Sinopsis
Stageworthy is a podcast about people in Canadian theatre. On the podcast, host Phil Rickaby talks to people who have pursued various theatre careers, from actors to directors to playwrights to stage managers and everything in between and beyond. Each episode explores the draw of the theatre for each individual, together with an examination of the personalities, opinions, and passions unique to theatre practitioners.
Episodios
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#432 – Chloë Whitehorn
30/09/2025 Duración: 52minAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Chloë Whitehorn, who is currently based in Kingston, Ontario. Chloë, a former actor, discusses her journey to becoming a prolific writer, focusing on themes of women's rights and mental health. She talks about how her plays—which include The Pigeon, Blood River, and Fall After Midsummer —are driven by characters and their emotions rather than just issues. Chloë also offers a glimpse into the Kingston theatre scene, her unique writing methods, and her perspective on why Canadian theatre struggles with second productions. This episode explores: How Chloë's approach to playwriting is rooted in character and emotion, stemming from her acting background. The challenge of tackling dark themes and how she judges where to stop when exploring traumatic topics. Her writing process, which involves working well with deadlines and puzzling pieces together rather than outlining. Why she returned to Canada after living in the US and the cultural d
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#431 – Courtney Stoltz
23/09/2025 Duración: 46minAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Courtney Stoltz, the production manager for a new community theatre company in Kenora, Ontario, called So I guess we're doing this. Courtney shares her journey from actor to production manager. She provides a look into the theatre scene in Northwestern Ontario and the experience of taking their original play, Finding Richard Close, to the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. Courtney also discusses the unique balance of working in health promotion in remote Indigenous communities while pursuing her passion for theatre, highlighting the company's commitment to community wellness and their ambitious plans for the future. This episode explores: The formation of So I guess we're doing this, a theatre company founded by two family physicians in Kenora. The themes of community, family, and healing in their original play, Finding Richard Close. The challenges and triumphs of a new company performing at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. The state of the
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#430 – Liz Buchanan
16/09/2025 Duración: 56minAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Liz Buchanan, a Hamilton-based actor, writer, and director who is also the artistic director of 9M Theatre. Liz shares her journey as a playwright and performer, focusing on her two Hamilton Fringe shows Gnomes A Traumatic Comedy (2023) and Liz A Traumatic Comedy (2024). She discusses her long-standing fascination with gnomes, how she uses humour and absurdity to explore personal trauma on stage, and more. This episode explores: The creative process behind Liz's two fringe shows, which use comedy to explore themes of trauma and healing. The personal and surprising history of her fascination with gnomes, stemming from her childhood and the show Fraggle Rock. The decision to transition from a multi-cast show (Gnomes) to a solo performance (Liz) to tell a more personal story. The unique pressures and catharsis of performing a solo show, especially when the material is autobiographical. The founding of her theatre company 9M Theatre, an
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#429 – Chelsea Woolley
09/09/2025 Duración: 52minAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by playwright Chelsea Woolley. Chelsea discusses her latest play, Enormity, Girl, and the Earthquake in Her Lungs, which is being produced by Nightwood Theatre. She shares the fascinating, eight-year journey of the play's development, from its original concept to a workshop production with theatre students, and the challenges of being a playwright in the rehearsal hall. Chelsea also talks about her unique approach to writing, which involves infusing humor and absurdity into a serious subject to create a piece that can only exist as live theatre. This episode explores: The development of Enormity, Girl, and the Earthquake in Her Lungs, from its original idea to its current form. Chelsea's collaborative process with director Andrea Donaldson and the cast during rehearsals. The strategic use of humor and absurdity to make a serious play more engaging and a unique theatrical experience. Her theatre origin story, from writing plays in grade
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#428 – Solo: Funding cuts and the future of theatre in Canada
