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MEET THE CAST! NOAH NAZIM (as Frederick Fellowes/ Phillip Brent)

Noah crash landed on the Island in 2014, and was inducted into a local cult of stage worshippers to be raised as one of their own. His ACT debut was Hamlet (2015), in which he died at the end; he followed that with Little Shop of Horrors (2016), in which he died first. You might also recognise him from The Dining Room (2017), Skin Flick (2018), two Improvised Christmas Carols (2018 & 2019), as well as Realizations (2019) with Screaming Beaver Productions. He's also the MC of Charlottetown Burlesque, so it’s entirely possible you’ve seen him take his clothes off before. He lives in Stratford with his wife, two small children, and a growing collection of hats. Get your tickets now at https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/HC_NoisesOff (photo: Brian Collins, Landwash Studios) #act #farce #actpei #noisesoff #theatrepei  #doorsandsardines #communitytheatre #florencesimmonsperformancehall

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MEET THE CREW: SHARON MACDONALD (Stage Manager)

Sharon MacDonald has been dabbling in theatre, both on stage and backstage, after being bitten by the bug in university.  Since joining ACT , she has worked mostly as a stage manager, overseeing ACT’s four Shakespearean shows in Cotton Park, Inherit the Wind, Little Shop of Horrors and Rainbow Valley to name a few.  

Noises Off is an exciting challenge;  the amazing set is a character itself, and tracking the erratic movements of all the actors and the all-important plates of sardines might confound even an airport traffic controller.  

People who love an irreverent comedy and non-stop laughs should really see the show.  While it is a slight exaggeration,  the play does give a peek into the chaos that often can reign backstage. 

Sharon’s favourite line of dialogue is “But who else is there, besides me.” 

 When not involved in a production, Sharon lives quietly outside Charlottetown, doing some art and choral work and playing with her grandchildren and her four-legged companions. 

Get your tickets now at https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/HC_NoisesOff (photo: Brian Collins, Landwash Studios) #act #farce #actpei #noisesoff #theatrepei  #doorsandsardines #communitytheatre #florencesimmonsperformancehall

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New Event ! Classic Cinema

We have a terrific event planned for April 21 in collaboration with City Cinema! ACT is presenting the classic film 'Office Romance' with all the audio provided by live actors. The delightful ‘Office Romance’ (1977) is the Soviet Union’s heartwarming take on a classic screwball comedy. Anatoly, a shy statistics clerk, is pressured into a bet that he can win the affections of Ludmila, his strict, career-driven boss. This is a fundraising event with a portion of ticket sales to be donated to the Ukrainian Emergency Fund of Veterinarians without Borders. Tickets available soon ! (graphic copyright MosFilm)

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MEET THE CREW: KEIR MALONE (Director)

Keir Malone appeared in ‘The Foreigner’ in 1995, the second show ACT ever mounted. It was his last play until returning in ACT's ‘Sweeney Todd’ in 2011, as he retired from the stage to raise a family. In spite of 16 year gap, he has done his best to make up for lost time having acted and/or directed in 17 of the 65 shows in ACT's history. Past directing credits include: "An Evening of Fairy Tales", "Plays in a Day", "All New People" and "Skin Flick" for ACT. Keir has served on the ACT board since 2013 in various roles, as well as having done work with the King's Playhouse and the North Shore Players.

ACT asked Keir some questions...

What’s challenging about bringing this show to life? Why did you choose to propose it?…As the director, the biggest challenge in bringing this show to the stage has been trying to get the timing down. I have 9 amazing actors, and each of them has their own sense of timing; I have to be true to them, the script/characters, and the audience. It's possible to make it all fit properly, but it certainly is a lot of work. I was introduced to the script of ‘Noises Off’ a few years ago, and it has stuck with me ever since. I have tried to challenge myself with each play I direct, adding elements of difficulty; more people, filmed elements incorporated into a show, an intimate space and topic. The challenge of ‘Noises Off’ is the complexity of script and set. It was not only the funniest script I've read, but the most difficult, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could pull it off.  As well, when we were considering what show to do for our 25th anniversary (in 2020 before a three year delay), I noted that ‘Noises Off’ was the 4th show that the organization had done, back in 1996. To go from ladders and tables in ‘Our Town’ (1995) to a two-story revolving set three shows later showed me how quickly ACT grew and changed, and that was a part of our history that I wanted to celebrate.

