Shakespeare in the Park

There is just something wonderfully classic about taking in a Shakespeare play. The wit, and the deep metaphor in his language to this day keeps audiences engaged and entertained. Shakespeare influence on theatre is timeless. Actors everywhere, time and time again will play the characters that have been being played for centuries. It’s a real treat to witness. What makes it a unique experience in Edmonton?

The Heritage Amphitheatre is a good start. The large tent you see in the centre of William Hawrelak Park is Canada’s largest amphitheatre. It is such a great environment to enjoy live entertainment surrounded by the peace of the park. The stage is perfect for the annual Freewill Shakespeare festival that takes place every June-July in Edmonton showcasing professional productions of Shakespeare works. Being outdoors to take in a live theatre show just feels right. It’s accessible, with over 1000 seats in the amphitheatre as well as plenty of grass to lounge on. It’s affordable. Part of the Freewill Shakespeare Festival mandate is to make Shakespeare live theatre accessible to all regardless of their financial situation, and so they have “Pay what you will” nights. Throughout the festival are several other special events nights, complete with puppet shows, behind the scenes, food fridays, dress up nights and more. Volunteers run the festival every year, and with great enthusiasm I might add. It’s one of the must go festivals in Edmonton during the summer.

This year they have two of my favorite productions: Loves Labor Lost, a comedy about love and Romeo and Juliet, a tragedy surrounding a love story. I have always been a sap for Romeo and Juliet. This cast and crew has done a really great job. The plays alternate each day. The actors and actresses take part in both plays over the month long festival.

Freewill Shakespeare Production of Romeo and Juliet – Photo by Andrew Paul

It’s hard to imagine remembering all the dialogue for a two-hour play but two full Shakespeare works? It really speaks to the calibre of talent that Freewill Shakespeare attracts every year. Also there is a crew of young talent taking care of everything from set design, lighting to hair and makeup amongst other things. The shows run from June 21st – July 17th. The schedule is posted on the Freewill website with matinee’s and evening shows.

 

 

June 28, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

Do you like Theatresports?

The mind of an improv theatre actor is a beautiful thing. The imagination, the quick-wit, the ability to materialize a scene and a dialogue based on any small suggestion from the audience. It really is a different way of thinking and also playing that a lot of people lose along the way. They are actors and great story tellers.

Improvaganza is an annual local treat for the Edmonton arts/culture scene. Improv is something absolutely everyone should witness, and once you do you won’t want to stop going. Lucky for us we have one of the best improvisational groups in Alberta, the country…the world? Possibly. You should go see for yourself. Rapid Fire Theatre performs throughout the year at their current digs at Citadel theatre. Improvaganza is on its 16th year here in Edmonton. It’s the perfect opportunity to check out the flavor of other improv troops around the country and the world. They all come together to showcase their talents and duke it out in an improv theatre group battle of wits, winner taking home the prized trophy of improvaganza. Really though, it’s an event for these improv experts to get together and play theatresports and learn from each other. It’s a very cool thing to witness and somehow be a part of.

Improvaganza opening night. Coveted trophy on display

At the opening night on June 15th I had the pleasure of bringing a friend along who had never experienced improvizational theatre before. We got a taste of some of the acts this year. There is still some time to check them out Improvaganza runs from June 15 – June 25. All the acts were amazing, but one of my favorites was the duo Virginia Jack  originally from Vancouver. Nicole Passmore now repping Toronto was presenting on her own for the night, and created a story out of the suggestion “Man leaving on a train for war”. Somehow… hilarity ensued, and I loved it. If that is just 1 of 2 in this group I would definitely love to see what they come up with together. They are performing next week June 23, 24, and 25th. There are so many other great acts from around the world to look forward to. Who will win bragging rights as improvagzana champion, and also the coveted and most likely homemade improv trophy? June 25th is the closing night where finalists compete. Tickets are available on eventbrite here.

Nicole Passmore performing on stage at the Citadel (rice theatre).

