This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby assembles a who's who of Toronto theatre podcasters, to talk about Toronto Fringe, shows you should see, the Next Stage Festival, ticket prices and much more!

This episode features podcasters: Alison Mullings from Creative Full Time Janine Marley from A View From the Box Alexandra Lean from Being Dramatic Ryan Borochovitz from Cup of Hemlock Theatre Podcast.

This episode was live streamed on youtube on July 17, 7:30pm.

Support Stageworthy If you value thoughtful conversations about Canadian theatre, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy Backers get early access to episodes and help shape future roundtable discussions.

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This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby brings you a special Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto.

In this episode: Dawna Wightman, playwright and performer in HOODY, an edgy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood for people who have kept their child soul. SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/hoody

Adam Bailey, creator and performer of Adam Bailey: My Three Deaths in which Adam learns that no matter how many times you die - you only live once. SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/adam-bailey-my-three-deaths

Composer and comedian Eli Pasic on Screamin in the Rain, in which he sings his tasteless, original ditties! SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/screamin-rain

Fuschia Boston talks about String of Pearls, an exploration of how a shift of power influences the lives of a theatre company shaping both their artistic journeys and their personal relationships. SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/string-pearls

Watch for another Toronto Fringe Extra on Thursday, Next week!

Support Stageworthy If you value thoughtful conversations about Canadian theatre, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy Backers get early access to episodes and help shape future roundtable discussions. Subscribe & Follow: 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podchaser | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio 📺 Watch on YouTube – Like, subscribe & hit the notification bell!

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby presents a solo episode. With the Toronto Fringe Festival on the horizon and multiple episodes currently in production, Phil takes a moment to reflect on the state of Canadian theatre, the importance of building audiences, and the challenges facing the industry today.

In a passionate and thought-provoking monologue, he explores the need for better marketing in theatre, the limitations of current outreach strategies, and the urgency of cultivating a theatre-going audience that extends beyond industry insiders. Phil also shares his frustrations with streamer platforms and their limited contributions to Canadian content, as well as his deep belief in the value of Canadian stories.

Support Stageworthy If you value thoughtful conversations about Canadian theatre, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy Backers get early access to episodes and help shape future roundtable discussions.

Subscribe & Follow: 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podchaser | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio 📺 Watch on YouTube – Like, subscribe & hit the notification bell!

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes back actor, singer, playwright, and producer Rebecca Perry, marking a full-circle moment as Rebecca was Phil’s very first podcast guest nearly eight years ago. Rebecca shares the journey of her acclaimed solo show Confessions of a Redheaded Coffee Shop Girl, which debuted at the Toronto Fringe ten years ago and has since toured internationally, including a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Rebecca discusses the evolution of the show over the years, her preparation for returning to Edinburgh and Toronto Fringe for the show’s 10th anniversary, and the realities of crowdfunding and producing as an independent artist. She also reflects on the importance of adapting material in response to live audiences, the sense of community on the Canadian Fringe circuit, and the challenges and joys of international touring.

This episode explores:

• How Confessions of a Redheaded Coffee Shop Girl has evolved over a decade
• The distinct culture and audience vibe of different Fringe festivals (Toronto, Edinburgh, Winnipeg, Edmonton)
• Preparing for the marathon that is Edinburgh Fringe
• Navigating grants, crowdfunding, and financial challenges as an indie artist
• Building an international touring career and the importance of networking
• The excitement of bringing the show to a new generation of audiences

Guest: 🎭 Rebecca Perry Rebecca Perry is an actor, singer, playwright and producer based in Toronto. From Hallmark movies to The Handmaid's Tale, she has appeared in a wide variety of things on film and TV, most recently including Jazz Ramsey: K-9 Mystery and Bluegrass Christmas, and others across Netflix, Crave, Prime, Bell Fibe and more.

Rebecca has performed on stages all over the world. She was part of the international touring cast of Roseneath Theatre's The Money Tree, including a run at the prestigious Smith Centre in Las Vegas, NV. Her solo shows, the multiple award-winning Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl and its sequels, From Judy to Bette and Bond, James Bond: The Songs of 007 have played to sold out houses and audience acclaim wherever they go.

She is excited to celebrate the anniversary of Confessions of a Redheaded Coffeeshop Girl with a run at the Toronto Fringe (Alumnae Theatre) this July, and after beginning her Edinburgh Fringe journey 10 years ago with Confessions... at the Gilded Ballon Teviot, and bringing her last show From Judy to Bette in 2019 to the Gilded Balloon Patter House, it’s a thrill to return back to Gilded Ballon once again for its 40th Anniversary Season in August 2025.

