This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby brings you a fourth and final Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode: Ronit Rubenstein , creator and performer of Things My Dad Kept SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/things-my-dad-kept Alice Lundy , director and producer of The Adding Machine SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: http...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 419
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby welcomes Rachel Kennedy and Laura Paduch , the co-leads of the Toronto Fringe Festival . With the 2024 edition just days away, Rachel and Laura share insights into what makes this year’s festival unique, including the exciting new partnership with Soulpepper Theatre, the return of beloved venues, and the community-building magic that Fringe fosters year after year. They also reflect on their personal journeys with Fringe, the evolution of self-produci...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 418
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby brings you a third Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode: Laura Piccinin , co-creator and producer of the new musical Apothecary SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/apothecary From Regarding Antigone, Dramaturg esi calendar and Assistant Director, Sarah Larmony SHOW INFO ...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 417
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby welcomes Ben Yoganathan , a Toronto-based actor, writer, and director whose latest work, Zeitgeist , will premiere at the 2024 Toronto Fringe Festival. In a lively and wide-ranging conversation, Ben shares the inspiration behind Zeitgeist , his theatre journey from Guelph to Toronto, his experience with unconventional venues, and his recent creation residency in Zurich. This episode dives into the highs and lows of making independent theatre and what ...
Jun 24, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 416
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby brings you another special Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode: Emma Golden the writer and producer of the true Halifax story, Potato Potato SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/potato-potato Laura Anne Harris the writer and performer of the raw, tender, and quietly radi...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 415
This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby assembles a who's who of Toronto theatre podcasters, to talk about Toronto Fringe, shows you should see, the Next Stage Festival, ticket prices and much more! This episode features podcasters: Alison Mullings from Creative Full Time Janine Marley from A View From the Box Alexandra Lean from Being Dramatic Ryan Borochovitz from Cup of Hemlock Theatre Podcast . This episode was live streamed on youtube on July 17, 7:30pm. Support Stageworthy If you value...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 414
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby brings you a special Toronto Fringe Extra episode, featuring interviews with 4 Toronto Fringe Artists, in advance of the Toronto Fringe Festival, running July 2-13 at various locations around Toronto. In this episode: Dawna Wightman, playwright and performer in HOODY, an edgy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood for people who have kept their child soul. SHOW INFO AND TICKETS: https://fringetoronto.com/fringe/show/hoody Adam Bailey, creator and perform...
Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 413
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby presents a solo episode. With the Toronto Fringe Festival on the horizon and multiple episodes currently in production, Phil takes a moment to reflect on the state of Canadian theatre, the importance of building audiences, and the challenges facing the industry today. In a passionate and thought-provoking monologue, he explores the need for better marketing in theatre, the limitations of current outreach strategies, and the urgency of cultivating a th...
Jun 10, 2025•24 min•Ep. 412
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby welcomes back actor, singer, playwright, and producer Rebecca Perry , marking a full-circle moment as Rebecca was Phil’s very first podcast guest nearly eight years ago. Rebecca shares the journey of her acclaimed solo show Confessions of a Redheaded Coffee Shop Girl , which debuted at the Toronto Fringe ten years ago and has since toured internationally, including a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Rebecca discusses the evolution of the show ove...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 411
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby welcomes Javier Vilalta , a Mexican-Canadian interdisciplinary artist, stage director, movement coordinator, translator, and co-founder of 8ROJO Theatre. Based in Calgary, Javier shares his journey through performance, directing, and devising unique and often non-verbal theatre experiences. He reflects on his early challenges as an immigrant artist, the evolution of his creative voice, and his mission to help shape Calgary’s cultural identity. This ep...
May 27, 2025•51 min•Ep. 410
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby welcomes Nicole Obidiaka , a passionate playwright, arts advocate, and business professional based in St. John's, Newfoundland. Nicole shares her journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to Newfoundland, her work as a playwright amplifying Black voices, and her mission to make theatre more inclusive. She also discusses her play Blank Page , her upcoming work Beauty Behind the Norms , and her advocacy for mentorship and community building in the arts. This episode...
