BWW Stage Mag The Complete Works of William Shakespeare - The Guelph Little Theatre Stage Mag

 

 

About Guelph Little Theatre

Guelph Little Theatre has presented outstanding amateur theatrical productions to Guelph and surrounding communities for nearly 90 years. Starting with a simple play reading group that met monthly, GLT’s first production, Yellow Sands, was staged in November 1935 by an enthusiastic 300-member group who loved live theatre.

Almost 90 years later and GLT is still going strong thanks to its incredibly passionate and dedicated volunteers. To get involved please visit guelphlittletheatre.com

Great people make big things happen at Guelph Little Theatre. 


Land Acknowledgement

We would like to acknowledge that the land on which Guelph Little Theatre resides is the ancestral land of the Attawandaron and Haudenosaunee people. This territory also includes the treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We recognize and declare our collective responsibility to this place and to the histories, rights, and presence of its indigenous peoples. 

Today, Ward One is also home to other First Nations, Mètis, and Inuit peoples. By acknowledging them, we are reminded of the important connection we have to this land where we are privileged to tell stories.


Guelph Little Theatre 2024/2025 Board of Directors

President: Diane Montgomery

Vice-President: Karen Allen

Treasurer: Tyler Livingstone 

Director of Communications: Dorothy Guerra

Director of Facilities: Robin Jackson  

Director of Membership & Volunteers: Marion Reidel

Follow Us:

Dedication

This Production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again) is dedicated to our very own Pam Niesiobedzki-Curtis. Sadly, we lost Pam on October 25th, 2024. She advocated for this play and she would be so happy knowing that the production has taken wings. Pam will be dearly missed in our theatre community. May she always have the best seat in the house.

Sadly we also lost another member of our theatre community this past February: Tom Gould. Tom was an integral part of the theatre scene in Guelph for a number of decades. He is best remembered for his performances with GLT and RCMPI, but also for his selfless contributions behind the scenes. Tom will be dearly missed. Thank you Tom for all the wonderful memories.

 

Director's Message

Thank you so much for supporting our production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again). We hope that you will enjoy all of Shakespeare’s works performed by 3 actors (Brendan, Diem, and Jack) in a record breaking 90 minutes. This is quite a feat I know but we have accomplished this colossal undertaking with remarkable efficiency. NOT!!! (LOL) Whether you are a fan of the Bard or perhaps not, we guarantee that you will have a good time. Enjoy!


Steve Sherry

Director

Board Message

Welcome to the 4th and final production of Guelph Little Theatre's 89th season! We are thrilled to present a lineup filled with comedy, mystery, and pageantry that we believe will captivate and entertain our audiences. 

Our productions and the day-to-day operations of the theatre would not be possible without the dedication of our incredible volunteers. To those who devote countless hours of their time and energy out of a love for GLT, we extend our deepest gratitude. 

We hope you thoroughly enjoy tonight's performance. Now, let's raise the curtain and begin the show. 

Diane Montgomery

President, Guelph Little Theatre

Important Note

Some mature content.

A strobe will be used for a small amount of time in the play.

Fog is also used in the show.

If you pee yourself from laughing so much, then clean it up yourself.

 

Cast

Jack French
Jack
Brendan Linwood
Brendan
Diem Morriswala
Diem

Creative Team

Steve Sherry

Director, Scenic Painter

Kelsey Ducsharm

Producer

Parth Vyas

Stage Manager

Christena Jackson

Assistant Stage Manager

Sam Stilson

Assistant Stage Manager

Paul Briggs

Set Designer & Builder

Jim Hoare

Set Designer & Builder

Carol Devlin-Muir

Scenic Designer & Painter

Marion Reidel

Volunteer & Costume Coordinator

Pamela Bickerstaff

Costume Designer

Margaret Oliver Smith

Costume Designer

Ziyi Zhang

Costume Designer

Elizabeth Comas

Costume Designer

Susan McBride

Props Coordinator

Valen Varangu-Booth

Lighting Designer & Operator

Jacob Patterson

Lighting Designer & Operator

Alex Kanarek

Sound Designer

Dennis Gray

Sound Operator

Robyn Clarke

Dresser

Beth Freeth

Dresser

Liv Gray

Dresser

Anna Hewak

Dresser

Steve Allen

Photographer

Uma Sordini

Front of House Manager

Our thanks to...

 

Royal City Musical Productions for props and costumes 

Sandra Conway

Sheila Douglas for making curtains

Erin District High School

Rob Nespolo

Cara Cameron

Jei Tiffin

Judith Eden

Lawrence Benedict

Blaise Reed, Case Groenborg, Connor Rosie, & Samrit Bhoday for composition and recording of Rock and Roll Greensleeves

Frank Terisingi and the Guelph Football Organization

Mission Thrift Store

Glenys Robinson

Action Mobility Rentals

Meet the Company

Jack French

Jack
Jack French - Jack Jack French is a second year student at the University of Guelph, where he is studying for a bachelors degree of Arts and Science, with minors in Biology and Theatre Studies. This is his first show with Guelph Little Theatre, as well as his first ever non-musical performance. Jack had been in three musicals around Guelph over the past 2 years. He played “Mr. Cladwell” in John. F. Ross’ performance of Urinetown the Musical in 2023. He was ensemble in RCMPI’s The Little Mermaid in 2024. And he was just recently “Mr. Mushnik” in the University of Guelph’s performance of Little Shop of Horrors. Jack actually has very little experience with Shakespearean works, but is extremely excited for everybody to see our interpretation of his plays! Jack would like to thank his family, friends, mentors in theatre, and anybody who has come out to see the show!

