Stageworthy

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes back actor, singer, playwright, and producer Rebecca Perry, marking a full-circle moment as Rebecca was Phil’s very first podcast guest nearly eight years ago. Rebecca shares the journey of her acclaimed solo show Confessions of a Redheaded Coffee Shop Girl, which debuted at the Toronto Fringe ten years ago and has since toured internationally, including a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Rebecca discusses the evolution of the show over the years, her preparation for returning to Edinburgh and Toronto Fringe for the show’s 10th anniversary, and the realities of crowdfunding and producing as an independent artist. She also reflects on the importance of adapting material in response to live audiences, the sense of community on the Canadian Fringe circuit, and the challenges and joys of international touring. This episode explores: How Confessions of a Redheaded Coffee Shop Girl has evolved over a decade The distinct culture and audience vibe of differen

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Javier Vilalta, a Mexican-Canadian interdisciplinary artist, stage director, movement coordinator, translator, and co-founder of 8ROJO Theatre. Based in Calgary, Javier shares his journey through performance, directing, and devising unique and often non-verbal theatre experiences. He reflects on his early challenges as an immigrant artist, the evolution of his creative voice, and his mission to help shape Calgary’s cultural identity. This episode explores: Javier’s early artistic influences and his pivot from acting to directing The founding and philosophy behind Ocho Rojo Theatre Creating intimate, high-concept work for small audiences His experience directing across Canada and internationally Thoughts on diversity, representation, and creative freedom in Canadian theatre His recent production of Mary Stuart and the upcoming queer retelling of Romeo and Juliet with The Shakespeare Company Guest:

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Nicole Obidiaka, a passionate playwright, arts advocate, and business professional based in St. John's, Newfoundland. Nicole shares her journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to Newfoundland, her work as a playwright amplifying Black voices, and her mission to make theatre more inclusive. She also discusses her play Blank Page, her upcoming work Beauty Behind the Norms, and her advocacy for mentorship and community building in the arts. This episode explores: Nicole’s journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to St. John’s, Newfoundland How Blank Page brought representation to the stage in St. John’s Her new play Beauty Behind the Norms and its exploration of polygamy and womanhood in Nigeria The importance of mentorship and amplifying Black voices in Newfoundland’s theatre community Her plans for a Black Theatre Festival to support emerging Black playwrights Guest:

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Ethan Persyko, a multi-talented actor, playwright, and theatre creator. Ethan shares their journey in the theatre world, their creative process, and the inspiration behind their latest projects. They also discuss their experience working across different genres and the importance of storytelling that reflects diverse perspectives. This episode explores: Ethan’s journey into theatre and their early inspirations. Their approach to playwriting and character development. Their work on recent projects and upcoming shows. The importance of community and collaboration in theatre. Navigating the challenges of independent theatre production. Guest:

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Amanda Lin and Julia Dickson, the co-leadership team behind the Paprika Theatre Festival, now celebrating its 24th season. Amanda and Julia share the story of Paprika’s evolution, recent strategic programming changes to prioritize artist and staff well-being, and the organization's commitment to supporting emerging artists. They dive into how the Paprika Festival fosters professional development, provides paid opportunities, and creates space for experimentation and growth — a vital contribution to the Canadian theatre community. Amanda and Julia also talk about their own journeys into arts administration, their long-standing collaboration, and what’s coming up at this year’s festival. This episode explores: How the Paprika Theatre Festival empowers emerging artists and administrators Why Paprika shifted its programming to prevent burnout and better support artists The importance of paid training opportunities in building a more inclusive theatre industry

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Newfoundland-based actor, writer, director, producer, and self-described instigator Ruth Lawrence. Ruth reflects on a career deeply rooted in community, mentorship, and creative activism. In this rich and thoughtful conversation, she discusses her early theatre influences, why she returned to Newfoundland after studying in Ontario, her passion for mentorship, and how theatre can be a catalyst for social change. This episode explores: Why Ruth describes herself as an “instigator” and how theatre can inspire change The value of mentorship and fostering the next generation of theatre artists Her return to Newfoundland and how she built a thriving arts career from scratch The vibrant and collaborative theatre scene in St. John’s Her extensive experience in both theatre and film, and how the two intersect Writing her new play If She Runs, an interactive exploration of women in politics Guest:

In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Toronto-based performer, voice educator, and multidisciplinary artist Tahirih Vejdani. Born in Saint John, NB, and raised in Regina, Tahirih shares the inspiring and non-traditional journey that led her from classical music training in the Prairies to becoming a sought-after artist and educator in Canada’s theatre scene. They discuss her early connection to choirs, her work as a singer and actor at Stratford Festival, and the founding of Ground Floor Team, an organization devoted to care-based rehearsal practices and conflict transformation in theatre. Tahirih also reflects on returning to school for vocal pedagogy and the evolving nature of her touring career. This episode explores: How classical music shaped Tahirih’s performance journey Transitioning from musician to actor in the world of Shakespeare The founding and mission of Ground Floor Team and the ARCS methodology Touring across Canada with Catalyst Theatre’s The Invisible: Agents of Unge