May 20, 2025•51 min•Ep. 409
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby welcomes Ethan Persyko , a multi-talented actor, playwright, and theatre creator. Ethan shares their journey in the theatre world, their creative process, and the inspiration behind their latest projects. They also discuss their experience working across different genres and the importance of storytelling that reflects diverse perspectives. This episode explores: Ethan’s journey into theatre and their early inspirations. Their approach to playwriting ...
May 13, 2025•56 min•Ep. 408
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby welcomes Amanda Lin and Julia Dickson , the co-leadership team behind the Paprika Theatre Festival , now celebrating its 24th season. Amanda and Julia share the story of Paprika’s evolution, recent strategic programming changes to prioritize artist and staff well-being, and the organization's commitment to supporting emerging artists. They dive into how the Paprika Festival fosters professional development, provides paid opportunities, and creates spa...
May 06, 2025•57 min•Ep. 407
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby speaks with Newfoundland-based actor, writer, director, producer, and self-described instigator Ruth Lawrence . Ruth reflects on a career deeply rooted in community, mentorship, and creative activism. In this rich and thoughtful conversation, she discusses her early theatre influences, why she returned to Newfoundland after studying in Ontario, her passion for mentorship, and how theatre can be a catalyst for social change. This episode explores: Why ...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 406
In this episode of Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby speaks with Toronto-based performer, voice educator, and multidisciplinary artist Tahirih Vejdani . Born in Saint John, NB, and raised in Regina, Tahirih shares the inspiring and non-traditional journey that led her from classical music training in the Prairies to becoming a sought-after artist and educator in Canada’s theatre scene. They discuss her early connection to choirs, her work as a singer and actor at Stratford Festival, and the foundi...
Apr 22, 2025•56 min•Ep. 405
In this episode of Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby speaks with Cole Hayley , a theatre artist known for his innovative work and dedication to the Canadian theatre scene. Cole shares insights into his creative journey, the challenges and triumphs of working in theatre, and his latest projects. This episode explores: Cole’s path into theatre and his artistic influences. The challenges of creating and sustaining theatre work in Canada. Insights into his latest projects and what excites him most. Th...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 404
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby speaks with actor, director, and casting professional Mariel Kathryn Hunter . Based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Mariel has worked extensively in theatre, film, and television, both as a performer and behind the scenes. Mariel shares her journey from Saint John to Vancouver and back, discussing how an unexpected dream pushed her to pursue acting. She also talks about her work in casting, her approach to directing, and why storytelling is essential in...
Apr 08, 2025•56 min•Ep. 403
This week on Stageworthy , host Phil Rickaby sits down with actor, writer, and theatre creator Scott Garland . A fixture in Toronto’s theatre community, Scott is passionate about playwriting, dramaturgy, and fostering creative spaces. He was one of the curators of Sing for Your Supper , a monthly play reading series that gave playwrights a chance to hear their work performed. Scott is also a founding member of Silent Protagonist , a puppet theatre company that gained attention with Frankensteine...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 402
Stageworthy is back! After a year-long hiatus, host Phil Rickaby returns to celebrate and amplify Canadian theatre. In this first episode of the relaunch, Phil sits down with playwright, journalist, and Globe and Mail staff writer Graham Isador . Graham discusses his latest play, Truck , a powerful exploration of automation, AI, and the future of labour, opening at Factory Studio Theatre in Toronto on March 26-30, 2025 . He also shares insights on his career in journalism, his experience with vi...
Mar 25, 2025•59 min•Ep. 401
In this final episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby talks with theatre and opera director, playwright and educator, Peter Hinton-Davis. In addition to his work work as a director, playwright, and educator, from 2005-2012, he took over as the artistic director of English theatre at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, shaping how Canada conceptualizes its national theatre. He is currently directing Coal Mine Theatre’s Dion, running until March 3 at Toronto’s Coal Mine Theatre. Stay tuned to the end...
Feb 13, 2024•55 min•Ep. 400
In this episode, Shifting Ground Collective founding members, Joshua Kilimnick, Shannon Murtagh, and Colette Richardson join me to unpack the story behind their latest production, "Merrily We Roll Along." Their journey reflects not just the highs and lows of the creative process, but also the resilience and enthusiasm needed to bring a classic Stephen Sondheim musical to Canadian audiences, all while nurturing new talents and weathering the storms of the pandemic. They also discuss the reality o...
