Barrie, Ontario's Theatre by the Bay to produce a new local theatre festival in June 2022

Logo courtesy of Theatre by the Bay

Just this past summer, I had the opportunity to attend some performances through Barrie, Ontario’s Theatre by the Bay and I am hoping to get to see more of their productions.

I just learned a few minutes ago the company will celebrate its twentieth anniversary, and when you have a ‘whip-smart’ (as a good friend used this adjective to describe him) Artistic Director Iain Moggach at the helm of this important milestone emerging from the pandemic, I am most keen to see where and how the company will move forward.

Recently I received a press release announcing that Theatre by the Bay will produce a new local theatre festival in June 2022 to provide opportunities for local artists to write, direct and perform their own original plays.

The plays will be hosted at The Five Points Theatre in Downtown Barrie.

The Festival will call for productions of approximately 45-50 minutes in length. Workshops and other educational events will also be featured throughout the festival to support learning and networking.

“An indie theatre scene is a sign of a healthy arts community,” says Artistic Director, Iain Moggach. “The Festival will be a big way Theatre by the Bay will help to foster emerging artists and companies in the region. The potential of this is huge and I cannot wait to see what local writers and performers bring to the festival.”

The Simcoe County Theatre Festival is made possible by Theatre by the Bay’s 2020 Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant. It was designed to help develop educational opportunities for local artists. The Festival will also be supported by a committee of Theatre by the Bay staff as well as event and festival coordinators from the local and provincial areas.

Submissions are now open for volunteer committee members to contribute to the planning and production of the Simcoe County Theatre Festival. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong interest in the local arts scene. Previous experience in theatre production is also encouraged, but not required.

Interested applicants should submit a brief statement of interest and CV to tbtb@rogers.com by November 12th, 2021, at 11:59pm.

More information on the Festival can be found at www.theatrebythebay.com/festival.

The Simcoe County Theatre Festival would not be possible without support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the City of Barrie, and Theatre by the Bay’s generous sponsors, members, and donors.

Logo courtesy of Theatre by The Bay