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:
Board Message
Welcome to Guelph Little Theatre's annual Ward One Acts festival.
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 the performance. Now, let's raise the curtain and begin the show.
Diane Montgomery
President, Guelph Little Theatre
Producers' Message
Welcome to the 2025 Ward One Act Festival.
We strive to provide an opportunity for those interested in theatre to take on a new challenge - onstage or backstage. You will note that we have a mix of newcomers, familiar faces, and familiar faces in new roles, which is exciting to see.
We are also pleased to present four original works each written by a local playwright. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the authors for allowing us to produce their plays.
We hope that you will enjoy our collective efforts!
JoAnne Ford & Jacob Patterson
Co-Producers
Festival Performance Order
The Bench
written by Tom Reidel
Directed by Jocelyn Drainie
Featuring Alison Gammage, Robert Free,
Dean Curtis, Diem Morriswala
The Strand That Beads You
written by Allison Fradkin
Directed by Laura Finlan
Featuring Oriana Abrahamse,
Apoorva Thirumurugan, Abbygail Krystal
INTERMISSION (20 Minutes)
The Script
written by John Settle
Directed by Dennis Gray
Featuring David Cairns, Julie Docherty
The Ward
written by Nicholas Ruddock
Directed by Alex Bayliss
Featuring Samantha Hicks, Tom Hardley,
Chris Sargent, Katie Elliot
Company
Jocelyn Drainie
Director of The Bench
Alison Gammage
New Parent (The Bench)
Robert Free
One (The Bench)
Dean Curtis
Two (The Bench)
Diem Morriswala
Sporty (The Bench)
Laura Finlan
Director of The Strand that Beads You
Oriana Abrahamse
Magenta (The Strand That Beads You)
Apoorva Thirumurugan
Turquoise (The Strand That Beads You)
Abbygail Krystal
Rainbow Heart (The Strand That Beads You)
Dennis Gray
Director of The Script
David Cairns
John (The Script)
Julie Docherty
Jenn (The Script)
Alex Bayliss
Director of The Ward
Samantha Hicks
Friend 1 (The Ward)
Tom Hardley
Friend 2 (The Ward)
Chris Sargent
Tony (The Ward)
Katie Elliot
Mrs. Ferris (The Ward)
Creative Team
Jacob Patterson
Co-Producer & Lighting Designer
JoAnne Ford
Co-Producer
Reese Hedges
Stage Manager & Sound Operator
Ryan Poxon
Assistant Stage Manager
Robyn Clarke
Assistant Stage Manager
Kelsey Ducsharm
Assistant Stage Manager
Jim Hoare
Set Builder
Ellis Miller
Sound Designer
Alex Kanarek
Lighting Operator
"Nessie" Aly Hill
Intimacy Coordinator for The Script
Margaret Oliver Smith
Costumes
Susan McBride
Props
Steve Sherry
Painter
Katie Elliot
Painter
Katie Elliot & Friends of GLT
Front of House
JoAnne Ford
Make Up Advisor
Chantale Lee
Hair Advisor
Meet the Company
Jocelyn Drainie
Director of The Bench
The daughter of John Drainie, one of Canada’s most renowned actors, Jocelyn has acted in several plays over the years in Toronto and Guelph. This is her very first time directing. With deepest gratitude to everyone at GLT for their skills, encouragement, and support.
Alison Gammage
New Parent (The Bench)
Alison is excited to once again be part of GLT’s Ward One Acts! This is her second time being part of the festival and her fourth show with GLT. Alison had had a great time working with this incredible cast and director and hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Robert Free
One (The Bench)
Robert is pleased to be back in the Ward One Acts and back on stage, he was recently in Rehearsal for Murder and loves being on stage. Being the lead for the first time is something he is happy about and Robert hopes you enjoy the show.
Dean Curtis
Two (The Bench)
Dean is a Guelph-based real estate agent and retired Platoon Chief with the fire department. He previously appeared in The President’s Under Where? and is currently doing background work in film and television. Dean is excited to return to the GLT stage and grateful for the opportunity to explore new creative outlets. He thanks his friends and family for their unwavering love and support.
