In a rare opportunity, Perth and area residents will no longer have to turn on their TV to see some of Canada’s top performers in their home. Indeed, whether it’s someone who has appeared in a Murdoch Mystery or the latest RBC commercial, a group of professional performers coming to town this summer for the 7th season of the Classic Theatre Festival is looking for spare bedrooms with access to a kitchen and bathroom for a six-week span, beginning June 6 and running through September 11. It costs the host nothing (actors are responsible for their own food and cooking) and in return, those who provide the space receive a season pass for two to all five shows at this summer’s Festival, which includes the Neil Simon comedy I Ought to Be in Pictures, George Bernard Shaw’s masterpiece, Arms and the Man, and the J.B. Priestley mystery thriller An Inspector Calls. Also running will be the third annual Perth through the Ages historic theatrical walking tour, as well as the Friday night Lonely Ghosts Walk, both with brand new stories. “Having a visiting actor in your home has been a great experience for many residents of Perth,” explains the Festival’s Artistic Producer, Laurel Smith. ” It can also work if you go away for a time during the summer, since our professional performers are perfect as house sitters who can water the plants, take in the mail, and feed your kitty while you’re gone. Whatever works for you works for us. And it’s a great experience to meet new people.” One of Perth’s most enthusiastic hosts is Helen Gamble, who for the 7th consecutive year will be hosting Classic Theatre Festival actors this summer. “I’ve billeted at least one actress each year of the Classic Theatre Festival in Perth,” Gamble says. “At first I wondered how it would work out and whether my guest room was adequate. It’s been a wonderful experience. I meet interesting, artistic people who are passionate about what they do. They are gone most of the day into the evening, busy with their work schedules. It’s fun to have someone coming and going, a bit of company, but someone I don’t have to entertain.” Gamble says it’s a very simple process. “All they need beyond their room is a shelf in the fridge and one in a cupboard,” Gamble says. “They feed themselves, tidy and clean after themselves, and respect my house and routine. My friendly dog seems to be a bonus and often they practice their lines with him as their foil. “Billeting costs me very little – really, just a bit of hot water for showers and a spare key – but I meet and interact with intelligent, outgoing people and am invited to casual get-togethers of cast, crew, other billeters, and volunteers. I’m gifted with tickets to the plays which are more interesting than ever, because I know at least one cast member. I’m glad I decided to billet that first year and… Continue reading

Given the Classic Theatre Festival mandate of producing hits from the golden age of Broadway and the London stage, it should come as no surprise that casting for British shows of the period inevitably requires finding someone who can play the “maid,” who usually comes with a name like Edna or Edith. For the Festival’s third show of the season, J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls, the Festival is once again holding local auditions for female performers aged 15-29 who can speak with either an Irish or Cockney accent. The candidate would be accepted into the Festival’s Youth Theatre Training program. The applicant must have been in school full-time during the last year, and returning to full-time school in the fall. The contract would be for 8 weeks, beginning July 19 and running until September 11. The program is not open to members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA). For students concerned about the overlap with the first week of school, there would only be three matinees where they have to be out of class the first week of September. “It’s a great opportunity for someone interested in the theatre to work in a professional setting with some of the best actors in Canada,” explains Laurel Smith, the Festival’s Artistic Producer. “For the past several years, we have had the pleasure of providing such opportunities to local performers who are interested in taking things to the next level and getting a pay cheque for it too, a nice bonus for someone who loves the theatre.” An Inspector Calls is one of the most intriguing mysteries of the 20th century, written just after World War II by the prolific author and social critic Priestley, who was fascinated with the nature of time, while delving into the notion of collective responsibility for when things go wrong in society. The plot involves a body that has shown up at the morgue and the visit of the mysterious Inspector Goule, for whom everyone is a suspect. Indeed, audience members might wonder during the show if they are next to be questioned, given the twists and turns of the story. “It’s always a relevant play to do, especially in an era where we are challenged by major issues, from the war in Syria to the Truth and Reconciliation process with respect to Canada’s relations with Indigenous people,” says Smith. “In each of these issues, we are pushed to ask ourselves: how do we contribute to the problem, and what can we do to make things better?” The deadline for submissions of resumés and letters of interest is May 20. Submissions can be sent to info@classictheatre.ca. Anyone with questions can also call (613) 264-8088. Continue reading