Since that run in Edinburgh in 2015, Perry's shows have toured from top to bottom of the UK, all over Canada, and into both the US and Europe.

Connect with Rebecca: 📸 Instagram: @redheaded_coffeeshop_girl 🌐 Website: rebeccaperry.ca

Support Stageworthy If you love the show, consider supporting on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy

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This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Javier Vilalta, a Mexican-Canadian interdisciplinary artist, stage director, movement coordinator, translator, and co-founder of 8ROJO Theatre. Based in Calgary, Javier shares his journey through performance, directing, and devising unique and often non-verbal theatre experiences. He reflects on his early challenges as an immigrant artist, the evolution of his creative voice, and his mission to help shape Calgary’s cultural identity.

This episode explores:

• Javier’s early artistic influences and his pivot from acting to directing
• The founding and philosophy behind Ocho Rojo Theatre
• Creating intimate, high-concept work for small audiences
• His experience directing across Canada and internationally
• Thoughts on diversity, representation, and creative freedom in Canadian theatre
• His recent production of Mary Stuart and the upcoming queer retelling of Romeo and Juliet with The Shakespeare Company

Guest: 🎭 Javier Vilalta Javier is a Mexican-Canadian visual performance creator, stage director, movement choreographer, and translator. He resides in Calgary, where he attended the University of Calgary’s Fine Arts department.

As a stage director and movement choreographer, he has collaborated with companies such as Vertigo Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Sage Theatre, Downstage, Lunchbox Theatre, The Shakespeare Company, CYPT, Jupiter Theatre, Chromatic Theatre, Inside Out Theatre, The Guild Hall, and StoryBook. He has earned two Betty Mitchell nominations for direction and choreography.

In 2005 he co-founded, along with Black artist Norma Lewis, the visual performance ensemble 8ROJO. With this group, he has devised five interdisciplinary creations; with which he has travelled around Canada and as far afield as Mexico, Czech Republic, Sweden, France, Taiwan, UK, and Iceland. With 8ROJO, he was awarded the ‘Innovation in Performance’ award at the 2016 STOFF Festival in Stockholm, Sweden; and he was a finalist for a 2021 Off West End Award in London, UK for Outstanding Production.

He has translated the texts ‘100 Love Poems and a Song of Despair’ by Pablo Neruda and Federico García Lorca’s ‘Rural Trilogy’. He translated and adapted the Mexican modern opera Anjou: The Musical Horror Tale for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS.

Since 2010, he has assessed and developed educational sessions based on body mechanics, movement for the stage and visuals in motion, which he has shared with artists around the world.

Connect with Javier: 📸 Instagram: @javidirector

Support Stageworthy If you love the show, consider supporting on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy

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This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Nicole Obidiaka, a passionate playwright, arts advocate, and business professional based in St. John's, Newfoundland. Nicole shares her journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to Newfoundland, her work as a playwright amplifying Black voices, and her mission to make theatre more inclusive. She also discusses her play Blank Page, her upcoming work Beauty Behind the Norms, and her advocacy for mentorship and community building in the arts. This episode explores:

• Nicole’s journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to St. John’s, Newfoundland
• How Blank Page brought representation to the stage in St. John’s
• Her new play Beauty Behind the Norms and its exploration of polygamy and womanhood in Nigeria
• The importance of mentorship and amplifying Black voices in Newfoundland’s theatre community
• Her plans for a Black Theatre Festival to support emerging Black playwrights

Guest: 🎭 Nicole Obidiaka

Nicole Obiodiaka is a dynamic business professional, playwright, and arts advocate dedicated to amplifying Black voices. She works at Nasdaq Verafin and is the founder of Centra, a company committed to supporting black creatives & entrepreneurs.Her plays, including Beauty Behind the Norms, Amapiano meets Shakespeare and Blank Page – An African Love Story, have been showcased at festivals such as Women’s Work Festival and St. John’s Shorts.

Beyond the stage, Nicole has produced and written projects for CBC & PictureNL, highlighting Black experiences in Newfoundland and Labrador. She also leads the St. John’s chapter of Nasdaq’s Global Link of Black Employees and serves on the board of St. John’s Shorts and Shakespeare by the Sea Festival board.