04/09/2025 Duración: 14minAbout This Episode: In a solo episode of Stageworthy, host and producer Phil Rickaby discusses the looming threat to Canadian theatre and arts due to government funding cuts. He reflects on the recent mandate that all government departments, including the Canada Council for the Arts, must find 15% in savings, which will result in significant cuts to arts programs. Phil explores why the arts in Canada are so vulnerable to these cuts, citing a long-standing public perception that they are not essential or relevant to the average Canadian. He poses critical questions about the future of theatre in Canada, including what companies will do to survive and how the arts community can better articulate its value to the public and to the government. This episode explores: The significant impact of a mandated 15% cut to the Canada Council for the Arts. The challenge of public perception that the arts are for "elites" and are not relevant to most Canadians. The historical context of Canadian-made content being
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#427 – Virgilia Griffith
02/09/2025 Duración: 51minAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Toronto-based actor Virgilia Griffith, who is currently appearing in two shows at the Shaw Festival: Blues for an Alabama Sky and Murder on the Lake. In this conversation, Virgilia discusses the unique demands of each production and how they complement one another, keeping her acting practice fresh and present. She shares her journey from aspiring dancer to award-winning actor, the importance of mentorship, and how she found her calling in theatre. This episode explores: Virgilia’s path to becoming a theatre artist The power of mentorship and the artists who shaped her career What it means to bring authenticity and lived experience to performance The importance of representation and telling underrepresented stories How she approaches the creative process as an artist. Guest:
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#426 – Iain Moggach
26/08/2025 Duración: 54minAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Iain Moggach, former Artistic Director of Theatre by the Bay in Barrie, Ontario. In this thoughtful conversation, Iain shares his journey from actor, administrator, and ultimately artistic director, reflecting on what it means to build theatre outside of a major city centre. He speaks to the unique challenges and opportunities of working in Barrie, and the importance of creating space for regional stories. This episode explores: Iain’s journey to theatre leadership The role of mentorship and community in his career path The challenges of running a theatre company outside major urban centres Building partnerships and engaging new audiences in Barrie The importance of perseverance, adaptability, and curiosity in theatre-making Guest:
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#425 – Nancy Kenny
19/08/2025 Duración: 01h06sAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Nancy Kenny, an actor, writer, and producer whose latest show, I Don’t Feel Pretty/Chu pas cute, will have readings at the 2025 Halifax Fringe Festival. In this warm and insightful conversation, Nancy shares the deeply personal inspiration behind her show, the balance between humour and vulnerability in storytelling, and the journey of shaping a one-person play from lived experience. This episode explores: The origins of I Don’t Feel Pretty/Chu pas cute and its autobiographical elements Using humour to explore challenging personal topics The Fringe Festival as a space for experimentation and connection Lessons learned from workshopping solo performance Building audience trust and creating space for shared vulnerability Guest:
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#424 – Evan Bawtinheimer
12/08/2025 Duración: 01h12minAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Evan Bawtinheimer, a Toronto-based, Dora Award winning playwright. Evan shares the inspiration behind his play award winning play, Patty Picker. In this candid and thoughtful conversation, Evan opens up about playwriting, his journey of personal growth and mental health, and why vulnerability and connection are central to his artistic work. This episode explores: Evan’s evolution from musical theatre performer to playwright The value of personal storytelling and creating space for others Navigating imposter syndrome and artistic doubt Building a theatre company rooted in honesty, humour, and support Why community matters more than perfection in indie theatre Guest:
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#423 – Michelle Langille
05/08/2025 Duración: 01h08minAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Michelle Langille, an actor, director, and burlesque performer whose journey has taken her from Toronto to Cape Breton. In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Michelle talks about her roots in musical theatre, what it means to redefine success on your own terms, and how returning to a smaller community reignited her creative spark. From lessons in understudy generosity to creating her burlesque persona "Honey de Mele," Michelle shares insights about art, sustainability, and joyful reinvention. This episode explores: Michelle’s early inspirations and love of musical theatre The journey through multiple theatre schools and cities How a move to Nova Scotia shifted her career trajectory Her experience as a burlesque performer and fundraiser producer Making theatre in small communities and the power of local talent Lessons in kindness, mentorship, and the importance of joy in the rehearsal room Her directorial j
