Here’s a look at the many theatre related events happening across the city from now until the end of the summer.
There is absolutely no shortage of theatre events happening in Fredericton this summer. From a big stage musical and outdoor productions to youth camps, adult classes and what is probably the largest summer theatre festival in the province, Fredericton is full of theatre opportunities!
With this in mind, here’s a quick primer outlining many of the events coming up in the weeks to come. There’s never been a better summer to get out and experience all that theatre has to offer.
Bard in the Barracks
Shakespeare in the park. It’s a popular performance model and one that can be found in cities large and small. At a time when many theatre companies are busy plotting and planning their fall production schedule, others take the opportunity to animate parks and green spaces with the Bard’s timeless works.
Here in Fredericton, our own Bard in the Barracks Theatre Company take this common model and give it a very distinct Fredericton feel. With productions happening downtown in Barrack’s Square and deep inside the old growth section of Odell Park, Bard in the Barracks offer one of the city’s most unique and memorable theatre experiences.
June-July | See what’s on this year | bardinthebarracks.com
NotaBle Acts Summer Theatre Festival
When Bard wraps up, NotaBle Acts begins. From late July until early August, NotaBle Acts shines a spotlight on New Brunswick’s emerging theatre talent. Each new edition of the festival includes full Mainstage productions, one act plays, site-specific works, workshops and staged readings of new work in development – as much theatre as can possibly be crammed into just a couple of weeks. Let the many outdoor performances animate your lunch hour and the evening productions draw you into some of the city’s most storied performance spaces.
July-August | Learn more about the festival | nbacts.com
Matilda The Musical
Like musicals? Big dance numbers? How about air conditioning on a hot summer’s night? Well, you’re in luck! This summer, An Impulse Production, the most recent addition to Fredericton’s theatre community, will bring Matilda The Musical to the Fredericton Playhouse stage.
Inspired by the twisted imagination of Roald Dahl, with book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
August 15-17 | Tickets are on sale now at the Fredericton Playhouse Box Office
A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is a murderous romp filled with unforgettable music and non-stop laughs.
When the low-born Monty Navarro finds out that he’s eighth in line for an earldom in the lofty D’Ysquith family, he figures his chances of outliving his predecessors are slight and sets off down a far more ghoulish path. Can he knock off his unsuspecting relatives (with one actor playing all eight of the doomed heirs who meet their ends in the most creative and side-splitting ways) without being caught and become the ninth Earl of Highhurst? And what of love? Because murder isn’t the only thing on Monty’s mind….
June 13-15 | Full details
Summer Programs at the TNB Theatre School
Each summer at the TNB Theatre School is bursting with youth-programs covering a wide range of all groups and disciplines. Beginning in July with half-day Playtime Theatre classes for children K-2, the list of classes progress in age and skill over the course of the summer to conclude with classes for Intermediate and Senior level programs (Grades 6-12) (including a special class designed specifically for acting on camera!). A great opportunity to explore the fundamentals of theatre in a fun, supportive, welcoming atmosphere, the TNB Theatre School has something for everyone.
Registration is now open for all programs | tnb.nb.ca/summer-programs/
Improv Class with Hot Garbage Comedy
Curious about improv? Enjoy a good laugh?
Explore the basics of improvisation with Hot Garbage Comedy’s introductory level classes. Learn to embrace spontaneity, develop group awareness, and flex your creative muscles – all within a fun and positive atmosphere. Hot Garbage’s Beginner class is suitable for people of any experience level and recommended to anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone, improve their public speaking skills, or simply looking for a place to have fun!
Registration is now open | hotgarbagecomedy.com
Calithumpians Act Now Drama Camps
That’s right. There’s more than one opportunity for youth engagement in theatre this summer. Fredericton’s long-running theatre troupe, The Calithumpians, have been a mainstay in the city for more than 20 years, delivering noon-time performances in Officer’s Square and hosting drama camps all summer long.
Registration is now open | Calithumpians.com
Workshop: Screens and Scripts
More learning opportunities! Grey Rabbit Theatre Co. in association with the New Brunswick Film Co-op will be hosting another Script and Screen event! This quarterly event is designed to engage writers and discuss the creation of their scripts. Film and theatre writers are welcome.
June 15 | Full details
