Live Out Loud Theatre

Leon Off To Kamloops - AGAIN!

2012-02-01T10:07:00.000-08:00

We are about to leave for the airport so Leon can head on back to Kamloops for a new show.

What show will he be doing? Read about it here...

As well, it looks like Live Out Loud Theatre might be putting on a show this summer. It will be, easily, the biggest venture that we, as a theatre company, have ever dared to produce ourselves. Terrifying and exciting.

I have a feeling you'll be hearing TONS more about that in the weeks & months to come:-)

As for me? I'm back doing Don & Debby in Regina at Applause Dinner Theatre (as well as many other non-theatre projects...). If you like cheap booze and belly laughs in a very non-family show *wink, wink* then make sure to book your tickets here...

Don And Debby Do Vegas

2012-01-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

If you wanna know what stage will find KJ in wild costumes, singing epic songs, with a hilarious cast of talent, then look no further:

Something for everyone to start off 2012

BY LISA GOUDY, LEADER-POST DECEMBER 30, 2011

Brad Grass who plays Don in the Applause Feast and Follies production Don and Debbie Do Vegas gets ready for the New Year's Eve show.

Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post, Leader-Post

The year is almost at a close and many events are happening in Regina to start off 2012.

Many clubs and restaurants around the city are hosting special events and New Year's Eve parties.

One of the many events taking place in the city is the latest show at Applause Dinner Theatre, Don and Debby Do Vegas, which opens on New Year's Eve.

"We believe it's going to be one of the greatest shows that ever hit the Applause stage," said Brenda Milligan-Davis, the director of operations for Applause Theatre. "The cast is extremely talented. The show's very witty."

The story follows two couples who wind up in Las Vegas competing for a contract to be the headliners at the Lucky Looney Casino. To impress the casino owner, the couples do impersonations of artists such as Frank Sinatra, Liza Minnelli, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga.

"If this show gets better than it was on dress rehearsal, it's going to be spectacular," said Milligan-Davis.

After the show, there will be a dance and at midnight, there will be free champagne for guests.

Earlier that day, children can enjoy an afternoon at Noon Year's Eve at the Saskatchewan Science Centre on Saturday from noon until 6 p.m.

"Kids get to celebrate the new year with their parents. They enjoy the counting down and getting to wear party hats and blow on noisemakers," said Collette Parks, communications manager with the science centre. "(Noon Year's Eve) all wraps up by suppertime so everybody can get home and have a nice meal at home and then if mom and dad want to go out later, they can."

The sixth annual event features family fun activities such as wall climbing, snowshoeing and showings of Born to Be Wild at the Kramer IMAX Theatre.

Parks said the grand finale in the past has been a balloon drop from the ceiling, but this year, the centre is doing something new.

"This year, we're going to do something with a bit more of a bang to it," said Parks. "Everyone should get a kick out of it."

On New Year's Day, Lt.-Gov. Gordon Barnhart and his wife Naomi will host the annual New Year's Day Levee at Government House from 1 to 4 p.m.

This year will be Barnhart's last levee as it marks the end of his term.

"That's a chance for people to say farewell to him and for him to say farewell to his guests," said Carolyn Speirs, communications manager for the office of the Lieutenant Governor. "They're an established tradition in the province."

Speirs said New Year's Day will mark the beginning of the Diamond Jubilee year for Queen Elizabeth II because it will be her 60th year on the throne. Official diamond jubilee lapel pins will be given out.

Two limited exhibits will also be featured - a display of Lt.-Gov. Archie McNab's loaned items and quilts from the Prairie Piecemaker Quilters Guild.

Free parking is available at Evraz Place at the Lewvan Drive entrance and a free shuttle service will be available.

Picture's From KJ's Day of Guest Teaching at U of R

2011-12-05T19:05:00.001-08:00

Leon (& KJ) In Kamloops For Joseph

2011-11-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Kamloops! Leon is in the throws of rehearsal with Western Canada Theatre for their upcoming production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I am here with him, working on various web projects, and enjoying the view from our hotel room window (above).

Will you be in the Kamloops area around Nov. 24th to Dec. 6th? It's a short run, but is guaranteed to be a true, musical theatre spectacle. And Leon plays Ruben, who is the most rural of the brothers, so it'll be like he is representing Saskatchewan in a small way:-)

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS & ADDITIONAL INFO

The Fallen Tour TV Interview

2011-10-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Click HERE to take a look at Kelly's interview with SCN TV regarding our Fallen Tour adventure:-)

Wanna Come See What We Taught The Kids This Week? It's Free!

2011-09-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

Acting For The Stage With KJ & Leon Gets Some Press!

2011-09-27T22:59:00.000-07:00

Click here to read the article they published yesterday in the Times Herald about our Acting For The Stage course...

The Fallen Tour Video Montage - Mortlach, SK

2011-09-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

The Fallen Tour Video Montage - Craik, SK

2011-09-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

The Fallen Tour Video Montage - Melfort, SK

2011-09-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

This past weekend took us to Melfort, where we were honoured to perform at the very adorable MAD House space. Even better, we got a chance to talk to Melfort's "coffee row" who made us chuckle with their stories of Melfort past and present. My favourite line of the night was the self-titled name they gave themselves:

The Liars Club from the University of A&W with degrees in BS:-) Thanks, Melfort. You were a blast!

The Fallen Tour Video Montage - Melfort, SK from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Next stop, CRAIK, SK for a dinner theatre on Sept. 18th! Add poetry in with theatre and FOOD and how can you resist?

The Fallen Tour - Video Montage - Eastend, SK

2011-09-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

Our first weekend was a success! Fallen went over well, and, of course, everyone loved our rap-style poem/improv about the history of Scotty The T-Rex. This montage was played on the big screen for the audience in between Act 1 and Act 2. A new montage will be created for each town we go to...

The Fallen Tour Video Montage - Eastend, SK from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Next weekend - MELFORT!

Check Out Leon's New Site!

