residence.

StoneCircle Theatre, located in Ajax, Ontario, provides opportunities for emerging playwrights to have their work benefit further from a development process including dramaturgical input, script analysis and staged readings of the new play with an experienced director and actors.

Audiences that attend any of the plays in StoneCircle's current season are invited to participate in the creative process. Following the script readings audiences have the opportunity to comment and ask questions of the playwright, director and actors.

Jessica's new play, Once Upon A Rocking Chair, will premiere in Feb/Mar of 2008. We had some lively and spirited discussions during last season’s play development evenings, says Ken Bond, Artistic Director of StoneCircle. Jessica is a very creative writer. She is currently in rehearsal with six accomplished actors bringing life to a great script.

As part of StoneCircle's script development process the writer that most recently had a play produced is the one to choose next season's playwright. The dynamic process gives writers an opportunity to consider the parameters necessary to select a play for any given theatre and their audiences. Writers are able to look at the opposite of what they typically do, which is to submit their work, hoping it to see it produced. It's a chance for them to make a fellow playwright happy. StoneCircle's expectation is to produce the premiere of each of the developed plays in upcoming seasons.

Jessica is an experienced writer, actor, director, producer, and drama teacher. Her experience is ideal and she also brings a wealth of passion to the company in her role as Playwright in Residence and will manage the on-going development process.

For the 2008-2009 season Jessica is mentoring Ruth E. Walker and her new play The House of Mrs. Glass. Ruth, an internationally published writer and poet, a professional editor, and an emerging playwright, is a popular creative writing facilitator, and was recently appointed as one of four artists in residence at the Durham District School Board for a high school project funded by the Ontario Arts Council. In The House of Mrs. Glass, disgraced TV sitcom star, Bud Holland, desperately needs a comeback; who knew he'd find his hit -and his equilibrium- in the house of a 19th century small town madam? This play is inspired by a notorious historical figure that scandalized Whitby and thus the rest of Canada in 1861.

Tickets

Press Release

August 16, 2007

StoneCircle Theatre's 2007/2008 all Canadian season includes two world premieres

StoneCircle presents a season of all Canadian theatre plus their innovative new play development evening.

StoneCircle's season opens November 1st with That Summer by David French. Poignant, touching; it is a time of awakening, discovery, innocence, heartbreak. A meditation of what endures of fleeting moments over time. When it comes to playwriting, David French is perhaps... the most celebrated in English Canada. - Globe & Mail

Audiences will be impressed with the calibre of actors that grace StoneCircle's stage. We have the good fortune of continuing to showcase exceptional actors from across Durham Region beginning with That Summer by David French. A stellar cast of experienced actors includes Fran Stecyk, as the Narrator, Jennelle Riddell as Caitlin, Hilary Laan as Daisy Ryan, Ray Porrill as Jack Ryan, Alyssa Mariano as Margaret Ryan, Ryan Coons as Paul Wyatt and StoneCircle veteran Heather Warkentin as Mrs. Crump said Ken Bond, the play's Director and the theatre company's Artistic Director.

February 21st 2008 will see the opening night of the world premiere of Once Upon A Rocking Chair written and directed by Jessica Outram. Captivating, full of hope; it's the coveted girls' week at the cottage. Sisters and daughters battle over the validity of happily ever after. Deep-rooted secrets are revealed during the annual festivities that nobody will ever forget.

Jessica loves writing and theatre. That becomes crystal clear when one has the opportunity to read and see her work, says Bond, adding, Her play will actually premiere twice at StoneCircle. The first time was during our play development evenings last season when audiences participated in some lively and spirited discussions following two staged readings of the play. The world premiere will be the full scale production in February/March 2008.

Another world premiere follows with Watershed Moments by Ken Bond with opening night on May 1st 2008. Cutting, funny; quintuplets are delivered into a world of rapidly advancing technologies. Proud parents have opposing views as the miracle of birth appears to be taking a back seat to technology.

StoneCircle's mandate is to produce contemporary comedy and drama by established and emerging playwrights. May 29th and 30th will see the nucleus for another world premiere as StoneCircle invites audiences to join the playwright, actors, and director in the development of another new Canadian play to be announced later in the season.

