Amelia performed with Repercussion Theatre for five seasons, most recently in 2008 as the otherworldly Caliban in The Tempest (dir. Paul Hopkins). A Repercussion Theatre production of Macbeth was also the very first theatre show Amelia ever saw, as she recalls in this recent interview:

Amelia Sargisson, unrecognizable as Caliban in parkshakespeare.com’s The Tempest (2008)

The first production I remember seeing is Macbeth at the base of Basler’s ski hill in Morin Heights, Quebec. My parents took me to see the shows of Montreal’s Shakespeare-in-the-Park company, Repercussion Theatre, from before the time I could sit up straight unassisted, and while I only remember certain elements of their Macbeth, like billowing fog and the murder scene thrillingly enacted in shadow behind a screen washed in electric red light, it made a lasting impression. To this day I have my heart set on playing Lady M.

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Please send the following to marketing@repercussiontheatre.com with subject line: SITP Alumni –

Name:
Biography: (max. 100 words)*
Career Highlights:
IMDB page:
Website:
Headshot: (Please send a 72 dpi resolution jpg)

*You may wish to mention if Repercussion was your first professional job following schooling. We will add your Repercussion Theatre credits.

Thank you!

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The Shakespeare Globe Centre of Canada announces The Christopher Plummer Fellowship Award of Excellence

Short list: Alan Dilworth (Director, Toronto), Paul Hopkins (Actor-Director, Montreal), Yanna McIntosh (Actor, Stratford)

World-renowned Academy Award winner Christopher Plummer, widely regarded as one of the greatest living classical actors, will personally reveal the winner of the $20,000 prize at a Gala presentation in Toronto on May 23, 2013.

In the spirit of Christopher Plummer’s artistic gold standard, the Christopher Plummer Fellowship Award of Excellence honours an emerging or mid-career Canadian theatre artist who has made a unique and exceptional contribution to the study of Shakespeare and/or the classics in performance. A peer jury awards the $20,000 prize, intended for serious theatre artists who have demonstrated a unique ability in the classics. The winner is free to use the money for whatever purpose they wish.

The Shakespeare Globe Centre of Canada is part of a network of Shakespeare Globe Centres around the world established by Sam Wanamaker. SGCC works closely with Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London to support the artistic and educational goals associated with furthering the international understanding of Shakespeare and his contemporaries in performance. Christopher Plummer is the SGCC Patron.

The Shakespeare Globe Centre of Canada Annual Gala Evening:

Christopher Plummer Salutes Bluma Appel
Featuring Christopher Plummer, Norman Jewison, Liona Boyd,
Robert Pilon and Host, George Stroumboulopoulos.
Thursday May 23, 2013
Bram and Bluma Appel Salon, Toronto Reference Library,
789 Yonge Street, Toronto

Media inquiries, contact Jeannette Lambermont-Morey, tel: (416) 505-0700, email jettelamorey@gmail.com

For Gala ticket information, contact Heather Baker, tel: (416) 923.2389, email: hbaker@shorepublishing.ca

-30-

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Position: Shakespeare-in-the-Park, Head of Sound
Salary: approx $3,000
Employment Period: Beginning of mid-June to mid-August, 2013 (TBD)

This position has been filled.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Technical Director and Production Manager:

• During rehearsals: assist in the inventory maintenance and technical tour planning. Research suitable sound equipment required for the production including: speakers, soundboard, outboard gear, microphones cables, etc.
• During the performance run: unload equipment from the trucks, install and maintain the sound equipment for each show according to the requirements of each park venue. Assist all other departments as required.
• Act as Sound Board Operator, executing cues and monitoring microphones and levels during rehearsal and performances.
• Assist in the strike of all technical equipment into the trucks and vehicles after each performance.
• Assist in returns at the end of the run (cleaning and dismantling of equipment to storage).

Qualifications:

• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, and must be currently a full-time student returning to school full-time in 2013-2014. This position is offered through the Canada Summer Jobs grant.
• Experience working in sound and knowledge of the latest technology.
• Experience setting up, repairing and operating wireless microphones.
• Experience operating and programing Qlab 2.
• A positive attitude and ability to multitask, take initiative, and work independently.
• Ability to work long hours in the outdoors (sun, rain, heat etc).
• Capacity to adapt easily to an ever-changing environment.
• Soldering and carpentry skills will be considered assist.
• Must be comfortable working at heights and often lifting loads of 45 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving a 16’+ truck will also be considered an asset.