2011-08-09T01:04:00.000-07:00

If you've ever been curious what contract Leon is currently in, which ones he has coming up, or want to get your hands on his headshot/resume/professional photos/etc. check out Leon's new website:

www.leonwilley.com

Acting For The Stage With KJ & Leon

2011-08-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

Join KJ & Leon in beautiful Moose Jaw, SK this fall for a short, intense, fun-packed drama course that will teach you the basics of Acting For The Stage. Spaced over two weekends, with a couple of weekday evenings, this course is perfect for any level of budding thespian. Just beginning? Great! We will talk about presence, projection, blocking & motivation. A little more advanced? Awesome. We'll also be looking at basic scene study, script analysis & the emotional life beneath the words (we like to call that subtext:-)

Focusing more on the skills & less on the product, there will be a 'showcase' on the last day of class, where we invite family and friends of the actors to come and watch a demonstration of all the goodness that the students soaked up in the previous week.

Don't miss out on giving your child the chance to work with theatre professionals who are currently working in the industry, and have a wealth of experience teaching all sorts of ages of theatre enthusiasts. KJ & Leon are high energy & tons of fun, but will also be asking for focus and hard work from their students - so this course is best for someone who is really hungry to learn how to shine in the spotlight!

Some of the Details:

Ages: 9-14

Dates: Sept. 24&25, 27, 29, Oct. 1&2

Times: 10-5 on weekends & 7-9 on weekdays

Location: Drama Room at Riverview Collegiate
Map Of Location: http://is.gd/9t3XV9

Showcase: 4pm on Sunday, Oct. 2nd in the Riverview Drama Room

Showcase Admission: Pay-What-You-Can Donation At The Door (proceeds to go to the hope of a 2nd course in the near future!)

Fee: $90

What The Fee Includes: 32 hours of instruction, a class t-shirt & free lunch on Oct. 2nd

Registration: Email us or call us & we'll tell you how!
Want More Details? Call Leon @ 684-4300 or email leonwilley@gmail.com

Some Other Things To Note:

If you can not afford the fee, but have a child who you feel would ABSOLUTELY love to be part of this course, please contact the City Of Moose Jaw & find out about the scholarship application.

If your child is slightly younger than 9 or slightly older than 14, but you feel that you would like us to still consider them in the course, please call Leon @ 684-4300 to discuss.

On the weekends, please make sure to bring your own bagged lunch & a water bottle. On the final Sunday, Oct. 2nd, KJ & Leon will provide a free pizza lunch for the whole gang to enjoy.

Please note that the $90 fee is greatly subsidized by the generous support of The Great Plains School Of The Arts, The City Of Moose Jaw & other sponsors tba.

U of R Students Rock The Shim Sham!

2011-07-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Remember that fantastic day of teaching I did recently, where I spent the day with a group of grad students, facilitating a day that concentrated on the use of Dance/Movement in Elementary Education?

Well, we closed our day together doing the Shim Sham, and added Regina to the global Shim Sham map:-) These women had a very short, very fast lesson, and they do so well! Take a peek:

The Fallen Tour - Show #1 - Eastend, SK

2011-07-22T21:08:00.000-07:00

Click the poster for more details or visit our Facebook Event at:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126520947437202

Leon Interviewed By The Star Phoenix

2011-07-06T21:45:00.001-07:00

Check out this interview with Leon by The Saskatoon Star Phoenix!

http://www.thestarphoenix.com/news/Shakespeare+Festival/5057029/story.html

Leon Opens Love's Labour's Lost & Winter's Tale THIS WEEK!

2011-07-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

This week is a huge week for Mr. Willey, as he opens both Love's Labour's Lost and A Winter's Tale this week at Shakespeare On The Saskatchewan. Leon spent his last full rehearsal day without an audience, doing tons of media interviews, so as press coverage unfolds, I will make sure to post it here:-)

Leon plays Berowne in LLL, as well as Antigonus and Autolycus in A Winter's Tale...giving him - without a doubt - the most material to shoulder of anyone on the team. And I've never seen him work harder. I've no doubt that he is going to be amazing & I can't wait to witness all his hard work, shining bright!

The shows run until the end of August. To book tickets visit:
http://www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com/schedule/

See Leon in CINDERELLA - December 27-31st at The Mae Wilson Theatre in Moose Jaw

2011-06-20T21:12:00.001-07:00

I was going to be part of this show, too, but one thing led to another...and, well, now it looks like Leon will just have to entertain the Little (and Big) People all on his own. Pantos are FUN...and I hope Moose Jaw embraces this show:-)

Even More Mickey And Maude Testimonials!

2011-06-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

What The Big People Had To Say:

"My class attended the Who Is Mrs. Wilson interactive tour just last Friday. They had a blast! I enjoyed watching their faces light up when they walked into the building to discover that they would be led by two talented clowns: Mickey and Maude. I believe that my students will take with them the many facts taught to them about The Mae Wilson Theatre. I also believe that each student felt like a star going through the steps for becoming a Vaudeville actor. Keep up the great work! I will be booking next year!"

-- Mrs. Gillett, Grade 4/5, Empire School

"Hi - I am one of the homeschool Moms who brought her children to your delightful tour show "Who is Mrs. Wilson?" My children were aged 12, 11 & 8, and we all THOROUGHLY enjoyed the show!!! It was highly entertaining and informative, and extremely well-done!! I know it was geared for the children, but I believe that I enjoyed it at least as much as they did!

Thank you VERY much for putting on such an excellent show, and helping us to teach our children about the theatre & drama is such an unforgettable way.

God bless you!"

-- Carol Ratzlaff

What The Small People Had To Say:

(click on the images if need to make them bigger!)