In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Cole Hayley, a theatre artist known for his innovative work and dedication to the Canadian theatre scene. Cole shares insights into his creative journey, the challenges and triumphs of working in theatre, and his latest projects. This episode explores: Cole’s path into theatre and his artistic influences. The challenges of creating and sustaining theatre work in Canada. Insights into his latest projects and what excites him most. Thoughts on collaboration and artistic growth. Advice for emerging theatre artists. Guest:

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with actor, director, and casting professional Mariel Kathryn Hunter. Based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Mariel has worked extensively in theatre, film, and television, both as a performer and behind the scenes. Mariel shares her journey from Saint John to Vancouver and back, discussing how an unexpected dream pushed her to pursue acting. She also talks about her work in casting, her approach to directing, and why storytelling is essential in regional theatre. This episode explores: How a vivid dream convinced Mariel to become an actor. Her experiences in Vancouver’s theatre and film industry. Why she chose to return to Saint John to continue her work in the arts. The challenges and rewards of directing in a smaller theatre community. The importance of mentorship and supporting emerging artists. Her insights into casting and helping actors bring their best performances. Guest:

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby sits down with actor, writer, and theatre creator Scott Garland. A fixture in Toronto’s theatre community, Scott is passionate about playwriting, dramaturgy, and fostering creative spaces. He was one of the curators of Sing for Your Supper, a monthly play reading series that gave playwrights a chance to hear their work performed. Scott is also a founding member of Silent Protagonist, a puppet theatre company that gained attention with Frankensteinesque at the Toronto Fringe. In this conversation, he shares insights on theatre school, the challenges of independent theatre, and the importance of building artistic community. This episode dives into: Scott’s early theatre influences and what led him to pursue acting. His experience in multiple theatre schools and how training shaped his career. The evolution of Sing for Your Supper and its role in supporting new playwrights. Why Toronto’s theatre community needs more development opportunities before production. His wor

Stageworthy is back! After a year-long hiatus, host Phil Rickaby returns to celebrate and amplify Canadian theatre. In this first episode of the relaunch, Phil sits down with playwright, journalist, and Globe and Mail staff writer Graham Isador. Graham discusses his latest play, Truck, a powerful exploration of automation, AI, and the future of labour, opening at Factory Studio Theatre in Toronto on March 26-30, 2025. He also shares insights on his career in journalism, his experience with vision loss that led to the CBC podcast Shortsighted, and the challenges of making theatre in Canada. This episode dives into: Graham’s journey from punk rock journalism to theatre. The impact of AI on creative industries and writing. The financial realities of producing independent theatre in Canada. And Much more... Guest:

In this final episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby talks with theatre and opera director, playwright and educator, Peter Hinton-Davis. In addition to his work work as a director, playwright, and educator, from 2005-2012, he took over as the artistic director of English theatre at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, shaping how Canada conceptualizes its national theatre. He is currently directing Coal Mine Theatre’s Dion, running until March 3 at Toronto’s Coal Mine Theatre. Stay tuned to the end of the episode for some thoughts from Phil Rickaby on the ending of Stageworthy. Bio Director, dramaturg and playwright Peter Hinton-Davis has worked across Canada with many theatre companies. He has been the Associate Artistic Director at Theatre Passe Muraille and the Canadian Stage Company in Toronto, Artistic Director of the Playwrights Theatre Centre in Vancouver, the Dramaturg in Residence at Playwrights' Workshop Montréal, and Artistic Associate of the Stratford Festival. From 2005 to 2012 he was Artistic Direc

In this episode, Shifting Ground Collective founding members, Joshua Kilimnick, Shannon Murtagh, and Colette Richardson join me to unpack the story behind their latest production, "Merrily We Roll Along." Their journey reflects not just the highs and lows of the creative process, but also the resilience and enthusiasm needed to bring a classic Stephen Sondheim musical to Canadian audiences, all while nurturing new talents and weathering the storms of the pandemic. They also discuss the reality of running an indie theater company, balancing day jobs with their artistic aspirations. From the excitement of pub nights where show tunes reign supreme to the challenges of staging ambitious productions, they reveal the collective spirit that powers their endeavours. They also discuss a new musical in development, "Statistics," a production intertwining the personal and the historical, where academic pressure meets the remarkable story of Rosalind Franklin. Bio Founded in the spring of 2022, Shifti

Steven Mayoff (he/him) was born in Montreal, lived in Toronto for 17 years and moved to Prince Edward Island in 2001. His fiction and poetry have appeared in literary journals across Canada, the U. S. and abroad. His books include the story collection Fatted Calf Blues (Turnstone Press, 2009), the novel Our Lady of Steerage (Bunim & Bannigan, 2015), the poetry chapbook Leonard’s Flat (Grey Borders Books, 2018) and the poetry collection Swinging Between Water and Stone (Guernica Editions, 2019) and the novel The Island Gospel According to Samson Grief (Radiant Press, 2023). As a lyricist, he has collaborated with composer Ted Dykstra for many years. Their musical reimagining of Euripides tragedy, The Bacchae, entitled Dion a Rock Opera, will receive its world premiere at the Coal Mine Theatre in February 2024. www.stevenmayoff.ca Instagram: @steven_mayoff Tickets and Info, Dion: a Rock Opera: www.coalminetheatre.com/dion