Repercussion Theatre is primarily an English language theatre company that tours the island of Montreal and the surrounding areas, but knowledge of French would be an asset.

Please e-mail, fax or mail your cover letter and resume to “Production Manager” at Repercussion Theatre by April 25, 2013 by 5:00pm to production@repercussiontheatre.com

The post Head of Sound appeared first on Repercussion Theatre.

Position: Shakespeare-In-The-Park, Site Technician
Salary: approx. $3,000
Employment Period: Beginning of mid-June to mid-August, 2013 (TBD)

This position has been filled.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Technical Director and Production Manager:

• During rehearsals: assist in the construction of the set, technical set-up, inventory maintenance and technical tour planning.
• During the performance run: install and maintain the stage and technical equipment for the shows according to the requirements of each park venue. Assist all other departments as required.
• Participate as running crew during the show as required.
• Assist in the strike of the technical equipment into the trucks and vehicles after each performance.
• Assist in returns at the end of the run (cleaning and dismantling of equipment to storage).

Qualifications:

• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, and must be currently a full-time student returning to school full-time in 2013-2013. This position is offered through the Canada Summer Jobs grant.
• Experience working in technical theatre.
• A positive attitude and ability to multitask, take initiative, and work independently.
• Ability to work long hours in the outdoors (sun, rain, heat etc).
• Capacity to adapt easily to an ever-changing environment.
• Must be comfortable working at heights and often lifting loads of 45 pounds.
• Knowledge of theatrical procedures, tools and products.
• Basic knowledge of all aspects of scenic construction.
• The ability to read and understand scenic plans.
• Soldering skills will be considered an asset.
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving a 16’+ Truck would be an asset.

Repercussion Theatre is primarily an English language theatre company that tours the island of Montreal and the surrounding areas, but knowledge of French would be an asset.

Please e-mail, fax or mail your cover letter and resume to “Production Manager” at Repercussion Theatre by April 25 by 5:00pm to production@repercussiontheatre.com

The post Site Technician appeared first on Repercussion Theatre.

Position: Shakespeare-in-the-Park, Head of Lighting
Salary: approx. $3,000
Employment Period: Beginning of mid-June to mid-August, 2013 (TBD)

This position has been filled.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Technical Director and Production Manager:

• During rehearsals: assist in the inventory maintenance and technical tour planning. Research suitable LX equipment required for the production including: lighting board and instruments, stands, cables and generators.
• During the performance run: unload equipment from the trucks, consult with city electricians to ensure proper electrical hook-ups, install and maintain the lighting equipment for each show according to the requirements of each park venue. Assist all other departments as required.
• Act as Lighting Board Operator and run maintenance on the generators.
• Assist in the strike of the technical equipment into the trucks and vehicles after each performance.
• Assist in returns at the end of the run (cleaning and dismantling of equipment to storage).

Qualifications:

• Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, and must be currently a full-time student returning to school full-time in 2013-2014. This position is offered through the Canada Summer Jobs grant.
• Extensive knowledge of lighting control systems, lighting hardware and lighting design techniques is an asset.
• A thorough working knowledge of electricity and common electrical practices.
• A positive attitude and ability to multitask, take initiative, and work independently.
• Ability to work long hours in the outdoors (sun, rain, heat etc.).
• Capacity to adapt easily to an ever-changing environment.
• Must be comfortable working at heights and often lifting loads of 45 pounds.
• Soldering and carpentry skills will be considered assist.
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving a 16’+ truck would be an asset.

Repercussion Theatre is primarily an English language theatre company that tours the island of Montreal and the surrounding areas, but knowledge of French would be an asset.

Please e-mail your cover letter and resume to “Production Manager” at Repercussion Theatre by April 25 by 5:00pm to production@repercussiontheatre.com

The post Head of Lighting appeared first on Repercussion Theatre.