KJ No Longer Spending Her Summer In Estevan

2011-06-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

This was the letter I received four days ago:

June 5, 2011

To All Souris Valley Theatre Cast/Crew, Patrons, and Sponsors:

As you may already be aware, Estevan and region have had some major water issues this spring and the City of Estevan as well as the RM of Estevan has declared it a disaster and are seeking disaster relief for those affected. Unfortunately the theatre has been involved in that flooding. As of Monday, May 30th the theatre grounds had dried up considerably and we were looking into clean up and recovery to get our 2011 theatre season underway. On Wednesday, June 1st however water had to be released again and we were once again flooded out. Families are without homes, businesses, and livelihood this spring due to the devastation of the water and its damage.

Therefore, due to the severity of flooding at the theatre and in the RM, with heavy heart and for the first time in 22yrs the board of directors has had to make the decision that the Souris Valley Theatre Season for 2011 must be cancelled. In less than one week we went from cleaning up from flood damage to being completely flooded again with the threat that even should things dry up again we could still be flooded out at a moment’s notice anytime during the season.

We tried valiantly to find another location and living accommodations for all cast and crew but due to the flooding devastation and the economic climate in Estevan at this time nothing is available for venue or accommodation. We know that this is not only devastating to us but to everyone involved.

Please be advised that we are consulting with Legal counsel as per our responsibilities to all those involved with the 2011 Show and will be in touch with everyone following meeting with council on the 15th of June. Until that time, if anyone has incurred any costs which would require reimbursement they should submit it by email/mail prior to June 15th for review. Official receipts will be needed as well as mailing addresses for all cast/crew.

It is the boards hope that the damage done by the flooding and the damage to the theatre is not crippling to the theatre’s future. It is our sincere hope that everyone’s hard work and dedication to the two shows for 2011 can be put to completion and production for our 2012 season. We understand that this is crushing for all those involved for the 2011 season at Souris Valley Theatre however in the larger scheme of things the devastation to those living in the flood zone is much more than we can comprehend at this time.

We thank you for your continued support and loyalty to the theatre and hope that we can continue with great shows and fabulous cast and crew such as yourselves for 2012. We will be in touch should there be any further information we can provide and decisions made following the meeting with the legal representatives.

Please email and re-imbursement requests to the theatre and they will be taken to the board for review.

Once again, thank you for your dedication and support of the Souris Valley Theatre.

Sincerely,

Souris Valley Theatre Inc.
Board of Directors

When one door closes, another one opens?

Time to regroup...

Evidence That The Arts Aren't Valued Much, If At All

2011-06-05T16:58:00.000-07:00

A lack of compassion? : Prime time : SunNews Video Gallery

Remember: Mickey And Maude TOMORROW!

2011-06-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

Mickey & Maude will be performing third in a lineup of entertainment TOMORROW, Saturday, June 4th at the Shriner's Club Children's Festival. It is happening at the Western Development Museum. Hope the weather holds out and you can all join us.

The picture to the left was taken during rehearsal today... it is a little teaser to all the shananigans that will ensue...

Leon At The Saskatchewan Playwrights Festival May 24-26

2011-05-21T21:11:00.001-07:00

Where will we be this week?

Well, Leon will be engaged by the Saskatchewan Playwrights Festival in Saskatoon, SK. The new work he is cast in is called Dead Peasants by Leif Oleson-Cormack and will be directed by Pamela Haig Bartley. The public 'performance' is on May 26th. If you are in Saskatoon and would like to check it out, click HERE for more details.

While Leon is busy with this, I will be writing our Fairytale Theatre script for the Children's Festival that we will be performing at on June 4th. We are thinking that it might be fun to bring back Mickey and Maude for that show. I'd link to some more information on the event, but I can't find any online evidence that it exists! Egad, I will talk to some people and update this post if I can find out anything. What I know is that it is a day of fun and games for the kids on June 4th outside the Western Development Museum.

In addition to writing new scripts, and acting out new scripts, we are also busy learning our summer and fall scripts. I will blog soon with more information/links to our summer shows at Shakespeare On The Saskatchewan and Souris Valley Theatre. I'll also be updating the blog with information about the grant project that we will be doing in September in collaboration with poet/writer Kelly-Anne Riess. It's unfolding as a very busy and successful year for Live Out Loud Theatre. There are even potential Christmas contracts to tell everyone about once they are solidified.

Stay Tuned...

More Mickey And Maude Pictures & Testimonials

2011-05-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

"Andrew and I wanted to say a big thank you! You guys were hilarious, and my 8 yr old son could not stop mentioning how funny it was. Him and I laughed alot! It was a most enjoyable time and is a definite exposure to the performing arts. This may spark an interest!

GREAT JOB!!!
Jennifer & Andrew"

"Hey Mickey & Maude my name is Chris Lee and I'm 9 yrs old! I attended your program at the Mae Wilson thetre.These are my notes for you guys!!...

Mickey- I love how you can be really silly but to teach us history at the same time.......... Thats really cool!!

Maude- I like your silliness, and when your serious...it's awesome!! beacause thats what my sisters like..... But your better at it!!

From, Chris"

"Hi Mickey & Maude my name is Hannah Lee and I am 10 and I also attended your program at the Mae Wilson theatre!!!:)

Mickey- You rock!!! I love the way you taught us all about the Mae Wilson while having so much fun! I learned so much. I loved your song........"I DONT KNOW WHAT I BEEN TOLD THE MAE WILSON THEATRE IS REALLY OLD" Haha I loved it!! Thanks!!! Maude- I love your silly but serious humor like my brother said thats kinda like me, and you know how if Mickey didn't call the experts it was like "MMMMMIIIIIICCCCCKKKKKEEEEYYYYY" that was really fun but anyways I do that with my brother but its more winey cause he did something its "CHHHHRRRRIIIIISSSSS" so we are alot alike!!!!!:)

-Hannah:)

I REEEAAALLLYYY want you guys to do that again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Grade 4 Class Send Mickey And Maude Some Love

2011-04-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

In a response to my request for feedback and/or testimonials that we might be able to use for next year's Who Is Mrs. Wilson show, Leon and I received this amazing batch of letters from one of the classes that came to see us last week.

Here are a few examples of the brilliance...remember to click on the pictures to make them bigger...

