Well, WTD10 was over a week ago, and I feel like I’m just starting to recover, and be able to write about it, now.

This was our second year running the WTD blog, and I only have one word: amazing!

For those of us behind the scenes here at the blog, this year was quite different from last. First of all, it was a lot easier. Last year, all the work of setting things up (we have an excellent team of technical Ninjas, here) was pretty intense. Figuring out how we could link everything together, and, in particular, coming up with a method of allowing theatre artists to submit stuff without having to have someone on the computer all the time, was our greatest challenge.

For the most part, we worked most of those bugs out last year, and everything ran fairly smoothly this year. Here are some numbers for you:

Blog: Between Friday (the 26th) and Sunday (the 29th), the blog got about 4,000 hits. 2,500 of those were on actual World Theatre Day, but note that our blog is hosted in London, England.

Facebook: we currently have 2,069 fans. A few days before WTD, we had about 1,500 (note, also that this was brand-new this year: last year we had a group and a fan page called World Theatre Day 2009. The current page is simply World Theatre Day, and will continue for the forseeable future.), and some people put the word out to try to get it up to 2,000 before WTD. We didn’t quite succeed, but we came pretty close.

Twitter: Our WTD10 account has nearly 1,000 followers. The hashtag #WTD10 was used extensively! We were doing a lot of re-tweeting, and having fun watching the Twtiterfall.

Tumblr: We had a bit of a technical fail, here. The whole point of the Tumblr is so that people can send in their photos, text, and video, and no one needs to administrate it: it automatically gets posted. Good idea in theory, but our feed was overwhelmed, and it got pretty chocked. This is on our list of stuff to find a better solution for next year.

Over all, I heard a lot less of “What’s World Theatre Day?” from people this year. I still heard it some, but not nearly as much as last year. People were more aware of March 27 , and were able to plan accordingly. We made excellent forays into South America this year, with contributions and parties in Mexico and Basil, and also Asia, with a contribution from Singapore.

A big thank-you to everyone who participated and helped to spread the word. An even bigger thank you to the WTD facilitation team, who all do this for free, on the side of their own busy lives and jobs and creating theatre.

Here’s to #WTD11!!

Today I received this email from Susan Weiss, an ex-pat British Colombian who now lives in Mexico. Everyone give Mexico a big welcome to the World Theatre Day Party!

WORLD THEATRE DAY 2010 IN MEXICO – A FIRST EVER STEP!

These words are especially appropriate for Mexico: “But theatre…provides opportunities to educate and inform. All it needs is a space and an audience. Theatre has the ability to make us smile, to make us cry, but should also make us think and reflect”. Dame Judi Dench – excerpt from her World Theatre Day message. (I admit it! I am a huge ‘FAN” of Dame Judi Dench).
On the occasion of World Theatre Day 2010 I am honored and extremely excited to help launch Mexico as a first-time participant in this magnificent “world event”.
Mexico, ah…there are so many Mexico’s. The richness of Mexico and her culture, is her people. Mexican culture is also very complex.
There is a long and bold history of theatre is this country that spans two centuries.  And, in this Bi-Centennial year, Mexico is celebrating its culture and its theatre all over this country in cities, towns, “pueblitos”, “plazas”, churches and “Casas de la Cultura” with great pride, dignity and above all, honor.
Great writers such as Octavio Paz, Carlos Fuentes; directors and innovators such as Luis de Tavira, (who created Casa del Teatro, a training ground for Mexican “creativity” by nurturing young writers, actors, directors, technicians, designers and teachers and inspiring the next generation); these “Mexican giants” all deserve a hearty round of applause.
My first “live theatre” experience in Mexico City was attending the play “Encuentros”, (Encounters), written, directed and acted by Guillermo Iván, Erik Heyser and Ragnar Conde and presented at the Casa Azul in Colonia Condesa. Casa Azul is a theatre centre, made up of many rooms, (it was at one time a Spanish conquest era “dignified Hacienda”). In one of those rooms, (9 feet by 12 feet – at the most), sitting in a circle on plastic chairs, 25 audience members anxiously waited for what was coming next; imagine, sitting in a room with only one door and one light bulb hanging from the high ceiling. BANG! The one door slammed shut.

