Are you an aspiring playwright? Do you love performing but cannot easily commit to a rehearsal schedule? Do you want to meet some of the creative individuals that help make our city unique?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, the Barrie Theatre Lab could be the ideal evening event for you.
Started in 2017, Barrie’s Theatre by the Bay launched the Barrie Theatre Lab as a place for local artists to come together in a safe space to read and explore each other’s dramatic works in a welcoming environment.
"The Barrie Theatre Lab started as a pilot project to support local writers, but has grown into a pillar of the local cultural community. If you have ever been interested in writing, acting, or theatre in general, you should definitely join us," said Theatre by the Bay artistic director Iain Moggach, adding all are welcome.
On the first Monday of every month, Barrie Theatre Lab members gather and read works-in-progress aloud with time for constructive conversation on the journey to a completed script.
Over the past four years, more than 100 scripts have been work-shopped, and numerous works have gone on to be produced across Ontario.
The upcoming session is Monday, Nov. 1 from 6-9 p.m. in the Reading Garden at the Barrie Public Library's downtown branch. It is free to attend. Spots are limited and attendees must pre-register. Proof of vaccination will not be required. To register, click here.
For any questions or to learn more about Theatre By The Bay, visit their website by clicking here.
Dust off your dancing shoes
No need to head south for your live country music fix. Fionn MacCools in Barrie’s north end has you covered on that front and more.
On tribute bands and country music, "the lineup is endless and growing,” says booking co-ordinator Forrest Jones.
The atmosphere of any favorite establishment isn’t complete without the hum and buzz of live music, which turns any good night into a memorable one. With the utmost attention to the well being of its patrons in mind, Fionn MacCool’s has announced a line-up of live acts that are guaranteed to get you moving.
In November alone, Fionn MacCools will play host to pay tribute to iconic artists including Michael Buble, Johnny Cash, Elton John, Neil Young and Shania Twain with tributes to Garth Brooks and John Cougar Mellencamp among others slated for December.
Check out Fionn MacCool’s Facebook page to stay up to date with their live music lineup.
Arachnid anniversary
Barrie’s own independent cassette label, Tarantula Tapes, celebrates its one-year anniversary all day on Oct. 31 from 1-9 p.m. at the Queens Hotel in downtown Barrie.
Manufacturing and packaging everything by hand during a global pandemic, Casey Cuff and Core Bee of Tarantula Tapes have made a huge impact on the local music scene and are celebrating the label’s first year of operation with a full day of live music.
Featuring bands and artists from Barrie and around Ontario, celebrate the resiliency of local music from such acts as Scott Murray, Cursed Arrows, Lee Resistant, Like a Girl, Witch Island, Angry Spells, The Holdouts, Hysterics and The Speed Humps.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by clicking here.
Spare Room plays host to new exhibit
As part of the Spare Room’s Simcoe County Series, highlighting unique works by a variety of emerging artists, comes Relief and Risk.
This a joint exhibit between artists Michael Ciesielski and Tyler Durbano investigating gay culture through imaginative mediums.
Ciesielski creates large wood block relief works with subjects from pop culture such as Archie comics and Spider-Man, while Durbano’s photo collage and portraits are a creative interpretation of a historical hook-up spot at the Orillia Opera House.
“Both of these artists are approaching representation and queer culture in interesting and important ways. On top of that, their work is stunning. A definite must see," says Spare Room owner Katie Green.
Relief and Risk runs until Nov. 7 at the Spare Room, which is located at 12 Lakeshore Mews in downtown Barrie.
Admission is free and the gallery hours will be posted on the Spare Room’s Instagram page as well as their and website by clicking here.