StoneCircle's incredibly popular Subscribe & Dine is included in the price of a subscription. Dining discounts are from three great restaurants all located a stone's throw from the theatre; Casa Verde, Safari Bar and Grill, and Sauter's Inn. Subscribers can park at the theatre for free, take a short walk to a restaurant, dine, relax, and walk back to the theatre to enjoy the play. Bonus feature, dining discounts can be used any night that the restaurants are open, not just the evening of the play.

Season subscriptions with reserved seating are $40.00 per person for all three plays and are available now by calling 647-895-2015

Receive your subscriptions by mail. Conserve gas. Avoid line-ups.

Performances are in the intimate Village Theatre, located at 22 Sherwood Road West, Ajax. All plays are suitable for adults and most teens.

Tickets

Press Release

November 1, 2006

StoneCircle Theatre invites audiences to a unique premiere.

The innovative theatre company are pleased to announce an exciting new play by Jessica Outram for their new play development evenings.

Once Upon a Rocking Chair

by Jessica Outram

It's the coveted girls' week at the cottage. Three sisters and their daughters battle over the validity of happily ever after in the midst of planning an 85th birthday party for wicked Aunt Flo. Deep-rooted secrets are revealed as the annual festivities become ones that nobody will ever forget.

Audiences that attend any of the plays in StoneCircle's current season will be invited to participate in the creative process. Following staged readings of the play on the evenings of May 31st and/or June 1st, audiences have the opportunity to comment on the play and ask questions of the playwright, director and actors. Featured actors are Sandra Fattibene, Lauren Gilhooley, Jeana Hayes, Patty Seaton, Vanessa Taylor, and Heather Warkentin. Gillian Woodhouse is associate dramaturge.

We're looking forward to a lively and spirited discussion, says Ken Bond, Artistic Director of StoneCircle and the play's director. Jessica's script combines humor, pathos, conflict, relationships, intrigue, everything a story needs to be a success. She is a very creative writer; her passion for the play shines through, this will be a very unique premiere.

The audience response during the reading of the play and their feedback afterward will greatly support the writer as she puts the final polish on the script. Bond adds, We will produce the premiere of the finished play, Once Upon a Rocking Chair by Jessica Outram during our 2007/2008 season.

Tickets

Press Release

October 5, 2006

StoneCircle Theatre announce their 2006/2007 season

Ajax - StoneCircle Theatre presents a season of theatre plus an innovative play development evening.

Comedic Drama - Storm Warning by Norm Foster. Set in 1953, the play tells the story of a damaged World War II veteran and the free-spirited woman who attempts to change his outlook on life. Jack and Emma are thrown together by fate one weekend and their lives will never be the same. Directed by Dave Edwards & Nancy Palumbo, featuring Vanessa Taylor & Ken Bond.

Evening performances at 8:00 p.m. on November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 2006 and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, November 5, 2006.

Comedy - Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by Alan Ball. Well known for his screenplay American Beauty and the remarkable TV Series, Six Feet Under, Ball's play is an irreverent and funny look at the intricacies of friendship and the power of similar dressing. Directed by Ken Bond, featuring Lanie Anderson, Steve Foote, Nancy Palumbo, Vanessa Taylor, Michaela Waller and Gillian Woodhouse.

Evening performances at 8:00 p.m. on Feb. 22, 23, 24, Mar. 1, 2, 3,Mar. 8, 9, 10, 2007 and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007.

Drama - Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet. Never has the author's ear for the rhythms of contemporary speech been more keen than in this Pulitzer Prize winning tale of cutthroat competition among real estate salesmen. Crackling tension... ferocious comedy and drama. N.Y. Times. Wonderfully funny... A play to see, remember and cherish. N.Y. Post. Co-Directors: Nancy Palumbo and Jeana Hayes, featuring Ken Bond, Dave Edwards, Kevin Harper, Martin Kalin, Ray Porrill, Lincoln Trudeau and Tim Westhead.

Evening performances at 8:00 p.m. on May 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 2007 and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday May 6, 2007.

The 2006/2007 season culminates with innovative Play Development evenings.

StoneCircle's mandate is to produce contemporary work by emerging and established playwrights. This season we're taking that a giant step further by inviting audiences to participate directly in the creative process, said Artistic Director, Ken Bond. We've programmed two evenings, May 31st and June 1st, for the development of new plays. Following the staged readings, audiences will be invited to take part in discussions with playwright, director, and actors. The audience's response to the reading and feedback will support the writer in creating the final draft. Our objective is to schedule the new play(s) during our 2007/2008 season.

