Summerworks

Alright, so I've been slacking with the blog posting thus far. But it's never too late to start. And with all the amazing theatre going on lately in the city, you can't blame a guy for being busy!

Although Fringe has come and gone, along with the ever-popular beer tent, there is still plenty of dramatic creativity to be consumed on a hot summer day in the city.

The lesser-known indie theatre festival known as Summerworks is in full swing as you read this humble post of mine. Think of Summerworks as Fringe for hipsters. Relying on a curated season of music and theatre produced mainly by theatre professionals, you're much less likely to run into a 'Fringe clunker' of a show. You are, however, likely to find some amazing, intense, breathtaking theatre that defies the boundaries of a traditional theatre season.

Personally, I haven't gotten the chance to get out and see anything yet, however here are a few shows that have sparked my attention so far:

You Should Have Stayed Home

The dramatized story of Tommy Taylor's arrest and detainment during the Toronto G20 summit.

Playing at the Theatre Centre

Hero and Leander

A musical adaptation of the Byzantine myth.

Playing at the Factory Mainspace

Shudder

Francis Bacon's paintings come to life in a movement-based piece.

Playing at the Lower Ossington Theatre

Take a peek at the Summerworks site and I'm sure you'll find something that tickles your fancy.

Happy viewing!

Ben.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Hi Everyone!

I am a first time blogger and am really excited to be part of a collective that my good friend has started through her eco-friendly greeting card business, New Pulp.

My name is Irene, I just graduated from Ryerson University in Fall 2010, and I am a costume technician. Back in February, I was offered a 2 day job as a dresser with The Capitol Theatre in Chatham, ON working on the musical CATS. I wasn't sure if I was going to take the job for the reason that I would be spending more money than I was going to receive. But having thought it through and talking to family and friends, I decided to take the job for experience only since I had no professtional jobs coming out of university. And boy I am glad I did!

While I was working on this gig, I started chatting with the CATS touring company's Wardrobe Supervisor, Gillian, and she mentioned that she had worked for Norwegian Cruise Line for 2 years. Now I had been doing research on cruise liners throughout my 2nd year of university hoping that I would someday work as a costume technician, however, heard that it was very difficult to get on one by yourself and especially in the entertainment department. So once Gillian mentioned Norwegian Cruise Line, my eyes lit up and I started asking questions. After asking the basics like what is ship life like and is the food good?, she saw the excitement in my facial expression, and offered me direct contact to the Wardrobe Manager of Norwegian Cruise Line (the person who puts people on the ships to work). Gillian gave me an AMAZING recommendation and I got an interview. One and a half hours later, I got my first contract with NCL!!!

So here I am! Ready to embark on three upcoming contracts; 2 - 2 week contracts and 1 - 6 month contract starting October 29th. I will be posting pictures, videos, and keeping you posted on what ship life is like, the good and the bad.

Coming up...
Taking a look back at my first contract on the Norwegian Star!

Co-Ed Roller Derby Game in Toronto!!!! July 23!

Hey New Pulp Followers!

I know I am supposed to share a little bit about me but I've been pretty busy lately. For those of you who don't know me, and that would be all of you, I am a rugby playing roller derby fanatic and a full time (theatre costumer) working girl.... you can call me eSkimo Jo and for now that's all you need to know.

So I will need to keep it short and sweet tonight, because I'm really on to spread the word about a roller derby event this Saturday! It will be the GTA Rollergirls' first ever co-ed scrimmage. Sure to live up to its name and the picture in the poster, Co-Ed Catastrophe will feature the graceful ladies of GTAR and the fumbling men of our league as well! There are also a few skaters from the 2 other roller derby leagues in Toronto (TORD and WEWRA). If you want to see spills, this is the game to watch. I've been spying on the boys of both teams and let's just say I've been practicing hopping so that they can't suicide dive and take me out!

Here are the deets:

Doors open at 6, game is at 7. Be early and watch the teams warm up, then you'll know which one you'll want to cheer on! Also you can snag the best seats or get your camp setup in the suicides (this is on the arena floor, so bring cushions/or camp chairs!)

$8 advance tickets are available in person at Red Tent Sisters and Way Cool Tattoos on Queen. To buy advance tickets online check out Brown Paper Tickets.

Tickets will be $10 at the door, so get em early and save! Kids under 12 get in for free.

We will be selling Mill St beer at the snack bar! So you can have a cold frosty while you watch these teams duke it out on the track.

Parking is FREE, but for those of you who want to ride the TTC to Ted Reeve Arena (175 Main St) just walk south from Main Street Subway Station. Or via the 506 Carlton Streetcar (get off at Gerrard and Main)!

Coming from further out of the GTA? You can take the GO train to Danforth Station! Walk south over the bridge!

Can't make it out to this bout? Check out the Chrome Mollys vs Peterborough Roller Derby August 12 at the same arena!

Want to give roller derby a try? Come out and talk to us after the games. Our next fresh meat intake is August 30th, we have spare gear to lend out and we'll help you get up to speed, no skating experience required!

For more information about the GTA Rollergirls, check out our website!