It’s not just “theatre”. It’s never a routine show, there are no rehearsals in theatresports, and yet somehow every time I attend Rapid Fire Theatre events I am floored at the level of talent and imagination that the group has. If you are ever in need of a night out and some quality entertainment, check them out. Also, if you are so inclined to jump into improv yourself I hear it can be a very rewarding experience, Rapid Fire Theatre also hosts improv workshops. They also hosts a western canada improv theatresports festival called Prarie Bowl, and Bonfire Festival (long form improv festival). These are just a few of the awesome festivals taking place in Edmonton in the live performing arts category.

 

 

June 17, 2016June 17, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment

Weekends are for camping!

If you have grown up in Edmonton or anywhere in most parts of Canada, chances are that you go camping as often as possible in our 5 months of warm weather available to us. As soon as the snow melts, and melts again, it is camping season. That means May long weekend is usually the kick off to camping, unless there is a freak snow storm, or a province wide fire ban…in which case we improvise. If you are new to Canada or camping for that matter, welcome to a majority of our summer weekends.

While many people travel to the big rocks of our prairie province (National Parks Banff or Jasper) for camping or “glamping” in cabins, there are tons of nearby lakes to choose to visit and get the “prairie camping” experience.

Campfire at Mink Lake.

Camping is one of those activities that become part and parcel to your traditions, and have always brought my family and friends closer together. It establishes strong bonds between us. Getting out of the city and away from all the distractions to connect with nature is something we all just love to do deep down, and it starts with family. I have so many great memories from my camping trips when I was younger. You learn how to appreciate the simple things. The silence, the sound of the wind, the crackle of the fire, the chirping crickets, the hooting owls. Most importantly you are forced to just sit around and talk to each other. No television, no internet connection, and it’s incredibly rewarding.

We live in a fast paced society with no time for those “pass the time” conversations, and when we do have them during the week, during the hustle and bustle we are more often than not distracted by something else around us. Take advantage of the opportunity camping gives you to really spend time together.

You bring a friend or find a friend on the campground, bring some sports equipment (beers-bee poles and a frisbee are a must), some board games, cards, some drinks around the fire and some smores. Blast some music, or break out the guitar. You can get out on the lake in a canoe, or rip around on it on a motor boat skidding across it in a tube. It’s all kinds of simple fun. Plus, camping ensures you all kinds of great camping food. Smokies or hot dogs on the fire, roasted marshmallows and smores, just about anything that can be cooked on a fire is getting feasted on while camping. Food is just another way we all come together after all.

In July/August when you are out of the city and sitting around the fire, it is common to look up and see the Aurora Borealis dancing, and shooting stars aren’t so rare if you look up at the prairie sky for just a few minutes.

These campgrounds are just a few of the nearby Edmonton Lakes/camp sites ( within a 1-2 hour drive) and have all the amenities you should require:

Mink Lake – This is a great family spot. There are cheap sites right near the peaceful lake. There are some parties happening on the long weekends with fire works and games set up, but it is a great community to be a part of. Bring your tent, sleeping bags and pillows and you are good to go. They also have many bunnies on site. 🙂

Gull Lake –  The popular Aspen Beach is near Gull lake. Great for boats, fishing and camping long weekends.

Sylvan Lake- Sylvan is a great lake for the swimming. If you want to head out on a hot weekend just for the day, many people lay on the beach or head to the nearby outdoor waterpark. They also have an RV park that I have not stayed at, but if you can get a spot it’s in a great location.

Pembina River/ RV &Campground – Many people head to Pembina on a hot day to float down the River in an inner tube. Pembina River Tours  will take you to the start point with your tube, or arrange for two vehicles. There is also an RV/Campsite nearby, and it books up fast for people taking advantage of the nice swimming and fishing nearby.

Camping is one of my favorite summer weekend pastimes. Get out to one of these spots with a few friends or family and you will have a blast and memories to last a lifetime.

Mink lake at sunset.

 

Tent take down

 

 

 

 

June 7, 2016June 7, 2016 by Amanda MacDonald Categories: Uncategorized Leave a comment