What came in the next 90 minutes was gripping, gutsy, gritty and at times a ghastly encounter with three characters that had been kidnapped, (not knowing each other). It was raw and powerful emotion – that seared everyone in that 9 by 12 foot room.
And what could possibly be next? At the end of the “encounter”, a video tape rolled, recapping the events of the play and the audience was “compelled” to decide the fate of just one of the “kidnapped”.
My heart almost stopped, and, when the light bulb came on for the “Bows” I thought to myself, quietly, “Art imitating Life” or “Life imitating Art”? After all, this powerful, contemporary, in your face theatre piece, spoke volumes about the everyday life in this city.
From this theatre experience Ragnar, Guillermo, Erik and I have become fast and forever friends. I help them in any way I can to promote their work in theatre; they are visionaries, and they carry the “torch” for theatre in Mexico with immense honor, dignity, pride and humility. They are also “fearless” in their collective quest to inform. I love you guys, “un abrazo muy fuerte!”
In my current adopted home of Querétaro, Mexico I met another young, creative, ambitious and innovative Mexican theatre man: Alonso Barrera. Alonso Barrera is a writer, an actor, a director, a businessman; (he created La Fabrica, a theatre space in Querétaro), to further his passion of and for theatre.
When I first met Alonso he was writing, (with the Grade 11 Drama Club of the John F. Kennedy American School of Querétaro), a theatre piece in English. The acting, design, writing and “entrepreneurship” (securing sponsorship for the production), of these young people was remarkable. What an experience for these adolescent students, their families and the community of Jurica. I too applauded them one and all.
I asked Alonso if he and La Fabrica might participate in World Theatre Day 2010 and in true Mexican fashion, he said YES. (“No”, does not work in the vocabulary here). To this end he has secured the 50th performance of the play “La Estacion” performed by “Barón rampante” on WTD, March 27, 2010 in Querétaro, Mexico.

What is even more outstanding is that there will be no tickets sold; the audience will be asked to make a donation, of whatever they can afford, at the show. This is dedication and shows entrepreneurship on the part of La Fabrica and “Barón rampante”.
It is with great pleasure that I shall show my support by attending, (and taking a group of friends with me), to this historic, first entrance of Mexico onto the world theatre stage in celebration of World Theatre Day, 2010.
To Alonso, “Barón rampante” , La Fabrica, I thank you for your dedication, passion and I honor you for sharing your theatre with us!
Many, many, years ago I was invited to Jordan to “produce an event”, and I share an inside “glance” of one of my conversations: “If you can transport me from my everyday life, for three hours, I shall be eternally grateful to you”….Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan on the occasion of an audience with her planning for AIDA at the football stadium in Amman, Jordan to benefit her causes for women and children in Jordan. (SCW: alas this did not come to pass, the “Intifada” created another kind of theatre). Her Majesty’s words are forever burned onto my soul.
In closing, I say to all people, everywhere, “Run, don’t walk”, beg, borrow, barter, do whatever you need to do; please support theatre in your community, especially on March 27, 2010.
BUT, please do not stop there, continue to put your bottom and your friends’ bottoms in seats in theatres; by doing this you will support art, be informed and most of all “you will be transported, I guarantee!”
Susan C. Weiss
Producer, writer, entrepreneur; (passionate for theatre, wherever I am – right now in Querétaro, Mexico)
PS – and a very important one! A very special thank you to Rebecca Coleman of Vancouver, Canada, (herself), a theatre producer, marketer and publicist extraordinaire for introducing me to WTD; “una abrazo fuerte” Rebecca, from all of us participating in WTD 2010 in Mexico.
I also celebrate WTD 2010 with you in Vancouver, (in spirit), from Mexico. “VIVA EL DIA MUNDIAL DEL TEATRO! VIVA!”

Thanks, Susan. I look forward to your photos and video.

–Rebecca

2010 will mark the seventh year that The Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance has organized local World Theatre Day celebrations. While World Theatre Day was established by the International Theatre Institute on March 27th, 1961, many theatre artists are still unfamiliar with this one day a year when we commemorate Theatre.

This year’s WTD celebrations will take place primarily during the final week of March, and include free and discounted theatre performances, open rehearsals, play readings, backstage tours, and talkbacks. Also, expect the unexpected in the form of theatre flashmobs popping up all over.

This year also includes the ever-popular Art by Actors, where well-known theatre personalities try their hands at visual art for a change. Their paintings will be on display at The Stanley Industrial Alliance Theatre and viewable online on the Arts Club website from March 11–April 17.

On March 21, at the Central Branch of the library, Vancouver’s beloved stage and screen actor Jackson Davies (The Producers, The Foursome, The Beachcombers) will be hosting a series of intimate, no-holds barred discussions with people who shape theatre in this city. The panel includes Pat Smith (Playhouse Costume Mistress), Colleen Wheeler (Bard on the Beach), Amiel Gladstone (writer and Artistic Director), Sasa Brown (Jessie-winning actor) and many more.

On March 28, come to the World Theatre Day Wrap Party at the WISE Hall. Mix and mingle with other theatre lovers and artists as we party it up, World Theatre Day style! Program includes reading the International WTD message, encore performances and videos of our flash mob events, and video conferencing with other WTD parties world-wide. Admission is by donation.

In addition, this year’s World Theatre Day message, written by Dame Judi Dench, will be read prior to curtain on stages all over Vancouver and the World on March 27.