StoneCircle's popular Subscribe & Dine returns with dining discounts from four great restaurants, Casa Verde, Pennello Bistro, 22 Church Street and Sauter's Inn, all located a stone's throw from the theatre. Audiences can enjoy an evening of entertainment without traveling outside the region, Bond says. Park at the theatre for free; walk to the restaurant, have a relaxing meal, maybe shop at a local merchant and then head back to the theatre to enjoy the play. We will also continue our Subscribe & Vine feature, a gift certificate towards the cost of making fine wine in the heart of Pickering Village with Village Grape Vine. They are also our ticket outlet, conveniently located in Ajax at 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit #11. They will have individual tickets available two weeks prior to opening night.

StoneCircle audiences have choice. Subscribe to three plays for $40.00 or any two plays for $30.00. Then select your preferred cuisine from any one of four restaurants. Subscribe & Dine discounts are available on any given night, not just the evening of the play. And, at your leisure, visit Village Grape Vine, select a variety of wine that you wish to make on the premises, and apply your Subscribe & Vine gift certificate towards the purchase.

Performances are in the intimate Village Theatre, located at 22 Sherwood Road West, Ajax. All plays are suitable for adults and most teens.

Tickets

Press Release

May 2006

StoneCircle Theatre showcases Canadian writers

Durham actors and directors present seven stimulating short plays

Ajax - StoneCircle Theatre presents Stepping Stones, a collection of seven short plays from emerging Canadian writers with seven performances in early June. Directed by Jessica Outram and Ken Bond. Production Manager is Dave Edwards.

Starring an ensemble cast of eleven actors, Michelle Devine, Sal Ferrara, Chris Gaudet, Jeana Hayes, Hilary Laan, Colin Murphy, Lincoln Trudeau, Trisha Trudeau, Michaela Waller, Gillian Woodhouse, and Sara Woodhouse.

Our 'call for submissions' resulted in an excellent collection of comedy and drama by writers from Ontario and Quebec in this all Canadian production, says Ken Bond, the theatre company's Artistic Director and one of the submitting writers.We're incredibly pleased with the quality of writing, it has allowed us to present seven stimulating short plays.

Bond has had a number of successful productions of his own plays. He has first hand knowledge of how difficult it can be for emerging writers to see their work produced. A core element of our mandate is to create opportunity for emerging playwrights. Bringing audiences a collective from Canadian writers is something I've wanted to do for many years. Founding StoneCircle along with Dave Edwards and Gillian Woodhouse provided us with the opportunity to do just that through 'Stepping Stones' 2006.

Seven Stimulating Short Plays...

The Shadows of Whitby Psych by Ruth E. Walker of Whitby, Ontario. A trio of young adults pay a late night visit to the derelict Whitby Psych intent on capturing the fleeting spirits of those that inhabited the buildings in 1918 and 1932.

Barn Painter by Ken Bond of Courtice, Ontario. A young artist reflects on her love of rural life. As she reaches middle age she escapes the loneliness of the city and returns to the solace of her youthful dreams.

Defenceless by Ken Kalman of Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec. A teenager goes through a harrowing day of unexpected events leading her to feel predisposed to suicide.

Me-ow by Krista Dalby of Toronto, Ontario. A woman whose only joy is her cats is paid a visit by a social worker assigned to her case. The day he shows up at the old woman's door will be one neither of them will be able to forget.

Across the Hall by Barb Hoskins of St. Thomas, Ontario. An unlikely friendship develops between a university student and his elderly neighbour. A granddaughter enters the picture and sparks fly. As romance blossoms, a startling revelation arrives.

Fontaine of Youth by Lauree Laing of Winchester, Ontario. A business woman returns to her mother's home for a weekend visit. Even before she enters the house she must deal with both past and present issues while making adjustments to her outer and inner self.

IVR by Ken Bond. A man enters a self-serve hospital and discovers that booking surgery in this private clinic is dependant on technology. Perhaps human intervention can save him.

The performances will run approximately two hours including intermission.

Evening Performances - 8:00 p.m. - June 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 2006
Matinee Performance:- 2:00 p.m. -June 4, 2006

Suitable for adults and most teens.

