Suzart Productions is proud to present a bold new festival that has never been done in Ottawa before!
Welcome to our musical theatre festival devoted to musical shorts. This year it will be recorded and streamed online in February of 2022. We are thrilled about this festival.
This is your chance to:
Create theatre in a way that is safe for our community.
Experiment with new skills in producing theatre for a virtual world.
Connect and learn together while creating something new.
There is a $25 entrance fee per musical short team.
(This entrance fee is not a financial barrier. Contact a festival director to discuss further)
This site is packed with information to get your started. Take the time to read through this page to learn about what the next year looks like, the support you will have, and how to join the festival.
Building the Festival
Building the festival has three phases:
June
Choose a show and put in your application!
July to December
Make the magic! With the support of the festival team, you will plan, rehearse, and film your show.
February
Login, share, and experience the festival! This is the chance for you to share the art you've created and enjoy the show!
Support
We're all in this together.
There are two important elements of support in our festival:
Festival Production Team
The festival production team is here to help. Here are a few ways that we will get involved in your musicals:
Helping your team to get setup
Running workshops on directing for virtual theatre, capturing audio and video, and even representation in community theatre
Coaching teams to effectively direct for virtual theatre
Editing the videos together
Helping you to access Suzart resources (costumes, props, green screens, etc.)
Recording a Musical
After our recent success with Emma: A Pop Musical, we've learned a lot about how to safely capture audio and video for a virtual musical, and how take your vision online.
There are two main options:
Recording individually on green screens and we will help you to edit the musical together with virtual sets. This option is great for teams in different households.
Recording scenes together with your team and we will help you to edit the scenes together.
No need to pick now– we can help you out to determine what's best when it's time to record.
Join the Festival
Learn about the MusicalS
We have selected a set of 12 shows across three themes: Opening Night, Spotlight on Youth, and After Dark. Take a look at the selection by scrolling down below.
Build a Team
Start talking to those around you to assemble a team. Think about:
Cast
Director (team lead)
Depending on the show, you might want other key roles.
Put your hat in the ring
Complete the application form at the bottom of this page (or by clicking here).
Don't have a team? We can't make any guarantees, but please fill out the form and we will:
1) See if any team needs any position filled
2) Give solo applicants other opportunities (ex: host a night or sing other musical songs between shows)
Learn About the Musicals
The selection of twelve musicals are organized here by theme. Take a look at all those that spark your interest. There is a lot of potential in these power-packed shows. The cast size is indicated under each show's art, and, if you click on the image it will take you to an information page about the show. Vocal ranges are not listed but there are tracks on each page to listen to!
When you complete the Expression of Interest Application, you will pick your top three musicals and give us an idea of what makes your team right for that show. The festival directors will review all applications and be in contact with you once all applications are received.
Opening Night
Opening Night will be the first set of shows in the festival. These are focused on family-friendly shows that are enjoyable for everyone.
Spotlight on Youth
Spotlight on Youth highlights the magic that our youth can create. These shows are written for a younger cast and audience, but people of all ages can come together to create.
After Dark
Just like Suzart After Dark, these shows focus more on adult content and humour.
Build your Team
Your team will be different based on a number of factors: the show, the skills you have and need, and how you're hoping to work together. Team members to consider having, but not all are neccessary:
Director that will also act as your team lead (the main contact with the festival and we have support for teams to help with directing)
Music Director to help the cast sound their best (we also have music coaches available to support you if you need it!)
Stage manager to help organize the shots, recording, and getting the files to the festival
And of course: Cast
A couple of things to keep in mind
Try out new things! Even if you're new to directing there is a lot of support available to you. This might be just the show to test the waters and learn a whole lot.
If you're missing a member of your team, never fear! We can help you out and try to connect you with others to fill the role.
Be ready to take on a couple of roles. Perhaps you are the director, an actor, and captain of the glue gun to make props.
Our current COVID-19 reality. As you begin assembling your team, think about members of the same household, how you will be able to perform and record together, and how you will work together.
Remember that even if you don't have a team, go ahead and put your hat in the ring. There are also other opportunities if teams are full!
Put your hat in the Ring
Now is the time to seize the day! Click the button to here to express your interest through the application. To complete the application you will need:
Your contact information
Names of your team members
Your top three shows
A short explanation about why each choice resonates with you. For example, provide some background information on how this story links to your interests, lived experience or something you'd like to explore artistically.
Applications are due June 30th
TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The following text is approved by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation for use by Suzart Productions on July 20th, 2021.
Pikwakanagan is pronounced PIK-WOK-ANA-GON. For an audio recording, please visit our YouTube channel.
Anishinaabe is pronounced (A-NISH-NAW-BAY).
Suzart respectfully acknowledges that the Long Story Short Festival, is taking place on the unceded, Unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation, whose presence and stewardship of the Kitchisippi (KIT-CHI-SIP-EE) and its tributaries, dates back to time immemorial and will continue in perpetuity. We honour their long history of welcoming many Nations to this territory and we acknowledge our shared responsibilities to ensure health and wellbeing for all creation for generations to come.
Further, we respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Our acknowledgement of the Algonquin Anishinaabe territory recognizes the oppressive history and current experience of colonization, and is a reflection of our commitment to decolonize, and to recognize and honour the pursuits of Indigenous Nations and Peoples’ self-determination and sovereignty.
Wendy Jocko, Chief
On behalf of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
1657A Mishomis Inamo Phone: 613-625-2800
Pikwakanagan, ON Fax: 613-625-1149
K0J 1X0
www.algonquinsofpikwakanagan.com
chiefcouncil@pikwakanagan.ca