Nicole’s work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies, BBA Award for excellence & leadership, Memorial University Centennial 100 & Afropolitan Canada Youth Leadership Award.

Whether in business or the arts, Nicole is committed to storytelling, leadership, and community impact.

Support Stageworthy If you love the show, consider supporting on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy Subscribe & Follow: 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podchaser | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio 📺 Watch on YouTube – Like, subscribe & hit the notification bell!

This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Ethan Persyko, a multi-talented actor, playwright, and theatre creator. Ethan shares his journey in the theatre world, his creative process, and the inspiration behind his latest projects. He also discusses his experience working across different genres and the importance of storytelling that reflects diverse perspectives. This episode explores:

• Ethan’s journey into theatre and his early inspirations.
• His approach to playwriting and character development.
• His work on recent projects and upcoming shows.
• The importance of community and collaboration in theatre.
• Navigating the challenges of independent theatre production.

Guest: 🎭 Ethan Persyko Ethan Persyko, Artistic Director and Founder of Theatre Ya Know (TYK), is a multidisciplinary performance artist creating space for bold, experimental, and care-centered storytelling. Based in Vaughan, TYK blends theatre, film, and movement in collaborative projects that prioritize joy, respect, and collective growth. From fast-paced creative festivals to intimate performance labs, TYK empowers emerging artists to take risks, build community, and reimagine how stories are made and shared.

Connect with Ethan: 📸 Instagram: @breathethan_joshuaa | @theatre_ya_knowww

Support Stageworthy If you love the show, consider supporting on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy

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This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Amanda Lin and Julia Dickson, the co-leadership team behind the Paprika Theatre Festival, now celebrating its 24th season. Amanda and Julia share the story of Paprika’s evolution, recent strategic programming changes to prioritize artist and staff well-being, and the organization's commitment to supporting emerging artists. They dive into how the Paprika Festival fosters professional development, provides paid opportunities, and creates space for experimentation and growth — a vital contribution to the Canadian theatre community. Amanda and Julia also talk about their own journeys into arts administration, their long-standing collaboration, and what’s coming up at this year’s festival. This episode explores:

• How the Paprika Theatre Festival empowers emerging artists and administrators
• Why Paprika shifted its programming to prevent burnout and better support artists
• The importance of paid training opportunities in building a more inclusive theatre industry
• Amanda and Julia’s creative and leadership journeys
• Highlights and exciting events for this year's Paprika Festival (May 13–17, 2025, at Aki Studio in Toronto)
• How community programming, including a neighbourhood lemonade stand and a pre-prom dance, builds lasting local connections

Guests: 🎭 Amanda Lin

Amanda Lin 林美智 (she/her) is a queer Taiwanese-Canadian multi-disciplinary artist with the goal of using art and storytelling to cultivate compassionate and dynamic communities. She is a member of the Labour in the Arts Collective where she co-hosts free community events for artsworkers. She has worked with companies such as Cahoots Theatre, Single Thread Theatre, Theatre Direct, Why Not Theatre, and Young People’s Theatre. Her first full-length play, Between a Wok and a Hot Pot premiered with Cahoots Theatre in January 2023 and received 6 Dora nominations in the Independent category, including Outstanding Performance for Amanda and Outstanding Production. Amanda enjoys lying on the floor.

🎭 Julia Dickson

Julia Dickson (she/her) is an arts manager, producer, and educator currently based in Tkaronto, the place in the water where the trees are standing. Her practice centres around the idea of creating supportive spaces that prioritize the artists and their working experience, which includes examining the systemic challenges in place within the arts sector and working to remove barriers both for audiences and for artists to experience live performance. Across her practice, she has worked with companies such as 1s1 Theatre, SummerWorks Festival, Why Not Theatre, Studio 180 Theatre, Young People's Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Crossroads Theatre (formerly Shakespeare in Action), and County Stage. On top of her work at Paprika, she is also currently the Managing Producer of ARC. She has a post-graduate certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management from Humber College, and a Bachelor of Education with a focus on Artist in the Community Education from Queen's University. She can always be persuaded to get an ice cream cone.

Connect with Paprika Theatre Festival: 🌐 Website: paprikafestival.com 📸 Instagram: @paprikafestival

Support Stageworthy If you love the show, consider supporting on Patreon: patreon.com/stageworthy Subscribe & Follow: 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podchaser | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio

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