Welcome to 2010 as Equity Showcase Theatre celebrates its 50th Anniversary! In honour of our Golden Anniversary, Jennifer Robertson of Aurelia Media Designs has created a dynamic and new look for the EST website.

Equity Showcase Theatre is proud to announce the following 50th Anniversary events:

• Equity Showcase Theatre is proud to announce one of our many 50th Anniversary Projects, A Historical and Inspirational look at EST 1960-2010: a new book by Joan Fairweather! This Book will reflect the history of this landmark non-profit arts organization and its place within the Canadian Theatre Scene. EST would love to hear from anyone who has been a part of its programs and Showcases throughout the years. In particular we are looking for stories that artists have about their experiences, pictures you may have collected, reviews, memories and any comments on what EST has meant to you. For more information, and to contact Joan, please visit the EST website here.

• The Actor and The Director with Kate Lynch and The Emerging Directors Observation and Forum Experience with Kate Lynch (A Companion Experience to The Actor and The Director Master Class). Deadlines for these classes is March 10th.

• The Art of Interpreting a Song with acclaimed performer Beth Anne Cole. Deadline for this class is April 5th.

• The Chekhov Experience Workshop with Brenda Bazinet. Deadline for this class is April 13th.

• Coming Soon:
  
  - 'Master Class Scene Study and Performance Piece' with Michele George
  
  - a 5-week salon series 'Renewing the Spirit of the Artist Within' with special guests from the Artists Health Center Foundation
  
  - a new pay-as-you-go drop-in for artists 'The Rendezvous Night' to keep you empowered and connected
  
  - 'Empowering the Creative Process of the Dancer through the Art of the Actor'

Upcoming Workshops...

• Audition Technique with Kevin McCormick and Special Guest the Legendary Michele George - This class will explore a unique process designed to help you develop and present your monologue. Dates have now been posted for the next session of this class, and it will begin February 12, 2010. Deadline for applying to this class is February 9th!

• The Classical Theatre Lab Winter Session #1 with Peter Van Wart is currently in session. The dates for the next session (The Classical Theatre Lab Winter Session #2) has been posted and registration has begun. Deadline for applying to this class is February 15th!

• The next sessions of The Actors Forum with Kevin McCormick Winter Session #2 and Dramatic Scene Study - Unearthing the Human Condition with Kevin McCormick Winter Session #2 are now posted and registration has begun. Deadlines for applying to these classes is February 22nd!

• David Smukler's popular Voice Classes are currently in session. The next session begin in March and registration has begun on the website. Deadline for applying to these classes is March 15th!

• The next sessions of Advanced Scene Study with Rosemary Dunsmore have been posted. There are two classes, one on Tuesdays, the other on Thursdays. Deadlines for applying to these classes is March 15th!

Pre-Registrations & Coming Soon...

• The Shakespeare Conservatory with Andrew Tidmarsh from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London England, will be returning to EST in 2010! This course, as part of our International Guest Artists Program in partnership with Theatre Ontario, was sold out in August. Look for all the details and pre-registration procedures on line under International Guest Artists.

• Coming in 2010: EST is pleased to announce: Cinema AND Acting, a Seminar Experience for Film Makers and Actors with Leon Marr. Find more about this exciting event under PDP Courses & Training: Special Events. Pre-registration for this course has begun online!

• Three Pieces for Your Pocket with Tedde Moore - The Chinese symbol for luck is two figures on top of each other: Opportunity and Preparation. Every actor should have audition pieces they can do at the drop of a hat, pieces you love and are confident doing no matter what or when. Do you have your classical or Shakespearean or Canadian piece in hand? Dates for the next session of this class have not yet been set, but pre-registration has begun on the EST website.

News...

• EST is pleased to announce a new aspect of its mandate: The National Outreach and Exchange Program. This program is for professional performers across Canada and for the serious emerging artists who one day will be. Check out the information listed under National Outreach under the PDP panel for more information. Plans are currently under way for Outreach to Ottawa, Halifax and Winnipeg.

• Zomagë Productions now have a great new space to serve the Arts Community called The Space. Several of EST's Workshops and Master Classes will be held here. Thanks to Zoë Carter and her business partner, Margarida Barbosa-Clayton, for doing so much to serve the arts community and aide in the ongoing development of Equity Showcase Theatre. If your looking to rent Studio space for rehearsals, workshops and more, you can contact Margarida (Facilities Manager) at or (519) 761-0169. Great rates! The Space is located at 2451 Bloor St. West (at Jane and Bloor St).