What can I say? We have pretty great jobs:-) This 100% sold out/booked up tour show still has 9 more shows to do, closing next week on April 15th. What a joy...

Pictures From "Dance In Arts Education" U of R Lecture Sessions

2011-04-07T20:00:00.000-07:00

The lovely Karen Wallace just emailed me some pictures from the guest lecture sessions I did at U of R a few weeks ago. Not the kind of pictures you'd normally imagine coming out of a University lecture:-D

Another Summer Apart?

2011-03-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

Yup, it looks like it. And even though it is hard to not be around my wonderfully adorable husband, I think we're pretty blessed. Leon has been offered great roles in the 2011 season of Shakespeare On The Saskatchewan. He was hoping to go back to Saskatoon (it really is an awesome place to spend a summer), and it looks like he got his wish. But at the same time as he was receiving the offer to go back to Saskatoon, a great offer was put forth for BOTH of us to go and play at the Souris Valley Theatre Festival this summer in Estevan. I've done Souris Valley before - back in 2002 - and I had tremendous fun doing it. I love the aspect of camping and nature that the contract brings, and because the artistic team this year will be comprised of mostly Winnipeg talent, I imagined how great it could be to meet some new people from a new province.

Choices are difficult, but in the end, Shakespeare won out for Leon, and despite my intention of going with him to Saskatoon if he were to return, the Souris offer seemed too juicy to pass up. So, this summer I will be in Estevan and he will be in Saskatoon and that will just have to be okay.

Stay tuned!

KJ Teaches The Teachers

2011-03-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

This Friday, March 18th, 2011, I will be an honoured guest teacher for the Arts Education students at the University of Regina.

Through a few degrees of separation, a professor at the University tracked me down and called the other day to ask if I would come in a do a couple hours of class lecture and workshop with their students regarding using dance as a form of arts education. Immediately, I was catapulted into last year's meetings with the faculty at Mortlach's School, where I tried my best to give guidance to soon-to-be drama teachers about ... well... drama. I remember thinking afterwards that If I could ever have a chance to teach teachers, I would take it, for the sake of the arts, and for the sake of the students who would eventually be learning from these guides.

I also felt truly proud to be asked to teach at a university, when I, myself, have yet to graduate from university:-) Not that I don't have much wisdom and practical advice to pass on. Gosh, I don't know how I'll fit it all into one hour! In order to actually teach the teachers full time at a university, I'd need to go back to school for many a more year. This just seems so much simpler.

Hopefully I will have a great time and hope to cover topics like: dance as free movement to celebrate process, dance as structured choreography to teach teamwork and technique, dance as a chance to tell stories for those less inclined by words, music interpretation, body awareness and, a personal favourite, the role of teacher in modelling the concept that it doesn't matter what other people think, or if you look silly in front of people, living out loud is the way of the truly confident warrior:-)

What better message is there?

Wish me luck!

Nearly SOLD OUT!

2011-03-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I could be happier to tell the world that within 72 hours of distributing our email invites (I'm not even sure if the teachers have received the physical invites, yet) we are but a few slots away from having the entire Who Is Mrs. Wilson? 2011 tour show sold out. Or booked up, since there are no tickets and the event is free:-)

I have no idea why this year's response has been so much stronger than any other year -- Timing? Familiarity of the brand? Deliverance of marketing materials? Luck? But for whatever reason, Leon and I are going to be earning our keep this year...and we hope this will please the sponsors, Great West Life, so that they will continue to financially support this wonderful project.

Just wanted to brag a little. Now, back to rehearsals...

Who Is Mrs.Wilson? 2011

2011-02-25T08:29:00.000-08:00

We're BA--ACK! Scripts are being written (and re-written), props are being purchased, the new posters (a beautiful variation on the same posters we've used the last two years, thanks to Fire Monkey Design Studio) are being distributed on Monday (remember to click the pictures to make them larger) and, hopefully, bookings will be flooding in! Leon and I are pleased to have the opportunity to bring this fun-filled, theatrical tour back to Moose Jaw's Mae Wilson Theatre. So, if you have children in grades 3-6, let their teachers know that you hope they book a FREE tour with us this year. We'll make your kids laugh while teaching them a little about history and theatre...we promise:-)

Back In Canada & Solidifying 2011

2011-01-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

Long time, no talk!

Leon and I are now back in Canada, after enjoying our Epic Road Trip down south. Even though we have purchased a property on Vancouver Island, we ended up making the decision to stay in Saskatchewan for a few more years and pursue what feels like a plethora of opportunities.

That means that our full time job right now house hunting for a second property here in Saskatchewan. Our other full time job is to cast our net wide in terms of contracts and projects for 2011 and figure out what this year will look like for us and for Live Out Loud Theatre. There are so many possibilities that I won't even try to list them here...but I do promise to talk all about the ones that take hold, when the time comes:-)

For right now, tucked inside our two full time jobs, I am helping out at Applause Dinner Theatre in Regina, and the cast - many who are new faces to me - have been wonderful to work with. Here they are in their final Act 2 pose:-) The show is called The Miner And The Madame and will open on Feb. 11th. For more information you can visit www.applausetheatre.ca.

2011 is gonna be fun!

The Mortlach Montage

2010-09-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

How do you take twelve unbelievable months and smush them up into a 12 minute video? This town has crept inside my heart forever...and that same heart is a little broken to leave you now.

And because words just can not express, this video is my gift to you. Weep not for the memories...

The Mortlach Montage Video from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Facebook Event Page Invite For Our Farewell Party!!

2010-09-04T21:57:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all. Our Farewell Potluck Party will be on Sept. 12th from 5-7pm at the Mortlach Hall. It'll be our chance to say goodbye...

AND I've made a great video montage about the past year's events, starring ALL OF YOU GUYS! We'll be showing it at the potluck.

Plus, Leon and I have convinced Miss Stella Salido Porter to come and play piano for us so we can sing you a final few broadway tunes.

This AND food??!!! You can't miss it - please join us!

