Short Summary
Seminar by Theresa Rebeck is the FIRST production by Vancouver's brand-new 'Stages Theatre Co.'
Who is Stages Theatre Co.? Stages Theatre Co. consists of three emerging artists, colleagues, and friends, each with a vision: Stages Theatre Co. is committed to creating rare opportunities for artists with passion and integrity, working towards establishment in the theatre community. The company does so by presenting thought-provoking, ballsy, and often humorous works that we consider to be relevant, engaging, and, quite simply, a good f***ing time.
What are we doing with this project?
Vancouver has a vast arts community and theatre is at the forefront of it. Unfortunately, like many other artists, we are constantly searching for material that we can sink our teeth into. Even with the wealth of productions in Vancouver, there is a lack of opportunities for artists to nurture their process and to allow their work to thrive. This project is here to change that. We seek to establish a passion driven company, to feature some of the finest talent in Vancouver, and to create a learning experience that culminates in a great production.
What is Seminar?
In Seminar, a provocative comedy from Pulitzer Prize nominee, Theresa Rebeck, four aspiring young novelists sign up for private writing classes with Leonard, an international literary figure. Under his recklessly brilliant and unorthodox instruction, some thrive and others flounder, alliances are made and broken, sex is used as a weapon and hearts are unmoored. The wordplay is not the only thing that turns vicious as innocence collides with experience in this biting Broadway comedy.
Who are we?
Devon Busswood
Devon's
background spans many disciplines, having explored film-making, singing,
acting, dance, directing, and writing. At the age of 14, she wrote and produced
her first short film, The Tenants,
for the North Shore Film Festival, ultimately winning several awards, including
'Best Picture'. She went on to write, produce, and direct two subsequent films,
both of which were also honored at the Festival. Though she has a deep passion
for film, Devon’s true love is musical
theatre. Recent credits include: Kate in Legally
Blonde (TUTS); Dora in Fiorello!
(APPLAUSE!); Daisy Hilton in Side Show:
In Concert (FCP); Ashley in Changing
Minds and Kate in Zanna, Don’t! (Awkward
Stage); and Rosalind in Moon Over Buffalo (Metro
Theatre). Additionally, Devon was recently honored with the 'Outstanding Newcomer Award' at the OVATION Awards, an award which recognizes talent, ambition, focus, and ability to continue to contribute to the musical theatre community of the lower mainland. Watch for Devon this March as Betsy Bear (and others) in Carousel Theatre for Young People’s Busytown! She couldn't be more elated to be involved in the creation of Stages Theatre Co. and is thrilled
to have the opportunity to bring Seminar to the Vancouver theatre
community. Alex and Cory: you are such inspirations to me. Thank you for your endless support and fervent friendship.
Cory Haas
Cory is an actor, director and a little bit of everything else in between. He is a recent graduate of Capilano University from where he hold an ASAS diploma and a Bachelor of Performing Arts degree. Acting credits include: Simon in Statu Quo (La Seizième), a role that he originated; Lord Farquaad in Shrek The Musical (Align Entertainment); Cary in a staged reading of Proud by Michael Healey (CapU/School Of Communication); J.H Rogers in Titanic: A New Musical, Jenkins in How to $ (TUTS); Man in 7 Stories, Frederick Fellows in Noises Off, Reverend Hale in The Crucible (Exit 22), and many more! Directing credits: Legally Blonde (TUTS/Assistant), The Boyfriend, Hello Dolly! (Exit 22/Assistant). Cory co-created and performed in Naked Love, at the Vancouver Fringe Festival along with Tiffany Anderson. He has conceived pieces for FUSE and the PuSh Festival. He is thrilled, proud and honoured to be debuting Stages Theatre Co. with Seminar in Vancouver. Thanks to Devon Busswood and Alex Strong for being anchors in this busy adventure.
Alex Strong
Alex left New Brunswick 4 years ago to study acting at Vancouver’s Studio 58. Select credits for Studio 58 include Spring Awakening, Attempts on Her Life, Balm in Gilead. Other theatre credits include Hair, Songs for a New World, Company, The Threepenny Opera, Tommy, Godspell, Hamlet, Bunked, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Alex has also spent time directing and choreographing for the stage and in 2012 he was assistant director for The Gateway’s Fidddler on the Roof. Other achievements include Canada’s National Voice Intensive (2011), Bachelor of Arts Degree (English, Theatre, Psychology), and the recipient of the David Pritchard Theatre Arts Award. Alex has experience leading a theatre company back in New Brunswick and looks forward to this new opportunity to independently produce theatre in Vancouver with the inspiring artistic talents of Cory Haas and Devon Busswood.
What We Need & What You Get
• We need a minimum of $3000 to cover the costs of:
Rights
Venue
Production Costs and Contracts
• We have some exciting and unique perks to offer you, from tickets to backstage tours. Check out our perks page for more information!
The Impact
The impact is simple: we're creating valuable opportunities for actors, directors and designers in this city. With your donation, you can be apart of this challenge and know that you have had a hand it making quality theatre come to life.
We are aware that producing theatre in Vancouver is difficult. This is the simplest, yet largest, challenge that any theatre company has to go up against. There are a few reasons why: saturation, funding, and public appeal. We are more than aware of these factors but are determined to be a solution seeking company and one that works and fights hard.
How will we overcome these risks and potential setbacks?
* Going up against other companies
This is healthy competition to have in any art form. The fact that we are new and don't have a following yet, just lights a fire under our ass. We strongly believe that the material we are choosing to produce separates us from much of the theatre in town. We also believe that the public that is funding this project is ready for something new and exciting, something that includes seeing new actors, directors, designers, stage managers, and technical crews. With the emerging talent assembled, we are full of inventive and innovative ways to make this production a reality and we are ready to overcome anything that comes our way.
* Not having enough money
Theatre is expensive. That is the reality. We have worked hard to make this production cost effective, while keeping our artistic integrity and the director's has vision in tact. Even with the generosity of our Indiegogo backers, we are constantly looking for alternative sources of funding to accommodate our tight budget. Unfortunately, there is always the possibility that we will be short, financially speaking. For this, we have already come up with ways to edit and evolve Seminar without losing the production value and integrity of this stellar text. Whether it be altering designs, playing with new ideas, or working overtime, we are ready to change and progress. Theatre is a living art form and it is absolutely necessary to know how to work with these challenges.
* Being unique, yet appealing to the general public
The biggest artistic challenge of this production. Reviews and criticism aside, we want to get as many people as we can to take a chance on a new company and come enjoy this wonderful play. We're confident in our production and our artistic values. We will be up night and day to prove to our patrons that we are worthy of a spot in the Vancouver theatre scene. Our company is seeking the patronage of a new generation of theatre-goers, while accommodating the current audience demographic present in Vancouver.
We are a group of extreme professionals and the three of us share very different histories that complement our method of work. We all have had a few years of experience in this industry and we love it. We wouldn't be here if we didn't. We are committed to our craft and just beginning a long journey in the theatre.
Other Ways You Can Help
We are always looking for help of all kinds, monetary and otherwise. If you would like to volunteer to work as an usher, box office attendant, or just to help us get the word out, please email: stagestheatreco@gmail.com
• Help us get the word out and make some noise about our campaign. All of your help can and will make a HUGE difference for us!
• Please share this page with your friends and family. (Use the social media share tools to do so!)
• We need A LOT of books to fill out our book shelf set pieces. If you have any books that you would like to donate, please let us know!