Brendan Linwood

Brendan
Brendan Linwood - Brendan Brendan has been doing theatre in Guelph and Wellington County for 25 years. He has long dreamed of performing the whole of Shakespeare's canon, and now that he has done them all in one show (including a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment in his dream role of Richard II) he is not quite sure what to do with himself. Mission accomplished, I guess? He dedicates this performance to the teachers who inspired in him a love of the Bard and of theatre (Rosie and Nancy, I am forever in your debt), and to his daughter - who is really called Ophelia. "Lord, what fools these mortals be!"

Diem Morriswala

Diem
Diem Morriswala - Diem Diem is delighted to return to Guelph Little Theatre (GLT) as Diem in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again)! You may recognize Diem as Lawrence from GLT's previous production, Rehearsal for Murder. When they are not pretending to read Shakespeare and perfecting their British accent, Diem can be found writing music and watching Korean dramas. They would like to extend a special thanks to their talented castmates and the amazing crew that made this controlled chaos possible. Enjoy the show!

Steve Sherry

Director, Scenic Painter
Steve Sherry - Director, Scenic Painter Steve is so pleased to have directed 46 shows over his 40 year career along with being an award winning designer, playwright, and actor. He is also a retired Drama teacher with the Upper Grand and Peel Boards of Education and has enjoyed a rewarding career working with students on and off the stage for 33 years. Steve has been involved in community theatre in the area for the past 15 years and has worked with Guelph Little Theatre, Royal City Musical Productions, Ayr Community Theatre, The Downtown Theatre Project, and First Light Theatre. Steve is thrilled to be working with Brendan, Diem, and Jack along with the amazing Production Team who made what you are about to experience possible.

Kelsey Ducsharm

Producer
Kelsey Ducsharm - Producer Kelsey has been helping out backstage at GLT since 2018. She's had a blast with this show and the amazing cast and crew that brought it all together. Sit back and enjoy the wild ride!

Parth Vyas

Stage Manager
Parth Vyas - Stage Manager Parth is thrilled to be stage managing their fifth show with GLT and seventh production overall. From comedy to drama, they've wrangled props, cues, and chaos with Shakespearean flair. They’re excited to help bring The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) to life — all 37 plays in 97 minutes!

Christena Jackson

Assistant Stage Manager
Christena Jackson - Assistant Stage Manager “Bungee Jumping is for Wimps!” Christena is a longtime member of GLT. She has enjoyed working in various roles both sides of the lights, as actor, director, dresser and stage hand. She is looking forward to directing for the Ward One Acts this spring.

Sam Stilson

Assistant Stage Manager
Sam Stilson - Assistant Stage Manager Sam is a writer and creative director living in Guelph. This is his first time working with the GLT, but it won't be his last. Enjoy the show!

Paul Briggs

Set Designer & Builder
Paul Briggs - Set Designer & Builder Paul has been designing and building sets for theatre companies in Guelph and the surrounding area for 30 years. With over 60 sets and counting, some memorable ones are Noises Off, To Kill A Mockingbird, Of Mice And Men, and The Drowsy Chaperone.

Jim Hoare

Set Designer & Builder
Jim Hoare - Set Designer & Builder Jim has been a community theatre set builder since 2007. He supports GLT plus many other community theatre groups. He won the 2022 GLT ‘People’s Choice for Outstanding Production Team Member’. Outside of the theatre world, he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in construction and ReStore, plus does trail maintenance with the Guelph Hiking Trail Club. He was one of five to receive the 2024 City of Guelph Mayor’s award for volunteering with all three organizations.

Carol Devlin-Muir

Scenic Designer & Painter

Marion Reidel

Volunteer & Costume Coordinator
Marion Reidel - Volunteer & Costume Coordinator Marion is GLT's volunteer coordinator and was delighted to contribute to this production by gathering new people in GLT's costume department. As a team we pulled items from the existing inventory, borrowed items from other theatre groups, and made some items from scratch. It's the challenge, companionship and laughter that makes it all fun.

Pamela Bickerstaff

Costume Designer

Margaret Oliver Smith

Costume Designer
Margaret Oliver Smith - Costume Designer Margaret is a retired public servant who has enjoyed many volunteer opportunities in the Guelph community. Most recently with GLT. She is very pleased to have been part of the outstanding team tasked with putting together costumes for this show. She is very grateful for the continued leadership and support of Marion Reidel, GLT's Director of Memberships and Volunteers.