More details? Our facebook event page is here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=131499506896076&ref=ts

I'm Done!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-31T22:45:00.000-07:00

Totally.

Seriously.

Completely.

DONE.

My Artist In Residency Is Over.

I'd tell you how I feel but it hasn't sunk in yet. I'll blog about it when it really hits. Until then, I will invite you once again to join us at our Farewell Party Potluck on Sunday September 12th from 5-7pm at the Mortlach Hall. Leon and I will probably sing and there will be a presentation of the video montage I am in the process of tweaking as we speak. And the montage is good, if I do say so myself. The first time I watched my creation straight though, with Leon at my side, we both teared up big time.

Because, I mean, it was a HUGE year of my life.

For Fun -- the top six things I'll miss about Mortlach:

1. The intense peace and quiet I had that enabled me to make such a radical health shift
2. Walking everywhere in the middle of the road
3. Getting paid so well=D
4. The feeling that I was making a contribution to a cause that was greater than just stockpiling my resume
5. All the wonderful people that I will forever hold in my heart
6. The train going by - constantly

The things I won't miss?

1. Not having a bank machine or gas station in town
2. Some of the not-so-nice small town politics
3. The winter. Period.
4. Having to stalk people to convince them to show up at arts events
5. Feeling so TOTALLY odd and out of place...or maybe I WILL miss that...haven't decided=D
6. The lack of water pressure @ the Manse

A quote from my final report (finished tonight!) in regards to ways that the residency benefited me as an artist:

Most importantly, the chance to write more, to dream more, to direct more, to teach performing arts and to surround myself in the Saskatchewan theatre community, all reignited my passion for theatre, song and dance. In the professional world, it is easy to get caught up in the competitive business of it all, losing any memory of why one chose to do theatre in the first place. This was true for me, prior to this residency. But to move somewhere where the arts are often overlooked, and almost never a priority (even though they have such an obviously positive effect on EVERYBODY) was enough to get the loyalty fires burning once again on behalf of the performing arts. To "sell" Mortlachians on why theatre is so vital to the fabric of a prosperous community was to "sell" myself once again on the real reason I do theatre. Theatre takes a world afraid to 'make a scene' and inspires them to Live Out Loud. Remembering this was the greatest gift of all.

It's incredible to me that I have actually arrived at the end. I've thought about this moment so many times before and now it is here. Part of me is scared to go back out into the big, bold world. That is what happens when you live in a bubble, I guess. Part of me forgets who I was before this. Part of me knew I would have to lose this particular blessing to really understand how good I had it.

And now, unemployment.

At least for awhile.

We've made good money here, but now it's time to spend it. To go off and do risky, BIG things. That is the life I usually live and it's time to get back to my reality.

And what is my reality? What does my future hold?

---

---

I have absolutely no idea.

Destination Jungle!!!

2010-08-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

I helped out with a Library project this morning called Destination Jungle. We made crafts, read storybooks and ate snacks - all with a jungle theme. My favourite part was improvising scenes with our Spider Characters (truly a roll-on-the-floor-laughing activity). Meet our spider characters below (click on pic to make it bigger):

There was Harper's "Pinky":

And My "Lola":

Kerry's "Cutie Pie":

Reece's "Mr. Big Hat":

Kennedy's "Abbey":

Leslie's "Bobby":

And Brendan's "Dumb-Dumb":

It was a very fun morning and it made me realize just how much I will be leaving when I move in a couple of weeks...here's some more pictures!

The Last Time I'll Bug Ya!

2010-08-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that this Wednesday night at the Hall at 7pm, I will be co-running the last meeting of my Artist In Residency here in Mortlach. It will a General Meeting for the Mortlach Star Players & Heather Adams, MSP's appointed Artistic Director, will be discussing with all y'all what you want to do for a potential Christmas show!

This might be our last chance to hang and talk about theatre, so if you can make it, come on out. It'd be good to see you=D

Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp - Day 3

2010-08-07T07:33:00.001-07:00

Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp - Day 3 from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Vimeo.

Want even more specific info? Additional footage, pictures and behind the scenes access?

Visit the Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp blog as www.mortlachsummertheatrecamp.blogspot.com

Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp Presents: The Apple by Jimmy Brunelle

2010-08-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

JOIN US TONIGHT! 7pm @ The Hall & Admission: Pay What You Can! Come see the fruits of our labour=D

Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp - Day 2

2010-08-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp - Day 2 from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Want even more specific info? Additional footage, pictures and behind the scenes access?

Visit the Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp blog as www.mortlachsummertheatrecamp.blogspot.com

Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp - Day 1

2010-08-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Mortlach Theatre Camp - Day 1 from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Want even more specific info? Additional footage, pictures and behind the scenes access?

Visit the Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp blog as www.mortlachsummertheatrecamp.blogspot.com

Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp - The Night Before

2010-08-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Dan Willows - Improv Instructor:

Dana and Chelsey - Voice/Movement and Acting Fundamentals Instructors:

Dan Willows and Magthel Odendaal (Camp Director):

Female Staff getting a lay of the land (or of the piano):

Blowing Off Some Steam:

Camp Director and Artist In Residence have a night before cuddle:

Magthel locks up the night before, feeling confident that everything is ready for the morning:

Late night Night Before meeting with Dan, Chelsey, Dana, Magthel, Nick, Lisa and KJ. Staff slumber party to follow:

A quick video of the gang breaking themselves into Mortlach:

Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp - The Night Before from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Want even more specific info? Additional footage, pictures and behind the scenes access?

Visit the Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp blog as www.mortlachsummertheatrecamp.blogspot.com

Mossbank Kicks Butt At The Shim Sham!

2010-08-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Well, to say I had fun teaching Mossbank the SHIM SHAM would be an understatement! What a joy...so many people participated even though the Hall was SWELTERING hot=D By the end, I had lost a good quarter of my dancers from heat exhaustion, but those that stuck around were giving it their all! They were determined by the end of the night to get their own Theatre Artist In Residence...and asked if I'd be available.