For a full schedule of local events go to: http://www.gvpta.ca/world-theatre-day.

I just got this email from Danielle Mari Filas, the Artistic Director of the Rosebriar Shakespeare Company in Groveport, OH.

My company, along with Britt Kline of the Columbus Civic Theatre in Columbus OH is presenting Chickspeare! as part of both World Theatre Day and as part of SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Day on Saturday, March 27.  As both holidays fall on the same day, we are doing double duty– we’re presenting a series of traditionally male Shakespearean scenes performed by local female actors in order to both celebrate World Theatre Day and to benefit women in the arts in honor of SWAN Day.  We’ll be performing at Columbus Civic Theater, 3837 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214-3755.

Rosebriar Shakespeare Company’s website is http://www.rosebriarshakespeare.org.  We are opening a show within the next week and a half, so our site is currently devoted to that.  Once the show is open, though, we will update the site with WTD/SWAN information.
http://www,facebook.com/RosebriarShakespeare
http://www.twitter.com/RosebriarShakes

Columbus Civic Theatre
http://www.columbuscivic.org/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=24693873019&ref=ts

Thanks, Danielle!

This coming Friday, March 27, theatre artists the world over will spend part of their day acknowledging and honouring the larger community of the art form they share in. Designated “World Theatre Day” by the International Theatre Institute, this a marvelous opportunity for us to celebrate together an art form and a way of life that binds us, regardless of borders, language or political differences. It’s a day of communion.

A small group of us theatre types from several points around the planet got to talking about this day on twitter a while back (twitter’s handy for pan-continental conversation) and decided it was a worthy enough idea to give it some broader exposure. So being fairly Web 2.0-minded, we set up a blog to raise some awareness and to act as a virtual gathering spot for our fellow theatre artists to meet ‘n greet. Our mission, in a nutshell, was this:

1. Do something that expresses your love of theatre.

2. Share it with the world.

Well, I’m proud to say the idea has proven to have legs. I’d even go so far as to say it’s taken flight. We’ve been getting letters telling us about WTD events that we’ve had to run through google translator to be able to read. Here, check the WTD map. My favourite response on the blog so far told us that: وب لاگ نوجوانان linked here saying, “1 فروردين: روز جهاني رفع تبع …” It’s wonderful, and wonderfully inspiring.

The key to the project is its simplicity. We’re fascilitating that part of us that loves to be a part of a community bound by passion. We would love you to join us if you feel so inclined.

Here’s what I’m doing on Friday. Two members of my theatre company just so happen to be involved in a play that’s running that night. One of them wrote it, the other is in it. (It’s Bill Marchant’s Ashes at the Firehall, click here for all the info, and a word from Bill.) So we’re taking the night off from creating, and we’re taking a field trip…dinner together, drinks, then we’re going to sit in the dark and watch some enlightening art. The director of the play is reading Augusto Boal’s WTD message just before curtain, which I’m going to video tape and upload to the site for all to see. After the play we’re all going to trip down to the Vancouver WTD after-party and raise a glass to our fellow artists around the world, and drop some good wishes onto the site as well. I hope to see you there, live in person or on the blog.

What are you guys doing? Share in the comments, or better yet, upload some video, photos or text to the media feed like this…

Simon Ogden | The Next Stage Theatrezine

From Deb Pickman, publicist at the University of British Columbia’s Theatre program:

We’re offering $5 rush seats on World Theatre Day for Christopher Durang and Albert Innaurato’s wild comedy The Idiots Karamazov – and of course we’re reading the WTD message before the show!

www.theatre.ubc.ca
http://blogs.arts.ubc.ca/wordpressmu/theatre/

Twitter: @TheatreUBC

With just over a week before the celebrations begin, you may be wanting to get the word out on WTD09 to your city or local theatre community. With that in mind we’ve prepared a downloadable getting started kit for your use.

You’ll find a comprehensive background to the day itself, some ideas for celebrating, a copy of the WTD address – this year written by Augusto Boal – and a template document which you can use to insert your contact details and company’s plans for WTD09. Fill in the template and send it on its merry way.

This is the first time that the networking power of the web has been used to generate interest and engagement in World Theatre Day.  Please join us on March 27th wherever you are in the wide world.

Here are some highlights from Vancouver:

Free and discounted performances of: The Real Thing, Homechild, Bashir Lazhar, Écran de Fumée, Tony ‘N Tina’s Wedding, Toronto, Mississippi, A Time to Dance, This is CANCER?, Final Draught Script Reading Series, Theatre Sports, Stone Soup, The Idiots Karamazov, Mesa, and Where the River Meets the Sea.

Open Rehearsals for Tony ‘n’ Tina’s Wedding, and Life Savers.