What draws you to community theatre? …Community theatre allows someone like myself, who has always loved theatre, to participate in my art at a high level without taking the financial and critical risk of trying to make a go of it full time. ACT (and organizations like it) serve so many purposes: it's a place where young or new actors can learn, where retired professionals can keep a foot in the craft or teach, where people with a true affection of the stage can have opportunity to do what they love, at their own level. ACT can train and support actors/directors: people can learn how to mount a show that is financially and artistically viable, without having to take out a second mortgage or recreating the wheel. 

What do you want the audience to know about the show? …This show was written in 1982, and it is a ‘play within the play’. We have that ‘inner’ show set in the 1960's, and the action set in the 1980's. In our more culturally sensitive times, there are parts of this show that are at risk of being dated, or culturally insensitive: we have updated some elements to make them more appropriate, and others are being left as written, as they are part of the intentionally bad farce of the play within the play. Our team doesn't aim to offend in any way. 

What sort of person should see this show? ..Anyone who appreciates comedy in any way, because the script and our incredibly talented cast are absolutely hilarious. This show is accessible and easy to fall in love with, and will give people a (highly exaggerated) idea of what it's really like to put on a play. Take away the farcical, overdone elements and you still have a look at rehearsals, a set and the life of a touring company.  

Who should stay away? …Crying babies, carriers of the bubonic plague, and anyone who doesn't love to laugh. Any person in particular you want to invite? …Anyone who loves theatre, comedy, farce. Anyone who knows this show, or anyone involved. Anyone who has been a part of ACT in the last 25 years, from audience member to active participant. Come to the theatre; come home. 

What will the audience be talking about after the show?…My hope is that the audience is left briefly overwhelmed by laughter and the sheer size of what we are pulling off: so much happens in three acts that I honestly believe (and hope) that people should come to see this show more than once. There is so much to see! 

Get your tickets now at https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/HC_NoisesOff (photo: Brian Collins, Landwash Studios) #act #farce #actpei #noisesoff #theatrepei  #doorsandsardines #communitytheatre #florencesimmonsperformancehall

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MEET THE CAST ! LAURA STAPLETON as Belinda Blair (Flavia Brent)

 Laura Stapleton’s love of theatre began at a young age in Cape Breton where she was born and raised. After being cast as Little Red Riding Hood at the age of 6 in a children’s theatre group the acting bug took hold. Fast forward 20 odd years through high school musicals and various community theatre projects, Laura arrived on PEI, and heard about ACT from one of its founding members, who also happens to be her husband, and became a member. She has since been in such productions as, Our Town, Little Shop of Horrors and, most recently,12 Angry Women.  Laura and her husband Greg live in Cornwall with Greg`s son Evan and their 2 dogs. 

ACT asked Laura a few questions….

How is your character like you? Different?….Belinda Blair is described as “cheerful and sensible, a reliable actress and the company’s de facto peacemaker, although something of a gossip”. Flavia Brent, is an “English wife, dependable but not one for household duties”. The similarities are uncanny, especially when it comes to not being one for household duties. I consider myself reliable and a problem solver and I certainly prefer when everybody gets along. Belinda is  also somewhat of a caretaker and my life and career is very much centered around looking after others. I’m definitely a more anxious and sensitive person than Belinda.  

What do you love about this character?….I envy Belinda’s ability to remain cheerful and steadfast despite the chaos surrounding her.  What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?….By far the timing and movements. Being in and out, on and off at precisely the correct moments so as not to interfere with other cast members’ timing is a challenge very unique to this play.

Without giving anything away, what’s your favourite line of dialogue?…..“Just keep going…” 

Besides yourself, which actor in this production is going to blow people away?….The talent in this cast is unbelievable. The first few rehearsals were intimidating for me as I felt entirely out of my league. Every single actor in this group, each with their own version of comedic genius, working together will be amazing.  

What do you enjoy most about doing a comedy? ….I love all forms of theatre but it’s been a while since I’ve performed in a comedy. There is a different kind of “high” that comes from making an audience laugh. I think there is something really exhilarating about providing an audience with laughter and the opportunity to (hopefully) let loose from their daily stressors for a couple of hours.

What is your impression of community theatre on PEI? …PEI is so incredibly lucky to have such a rich and diverse theatre community. There is truly something for everyone. Community theatre allows me to have a creative outlet outside of my daily living. It connects me to others that have similar passion and love for performance, and creates connections and friendships that would be otherwise impossible to establish.  Acting allows me to escape from my own head for a while and become somebody else. The opportunity to engage audiences and create positive emotions within them can be very therapeutic.  

What do you want the audience to know about this show?…I want the audience to know that having the opportunity to see this show staged in little old PEI is a real treat. The effort required to bring this farce to life is immense and I hope people come from far and wide to take it in. I hope people leave the theatre with sore bellies and faces from laughing and maybe even a little spark of interest to try theatre themselves. 