Who knows...maybe Mossbank is in my future? LOL.

Watch the video of what the group was able to accomplish after little more than 30 minutes of instruction. So proud=D

Shim Sham Workshop - Mossbank, Saskatchewan from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Communities In Bloom Meeting MONDAY

2010-07-18T13:31:00.001-07:00

Click The Poster For To See The Details!

I think Mortlach is a great little village. Not only were they ambitious enough to have an Artist In Residence all to themselves, but all the other projects and happenings around this place are constantly impressing me. It truly is a Community In Bloom and I am happy to be on the team of Mortlachians who are vying to kick-butt in this year's Communities In Bloom competition happening on July 28th!. Come out to this Monday night's meeting and join in the fun...

Come Take A Swing Workshop With KJ!

2010-07-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

KJ will be teaching a SWING DANCE WORKSHOP at Mossbank's Old Wives Lake Festival at the end of this month...

Friday July 30th, 2010 in the evening (time & location still TBD)

Come on out and learn a little lindy hop, a little shim sham and have a lot of fun=D

Opening Nights At Shakespeare On The Saskatchewan

2010-07-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

I am off to Saskatoon to watch my husband open both Merry Wives Of Windsor and Merchant Of Venice this weekend at Shakespeare On The Saskatchewan.

It's been a long time since - maybe the first time ever - I will be watching Leon in a non-musical performance and I am SUPER excited and nervous. I have no doubt he'll be brilliant.

If you would like to get up to Saskatoon and support him (an awesome idea) click on the link below for prices and schedules:

http://www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com/

Street Theatre At The Saskatoonberry Festival A Smash Hit!

2010-07-06T17:38:00.001-07:00

I couldn't be more proud of how the day unfolded. Since pictures are worth 1000 words...here is a huge chunk of some of my favourite (remember to click on them to make them bigger!):

THE PARADE:

SADIE THE SASKATOONBERRY LADY:

COME MEET CASEY JONES:

5 FACTS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT MORTLACH:

WALKING GHOST TOUR:

PHOTO CREDIT: TARA NEWSHAM

Prepping For The Parade

2010-07-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the Mortlach Saskatoonberry Festival is the day after tomorrow, so even though today was Canada Day, I spent my time decorating a float.

Here is a glimpse of the process! Special thanks to Magthel, Penny, Larry, Marilyn, My Mama & Heather for catching the missing C. (click pics to make them bigger)

Make sure to be at the parade @ 11am on Saturday to check out what the finished product is going to look like!!!!!!

Berry Fest Is In 8 Days!!!

2010-06-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

Holy, June has been my busiest month yet!

Rehearsals, decorating/organizing floats, stressing out about whether or not my actors will learn their lines/show up on time/write the script eventually, meeting about the Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp (which due to another generous grant, this time from SAASE, is confirmed to be happening from Aug 4-6th), shopping for props/costumes & nailing down all the other engagements I will have during the summer. PHEW!

Here is our 'poster' with the schedule on it for the four Street Theatre Pieces:

I hope that anyone that reads this before hand will make a point of gathering at our locations and being part of our audience...if the sketches live up to their potential, I think many of you will be impressed.

And now, I'm off to Moose Jaw to buy some more 'stuff' for the float. Remember the parade is @ 11am on July 3rd...I'll be the crazy actor on the Mortlach Star Players float:-)

First Responders Triage Event A HUGE Success

2010-06-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

It's not just ME sayin' it. Ray, the head honcho from Moose Jaw, said to the crowd after the event was done that this was the best scenario he has ever encountered in his career. So, yeah, I'd say that event went well. *beams with pride*

Everyone was so organized. The First Responders were fast and excellent and the EMTs were extremely impressive as well. As were the firefighters. But I - being the actress in town - was VERY proud of my actor/volunteers who not only showed up on time, behaved with great patient when necessary, but really stepped up to the plate when the scenario played out. The makeup was a wonderful touch (thank you, Penny!) and I owe my mother, Joan Konkin, a huge thanks for snapping as many pics with my iPhone as she could. She was a 'patient', too, but a less injured one & I'm glad she was able to capture some of the drama.

So, here are my pics...not great, taken with an iPhone, but something...Remember to click on the photos to make them bigger! And for some even cooler pics that other people took CLICK HERE...

Lady Luck Comes To Town

2010-06-13T14:30:00.000-07:00

Mortlach School kept its annual school production alive this year with Marilyn Knarr's "Lady Luck".

Although I wasn't asked to help out with this show, I couldn't keep myself from coming to see what the Arts were doin' in my adopted village. I am THRILLED whenever anything artistic is attempted - and now that I've fallen in love with so many of the kids in town, it was honour to support them last Thursday night.

Click on the pictures below to make them bigger:

Come See Our Street Theatre At The Saskatoon Berry Festival!

2010-06-09T16:57:00.001-07:00

As the Saskatoon Berry Festival approaches, my job has been getting busier and busier. Things are falling together beautifully. Scripts are being memorized, costumes are being sourced, rehearsals are being squeezed in here and there. I am hoping that when all is said and done, the audiences will thoroughly enjoy all the hard work that these Mortlach Star Players are putting in.

MAKE SURE TO CHECK US OUT AT THE BERRY FEST!! The Schedule Will Be As Follows:

12:30 - Sadie The Saskatoon Berry Lady

Location: moving skit starting at the town square and ending at the field beside the post office
Starring: Pam Speir and Diane Molzan

1:30 - Come Meet Casey Jones

Location: right in front of the Wagon's West Cookhouse
Starring: Larry Forbes

2:30 - 5 Facts You Didn't Know About Mortlach

Location: To the left of the Mortlach Hall in front of the Arts Board
Starring: Chanel Simrose, Lexi Hicks, Kennedy Ward, Reigh Graves and Jade Hallick

3:30 - Mortlach's Walking Ghost Tour

Location: Starting & finishing in front of the Museum, it is a led walking tour
Starring: Sandi Zacher

...and, of course, ME, your friendly, neighbourhood, Artist In Residence, acting in the role of Town Crier who will be a little bit (or a lot) involved in all the above sketches.