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#422 – ted witzel
29/07/2025 Duración: 01h03minAbout This Episode: This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes ted witzel, Artistic Director of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, to discuss the company’s 2025–2026 season and the vital role Buddies plays locally and globally. In this wide-ranging and passionate conversation, ted talks about the curatorial ethos behind the season, how queerness informs both aesthetic and practice, and why Buddies remains a radical, necessary space in an increasingly conservative climate. This episode explores: The inspiration and process behind curating the 2025–2026 Buddies season Why queerness is more than representation—it's a creative methodology The value of festivals (Rhubarb, Nuit Blanche, Queer Pride) in Buddies' identity Longing as a theme: desire, intimacy, revolution, and more Highlights from the season including The Green Line, Make Banana Cry, The Herald, and The Begging Brown Bitch Plays The importance of unruliness, disobedience, and disrespectability in queer theatre The enduring legacy and global uniqu
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#421 – Aisling Murphy
22/07/2025 Duración: 57minThis week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Aisling Murphy, theatre reporter for the Globe and Mail. In a wide-ranging and engaging conversation, Aisling shares the journey from musical theatre student to one of Canada’s leading theatre critics. They discuss her early roots in Baltimore, her move to Canada, and how a moment of personal upheaval redirected her path from performing to criticism. Now six months into her role at the Globe, Aisling offers sharp insights into the world of Canadian theatre and the delicate balance of being both a critic and a supporter of the art form. This episode explores: Aisling's transition from performer to theatre critic Her journey from Ottawa to Toronto, and eventually to the Globe and Mail The challenges of reviewing peers and staying impartial Differences between Canadian and American theatre ecosystems The unique opportunities and responsibilities of being a national critic Her thoughts on critical integrity, honesty, and theatre as public record The importance
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#420 – annemieke wade
15/07/2025 Duración: 01h05minThis week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes annemieke wade, Executive Director of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA). annemieke shares insights from her first six months in the role, her vision for TAPA’s future, and her deep commitment to building frameworks of care and collaboration in Toronto’s arts sector. From revitalizing artist support programs to reimagining rehearsal and performance norms, this conversation highlights the evolving landscape of Canadian theatre and the importance of intergenerational dialogue. This episode explores: The challenges and steep learning curve of succeeding a 21-year ED at TAPA The role and scope of TAPA, from the Dora Awards to mentorship and training programs The B Street Arts Hub and its community resources annemieke's career journey from Vermont to Toronto and into arts leadership The impact of her late ADHD diagnosis and the power of self-understanding Her vision for more flexible, sustainable work practices in the arts The importance of bri
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#419 – Toronto Fringe Extra 4
03/07/2025 Duración: 01h11minThis week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a fourth and final Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode: Ronit Rubenstein, creator and performer of Things My Dad Kept SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/things-my-dad-kept Alice Lundy, director and producer of The Adding Machine SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/adding-machine Nam Nguyen one of the writers and performers of Q_uiz Icarus_ SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/quiz-icarus Sara Mayfield, writer and performer of Who Drinks Mocktails on the Beach?! SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/who-drinks-mocktails-beach If you value thoughtful conversations about Canadian theatre, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy Backers get early access to episodes and help shap
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#418 – Laura Paduch & Rachel Kennedy
01/07/2025 Duración: 01h21sThis week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Rachel Kennedy and Laura Paduch, the co-leads of the Toronto Fringe Festival. With the 2024 edition just days away, Rachel and Laura share insights into what makes this year’s festival unique, including the exciting new partnership with Soulpepper Theatre, the return of beloved venues, and the community-building magic that Fringe fosters year after year. They also reflect on their personal journeys with Fringe, the evolution of self-producing in theatre, and the vital role that Fringe plays in launching careers. This episode explores: What a Fringe Festival is and how the Toronto Fringe operates The 2024 move to a central hub at Soulpepper in the Distillery District The return and growth of unconventional venues across the city The evolution and merging of the Next Stage Festival into Fringe Peer mentorship and producer pods supporting first-time creators Why Fringe is vital for risk-taking, experimentation, and community-building Guests:
