Barnyard Sessions Are Back At 4th Line Theatre This September

After a successful run of sold out shows in 2021, 4th Line Theatre is presenting the second presentation of The Barnyard Sessions: All About the Song, in September.

Ben Kunder will perform on September 22. Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

There will be four musical evenings with some of the region’s most beloved singer-songwriters. The Sessions, produced by local singer-songwriter Kate Suhr, will feature performers such as Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo), Terra Lightfoot, Aphrose, The Weber Brothers, Julian Taylor, Sarah MacDougall, Ben Kunder, James McKenty, Rick Fines, Evangeline Gentle, Melissa Payne, Dylan Ireland, Emily Burgess, Kyler Tapscott, Nicholas Campbell and Kate Suhr.

In an intimate setting, and in true “Writers in the Round” tradition, four artists will share the stage, taking turns as they reveal how their original music is imagined, conceptualized, and crafted. As the curtain is pulled up, audience members will bear witness to the powerful role of songwriting and the process behind the lyrics.

The event will run for four performances, showcasing different artists each evening. The concerts will all take place at The Winslow Farm in Millbrook from 7 p.m. -8:30 p.m. on September 22, 23, 29 and 30.

“When I had the idea for The Barnyard Sessions in 2021, I never imagined how well-received it would be. Those four nights in early fall of 2021, in the barnyard at the Winslow farm, were magical and I know everyone who attended, felt it. We want to capture that magical again this year with the second instalment of The Barnyard Sessions. These intimate concerts are extraordinary interplays between musicians, music and audiences.”

Tickets for The Barnyard Sessions are on sale now and are available for purchase through 4th Line Theatre’s box office. The capacity for each performance is 100 seats to ensure an intimate experience. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, as shows often sell out.

Concerts takes place at The Winslow Farm located at 779 Zion Line, Millbrook:

· September 22 at 7 p.m. – Sarah MacDougall, Ben Kunder, Julian Taylor and Evangeline Gentle

· September 23 at 7 p.m. – The Weber Brothers, Aphrose, Rick Fines and Nicholas Campbell

· September 29 at 7 p.m. – Greg Keelor, Terra Lightfoot, James McKenty and Melissa Payne

· September 30 at 7 p.m. – Emily Burgess, Kyler Tapscott, Dylan Ireland and Kate Suhr

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4th Line Theatre Announces 2022 Young Company Members

4th Line Theatre, Trent University’s Traill College and Lakefield College School have announced the 2022 Young Company, a group of young, diverse regional artists and performers, who will work with industry professionals to produce livestream virtual play readings and performance pieces this summer.

2021 Young Company.

This announcement comes as part of the Emerging VOICES Youth Apprenticeship Program.

“We are so pleased to support 4th Line Theatre’s Young Company program,” said Anne-Marie Kee, Head of School and Foundation of Lakefield College School. “As an independent school with a robust co-curricular arts program, we have seen first-hand how important the performing arts can be in a young person’s development, offering a venue for them to express themselves creatively and build confidence, both on and off the stage. We hope to see more young performers flourish at 4th Line Theatre.”

Following the success of 2021 Young Company, 4th Line Theatre have partnered with Lakefield College School to further develop the exciting Young Company initiative. Young Company members will train with industry professionals Victoria Cutler, Pat Maitland, Rebecca Birrell, Simone Georges and Melissa Wotherspoon to bring scripts to life and create original work.

The 2022 Young Company is led by Young Company Coordinator Rebecca Birrell and its members are: Mackenzie Airhart, Norah Appleby, Sarah Bubteina, Jack Chesla, Zoe Dunaway, Aimee Gordon, Ava Imeson, Laurin Isiekwena, Annie Mancini, Sidney Moon, Ivy Morgan, Neveah Taylor and Bunni Verbal.

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Hometown PTBO: Kim Blackwell on the 30th Anniversary of 4th Line Theatre and Summer Lineup

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday talks with Kim Blackwell, managing artistic director for 4th Line Theatre about the company's 30th anniversary, the upcoming summer lineup and her journey through three decades with the company.

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4th Line Theatre Fundraising To Repair Performer Saskia Tompkins Damaged Violin

4th Line Theatre has started a GoFundMe page in hopes to raise fund to repair performer and longtime collaborator Saskia Tomkins’ violin after a fall damaged her instrument.

Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

Tomkins was taking her final bow at 4th Line Theatre in our Christmas show Christmas Comes to Mind, when she missed the last step, off the stage, and she fell.

She was not injured, but unfortunately she fell onto her violin.

The violin sustained three severe breaks. Unfortunately, Saskia did not have insurance at the time and the total amount to cover the repairs is financially prohibitive for 4th Line to cover completely. 4th Line’s insurance is not set-up to cover this kind of accident.