Here are some pictures of some of the rehearsals that have been unfolding...

Hope to see you on July 3rd!!!

March For The Missing

2010-05-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I helped out Mortlachians - and friends - Penny and Robert Cumming - by emceeing their March For The Missing event. It was weird and rainy weather, as it has been for weeks now here in Saskatchewan, but many people still came out and I believe it ended up being quite the success. I'm even quoted in a discovermoosejaw.com article! Click here to read the article and get a better description of what the event was all about.

And take a look at some of the pictures we took to commemorate the day. Remember to click on them if you want to see them bigger:

Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp - August 4th-6th, 2010

2010-05-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

Click To See The Poster For More Details!

For ages 10-17. Sign up now for the upcoming Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp running from August 4-6th, 2010 in Mortlach, Saskatchewan. This will be a both a day camp for those who choose to come and go and a sleepover camp for those who are from out of town and would like to come and stay for the entire three days!

For a breakdown of CAMP FEES or to REGISTER NOW click on our Facebook Page:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128993183784458&ref=ts

Sign up by July 3rd & get the Early Bird Fees! Mortlach Summer Theatre Camp director, Magthel Odendaal, and her team, will be at the Mortlach Saskatoonberry Festival on July 3rd to sign up all the last minute early birders:-)

All aspects of theatre will be touched upon in this intensive, fun three day event. The camp will culminate in a performance on the Friday evening.

First Responders Keeping KJ Busy

2010-05-27T22:28:00.001-07:00

With meetings/workshops all this week, KJ has found much of her time focused on the First Responders Triage Event that will be undertaken on June 12th, 2010. She even had her hubby in on the action, while he was home this week, on rest between his Persephone Theatre contract and his Shakespeare On The Saskatchewan contract. Take a peek at what we've been up to (remember to click on the pics to make them bigger!) :

There is still one more chance to become a part of this exciting and extremely educational event. KJ will meet with any last minute sign ups on June 10th @ The Mortlach Hall starting at 7pm. If you would like to be one of our crash victims, this is your last chance to meet with KJ and get your patient profile, not to mention all the protocol that you will need to know to be part of the event.

For those of you who are not going to volunteer, but would like to observe what will prove to be a very dramatic afternoon (jaws of life and all!) please join us at 2pm on Saturday June 12th in front of the Mortlach Rink. You'll know you found us when you see a mock bus/car crash outside:-)

The K-6 Mini Musical Underway

2010-05-25T23:34:00.000-07:00

I've had a blast the last couple of Fridays, spending my time with some of the elementary school students, choreographing some of the numbers from their upcoming show. Even though I get quite busy with the task at hand, I was able to snap a couple of shots of our last rehearsal. They will be performing on June 21st @ the school during the Awards Ceremony.

I'm so proud of these little guys!

Waiting for things to start up:

Improv at it's best. I screamed out "you, be shy and you, mock him for being shy" and, instantly, a picture was born:

The characters are students who are bored of being at school. I know, I know, a real stretch:-)

I hope these kids know how lucky they are to have two such GREAT teachers!

Rehearsing With The Little Ones

2010-05-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so these ones are SO little, but it was great to back in the midst of the Mortlach young 'uns yesterday. Yesterday was my first rehearsal with my girlz who are going to be helping me put on one of the Berry Fest Street Theatre skits. The skit's title is "5 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Mortlach" and it's gonna be not only cute and funny, but informative! We assigned parts and did a table read for our first meeting and next week, we are going to get it on it's feet (aka block it out) and discuss costumes. The girlz also met little Tuck and fell madly in love as you can see from the pictures below:

To see more photos of Tuck's adventures in Mortlach and beyond CLICK HERE!

Afterwards, I spent awhile helping out the Gr. 3,4,5,6 class with their mini-musical that they are working on. Unfortunately I was too busy trying to choreograph some of their numbers and contain their HUGE energy to take pictures. But we all had fun and they will put on a stellar show in the end, I have no doubt. I hope one day they realize how lucky they are to have teachers who have advocated the arts so strongly, the way that Gail Selensky and Maureen Froehlich do. Yay, Arts Advocates!

Also, I've met with Larry Forbes finally about his Casey Jones Street Theatre Skit and will now start to work on a script. And, of course, the Mortlach Star Players 2nd General Meeting is tomorrow night - hope to see you there!

New Facebook Page For Berry Fest!

2010-05-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

I've made up a Facebook Event Page for the Saskatoonberry Festival and would like to invite you to go and see it and check it out! I am pretty sure you can RSVP even if you haven't received an invite via email - and even if you can't, this will be a good page to get lots of updates on the goings on!

Just had a great meeting with one of my actors for our Casey Jones skit and I am excited to watch it unfold. The Mortlach Star Players Street Theatre aspect of this year's festival is going to be a huge experiment -- and I won't be surprised if it comes off gangbusters! Once I've confirmed a location/schedule for all the skits, I will post it on the FB Event Page. I, myself, will be in character most of the day, and will be kicking up a fuss, I have no doubt. And tomorrow I meet with 5 gorgeous young ladies to start rehearsals on another one of the skits.

It's gonna be a blast. Hope to see you there:-)

Click Here To Get To The Saskatoonberry Festival Facebook Event Page

Mortlach Star Players General Meeting

2010-04-30T15:41:00.000-07:00

What: We’d like to call a general meeting for the Mortlach Star Players to discuss some next steps in terms of opening a bank account, registering the name, allocating funds, etc. If you’d like to be a part of this community theatre group in ANY way, please attend this meeting and help us take this group in the right direction!