Diem Morriswala
Sporty (The Bench)
Diem is happy to be back at GLT in his most Canadian role yet -- wielding a hockey stick in The Bench. You may recognize Diem from GLT's productions of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Revised) (Again) and Rehearsal for Murder. Diem hopes you enjoy all four shows!
Laura Finlan
Director of The Strand that Beads You
With a long history in the arts, Laura is delighted to make her directorial debut. She is also excited to be leading a dramatic project that celebrates diverse perspectives and hopes to see more theatre and film projects in the future that do so. Laura would like to acknowledge the passionate dedication of her cast, crew, production team at GLT, and playwright Allison Fradkin, without which this production would not have been possible.
Oriana Abrahamse
Magenta (The Strand That Beads You)
Oriana is no stranger to the local arts scene. As a former professional actor she has performed on screen and in theatres across Ontario. Recently she has worked with GLT, ECT, KWLT, and is a member of the Guelph Chamber Choir and The Rainbow Chorus of Waterloo Wellington. Oriana is thrilled to be part of The Ward One Acts and is thankful for all the hard work that everyone has put into this event. Huzzah!
Apoorva Thirumurugan
Turquoise (The Strand That Beads You)
Apoorva is excited to make her acting debut in The Strand That Beads You at the Ward One Acts Festival. She would like to thank her director and cast for their support throughout the process. Off stage, she enjoys singing, creating content, and exploring stories that connect people.
Abbygail Krystal
Rainbow Heart (The Strand That Beads You)
This is Abbygail's third show with GLT and she couldn't be more honoured to take the stage yet again and be a part of a show so empowering to encourage inclusivity and individuality. She dedicates this show to her "heart" AG."
Dennis Gray
Director of The Script
Dennis has been a part of GLT since 2005, primarily serving as sound operator/designer for such productions as ‘Death of a Salesman’ (2007), ‘Noises Off’ (2015), and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ (2017) among many others. This is Dennis' fifth time being involved in the Ward One Acts, and his second foray into directing. He wants to thank David and Julie for enduring him, Aly for their invaluable assistance, and hopes John doesn't entirely hate what he did to his play.
David Cairns
John (The Script)
The Script marks David’s GLT debut, and he is thrilled to be playing opposite his real-life partner, Julie Docherty. A seasoned classics performer with starring roles in Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde; leading roles in musicals, comedies, and dramas, he recently received an ACTRA nomination for the role of Clarence in Bone Cage (Alumnae Theatre).An award-winning director, and a burgeoning dramaturge, his adaptations have been toured, under his direction, across the country, and into the U.S. David will be recreating historical characters in a couple of outdoor festivals later in the year.
Julie Docherty
Jenn (The Script)
Julie is delighted to return to the GLT stage to originate the role of Jenn, performing for the first time with her "real life" partner, David. This is Julie's second time playing in the Ward One Acts, previously undertaking the 'Old Female Actor' role in 2022 production of "This is a Play".
Alex Bayliss
Director of The Ward
Alex grew up in Wasaga Beach, moving to Guelph to study film and English at the University. To get experience in theatre he began as a stage manager at GLT at the Ward One Acts Festival last year. This year’s production of the Ward is his first time directing.
Samantha Hicks
Friend 1 (The Ward)
Sam is very excited to be a part of the One Acts. When not on stage, she is working as a therapist, volunteering with Guelph Climate Action Network, and - what she loves most of all - hanging out with her wonderful family (special shout out to Eric, Elliott & Florian).
Tom Hardley
Friend 2 (The Ward)
Tom Hardley (a.k.a. Pete Bolitsky) is a Guelph sculptural artist who tries to enmesh the threads of his life into a continuous tapestry of creativity. While not a trained actor in the traditional sense, age and experience have revealed that life often presents as a pantomime, and we are all its willing cast members. The evolution of modern social dynamics has made it imperative to foster community and where better, than community theatre. www.wagonsaloon.com
Chris Sargent
Tony (The Ward)
Chris is very excited to be taking part in the Ward One Acts this year. Whether on stage or behind the scenes in production, he enjoys every aspect of what the theatre world has in store for him. Chris would like to thank his family and friends for their support over the many years as he follows his dreams in the amazing world of live theatre.