This week, as we count down the final episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby talks with the passionate Emilio Vieira, who takes on the role of Palamon in Shakespeare BASH'd unique production of "Two Noble Kinsmen." Together, we explore the thrills and challenges of performing one of the Bard's less frequently staged plays. Emilio reveals the intricacies of making Shakespeare's language resonate with contemporary audiences and discusses the emotional highs and lows his character endures in this tale of honour and forbidden desire. Embark on a behind-the-scenes journey with me as we examine the craft of adapting Shakespeare for today's audiences. We contrast the festival stage's grandeur with the intimacy of smaller productions and dissect the professional growth that comes from long-term engagement with Shakespearean drama. Moreover, the conversation turns to survival—both of the actor during an arduous theatre season and the creative spirit during the pandemic. We shed light on the birth of the S

In this episode, Phil Rickaby talks with the outstanding Deborah Drakeford and unpacking the Canadian premiere of Joanna Murray-Smith's "Rockabye." From the first costume fitting that sets the stage for character metamorphosis to the electric anticipation of performing an original rock anthem, this episode is a tribute to the craft. The camaraderie within the Actors Repertory Company, nurtured by director Rob Kempson is palpable as Deborah recounts the collective effort in breathing life into "Rockabye." This is a toast to the ensemble's magic and her own evolution as resident artist and co-artistic producer with ARC. The conversation also turns to the resilience of actors amid the pandemic, sharing her own tussle with COVID-19 that brought unexpected twists to a production in Sudbury. The episode wraps with a heartwarming glimpse into the enduring marriage Deborah and her husband Oliver Dennis, as they juggle the scales of professional ambition with the weight of family life. Their story

To kick off 2024, Stageworthy host Phil Rickaby convenes a round table discussion of Fringe Festival performers. The months of November and December are when a lot of the festivals on the Canadian Fringe circuit hold their lotteries, and so a lot of performers are planning out their summer touring schedules. In this round table discussion, Phil is joined by Keith Brown, Jess Gorman, Tim Murphy, Sarah Ivanco, Kendall Savage, Georgia Findlay, and Evan Bawtinheimer. These performers share the shows that they will be bringing to Fringe festivals this summer, seasoned touring artists share secrets and tips with artists newer to Fringe touring, and everyone talks frankly about the trials and triumphs of the Fringe experience, spotlighting the excitement and nerves that accompany taking a show on the road. From the logistics of coordinating tours between Montreal and Ottawa to the strategic planning necessary for North America's largest fringe in Edmonton, our guests reveal the behind-the-scenes efforts that fuel th

What does it take to script an audio drama that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats? What goes into creating compelling characters and casting the perfect voice actors? Join us as we unravel these fascinating aspects of audio drama with our guests Kevin Shea and Jill Harper, creators of the successful project, Feedback. They share with us not just their creative process and the challenges they face, but also their dislikes and likes about traditional radio dramas. Have you ever wondered how the world of customer service operates or what causes customer rage? We're diving into these topics too, unearthing the tactics deployed by call centers to hinder customer goals and sharing personal anecdotes about our own experiences. Plus, we'll be talking about our audio drama project, from its inception in a humble basement to a full-fledged production. Our conversation with Kevin and Jill continues as they share their journey of creating the character Akbar and the nuances of casting for an audio drama. Fina

In this episode, host Phil Rickaby, talks with Sex T-Rex member, Lowen Morrow. Together, we explore everything from the dynamic theatre scene in Canada to the origins of D&D live shows, the joys and challenges of self-promotion in the entertainment industry, and much more. Lowen gives us insight into Sex T-Rex's hit show Swordplay, discussing its physical comedy and evolution over time. Later, we explore the origins of D&D live. Also in the discussion we explore the evolving role of gender identity in their performances, and hear their thoughts on working in a theatre troupe over a long period of time, and how that can be like being part of a family, with all that that entails Don't miss out on the latter part of the episode where we discuss the fascinating world of puppetry and producing in the film and TV industry. It's a jam-packed episode you wouldn't want to miss! Bio Lowen Morrow is a trans masculine theatre and filmmaker, physical comedian, actor, improviser, and puppeteer based in Toronto. The

Get ready for a holiday treat! This week, host Phil Rickaby chats with Katie Kerr and Matthew Stodolak, as they share the behind-the-scenes details of their new holiday musical, "Chris, Mrs.", a delightful fusion of elements from The Santa Clause and The Sound of Music. We also discuss their unique musical backgrounds and how their differences complement each other perfectly in creating a heartwarming musical experience. Venture with us as we examine the journey of creating a new Christmas musical in the era of COVID. We highlight the importance of human connection and family traditions during the holiday season and how the pandemic inspired the focus of our musical. Discover how the limited number of original Christmas musicals opened up an opportunity for us to contribute to new holiday traditions. We also share our personal experiences with theatre and Christmas, including our sources of inspiration for the songs in the musical. The final part of our conversation provides insights into the busine