4th Line Theatre is asking the public to help in any way they can with funding the pricey repairs, they will cover any difference between what is fundraised and the total amount needed for the repairs and the devaluation.

The goal of the fundraiser is set at $9,500. To date $7,722 has been raised.

Tomkins is a long time supporter of 4th Line Theatre, and has performed in many shows on their stage.

To donate to the GoFundMe click here.

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4th Line Theatre Announces Artists Participating In 2022 Interdisciplinary Residency Program

4th Line Theatre has announced the artists participating in their first ever interdisciplinary residency program for regional artists.

Photos courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

Five residencies, which will provide opportunities for artists, based in or who are, from Millbrook, Peterborough, Lakefield, Port Hope, Cobourg and the surrounding environs, to develop a new work.

The artists participating in the program will be Madeline Brown, Laurin Isiekwena, Simon Mazziotti, Madison Sheward and Kate Suhr.

The 2022 Interdisciplinary Residency Program will foster artistic development and engagement between 4th Line Theatre, local artists and community members in theatre, music theatre, dance and poetry.

“In our continuing effort to give regional artists opportunities to explore and create new work, we have developed these longer form residencies for just that purpose.”

Laurin Isiekwena will be creating new works of poetry. Madeleine Brown will be working on a piece of theatre about the student fight to keep Peterborough Collegiate from being permanently closed. Kate Suhr will be working in a play with music about the inherited family trauma of addiction. Madison Sheward and Simon Mazziotti will both be developing new choreographic works.

The residencies will begin in February 2022. They will feature a hybrid (digital and live) presentation in October 2022. The presentation will showcase a performance from each of the resident artists.

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Nexicom To Double Donations To 4th Line Theatre Emerging VOICES Program Until March

4th Line Theatre announced on Wednesday that Nexicom is doubling donations to the theatres Emerging VOICES Program until March 1.

Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

“Through our Emerging VOICES engagement program, local youth are given the opportunity to gain experience, skills and training that will ultimately help them to achieve their goals, artistic and other,” said Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. “What makes the program particularly unique is that local young people work alongside and learn from, professional artist. And the program is completely free of charge.”

This is not the first time Nexicom has donated to 4th Line Theatre.

“This unique program recognizes the importance young people play within our community, and gives voice to their ideas and stories through their participation in the Arts. We greatly encourage anyone looking to support the arts to consider this wonderful program,” said Lance Nachoff, Sales and Marketing manager at Nexicom.

4th Line Theatre’s Emerging VOICES Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually in order to effectively train youth volunteers.

4th Line Theatre’s Emerging VOICES Youth Apprenticeship Program requires an average of $20,000 in funding annually in order to effectively train youth volunteers.

In 2021, 4th Line’s dedication to students did not waiver despite the challenges of the pandemic: partnering with Trent University’s Traill College, they employed a group of young, diverse regional youth in a new initiative, The 2021 Young Company. These young artists worked with industry professionals to produce livestream virtual play readings and performance pieces. 

 Generally, in the summer season, as many as 60 or more youth actors are engaged in productions, each contributing more than 210 hours, while learning to work collaboratively to achieve artistic excellence. The Double Your Impact with Nexicom initiative will ensure the program’s success in the theatre’s upcoming 30th season.

To donate, click here or call the 4th Line Theatre Box Office & Administrative Centre at 705-932-4445 until March 1st to qualify for a matching donation by Nexicom.

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4th Line Theatre's 'Christmas Comes To Mind' Can Now Be Viewed Online

4th Line Theatre announced on Thursday that Rebecca Auerbach and J.D. Nicholsen's Christmas Comes to Mind: A Night of Story & Song is now available to stream online.

(L to R): Saskia Tomkins, Justin Hiscox, Rebecca Auerbach, Melissa Payne, Mark Hiscox, J.D. Nicholsen & Beau Dixon from 4th Line Theatre's 2021 production of Rebecca Auerbach and J.D. Nicholsen's Christmas Comes to Mind: A Night of Story & Song. Photo by Wayne Eardley - Brookside Studio.

Filmed on December 3, 2021 at the Millbrook Cathedral, 40 King Street West, the live show is now available to view online for $15.

Actors and vocalists like Beau Dixon, Melissa Payne, J.D. Nicholsen and Kim Blackwell make an appearance in the show.

Kim Blackwell, Managing Director of the show., says the show demonstrates ‘togetherness, hope, love and belief in something bigger than ourselves.’

To view the show online for $15 click here.

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4th Line Theatre Hosts Storytelling Workshop To Kick Off 30th Anniversary

4th Line Theatre is kicking off its 30th anniversary with a storytelling workshop run by storyteller and writer Deb Williams over two days announced on Monday.