Tickets at $15.00 each are available by calling StoneCircle's box office at 647.895.2015 (local call from Ajax/Pickering/Toronto). Group rates for ten or more.

Tickets are also available one month prior to opening night of each play from Village Grape Vine, 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit 11, Ajax. Phone: 905-426-7233.

All performances are in the historic Village Theatre located at 22 Sherwood Road West in Ajax.

Tickets

Press Release

March 2006

StoneCircle Theatre presents Star Wishes by Ken Bond

StoneCircle's widely acclaimed productions of Orphans and 7 Stories received audience raves. Next up for the innovative Ajax based theatre company will be the world premiere of a poignant comedy, Star Wishes by Ken Bond.

The futuristic comedy takes place in the year 2014. A Gen-X controlled government has committed all of the baby boomers to institutions. (It's rumoured that a few remain at large.) A global power failure strikes, the Internet crashes, panic ensues and the world must turn to the elders for lessons in survival. The poignant comedy has a cast of six featuring veteran actors Marion Reid-Clarke, Betty Dubeau, Dave Edwards, Heather Jamieson, Jeff Kellar, and Heather Warkentin.

Stage managers are Sal Ferrara and Heather Warkentin. Lighting design and operation by Bob Kowalski. Set design by Irene Bond, Ken Bond and Dave Edwards.

Evening Performances - 8:00 p.m. - April 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 2006.
Matinee Performance: - 2:00 p.m. - April 9, 2006

Tickets at $15.00 each are available by calling StoneCircle's box office at 647.895.2015 (local call from Ajax/Pickering/Toronto). Tickets are sent by mail or picked up at the theatre prior to the performance. Group rates for ten or more.

Tickets are also available one month prior to opening night of each play from Village Grape Vine, 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit 11, Ajax. Phone: 905-426-7233

StoneCircle's final play of 2006 will be their presentation of Stepping Stones, a collection of remarkable original short plays by local writers. There will be seven performances from June 1 to June 10, 2006.

StoneCircle Theatre present new and contemporary comedy and drama professionally created by emerging and established writers while creating opportunity for accomplished actors and crews to work with their peers.

Tickets

Press Release

9 AM EDT, July 15, 2005

StoneCircle Theatre invites writers to submit original short plays for our 2005/2006 season

Playwrights are invited to submit their original, unpublished monologues and/or short five to twenty minutes plays for consideration in our Stepping Stones production.

Plays will be evaluated for suitability to our audience, facility, and stage. Preference will be given to plays that fit well within the collected works and those that can be staged with flexible1 set requirements. The recommended maximum number of characters (roles) per short play is five.

1 Flexible = the use of limited set pieces that can be moved into place by the actor(s) in under five seconds or can be easily integrated into the piece itself.

No submission fee required. Up to 2 submissions per writer.

Important Dates:
Attach your script as a PDF or Word Document. (If your play is over 15 pages (8.5" x 11") it will likely run over twenty minutes.) Include the details noted below in the body of your e-mail.
Submit your play(s) by snail-mail to:

Ensure your submission includes the following details in the cover letter:

If you submit your script by post and wish to have it returned you must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with the entry. Otherwise the script(s) will be destroyed. Include a self addressed, stamped post card if you want acknowledgment of receipt of your submission.

Dramaturgical critiques will not be provided. Scripts received after the deadline of February 1/06 will not be included in Stepping Stones 2006.

We also invite those interested in being part of a production crew for any/all of our upcoming plays to contact us by e-mail. Volunteers are welcome in the areas of Stage Management, Lighting & Sound Operation, Props, Set Building & Decoration, Front-of-House and Brochure delivery.

No membership fees required, just a passion for live theatre.

Press Release

Contact: Ken Bond
Phone: (647) 895-2015
9 AM EDT, September 5, 2005

StoneCircle Theatre announce an exciting season of comedy and drama for 2005/2006

Ajax, September 5, 2005 - First of four plays in StoneCircle's 2005/2006 season is Orphans by Lyle Kessler.

Our season opener is a heart-felt drama with remarkable audience appeal. Along with a captivating story line the play has one of the most compelling endings that I've ever experienced, says Ken Bond, Artistic Director of StoneCircle. To make this piece work you need three accomplished actors. We're incredibly fortunate to have two real-life brothers portraying the orphans. Well known to Durham audiences, Jeff Foote will portray Phillip and older brother Steve Foote will play the elder orphan, Treat. Rounding out the three member cast is Anthony Ward as Harold. Bond adds, Anthony and his family moved here recently from the USA, which was great timing for StoneCircle, he portrays an American gangster.