Position: Shakespeare-in-the-Park, Assistant Stage Manager (ASM)
Salary: approx. $3,000
Employment Period: Beginning of mid-June to mid-August (TBD) 2013

This position has been filled.

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Stage Manager, duties would include, but are not limited to:

• During rehearsals: assist the Stage Manager in the facilitation of the rehearsal environment, script prompting, tracking props and costumes, organizing transportation.
• During the performance run: assist in unloading equipment from the trucks, setting up dressing room tents and backstage areas, maintaining costumes and props.
• The ASM will be responsible for assisting actors with quick changes as well as helping to coordinate any and all scenic changes.
• The ASM may be called upon to perform light costume and prop maintenance and last minute repairs.
• Assist in the strike of the technical equipment into the trucks and vehicles after each performance.
• Assist in returns at the end of the run.

Qualifications:

• Canadian Citizen or permanent resident, and must be currently a full-time student returning to school full-time in 2013-2014. This position is offered through the Canada Summer Jobs funding.
• Experience working backstage in theatre.
• A positive attitude and ability to multitask, take initiative, and work independently.
• Ability to work long hours in the outdoors (sun, rain, heat etc).
• Capacity to adapt easily to an ever-changing environment.
• Basic sewing skills.
• Experience generating and maintaining paperwork such as: props and costume tracking lists, preset lists, scene breakdowns, etc.
• Must be comfortable lifting loads of 35 pounds
• Valid driver’s license would be an asset.

Repercussion Theatre is primarily an English language theatre company that tours the island of Montreal and the surrounding areas, but knowledge of French would be an asset.

Please e-mail your cover letter and resume to “Production Manager” at Repercussion Theatre production@repercussiontheatre.com by April 25 by 5:00pm.

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The post Read our new fall 2012 “le folio” newsletter! appeared first on Repercussion Theatre.

Kirsten Rasmussen (Katharina in The Taming of the Shrew)
“I will be back to teaching improv at Montreal Improv Theatre. I will be teaching there in the fall some basic improv as well as a solo class geared to performers to help create their own solo bits. I will also be producing my solo sketch show Chuckin’ Guffs at Montreal Improv Theatre on Friday, September 21, at 10:00pm, and November 1 at 8pm.”

Adrian Shepherd-Gawinski (Lucentio and Curtis in The Taming of the Shrew)
“I’m shooting an independent film in Toronto until the 18th, and then in September I’m back for my final year of school at NTS (National Theatre School).”

Miriam Cummings (Bianca in The Taming of the Shrew)
“Currently relaxing at home with family in London, Ontario, I will return to Montreal for my 4th and final year at Concordia University in the Theatre Performance program. “Classes” begin on August 20th with a two-week workshop dedicated to the exploration of Concordia’s December production: a piece of Chinese Opera theatre. Think dance fighting while singing.  In the spring, I will perform again with Concordia in Peer Gynt, directed by Peter Batakliev.  Thanks for a wonderful summer everyone and cheers to a busy year!”

Matt Gagnon (Grumio, Pedant in The Taming of the Shrew)
“This fall, I’m gonna be focusing on writing a couple of projects. I’ll also be appearing in a short film, entitled “Purple Eggshells”, and they just determined a release date for “On the Road”, in which I have a small part. It’ll be released in December this year.”

The post Where are they now? appeared first on Repercussion Theatre.

Montréal, August 1^7th, 2012 – Repercussion Theatre’s 24th edition of Shakespeare-in-the-Park wrapped up its tour of Montreal-area parks on Sunday, August, 5^th, 2012. This year’s production of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew was directed by Andrew Shaver and Paul Hopkins and was one of Repercussion Theatre’s most enthusiastically received productions yet. Approximately 10,280 Montrealers, young and old, came out to their community parks to see this hilarious and, at times, controversial production.

