Have you read about all the incredible mentors we have on board for "3 Plays In 30 Days" yet!? Find them all here: http://3playsin30days.com/about/
IMMEDIATE CASTING NOTICE! Teens ages 13 to 18 of Indian descent
*NOTE: This is a youth play festival so all roles (even those of adults) will be played by teens
Roles we are looking to fill:
Shadi Mehta (Shady) - Indian Female. Her character goes from Age 11 - 21 in the play. Well liked, charming, and an exceptional writer, Shady is a charismatic, funny, and bright young woman. She faces issues of depression, shadeism, and body shaming in the play.
Ananya Mehta: Indian Female. Her character goes from 41-51 in the play. Ananya Mehta is Shady’s mother, she is supportive and caring. We see the sacrifices she makes for her daughter and family in the play.
Mahesh Mehta: Indian Male. His character goes from 43-53 in the play. Mahesh Mehta is Shady’s father, he is providing and loving towards Shady in this play. The play showcases Mahesh’s undeniable support for Shady and everything she does. This actor will also play Nitin Ahuja: Indian Male. His character is about 56 in the play. Nitin is Raj Ahuja’s father and Shady’s potential father in law in the play. He like his wife also has traditional/vintage Indian values, from which he does not stray.
Aditya Mehta: Indian Male. His character is 16 in the play. Aditya is Shady’s brother, he is the reason Shady first ventures into the world of social media. Aditya plays a pivotal role in shaping Shady to be the person she is today. This actor will also play Raj Ahuja: Indian Male. His character is about 23 in the play. Raj is kind, funny and supportive. As the play moves along Raj is seen as someone who is open-minded, determined and loving. He faces the decision of having to live by his parents’ conservative Indian values or defying against them.
Sara Ahuja: Indian Female. Her character is about 53 in the play. Sara is Raj Ahuja’s mother and Shady’s potential mother in law in the play. She is seen to be judgemental and close-minded. Sara believes in very typical/old school Indian values, from which she restricts not only herself but also the people around her.
Rehearsals begin in August and performances will be at the 3 Plays In 30 Days festival on September 9th. www.3playsin30days.com
*FREE to participate
Interested performers please contact us ASAP: sarah@thatzshowbiz.com
The Toronto Production of Dear Evan Hansen is having an open casting call on Monday for actors 17+ who can play highschool seniors.
Congratulations to 3 Plays In 30 Days Mentor Julia Lederer on the filming of her short film "Eat Your Heart Out" in Chicago. Julia's unique and internationally successful theatre and film work often plays with elements of magical realism and sometimes bloody hearts!
Congratulations yet again to 3 Plays In 30 Days mentor Aaron Jan on the huge news of his original play having it's world premiere at Soulpepper Theatre Company
CASTING NOTICE!
We are looking for a trans male (between the ages of 13 to 18) for a new work by emerging youth playwright Thorne Brown.
Rehearsals begin in August with a performance at the 3 Plays In 30 Days festival at Yorkwoods Theatre on Sunday September 9th.
*FREE to participate
To apply email: sarah@thatzshowbiz.com
Congratulations to the man we call Mr. Theatre and our 3 Plays and 30 Days mentor Aaron Jan and the cast and crew of Everyone Wants a T-Shirt on being a patron's pick at this years Fringe.
Also a big congratz to the beautiful piece Birds Make Me Think About Freedom (also a patron's pick), our friend Carrie Hage and L'arch cast and crew for giving us this important work of art that we can't wait to see continue beyond the fringe
Congratulations to Hayden and the cast of Flooded at the Toronto Fringe. Flooded takes place on a pirate ship that actually takes you out for a sail while the actors perform. Many of you may not know, Hayden has been with Thatz Showbiz since it was just an idea 7 years ago. He was 16!!! Yet we knew even then that he was the artist we wanted for this. Everytime we see Hayden perform we are reaffirmed that he is the artist we want for this. His dedication to the fluidity and boundlessness of art, the idea that theatre exists in a million different ways, that it is meant to be experienced and free of impostion. He commits to and honors all kinds of work. He brings this to our students, he always challenges them to make the unobvious and interesting choice. We are always grateful that Hayden is co-captain on our ship and so is any young person he has worked with.
CASTING NOTICE! Teens ages 13 to 18 of Indian decent
*NOTE: This is a youth play festival so all roles (even those of adults) will be played by teens
Roles we are looking to fill:
Shadi Mehta (Shady) - Indian Female. Her character goes from Age 11 - 21 in the play. Well liked, charming, and an exceptional writer, Shady is a charismatic, funny, and bright young woman. She faces issues of depression, shadeism, and body shaming in the play.
Ananya Mehta: Indian Female. Her character goes from 41-51 in the play. Ananya Mehta is Shady’s mother, she is supportive and caring. We see the sacrifices she makes for her daughter and family in the play.