StoneCircle's 2005/2006 season also includes 7 Stories by Morris Panych, Star Wishes by Ken Bond, and Stepping Stones a collection of short plays. An integral part of the theatre's mandate is to create opportunity for staging contemporary work. Stepping Stones will provide local playwrights with a chance to see their work staged by accomplished actors and crews.

StoneCircle's popular Subscribe & Dine feature returns with dining discounts from four great restaurants, Casa Verde, Pennello Bistro, 22 Church Street and Sauter's Inn, all located a stone's throw from the theatre. Audiences can enjoy an evening of entertainment without traveling outside the region, Bond says. Park at the theatre for free; walk to the restaurant, have a relaxing meal, maybe shop at a local merchant and then head back to the theatre to enjoy the play. We're introducing another innovative subscriber benefit, Subscribe & Vine, a gift certificate towards the cost of making fine wine in the heart of Pickering Village with Village Grape Vine. They are also our ticket outlet, conveniently located in Ajax at 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit #11. They will have individual tickets available one month prior to opening night.

StoneCircle audiences have choice. Subscribe to all four plays for $50.00 or any three plays for $40.00. Then select your preferred cuisine from a choice of four restaurants. Subscribe & Dine discounts are available on any given night, not just the evening of the play. And, at your leisure, visit Village Grape Vine, select a variety of wine that you wish to make on the premises, and apply your Subscribe & Vine gift certificate towards the purchase.

Performances are in the intimate Village Theatre, located at 22 Sherwood Road West, Ajax. All plays are suitable for adults and most teens.

Press Release

Contact: Ken Bond
Phone: (647) 895-2015
9 AM EDT, May 3, 2005

StoneCircle Theatre presents Lunch n' Laugh

Escape the daily routine with lunch and thirty minutes of comedy!

Ajax, May 2, 2005 - StoneCircle and Soup Shack have teamed up to bring live theatre to the lunch-time crowd. Audiences can enjoy lunch and thirty minutes of invigorating comedy.

Lunch n' Laugh was created for anyone that wants a break from their lunch-time routine. A cast of veteran actors will present three 10 minute plays, a poignant comedy sandwiched between two spicier pieces.

First up is Perception Game, a parody on the glut of 'reality' television game shows. Next is Something Simple, a woman reminisces with her son while discussing the funeral service for her estranged husband. The third piece, Date n' Mate, is a send-up on the current 'speed dating' craze.

Lunch-time performances take place Monday through Friday on May 30, 31, June 1, 2, 3.

Reserved seating, $15.00 includes both lunch and laughter. Call early for best seating! StoneCircle Theatre Box Office: (647) 895-2015 or visit our ticket outlet Village Grape Vine at 109 Old Kingston Road, Unit #11

Something Simple directed by Shari Thorne-Kowalski, Perception Game & Date n' Mate directed by Ken Bond.

Starring Gillian Woodhouse, Stephanie Banning, Steve Miles-Berry, Gwen O'Regan, Ken Bond, Heather Warkentin, Dave Edwards, Anthony Ward, Nancy Palumbo and Lanie Anderson.

Ideal for local employers, employees, seniors, stay-at-home moms, and shift workers, the plays are suitable for adults and most teens.

All performances are in the historic Village Theatre, located at 22 Sherwood Road West, Pickering Village, Ajax, Ontario.

Press Release

Contact: Ken Bond
Phone: (647) 895-2015
9 AM EDT, January 20, 2005

StoneCircle Theatre present the richly layered drama, Gravel Sound

Ajax, January 20, 2005 - StoneCircle Theatre, an innovative theatre company formed last year follow-up their premiere hit comedy, Rita Taylor with a poignant drama titled, Gravel Sound, by Ken Bond, award winning playwright and actor from Whitby.

Vivian Lee, an accomplished director and performer from Port Perry brings a wealth of experience in the profession to the company. Lee has gathered together an ensemble cast of veteran actors from Ajax, Whitby, and Oshawa. Dave Edwards portrays Sam; Peter Bocking is Mike, Ken Bond plays Donny, Heather Warkentin portrays Norma, Gillian Woodhouse is Patty, and Nancy Palumbo plays Mary.