Feb 06, 2024•55 min•Ep. 399
Steven Mayoff (he/him) was born in Montreal, lived in Toronto for 17 years and moved to Prince Edward Island in 2001. His fiction and poetry have appeared in literary journals across Canada, the U. S. and abroad. His books include the story collection Fatted Calf Blues (Turnstone Press, 2009), the novel Our Lady of Steerage (Bunim & Bannigan, 2015), the poetry chapbook Leonard’s Flat (Grey Borders Books, 2018) and the poetry collection Swinging Between Water and Stone (Guernica Editions, 201...
Jan 30, 2024•58 min•Ep. 398
This week, as we count down the final episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby talks with the passionate Emilio Vieira, who takes on the role of Palamon in Shakespeare BASH'd unique production of "Two Noble Kinsmen." Together, we explore the thrills and challenges of performing one of the Bard's less frequently staged plays. Emilio reveals the intricacies of making Shakespeare's language resonate with contemporary audiences and discusses the emotional highs and lows his character endures in thi...
Jan 23, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 397
In this episode, Phil Rickaby talks with the outstanding Deborah Drakeford and unpacking the Canadian premiere of Joanna Murray-Smith's "Rockabye." From the first costume fitting that sets the stage for character metamorphosis to the electric anticipation of performing an original rock anthem, this episode is a tribute to the craft. The camaraderie within the Actors Repertory Company, nurtured by director Rob Kempson is palpable as Deborah recounts the collective effort in breathing life into "R...
Jan 16, 2024•56 min•Ep. 396
To kick off 2024, Stageworthy host Phil Rickaby convenes a round table discussion of Fringe Festival performers. The months of November and December are when a lot of the festivals on the Canadian Fringe circuit hold their lotteries, and so a lot of performers are planning out their summer touring schedules. In this round table discussion, Phil is joined by Keith Brown, Jess Gorman, Tim Murphy, Sarah Ivanco, Kendall Savage, Georgia Findlay, and Evan Bawtinheimer. These performers share the shows...
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 395
What does it take to script an audio drama that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats? What goes into creating compelling characters and casting the perfect voice actors? Join us as we unravel these fascinating aspects of audio drama with our guests Kevin Shea and Jill Harper, creators of the successful project, Feedback. They share with us not just their creative process and the challenges they face, but also their dislikes and likes about traditional radio dramas. Have you ever wondere...
Dec 19, 2023•53 min•Ep. 394
In this episode, host Phil Rickaby, talks with Sex T-Rex member, Lowen Morrow. Together, we explore everything from the dynamic theatre scene in Canada to the origins of D&D live shows, the joys and challenges of self-promotion in the entertainment industry, and much more. Lowen gives us insight into Sex T-Rex's hit show Swordplay, discussing its physical comedy and evolution over time. Later, we explore the origins of D&D live. Also in the discussion we explore the evolving role of gend...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 393
Get ready for a holiday treat! This week, host Phil Rickaby chats with Katie Kerr and Matthew Stodolak, as they share the behind-the-scenes details of their new holiday musical, "Chris, Mrs.", a delightful fusion of elements from The Santa Clause and The Sound of Music. We also discuss their unique musical backgrounds and how their differences complement each other perfectly in creating a heartwarming musical experience. Venture with us as we examine the journey of creating a new Christmas music...
Dec 05, 2023•53 min•Ep. 392
Join host Phil Rickaby as he talks with the playwright of Sweeter, Alicia Richardson and Assistant Director Amaka Umeh who enlighten us on the creative process behind the play. Set in 1887 Florida, this magical and surreal tale of a talking mango tree and a 7-year-old black girl tackles themes of black womanhood and growing up black. The origins of Sweeter trace back to an ambitious exercise where Alicia penned seven plays in seven days, with many forming the foundation for her other work, Artic...
Nov 28, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 391
From an early encounter with a circus camp as a child, Emily Hughes delved into the world of theatre and circus, fusing both worlds in her performances and creations. As an introverted artist with an electrifying presence on stage, Emily tells us about her upcoming solo performance, Goodbye Esther, a production that brilliantly captures complex emotions associated with mortality. We get close and personal, exploring the roots of this enchanting play and how Emily has navigated the exhilarating y...
Nov 21, 2023•59 min•Ep. 390