Art By Actors
Well known theatre personalities try their hands at visual art for a change!
On display in the lobby of the Stanley Theatre until April 12. Participating local
theatre artists include: Tanja Dixon-Warren, Nicola Cavendish, Pam Johnson,
Sara-Jeanne Hosie, David Adams and many more. You can
even take an original work of art home! Available to the highest bidder.
View art and bid online at www.artsclub.com. Info: 604.608.6799.
Info: 604.684.2787 or www.pitheatre.com, www.ticketstonight.ca

SceneFirst: Three Plays in Three Days!
Gateway Theatre announces its fifth annual SceneFirst play development series.
Out of 70 plays from across Canada, three have been selected by both emerging
and established playwrights. Come and see the plays of the future today.
March 18 and 19, 8:00 p.m. and March 20, 2:00 p.m. at
Gateway Theatre,Studio B. Tickets Pay-What-You-Can (suggested $5).
Info: 604.270.1812,www.gatewaytheatre.com,
artisticassociate@gatewaytheatre.com.

Backstage with Bernard
2:00, 3:00 & 4:00 p.m. at the Alice McKay Room, Vancouver Public Library,
Central Branch. Join the Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance and
the Vancouver Public Library as we celebrate World Theatre Day. Vancouver’s
beloved actor Bernard Cuffling hosts a series of intimate, no-holds barred
discussions with people who shape theatre in this city. Guest panelists include
Artistic Directors Max Reimer, Christopher Gaze and Wayne Specht, actors
Anna Cummer, Karin Konoval and many more. Join us for one or all three of
these fascinating discussions. Find out what REALLY goes on backstage!
While there, check out the GVPTA’s costume and set model displays on the
library’s main and 3rd floors. Info: 604.608.6799, or info@gvpta.ca.

Performing Arts Lodge presents the first session of The CONVERSATION Series
featuring inspirational interactive discussions on various elements of theatre
production led by distinguished veterans of the community. Eminent actors Joy
Coghill and William Samples will will host a session on “Creating a Role.”
6:00-8:00 pm. at the PAL Theatre, (581 Cardero St.). Tickets are free of charge but
reservations are advised. Info: camillaross@shaw.ca.

Hoarse Raven Theatre hosts a World Theatre Day Club at The Other Space.
Open to artists, audience and crew alike. Come have a drink and unwind after
your World Theatre Day activities. 9:30 p.m.–midnight. Info: 604.665.2373.

Playhouse Theatre Company Production Centre
Come behind-the-scenes of Western Canada’s biggest theatrical production
facility to see how our talented artisans create the magic you see on stage and
meet our Artistic Managing Director, Max Reimer.
6:00-7:00 p.m., at the Playhouse Production Centre (127 E. 2nd Ave).
Info 604.629.2096, or mnorrad@vancouverplayhouse.com.

MARCH 29…………………PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN
My First Time – The Tour
Cast members from Mum’s the Word, Tony ‘n Tina’s Wedding,
Vancouver TheatreSports League, The Number 14, and Shameless
Hussies perform scenes or tell anecdotes of their first or most
memorable touring experiences. This annual celebratory benefit has
developed a following and is a great way to share many fascinating
theatre stories from onstage and behind the scenes. Also appearing:
Musical Theatre students from Capilano College. Hosts: Bob
Robertson & Linda Cullen of Double Exposure. Preceded by a
reading of the International 2009 World Theatre Day Message, and
followed by a Reception and Silent Auction to benefit the GVPTA.
Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, suggested donation $15.
8:00 p.m. at Performance Works, Granville Island.
Info: 604.608.6799, info@gvpta.ca.

For a full listing of all of Vancouver’s World Theatre Day events, click here.

On March 27, join us at The Other Space (formerly the Queen Elizabeth restaraunt, home of Hoarse Raven and Tony ‘n’ Tina’s Wedding) from 10:30 pm on for the WTD After Party! We will have the blog up so you can see how other theatre artists are celebrating, and we will share our party with them!

And stay tuned to the blog for updates and coverage from Vancouver by the WTD team: Lois Dawson, Simon Ogden, Trilby Jeeves and Rebecca Coleman.

Hi everyone – Jess in Chicago here!  Chicagoist recently interviewed me about our town’s plans for World Theatre Day 2009.  You can see the article on their site – and I’ve cross-posted the text below:

The Theatre Communications Group, based out of New York,  whose mission is to  strengthen, nurture and promote the professional not-for-profit American theatre, yesterday published an interactive map of World Theatre Day. Along with the map, they offer suggestions on how to celebrate World Theatre Day on March 27 this year.

Check out the map and suggestions here. Then dream up something fun to do in your community this March 27, and send that information to TCG. You, too, can have your own little point on the map.

Come join the world in celebrating theatre!

–RC