A story of trust and friendship: Sam and Mike grab the few things that they own, toss them into a battered old jeep and escape the big city hoping to start a new life in the country. After a few days on the road, Mike mysteriously leaves Sam stranded in Gravel Sound. Sam's appearance alters the lives of everyone that once lived a peaceful existence in the sleepy little hamlet.

I don't mind telling ya, I hate the dark, especially when I'm lost. We're drivin' down this gravel road and whump something hit us. Whatever it was, it was big enough to make some serious noise... I really hated not knowing. - Sam

Evening performances of Gravel Sound are March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 2005 and Sunday matinees are March 6 and 13, 2005. Curtain time is 8:00pm and 2:00pm respectively.

Special for Valentine's Day - Give your Valentine the gift that comes alive! Purchase tickets before February 21st and receive 15% dining discount coupons for Sauter's Inn, located in the Pickering Village Courtyard. (Coupon Valid March 1st to 30th)

Tickets with reserved seating are available by calling StoneCircle Theatre's box office. Phone (647) 895-2015 or by visiting our tickets page.

All performances are in the historic Village Theatre, located at 22 Sherwood Road West, Pickering Village, Ajax, Ontario.

Press Release

Contact: Ken Bond
Phone: (647) 895-2015
9 AM EDT, November 16, 2004

StoneCircle Premiere Comedy Rita Taylor Sparkles

StoneCircle, the only live theatre company in Ajax, announces their premiere season of comedy and drama.

Actors and crew deliver stellar performances for opening night of Rita Taylor.

StoneCircle's premiere weekend was well attended by subscribers, ticket holders & invited guests, including Mayor Steve Parish, town councillors, Colleen Jordan and Joanne Dies, town of Ajax executive staff, and a number of people from the local arts community.

Season sponsors, Village Grape Vine and Soup Shack, kicked things off with complimentary wine and hors-d'oeuvres for the opening night VIP reception. Ajax Creative Arts provided paintings by nine of their members. These are on display in the great hallway of the theatre. Paintings by three local artists, Barbara Talbot, Joan Attersley, and Marissa Sweet, were incorporated directly into the set design for Rita Taylor. Oshawa artist, Sweet created two custom pieces for the play.

Season sponsors, Volkswagen Canada, Millwork Home Centre and Moving Finger Creative Services Inc. plus show sponsors La-Z-Boy and Business Depot/Staples were also gratefully acknowledged for their support of the arts.

StoneCircle subscribers have been enjoying fine dining with our Subscribe & Dine restaurant partners, Casa Verde, Pennello Bistro, Sauter's Inn, and 22 Church Street.

Subscriptions & Tickets are available for the remaining six performances on Thu/Fri/Sat, Nov. 18, 19, 20, and Thu/Fri/ Sat, Nov. 25, 26, 27/04.

Box Office: 647.895.2015 (Local call from Ajax/Pickering/Toronto.)

Press Release

9 AM EDT, September 8, 2004

StoneCircle Theatre announces 2004/2005 premiere season

StoneCircle, the only live theatre company in Ajax, announces their premiere season of comedy and drama.

Ajax, September 22, 2004 - StoneCircle Theatre, an innovative new theatre company have announced their premiere 2004/2005 subscription season with two plays by Ken Bond, award winning playwright, actor and director from Whitby.

We chose a comedy and drama for the inaugural season. They're proven plays with great audience appeal, said Sandra Manuel, the company's publicist, adding, These plays are an ideal mix for our audiences, they'll showcase the incredible artistic talent in Durham region.

First up is the topical hit play, Rita Taylor. This fast paced comedy reveals the secret desires of patients waiting to see a renowned cosmetic surgeon. Local actor, Gillian Woodhouse will reprise her unforgettable portrayal of Rita, the play's central character.

Gillian is a true professional, her stage experience and theatre training at Ryerson allows her to blend the endearing charm of Rita with biting commentary from her alter-ego, a hand puppet named Spud, said Bond, the play's director.

Joining Woodhouse is an amazing ensemble of experienced actors from Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, and Scarborough, respectively, Dave Edwards, Carol Smith, Nancy Palumbo, Gwen O'Regan, Stephanie Banning, and Paul Love.

