Beyond the Season

Ideas, Voices, and Creative Vision for 2026

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-season look at the ideas, voices, and creative vision shaping this year’s productions.

With powerful panels, thought-provoking talks, and a raucous kitchen party thrown in, this one-day event is your all-access pass to the heart of our season.

See the season with new eyes. Get your tickets today!

Event Details

Friday, April 24, 2026
9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Springer Theatre

Event Schedule

9:30 AM – 9:50 AM

Coffee, tea, and mingle

9:50 AM – 10:00 AM

Welcome and Opening Remarks

10:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Session 1: More information coming soon!

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM

Break

11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Session 2: Indigenous Storytelling Through Design
With guest speaker Jay Havens.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Lunch Break
Enjoy what Gananoque has to offer. Try one of the fabulous restaurants on King Street or bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the river views on our lower deck. Make sure you’re back by 1:00 pm for our next event!

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

Session 3: Celtic Kitchen Party
Join Chris Murphy for an interactive kitchen party-style session, sharing folk/Celtic songs, tunes, and sea shanties that he has gathered from his extensive travels throughout Ireland and Newfoundland!

1:45 PM – 2:00 PM

Break

2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

Session 4: From Page to Performance: New Play Development in Canada
A conversation about the journey from the idea, to the first draft, from a workshop, to opening night. Learn about gatekeepers, the funding grind, and what it means to get your work on stage in this country. With guest speakers: Keith Barker, and Colin Rivers. Moderated by Dr. Thea Fitz-James.

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM

Break

3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

Session 5: Who Gets To Be a Critic?
With guest speaker Stephanie Fung.

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM

Closing and Cocktails
Join us for a drink and some nibbles in the Springer Lobby following the event.

  • Jay Havens Indigenous Storytelling Through Design
  • Chris Murphy Celtic Kitchen Party
  • Keith Barker From Page to Performance: New Play Development in Canada
  • Colin Rivers From Page to Performance: New Play Development in Canada
  • Dr. Thea Fitz-James From Page to Performance: New Play Development in Canada
  • Stephanie Fung Who Gets To Be a Critic?

Showtimes

Friday, April 24th, 2026
9:30 am - 4:30 pm

Ticket Prices
Patron Admission: $25
General Admission: $40

Ticket price includes all speakers/events, coffee/tea, and snacks.

Plus taxes

Tickets

Fri, Apr 24th9:30 AMBOOK

Cast

  • Jay HavensAssistant Professor, University of Waterloo
  • Chris MurphyMusician
  • Keith BarkerDirector of the Foerster Bernstein New Play Development Program, Stratford Festival
  • Colin Rivers Vice President, Marquis Entertainment
  • Dr. Thea Fitz-JamesAssistant Professor, University of Saskatchewan
  • Stephanie FungApprentice Director, Women of the Fur Trade

Media

Production photos coming soon!