This summer’s sunny and dry July made for wonderful performances under the stars. However, there were a few challenges for our intrepid cast and crew. One show (Pierrefonds) was moved indoors at intermission to the community centre due to rain – to the audience’s delight, the actors completed the performance. One show was cancelled with just 20 minutes remaining due to the threat of fire. In Westmount Park, an electrical wire started to spark and smoke in a tree right behind the stage, while the actors, Alex McCooyee and Kirsten Rasmussen improvised to finish the scene. The fire department was called in and the show was cancelled. Fortunately, the problem was easily resolved the next day and audiences returned to Westmount over the next few evenings to catch the show in its entirety. Finally, an unfortunately intense weather system of wind and rain forced the cancellation our final performance in Ville Saint-Laurent.

But Westmount Park was not the only place where sparks flew. The Taming of the Shrew sparked some heated debate among media and audiences alike. The Gazette’s Pat Donnelly called the production “anything but tame,” writing that “Petruchio comes across as a shade too nasty and lewd.” The Charlebois Post’s review by Jessica Wei was headlined “First There is the Problem of the Play,” and generated a heated online discussion from readers. Wei, and The Charlebios Post eventually entered into the debate by defending the review. Finally, a few members of the audience wrote in, questioning the play’s appropriateness in this current day and age and describing the play as sexist and misogynistic.

“I was thrilled by the passionate reactions surrounding this production. Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew is a controversial play which inspires strong feelings and we didn’t shy away from that,” states Paul Hopkins, Repercussion Theatre’s Artistic Director. He adds, “Shakespeare’s plays are still being produced today because they highlight the contradictions that existed and continue to exist in society today. The Taming of the Shrew challenges our values and invites debate.”

Of course, there wouldn’t have been any controversy had the show not been a success. Audiences seemed to adore the show. Paul Yachnin, Tomlinson Professor of Shakespeare Studies at McGill University wrote in to say, “…the production of Taming is splendid! Splendid! Funny, fast, smart, colourful, moving too. It makes me want to change the way I teach the play.” One father spoke of his eight-year-old daughter and the affect it had on her. “It’s changed the way she behaves in the house,” he said. “She’d like to be in the production next year and play an important part (but not one with too many lines).”

With the recent closure of The Mirror and The Hour, audiences depended more and more on the growing attention Shakespeare-in-the-Park received from social media and online publications, including blogs. Yves Rousseau from Le Quatrième declared it “une réalisation délicieuse et colorée,” while Cult Montreal wrote the production was “high energy and sharp” and Bloody Underrated had this to say: “indisputably sexist, yet absolutely hilarious, Repercussion’s version is even complete with heartwarming musical interludes.”

The two lead actors, Kirsten Rasmussen and Alex McCooeye, were often described as impressive and were commended for their excellent comedic timing and chemistry. The Charlebois Post wrote, “Alex McCooeye as Petruchio could give lessons to Don Juan on wooing a lady. Fred Astaire could learn a thing or two from McCooeye’s fluid body movements.” Suites Culturelles claimed that “both the leads, Kirsten Rasmussen (Katharina) and Alex McCooeye (Petruchio), are power-houses and give the play incredible energy.” The live Italian a cappella chorus led by Davide Chiazzese was a striking element of the production that delighted audiences.

Audience members shared their enthusiasm with the actors after each show, including children, for many of whom it was their first time seeing a live Shakespeare performance.

As they do each year, Repercussion Theatre collected non-perishable food items which were then directed to Moisson Montréal, where they will be distributed to foodbanks throughout Montreal.

Shakespeare-in-the-Park could not have happened this year without the support of various government agencies, corporate sponsors, in-kind media sponsors, the local theatre community, hundreds of donors and dozens of volunteers throughout Montreal. On behalf of the 10,281 Montrealers who came out to see The Taming of the Shrew, Repercussion Theatre would like to thank everyone who helped make the
2012 Shakespeare-in-the-Park Tour a tremendous success!

Next year, the 25^th anniversary production of Shakespeare-in-the-Park will be William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Repercussion Theatre veteran Amanda Kellock. Ms. Kellock, who started out as an audience member at age 16,  is a familiar face for Shakespeare-in-the-Park fans. Since 2004, she has performed in four Shakespeare-in-the-Park productions, including Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing. She also directed the very popular production of Molière’s Les Fourberies de Scapinfor the company in 2007. Outside of Repercussion Theatre, Kellock has directed for the Centaur Theatre and Geordie Productions.

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