Where: The Mortlach Hall

When: Sunday May 16th fr: 7-9pm

Who: Anyone and everyone who would like to be a member of this group and see theatre thrive in Mortlach

Facilitator: Heather Adams, AD of Mortlach Star Players and Krista J. Konkin, Theatre Artist In Residence

Fee: free

More Info: call Krista at 684-9006 or email her at kjkonkin@gmail.com

Note: This meeting will take the place of the usual Drama Drop-In meeting, but you can feel free to bring up anything at this meeting that you might have at the casual Drop-In:-)

Another First Responder Volunteer/Actor Workshop/Meeting Scheduled For May

2010-04-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

The First Responders held their first Volunteer/Actor Role Playing Workshop this past Wednesday. Only seven people showed up (thanks to those seven!!) and The First Responders need 30! SO, we will be holding another Volunteer/Actor Role Playing Workshop/Meeting in May on the 26th from 7-9pm @ The Mortlach Hall. This will be the meeting where myself and co-facilitator Will Barber will be delegating the patient profiles to specific people, as well as going over once again the logistics of the day. If we have time we might do a couple of 'dry runs' with a some actors so that we can all get a better idea of what to expect on June 12th.

Please come out and support The First Responders. You will not be given anything to act out/a patient profile that you aren't comfortable with -- there will be some way to use you and help make the day a success. The meeting on the 26th is mandatory & each volunteer must be available from 1-4pm on Saturday June 12th, when the event is scheduled to take place.

Click on the poster below for more info:

The First Responders Need YOU

2010-04-20T10:23:00.001-07:00

I am honoured to be helping out the Mortlach First Responders with their upcoming Triage Event happening on June 12th, 2010. This event will re-enact an actual emergency...in this case, a bus crash out on the highway...so that the First Resonders can practise knowing how to react and take charge, utilizing their skills. To make this happen, they need volunteer actors to act as the crash victims, taking on an assigned set of symptoms of various injuries/illnesses. This is where YOU come in. If you are free on June 12th and would like to be part of this event, please come and join us at the first volunteer/actor meeting next Wednesday:

Click on poster below for more details:

You will learn a little bit about role playing and, even more importantly, you will be helping out an organization that is in place to keep you and your family safe. Please do not hesitate to call me about the volunteer/actor requirements @ 684-9006 or for more information on the event in general, call Joline Graves @ 355-2703.

Playwriting Workshop/Reading A Success!!

2010-04-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

A quote from a participant to sum up the whole thing:

"...Just a quick thank you for hosting the workshop on Saturday. Sarah and I were amazed at the number of participants, though that sort of support in Saskatchewan shouldn't surprise me anymore. Had you tried to run that workshop in the Okanagan you'd be lucky if five people bothered to show up. I'm hoping it's convinced my brain to spend more time in play-writing mode. Take care..."

Thanks, Mortlach. You done me proud. Pictures below (remember to click on them to make them bigger!):

Only 4 More Days Until Playwriting Workshop!

2010-04-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

You may have attended the Spring Dinner Theatre this past weekend. If you did, you saw some of Leeann Minogue's work in action. Well, I am here to invite you to get up close and personal with Leeann herself this coming weekend on SATURDAY APRIL 17TH and attend the Playwriting For Beginners Workshop from 1-5pm and/or attend Leeann's FREE Play Reading that same evening at the Mortlach Hall from 7-9pm!

You don't have to have any experience at playwriting -- just curiosity and courage to try! The cost of the workshop is only $5 and the Reading is FREE due to an amazing grant that I was able to apply for from the Playwrights Guild Of Canada. Leeann is one of Saskatchewan's most produced playwrights and it is a HUGE deal that Mortlach is getting her all to itself on April 17th.

Young or old - if you can write and have an imagination - we want you!

Click on the poster below:

And this is the ad that we've run in the Moose Jaw Times Herald:

It Takes A Team To Put On A Show

2010-04-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

The cast and crew of Homecoming should be proud. They pulled it off! They more than pulled it off -- they made me laugh and care about the story. Below is a great array of pictures from my Sunday afternoon at the Mortlach Hall taking in the 2010 Spring dinner theatre...remember to click on the pictures to make them larger!

Rouleau Improv Workshops

2010-04-07T10:06:00.001-07:00

Rouleau invited me recently to take part in a Student Conference day, where students from several smaller towns joined together to gain exposure to various topics - one of them being drama. So, I loaded up my sexy husband (who was given a name tag with Leon Konkin on it...HEEEHEE...see below) and we taught two back to back Improv Workshops for students from Rouleau, Craik, Avonlea, Moose Jaw, Bengough and a few other smaller centres whose names are escaping me right now. They were tremendously fun -- as you can see below (remember to click on the pictures to enlarge them!)...

Leon Konkin (I love it!):

When I take the group shots of my Improv Students, I like to ask them to create a reaction to tableau to something given to them on the spot. Below is the Sears Catalogue Model shot:

And here is the Winning The Lottery shot:

And here is the Group Of Gangsters shot:

And, finally, here is the A UFO Hurtling Towards You shot:

Like I like to say - there is plenty of time to be shy and boring after you die - life is for LIVING OUT LOUD...

Thanks, y'all. Hope to see some of you again on May 6th during the South Saskatchewan Arts Conference in Caronport!

Eric La France's Sound Tech Workshop Was Hands On Fun!

2010-04-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who showed up for the What Does A Sound Technician Do? Workshop with Eric La France. It was unbelievably hands on, with so much practical, useable information that the whole gang was seriously impressed. Not only will this workshop help out the up and coming Spring Dinner Theatre show Homecoming, but it trained some Mortlach residents about the equipment that Mortlach owns, so that Mortlach will never again be at a loss for what their sound capabilities are for future events/shows. Thank you, Eric, for your awesome workshop - it was invaluable:-)

Reminder: Sound Tech Workshop TOMORROW!!

2010-03-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

Hope to see you out! Click the poster below to get the down and dirty deets:

A Great Talk In Celebration Of World Theatre Day

2010-03-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Pictures From Who Is Mrs. Wilson 2010

2010-03-26T12:48:00.001-07:00

Some pictures and videos from the Who Is Mrs. Wilson 2010 Tour Show starring Leon Willey as Mickey and Dan Willows as Maude. