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
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