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#417 – Toronto Fringe Extra 3
26/06/2025 Duración: 01h08minThis week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a third Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode: Laura Piccinin, co-creator and producer of the new musical Apothecary SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/apothecary From Regarding Antigone, Dramaturg esi calendar and Assistant Director, Sarah Larmony SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/regarding-antigone Alicia Payne, playwright and co-prodcer of Justice for Maurice Henry Carter SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/justice-maurice-henry-carter Writer and performer of Terrible Fish, Montreal’s Caitlin Murphy. SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/terrible-fish Watch for another Toronto Fringe Extra on Thursday, Next week! If you value thoughtful conversations about Canadian theatre, consider supporting the
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#416 – Ben Yoganathan
24/06/2025 Duración: 01h06sThis week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Ben Yoganathan, a Toronto-based actor, writer, and director whose latest work, Zeitgeist, will premiere at the 2024 Toronto Fringe Festival. In a lively and wide-ranging conversation, Ben shares the inspiration behind Zeitgeist, his theatre journey from Guelph to Toronto, his experience with unconventional venues, and his recent creation residency in Zurich. This episode dives into the highs and lows of making independent theatre and what it means to be a young artist in an overwhelming world. This episode explores: The inspiration behind Zeitgeist and its cinematic influences The creative process behind developing a play about navigating life in your 20s The benefits and challenges of unconventional fringe venues Ben’s experience at a creation residency in Zurich Thoughts on the shifting pedagogy of theatre education The value of Fringe festivals in building a theatre career Guest:
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#415 – Toronto Fringe Extra #2
19/06/2025 Duración: 01h09minThis week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you another special Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode: Emma Golden the writer and producer of the true Halifax story, Potato Potato SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/potato-potato Laura Anne Harris the writer and performer of the raw, tender, and quietly radical, Have Fun Kids. SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/have-fun-kids Matti Mclean, creator and performer of A Canadian Explains Eurovision to other Canadians SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/canadian-explains-eurovision-other-canadians Sashoya Simpson, writer of LULU takes us into a world of Afro-Caribbean folklore, legacy and ancestry. SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/lulu Watch for another Toronto Fringe Extra on Thursday, Next week! I
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#414 – Toronto Fringe Preview
18/06/2025 Duración: 01h10minThis week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby assembles a who's who of Toronto theatre podcasters, to talk about Toronto Fringe, shows you should see, the Next Stage Festival, ticket prices and much more! This episode features podcasters: Alison Mullings from Creative Full Time Janine Marley from A View From the Box Alexandra Lean from Being Dramatic Ryan Borochovitz from Cup of Hemlock Theatre Podcast. This episode was live streamed on youtube on July 17, 7:30pm. Support Stageworthy If you value thoughtful conversations about Canadian theatre, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy Backers get early access to episodes and help shape future roundtable discussions. Subscribe & Follow:
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#413 – Toronto Fringe Extra #1
12/06/2025 Duración: 01h10minThis week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a special Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode: Dawna Wightman, playwright and performer in HOODY, an edgy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood for people who have kept their child soul. SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/hoody Adam Bailey, creator and performer of Adam Bailey: My Three Deaths in which Adam learns that no matter how many times you die - you only live once. SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/adam-bailey-my-three-deaths Composer and comedian Eli Pasic on Screamin in the Rain, in which he sings his tasteless, original ditties! SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/screamin-rain Fuschia Boston talks about String of Pearls, an exploration of how a shift of power influences the lives of a theatre company shaping bo

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