Mahesh Mehta: Indian Male. His character goes from 43-53 in the play. Mahesh Mehta is Shady’s father, he is providing and loving towards Shady in this play. The play showcases Mahesh’s undeniable support for Shady and everything she does. This actor will also play Nitin Ahuja: Indian Male. His character is about 56 in the play. Nitin is Raj Ahuja’s father and Shady’s potential father in law in the play. He like his wife also has traditional/vintage Indian values, from which he does not stray.
Aditya Mehta: Indian Male. His character is 16 in the play. Aditya is Shady’s brother, he is the reason Shady first ventures into the world of social media. Aditya plays a pivotal role in shaping Shady to be the person she is today. This actor will also play Raj Ahuja: Indian Male. His character is about 23 in the play. Raj is kind, funny and supportive. As the play moves along Raj is seen as someone who is open-minded, determined and loving. He faces the decision of having to live by his parents’ conservative Indian values or defying against them.
Sara Ahuja: Indian Female. Her character is about 53 in the play. Sara is Raj Ahuja’s mother and Shady’s potential mother in law in the play. She is seen to be judgemental and close-minded. Sara believes in very typical/old school Indian values, from which she restricts not only herself but also the people around her.
Rehearsals begin in August and performances will be at the 3 Plays In 30 Days festival on September 9th. www.3playsin30days.com
*FREE to participate
Interested performers please email: sarah@thatzshowbiz.com
Congratulations to our 3 Plays In 30 Days Director Mentor Aaron Jan, on directing this quick, witty, topical and super successful hit of this years Toronto Fringe Festival. It's selling out non-stop and has been receiving so many great reviews. We're so glad we got to see it when we still could! P.S if you recognize the chairs in the show, they're from Thatz Showbiz (for the second year in a row Thatz Showbiz furniture has made an appearance at Fringe. Welcome to the world of theatre, we share everything including our love!):
https://nowtoronto.com/…/fringe-review-everyone-wants-a-t-…/
Congratulations to our 3 Plays In 30 Days mentor Jeff Ho on being selected for this amazing opportunity!
We are on day 2 of "3 Plays In 30 Days" and the room is buzzing with the energy and excitement of fresh ideas!
As we have been doing over the past little while, we want to introduce you to more of our youth participants. The mentors we have on board for this project are truly amazing but so are their mentees!
I would like to introduce you to youth director Mary-Francis! Here's a little interview spot on her:
Thatz Showbiz:When was the moment you realized how powerful theatre is?
Mary-Francis:The first time I realized the power of the theatre was when I starred in my first high school production. It was a French play and I was amazed that the audience was able to comprehend the plot without understanding the dialogue. I realized how many components are involved in a production and how important every part is; with the lighting, the set, the costumes, and the actors' intonation and body language, the audience was able to understand the play. From this experience, I realized how a performance can convey a message and emotion beyond the script. That's kind of how I realized that theatre has so much to offer for many individuals.
Thatz Showbiz: Why should young people make art?
Mary-Francis: Art is a perfect outlet to express yourself and your emotions. I feel that young people often don't have a voice or a place to express themselves, but have experiences and feelings they want to express. Whether it is through a dramatic performance, a musical performance, or a visual art piece, art serves as an important outlet for young people. I think that art, in general, is open to interpretation, and so many people can connect to one piece. For this reason, I think young people should make art because it will help them express themselves and allow others to know they aren't alone in these feelings.
Thatz Showbiz: If you had a hashtag that represented you, what would your hashtag be?
Mary-Francis: I think a hashtag that represents me would be #tryeverything. I think this represents me because I have tried a variety of positions in productions: actor, director, writer, stage manager, lighting technician, sound technician, and hair and makeup artist. Overall in performances, I am willing to try any suggestion made or try to suggest different ways to see what fits best because you really don't know unless you try.
We are so grateful that The 5th Avenue Theatre shared some footage from the show. What breathtaking performances.
A fantastic look at the importance of theatre and its necessity.
Thanks, theatre.
Just some (a million!) incredible things our 3 Plays In 30 Days mentor Hanlon is up to!
Did you know the phrase "break a leg" was actually not about your limbs at all?
The edge of a stage was marked with a line known as the "leg" or "leg line". Beyond this point, one could be seen by the audience and those not required to be on stage had to remain back stage and not cross (break) the "leg line". In a time when performers would queue for an opportunity to perform and were only paid if they did perform, to "break a leg" meant the performer crossed the line onto the stage and would therefore get paid. So to tell a performer to "break a leg" was to wish them the luck to have the opportunity to perform and get paid. The sentiment remains the same today, "good luck, give a good performance"
I love going to thatz Showbiz every week and in the summer! At Thatz Showbiz you create a family that has a relationship with each other that will never change. Thatz showbiz is a welcoming place to everyone who join! I love Thatz Showbiz, and I wouldnt want to live without it! :)
Great group of actors/singers!! I try to get to as many shows as possible. Lots of talent!!!!
I love going to that showbiz it is a great way to explore who you are make new friends and take risks i love coming back every summer
Thatz Showbiz is an amazing theatre program! Sarah Magni has raised the bar for Theatre training in Thornhill.