Get your tickets now at https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/HC_NoisesOff (photo: Brian Collins, Landwash Studios) #act #farce #actpei #noisesoff #theatrepei  #doorsandsardines #communitytheatre #florencesimmonsperformancehall

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Meet the Cast ! MIKE MALLALEY (as Timothy Allgood)

Originally from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Mike moved to Charlottetown in 2016. Since coming to the Island Mike played Vadas in 'Shop Around the Corner' (ACT, 2017) and appeared in 'Raised on Television' 2 & 3. Mike has been acting since the ripe old age of 6, with his first role being a chorus member of 'The Ugly Duckling'. He has since moved onto over 50 roles on stage, including Brad in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', Lurch in 'The Addams Family Musical', Lawrence in 'Calendar Girls', and Antigonus in 'The Winter’s Tale'. Mike has had over 10 roles in film and television and has been nominated twice for Best Actor in a short comedy at The Silver Wave Film Festival, winning once for 'Super Geek Mathboy'.

ACT asked Mike some questions.... 

Who is your character? ...I play Tim, the over-worked and under-appreciated stage manager (as if there is any other kind) that seems to get caught in the middle of all the crazy shenanigans as he tries in vain to keep the company afloat. I’m often cast as zany or over the top characters, and I like the challenge of playing the sensible guy amongst all of the other colorful characters in this show.

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character? ....Steve Buschemi

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue? ...This is getting Farcical!

Which actor in this production is going to blow people away? .....I think the audience is in for a special treat with the entire cast of Noises Off but I have especially enjoyed watching Brian Collins develop his character of Selsdon/The Burglar.

What do you enjoy most about doing a comedy? What’s challenging about bringing this show to life? ...I enjoy being able to make people laugh- and there should be lots of laughs in this show. The most challenging aspect is getting the entrances and exits just right…and all those doors!

What draws you to community theatre? ...The theatre community has always been my second home and where I always feel the most comfortable even when I’m doing something absurd on stage. 

Get tickets now at https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/HC_NoisesOff(photo by Landwash Studios)#act #actpei #communitytheatre #doorsandsardines #noisesoff #florencesimmonsperformancehallSee insights and adsBoost postAll reactions:2222

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Thank You to Resource Abilities

It's time to thank our sponsors - We are so grateful for their support! Resource Abilities donated $1000 to our production in 2020 to help put this show on. Now after three years we are finally taking it to the stage !  Thank you so much !! Get your tickets now at https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/HC_NoisesOff (photo: Brian Collins, Landwash Studios) #act #farce #actpei #noisesoff #theatrepei  #doorsandsardines #communitytheatre #florencesimmonsperformancehallSee insights and adsBoost postAll reactions:55

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Thank you to North Rustico Home Hardware

It's time to thank our sponsors - without whom this show would not happen! Chris Buote and the North Rustico Home Hardware Family have been very generous! Back in 2019 they donated over 1000$ of building supplies to build our marvellous set. We can't wait for you to see what has been built for this show ! Get your tickets now at https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/HC_NoisesOff #noisesoff #communitytheatre #actpei #theatrepei #doorsandsardines #northrusticohomehardware

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Thank you to Steph Betts!

It's time to thank our sponsors!!  Thank you so much to Steph Betts who donated funds way back in 2020 ! Finally we are able to bring this production to the stage! Thank you Steph !!! It's all about the sardines.....  Get your tickets now at https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/HC_NoisesOff (photo: Landwash Studios)  #communitytheatre #actpei #florencesimmonsperformancehall #theatrepei #doorsandsardines

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Tickets Available Now!

It's all about the doors and sardines! TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE .... 'Noises Off' the funniest farce of all time ! https://tproatlantic.ticketpro.ca/en/pages/HC_NoisesOffOnly 25$ plus fees , celebrating ACT's 25th anniversary... only 3 years late. #florencesimmonsperformancehall #actpei #theatrepei #communitytheatre #doorsandsardines #noisesoff

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Noises Off - May 2023

The star of 'Noises Off' by Michael Frayn is the set! It's a two story construction with 8 doors, a window, a balcony and three staircases. And it rotates! Since it's not put together at the moment, you'll have to make do with this early rehearsal shot of the cast. Noah Nazim, Amanda Rae Donovan, Colin Hood, Marti Hopson, Laura Stapleton, Mike Mallaley, Richard Haines and Amy Sobol (missing Brian Collins because he's behind the camera, Landwash Studios)  Tickets coming soon !