Katie Elliot
Mrs. Ferris (The Ward)
An artist in several paint mediums, Katie’s interest in theatre began over 40 years ago. Since then she has been involved painting sets for The Newmarket Theatre before joining GLT three years ago where she has contributed to many shows as a set or scene painter and prop maker. Katie is stepping out of her comfort zone backstage, making her GLT debut as Mrs. Ferris.
Jacob Patterson
Co-Producer & Lighting Designer
Always busy with something theatre related, Jacob has recently completed 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, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged, Guelph Little Theatre (2025); Lighting Designer, Silhouettes Dance Company (2018 - 2025); Lighting Designer, Splitsville, Guelph Little Theatre (2024)
JoAnne Ford
Co-Producer
This is JoAnne’s second time co-producing the Ward One Act Festival. Although rewarding to see this year’s Festival take shape, it would not have been possible without the help of many hands behind the scenes at GLT who support the plays throughout the year. Special thanks to the playwrights for their words and vision and the directors for their creativity and patience. Enjoy the show!
Reese Hedges
Stage Manager & Sound Operator
As a newcomer to GLT, Reese is excited to take on the role as stage manager for the award One Act Festival. She joined GLT to gain experience in technical theatre, having ASM’d for high school productions. She is pleased to be here and hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Ryan Poxon
Assistant Stage Manager
In addition to his ASM role, Ryan has gone a step further as rehearsal assistant for The Bench. His love for entertainment brought him to GLT earlier this year for its production of Rehearsal for Murder. He hopes for bigger roles and other projects in the near future!
Robyn Clarke
Assistant Stage Manager
Robyn has extensive training in dance and recently retired from owning her own dance school. She has directed and produced fifty years of shows and is delighted to assist backstage with this production.
Kelsey Ducsharm
Assistant Stage Manager
Kelsey has been helping out backstage at GLT since 2018. Most recently Kelsey was the Producer for GLT's productions of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged).
Jim Hoare
Set Builder
Jim has been a community theatre set builder since 2007. He supports GLT plus many other community theatre groups. Won the 2022 GLT’s ‘People’s Choice for Outstanding Production Team Member’. Outside of theatre world, he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity in construction and ReStore plus does trail maintenance with 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.
Ellis Miller
Sound Designer
Ellis has been volunteering at GLT since last year’s Ward One Acts as a sound operator. Since then, he has done the sound design for three shows. He plans to build on this experience this fall when he begins studying audio production.
Alex Kanarek
Lighting Operator
Since coming to Rockwood in 2007, Alex has acted, directed and worked backstage with the Guelph and Georgetown Little Theatres and acted in eight consecutive Shakespeare in the Park productions with the Elora Community Theatre. His sound designs for GLT’s Twas and The
Complete Works…won WODL awards, the latter jointly with Dennis Gray. Now, for this One Act Festival, he is thrilled to be back on the lighting board, which once was his main technical interest.
"Nessie" Aly Hill
Intimacy Coordinator for The Script
"Nessie" is a Neurodivergent BIPOC Intimacy Coordinator and Actor. Only recently credited as IC for "Just Friends" (KWLT) and "The Script", they strive to advocate for the mental and physical safety of actors while honouring the director's vision. "Nessie" is currently pursuing certification with Intimacy Coordinators Canada (ICC). She'd like to thank Dennis, Julie, and David for their trust, and her previous on-stage father, John Settle.
Margaret Oliver Smith
Costumes
Margaret is a retired public servant who has enjoyed many volunteer opportunities since her retirement. Currently she is volunteering at GLT in the costume department and is very pleased to be part of this outstanding and talented team tasked with the costumes for this production. She is grateful for the mentorship and support of Marion Reidel, GLT's Director of Membership and Volunteers.
Susan McBride
Props
Susan’s interest in theatre began in High School acting in Windsor. And this many years later she has joined GLT, not on stage (as yet), but having fun in the Props Department and running 50/50 draws at performances. Her work at Mission Thrift Store here in town helps greatly with finding props! "It’s such a delight to be involved with GLT--GREAT PEOPLE --GREAT ENERGY--GREAT FUN!!!"
Steve Sherry
Painter
Katie Elliot
Painter
Katie Elliot & Friends of GLT
Front of House
JoAnne Ford
Make Up Advisor
Chantale Lee
Hair Advisor