Evening performances are November 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27th and Sunday matinees on November 14 and 21st. Curtain time: 8:00pm and 2:00pm respectively.

Vivian Lee will direct the second play, a richly layered drama titled, Gravel Sound. Lee is an accomplished director and performer bringing a wealth of experience in the profession to the company. Gravel Sound runs March 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 / 2005.

Subscriptions are available.

All performances are in the historic Village Theatre, located at 22 Sherwood Road West, Pickering Village, Ajax, Ontario.

Press Release

Contact: Ken Bond
Phone: (647) 895-2015
9 AM EDT, August 23, 2004

StoneCircle Theatre announces sponsorship program

Ajax, August 17, 2004 - StoneCircle Theatre, an innovative new theatre company in Pickering Village, announced their creative sponsorship program, ideal for Durham Region businesses wishing to promote their products or services in new ways while enhancing community relations.

As the only live theatre in Ajax, StoneCircle offer an exciting range of benefits for corporate sponsors that wish to make an investment in the arts.

We will attract audiences from Durham region and Toronto east with our entertaining and stimulating theatrical plays for the 21st century. We will provide optimum value by connecting sponsors to their community and the added benefits of tourism.

In addition to our annual slate of evening and matinee plays, we will offer lunch-time theatre. Artistic director, Ken Bond, is an award winning playwright, actor, and director. As an optional benefit to major sponsors, he will write custom scripts with an industry theme or dedicated to a specific corporation. Companies can then invite staff and/or customers to attend a sponsored play during lunch hour, a stimulating break from routine.

Prior to a full time career in theatre, Ken enjoyed a varied and successful career in the private sector. He held a number of executive positions with major corporations, most recently with Nokia in Ajax. The value of this experience for sponsors is significant. Ken knows how to entertain and motivate people.

We invite businesses and individuals wishing to learn more about the benefits of sponsoring StoneCircle to contact Ken. Details available here.

All performances are in the historic Village Theatre, located at 22 Sherwood Road West, Pickering Village, Ajax, Ontario.

Press Release

9 AM EDT, August 1, 2004

StoneCircle Theatre arrives in Durham Region

StoneCircle, the only live theatre company in Ajax, announces their inaugural season of stage plays and acting lessons.

Ajax, August 1, 2004 - StoneCircle Theatre, an innovative new theatre company, announced today that they will launch live theatre beginning in the fall of 2004. StoneCircle will present an annual slate of new and contemporary drama & comedy, professionally created by established and emerging playwrights. The theatre company will provide an opportunity for local actors and technicians that emphasize high production standards to provide audiences with the unrivalled entertainment of live theatre.

The launch of live theatre in Ajax marks an important stage in the development of the arts for Durham West, states Ken Bond, Artistic Director. The region is growing rapidly; area residents want professional quality theatre close to home. Plus, we've aligned with four great restaurants located a stone's throw from the theatre. Our Subscribe & Dine package includes discounts for a StoneCircle Theatre subscription plus fine dining at Casa Verde, Pennello Bistro, 22 Church Street and Sauter's Inn. Durham residents can enjoy an evening of entertainment or a Sunday matinee without traveling outside the region, Bond says. Park at the theatre for free; stroll over to the restaurant, have a relaxing meal, maybe shop at a local merchant, and then head back to the theatre to enjoy the play.

StoneCircle Theatre will perform in the historic Village Theatre, located at 22 Sherwood Road West, Pickering Village, Ajax, Ontario.

It's an ideal setting, I've performed in a variety of theatres, says Gillian Woodhouse, actor and the company's Theatre Manager. Intimate theatres are great for both audience and actors, you share this incredible energy; it's unsurpassed, truly magical, the Village Theatre is perfect for that type of experience.

The Town of Ajax Recreation Services provided first rate support to help establish the venue for theatre, said Dave Edwards, actor and StoneCircle Theatre's Production Manager. It was a courthouse many years ago. There's still an old jail cell in the basement; it's empty right now, but I'll find a creative way of using it; I love drama... and comedy.

Subscribe - Relax - Enjoy

3 Plays for $40 or 2 Plays for $30

Subscribe & Save Up to 25% - Includes our popular Subscribe & Dine discounts!

Plus subscribers are invited to join the writer, actors, and director in an intimate, interactive New Play Development evening.
May 29th & May 30th, 2008.

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