#farce #noisesoff #actpei #communitytheatre

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Noises Off - May 2023

Training hard for the proper headbutt technique. Noises Off coming soon complete with nosebleeds and raucous comedy- May 5-7 and 10-13 at #florencesimmonsperformancehall #act #actpei #theatrepei #farce #noisesoff #communitytheatre  (photos: Landwash Studios)

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Noises Off May 2023

We've been rehearsing this show on and off for three years and can't wait to present it for you... If only the cast would stop injuring themselves! Just kidding - here's an early rehearsal shot of a show with big physical comedy to keep you rolling in the aisles! (photo: Landwash Studios ... Laura Stapleton, Noah Nazim, Richard Haines) Tickets coming soon ! Florence Simmons Performance Hall

#actpei #farce #noisesoff #doorsandsardines

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UP FOR THE CHALLENGE- GARNETT GALLANT BUILDING SET FOR ‘NOISES OFF’

 - ACT will present this outrageous comedy at Florence Simmons Performance Hall in May 2023.The set for ‘Noises Off’, by Michael Frayn, is a major part of the show. This madcap farce follows a theatre troupe trying, but not exactly succeeding, to put on a play. The audience gets to see the action on and off stage, and thus the set has to be quite versatile! The two-story construction includes eight working doors and a window… as well as multiple sets of stairs and a full balcony that will support several actors at once.Garnett Gallant has spent a half a century with the theatre industry in a variety of roles, including touring the world with the National Ballet of Canada. Building has always been a favourite interest, and when ACT (a community theatre) asked for his help in designing and constructing the set for ‘Noises Off’ in 2019, he was glad to oblige. The set was completed in the winter of 2020 – because this production was scheduled to take place right as the pandemic shut everything down. Now, three years later, it will finally be staged at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall at Holland College in May.The set had to be constructed in many small pieces, and then pieced together like a puzzle. The two storey set was built one floor at a time and then was placed in storage for three years! It will have to be fully erected and tested weeks before the show to make sure it works. Therefore this set will have to be moved and built and taken down…. Twice!  It won’t be until very close to opening night that all the pieces will be assembled in one place, and the finishing touches are complete. Gallant is primarily concerned with safety. He says it is important for not just the actors, but for the entire team, to feel secure on this set, which comes apart and rotates during the show. Stay tuned for tickets to go on sale!

#communitytheatre #farce #noisesoff #doorsandsardines

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One Act Wonders

Looking to participate in a night of one act theatre?

ACT will not be hosting an festival associated with theatre day this year, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to find individuals willing to produce shows, as opposed to being onstage. But the desire from the board to provide a time and place for people to participate in short plays remains strong. The ACT Board is looking for individuals to participate in a showing of one act plays, sometime in 2023-24. Do you want to direct the show of your dreams? Or perhaps you have something written, and want to put together a group to have it performed? Please reach out to the ACT email address 

[email protected]

to express interest!

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Sponsorship Opportunity - Noises Off

For its 25th anniversary in 2020, ACT (a community theatre) planned to present Noises Off, a highly entertaining stage comedy that has delighted thousands of people in hundreds of venues over the years. Unfortunately, just a few weeks before opening,  COVID-19 arrived to take the spotlight, and the show was postponed. ACT first produced Noises Off in 1996, and now, finally, we are delighted to bring it back to the stage in the spring of 2023! The set of Noises Off is an architectural and engineering marvel to behold. Two stories, eight doors, a window - and the entire set has to be taken apart and rotated during the course of the performance…. twice. Want to help put together the set or supply other materials for this dazzling production? ACT is raising funds to cover the costs of production for Noises Off. Any amount of funding, donated materials, or discounted services are gratefully appreciated. We can provide advertising opportunities and put your company in the spotlight! Support and appreciate local theatre and the arts- complimentary tickets are part of our packages too! There are various sponsorship levels and benefits for your company (or you and your family) to participate in this hilarious farce. Contact [email protected]  or 902-620-8289 for more information and to join the team!

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Producer’s Workshop a Great Success!

ACT events Coordinator, Brian Collins is delighted with the outcome of the workshop designed to lead participants through the steps needed to successfully produce a play.  The Producer’s Workshop took place at the Carriage House on the afternoon of January 15th.  14 theatre-minded folks, many of whom are not ACT members, attended the workshop led by talented actor and founding ACT member, Rob Thomson, who has served as producer for many of ACT’s theatre productions. Rob’s excellent presentation generated lively discussion, sharing of experiences and ideas.  As most of the participants also agreed to have their names added to our contact list, we hope to see them join us for future ACT productions. A big thank you to Rob for an excellent afternoon of learning! (Photo Credit - Brian Collins)