Deb Williams (pictured) last worked with 4th Line Theatre directing the 2018 production of Ian McLachlan and Robert Winslow’s Crow Hill: A Telephone Play. Photo Courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

The online storytelling workshop will run on Jan. 22 and 23 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Williams will share her decades of storytelling expertise, to give each participant the tools to create and share a truly compelling story or stories.

After the workshop, participants will be welcomed to read and tell their stories in a virtual event via Zoom, which will be live-streamed on 4th Line Theatre’s YouTube channel on Jan. 28.

“Deb Williams is a master storyteller,” says Kim Blackwell, managing artistic director. “The first time she ever told one of her stories at the farm, I almost fell to the ground. The images she created are still with me. This company is all about stories and Deb is the master storyteller to work with people itching to craft their lived experiences into compelling oral narratives.”

“Good storytelling is not easy but with instructions, listening and repetition, everyone can do it,” said Williams. “And with practice, good storytellers become great.”

Participants will learn what elements make an experience ready for a story, the skills to craft it, the ability to shareit in front of others and gain a new group of colleagues and friends. This online storytelling workshop is open to novice, intermediate and accomplished storytellers to grow and challenge themselves.

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4th Line Theatre Announces Call for Proposals for New Interdisciplinary Residency Program

4th Line Theatre announced on Tuesday a call for applications for its new Interdisciplinary Residency Program for regional artists.

Megan Murphy at the Winslow Farm by Jess McDougall. Photo courtesy of 4th Line Theatre.

Four residencies, which will provide an opportunity for artists, based in Millbrook, Peterborough, Lakefield, Port Hope, Cobourg and the surrounding environs, will be awarded to develop a new work.

The successful candidates will be announced in December 2021.

The 2022 Interdisciplinary Residency Program will foster artistic development and engagement between 4th Line Theatre, local artists and community member in theatre, music, dance and film.

“In our continuing effort to give regional artists opportunities to explore and create new work, we have developed these longer form residencies for just that purpose,” said Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell.

They are seeking project proposals from local artists/collectives to create original works or develop existing works during their residency. Priority will be given to artists who explore the history of the region, in whatever medium they chose to work.

Special consideration will also be given to artists who look to follow 4th Line Theatre’s mandate which is to develop and present original Canadian works of artistic excellence that explore regional themes, history and heritage, and to present this work in a politically-responsible and culturally-sensitive manner.

Four grants of $2,500.00 will be awarded to four successful candidates in the above stated performance forms.

Applications must include a 500-word description of the proposed project, what category they are applying under, and the artist(s)’s CV/Bio. The deadline to submit proposals is December 13, 2021 at 5 p.m.

All proposals must be emailed to 4th Line’s Artistic Administrator, Jess McDougall, at jess@4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

Successful residency applicants will be notified by December 20, 2021. The four residencies will begin in January 2022. 4th Line Theatre will feature a hybrid (digital and live) presentation in October 2022. The presentation will showcase a performance from each of the four resident artists.

For more information regarding the residencies, please contact Jess McDougall by phone at 705-932-4448 or by email at jess@4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

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Call for Proposals for 4th Line Theatre’s 2022 Digital Festival of Light & Dark

4th Line Theatre is seeking project proposals from local artists for original or existing artworks to be featured in the 2022 Digital Festival of Light & Dark.

Mosun Fadare in 4th Line Theatre's 2018 production of Beverley Cooper's The Other: A Strange Christmas Tale directed by Kim Blackwell. Photo by Wayne Eardley - Brookside Studio.

The Digital Festival of Light & Dark will foster virtual engagement between local artists and community members from Millbrook, Peterborough, Lakefield, Port Hope, Cobourg and surrounding areas.

“I am thrilled to bring back the Festival of Light & Dark for a second year. Last year the response to the works created was overwhelming. In 2021, we supported 12 artists and this year we are excited to see what types of projects will be submitted,” said Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell.

Proposals may feature one or more of the following art forms: dance, film, theatre, music, visual art & photography. Priority will be given to artists who explore the concepts of light and/or the darkness, in whatever medium they choose to work.

4th Line Theatre will award micro-grants of $250 to each successful applicant. Proposals must include a 300-word description of the proposed project and the Artist(s)’s CV/Bio.

The deadline to submit proposals is Nov. 24, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. All proposals must be emailed to 4th Line’s Artistic Administrator, Jess McDougall, at jess@4thlinetheatre.on.ca

Successful project applicants will be notified by November 29, 2021. Artists will then have two months to prepare a video or film which runs five minutes or less, that showcases their new or existing piece of video art.

The videos will be released on 4th Line Theatre’s YouTube channel for viewing as of Monday, January 24, 2022. These videos will be available to the public to view at no cost.

For more information regarding the festival, please contact Jess McDougall by phone at 705-932-4448 or by email at jess@4thlinetheatre.on.ca.

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