FESTIVAL 2024 

The 26th annual festival will take place March 6-17, 2023 at Arts Court Theatre. Read more about the shows, festival, and community programming here!


Shows

Jerome! by

Matthew Godfrey

"Remember watching sitcoms on the couch, laughing with the people beside you at the antics of a quirky -and often disgruntled- group of friends or otherwise acquaintances? Well, what if you could feel all that again, and more! What if the laughter faltered and faded into background static, as your mind filled with the ever-growing possibility that this show is about you in a way you couldn’t have previously comprehended. Laugh track! Gut punch! Theme song!”

Directed by Noah Boonov

Stage Managed by Sam Mason

Featuring Eris Hector, Harley Wegner, Somya Goomer, Mitchell Plunkett, Charlotte Raycevich

Playing March 6th, 7th, 8th (Week 1)

Content Notices: Coarse Language, Mild Sexual Reference

The Way It Seems by Amelia Alam

George Cunningham wakes up after a car accident with amnesia to a world that feels very wrong. He doesn’t know what exactly is wrong, but it feels off-kilter nonetheless. His wife, doctor, boss, and everyone around him tries to convince him it’s all okay, but he doesn’t fully believe it. This sci-fi comedy touches on themes of power, autonomy, and what it means to be human.

Directed by Lucille Giwa-Amu

Stage Managed by Ebehiremen (Ehi) Iyere

Featuring Anesu Jubani, Astrid Nannini, Billy Mott, Dahlya Gellner, Janani Suthan, Joheva (Jojo) Cobby

Playing March 14th, 15th, 16th (Week 2)

Content Notices: Coarse Language, Violence

What the World Needs Now by Gabbie Cruz

"For centuries, we’ve been told the earth was a spinning sphere flying through space, but have you ever stopped to think – what if that wasn’t true? Welcome to the 2024 Flat Earth Convention – People will come from all around the world."

Directed by Sarah Ivanco

Stage Managed by Winton Daum

Featuring Jazy Remillard, Ness Dorion, Canda Habonimana, Alec Kyte, Chris McNeice

Playing March 6th, 7th, 8th (Week 1)

Content Notices: Coarse Language, Scene with Intense Yelling

Fun & Games

"Hello, and welcome to Fun & Games Incorporated, the best toy store to exist! Please enjoy this high-quality training video, created by your new manager Yacht Johnson, as part of your onboarding process. We will be reviewing our policies and procedures, meeting your fellow staff members, and helping you to get familiar with the store. Prepare to be the newest addition to the best family you could ever hope for!"

Directed by Victoria Ricciardelli

Stage Managed by Gabbie Cruz and Matt McManus Euler

Created and Performed by Aliza Itskovich, Julia Graham, Lilliauna Snow, Owen McGowan

Additional Creation by Theresa Graham

Playing March 14th, 15th, 16th (Week 2)

Content Notices: Coarse Language, Mild Sexual References

Patchwork

A devised piece on language and the subtle- and not-so-subtle- ways it affects us all

Director and Translator: Corinne Viau

Stage Manager, sound designer and voice actor: Riley Hickey

Assistant Stage Manager: Marina Stone

Co-creators: Mariana Gomez, Elif Nur Darende, Karelle Sikapi, Riley Hickey, Marina Stone and Corinne Viau

Starring: Mariana Gomez, Elif Nur Darende and Karelle Sikapi

Prop Designers: Elif Nur Darende, Karelle Sikapi, Marina Stone, Riley Hickey and Taylor Wooldridge

Lighting Designer: Mariana Gomez

Captioner: El Doucette

Special thanks to Sophie Goyette-Hamels, Canda-Leigh Habonimana, Michael Evans, Jocelyn Deng and Tamara Laplante

Playing March 6th, 7th, 8th (Week 1)

Content Notices: COMING SOON

YIF Improv

Improvisational theatre, or "improv" is entirely made up on the spot! Through short games and scenes, this improv troupe will take you through a different show every night, all that you can expect is a good time

Playing March 14th, 15th, 16th (Week 2)

Content Notice: May contain coarse language


Community Programming

The Algonquin College Roadshow

March 16th, 2:30pm

The students from the Algonquin College Performing Arts Program have curated a series of short scenes that are sure to entertain! You will laugh, you’ll cry, and with any luck you will laugh again! See these new and emerging talents as they open a new stage of their artistic careers.

Mississippi Mills Youth Centre Presents: AvaLunch

March 17th, 2pm

The Mississippi Mills Youth Centre in Almonte provides a safe space and a variety of enriching activities to youth aged 10-18. This winter-themed puppet show is performed by youth from the community centre and their artistic mentors.

This is a relaxed performance lasting about 30 minutes. Re-entry is permitted at any time, and light snacks and drinks will be available for purchase in the studio


Ancillary Events

YIF Trivia Night

March 13th, 7pm

Want to show off your skills and support youth arts? The YIF Fundraising committee welcomes you to Trivia Night! With tons of great prizes from local organizations and businesses, a variety of categories, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere, this event has something for everyone!

Lobby Performances

March 6-8; 14-16, 6:30

Full Schedule Coming Soon