Ziyi Zhang

Costume Designer
Ziyi Zhang - Costume Designer This is Ziyi's first year working in Canadian theatre, but her eleventh year in the world of theatre. Everything feels both familiar and new. Theatre is a universal language, a space for exploration and expression, and she is excited to embark on this new season—creating, collaborating, and connecting with people in a fresh and inspiring environment.

Elizabeth Comas

Costume Designer
Elizabeth Comas - Costume Designer Elizabeth is a second generation clothing and dressmaker. To further her passion for fashion, she pursued a fashion design program at the International Academy of Merchandise and Design in Toronto. She has many years of experience with companies including Skylight Theatre, Canadian Stage, and the National Ballet of Canada. She has also worked with various community theatre and ethnic dance companies.

Susan McBride

Props Coordinator
Susan McBride - Props Coordinator Susan McBride, born in Windsor, ON, has been with Guelph Little Theatre for two years now, working on costumes and props. In her spare time she works at Mission Thrift here in Guelph, a great place to be when you're looking for props! Susan also organizes GLT's 50/50 draws.

Valen Varangu-Booth

Lighting Designer & Operator
Valen Varangu-Booth - Lighting Designer & Operator Comedies! Tragedies! Valen is thrilled to be returning to design lighting for The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Previously, Valen has lit the last two Christmas shows at GLT, ran lights for the 2023 Ward One Acts, and helped out behind the scenes in various places. Thanks to Jacob for being an excellent co-designer, and Steve for letting us have fun with this whacky show. Enjoy the show Bob!

Jacob Patterson

Lighting Designer & Operator
Jacob Patterson - Lighting Designer & Operator Always busy with something theatre related, Jacob is currently studying for his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Production at Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Performance. Jacob also volunteers with the Guelph Historical Railway Association and serves on their Board of Directors. Selected Credits: Lighting Designer, Silhouettes Dance Company, Dear (2025), Windows (2024), Catch & Release (2023); Lighting Designer, Swordfish, Guelph Little Theatre (2021); Head Electrician, New Voices Festival, Ryerson School of Performance (2020)

Alex Kanarek

Sound Designer
Alex Kanarek - Sound Designer Since coming to Rockwood in 2007, Alex has acted, directed and worked backstage with the Guelph and Georgetown Little Theatres and acted with the Elora Community Theatre, especially in eight consecutive Shakespeare in the Park productions. He has been creating soundtracks for shows for many years and his sound designs for GLT’s "Twas" and "I’ll Be Back Before Midnight" were nominated for a WODL Award, with the former winning.

Dennis Gray

Sound Operator
Dennis Gray - Sound Operator Dennis has been a part of GLT since 2005, primarily serving as sound operator/designer for countless productions. For the past ten years he has also served as the Technical Director for Backyard Theatre at John McCrae House produced by Guelph Museums.

Robyn Clarke

Dresser
Robyn Clarke - Dresser Robyn has had extensive experience with designing and creating costumes for dance productions. She is looking forward to helping backstage during performances of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare.

Beth Freeth

Dresser
Beth Freeth - Dresser Beth has been part of the Theatre world for close to 20 years, all thanks to her older brother. This is her 2nd play where she is helping dress an actor for quick changes. Her last project was Stage Managing the Christmas Show - Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She is looking forward to summer when she works at & attends Renaissance Faires.

Liv Gray

Dresser
Liv Gray - Dresser Liv is excited to make her debut as a dresser behind the scenes in The Complete Works Of Shakespeare. Enjoy the hilarious chaos!!

Anna Hewak

Dresser
Anna Hewak - Dresser Anna is excited to be volunteering backstage with the Guelph Little Theatre. With a background in both theatre and dance, she has always had a passion for the arts. After some time away, she is ready to reconnect with her love for performance and get more involved in her community. She's looking forward to contributing her skills and enthusiasm to this production!

Steve Allen

Photographer
Steve Allen - Photographer Along with motorcycles and snowmobiles, Steve loves the art of photography and has for many years. He is happy to be GLT’s “resident” photographer.

Uma Sordini

Front of House Manager
Uma Sordini - Front of House Manager

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Comedies

All’s Well That Ends Well

As You Like It

The Comedy of Errors

Cymbeline

Love’s Labour’s Lost

Measure for Measure

The Merchant of Venice

The Merry Wives of Windsor

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Much Ado About Nothing

Pericles, Prince of Tyre

The Taming of the Shrew

The Tempest

Twelfth Night

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

The Two Noble Kinsmen

The Winter’s Tale

Histories

Henry IV, Part 1

Henry IV, Part 2

Henry V

Henry VI, Part 1

Henry VI, Part 2

Henry VI, Part 3

Henry VIII

King John

Richard II

Richard III

Tragedies

Antony and Cleopatra

Coriolanus

Hamlet

Julius Caesar

King Lear

Macbeth

Othello

Romeo and Juliet

Timon of Athens

Titus Andronicus

Troilus and Cressida

Poetry

Sonnets 1-154

Venus and Adonis

The Rape of Lucrece

The Phoenix and the Turtle

The Passionate Pilgrim

A Lover’s Complaint

Learn More About Stage Mag