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!
Friday, April 24, 2026
9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Springer Theatre
Coffee, tea, and mingle
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Session 1: More information coming soon!
Break
Session 2: Indigenous Storytelling Through Design
With guest speaker Jay Havens.
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!
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!
Break
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.
Break
Session 5: Who Gets To Be a Critic?
With guest speaker Stephanie Fung.
Closing and Cocktails
Join us for a drink and some nibbles in the Springer Lobby following the event.
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
Box Office Information and Hours
185 South Street, Gananoque, ON K7G 1A1
613-382-7020
boxoffice@1000islandsplayhouse.com
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 TradeProduction photos coming soon!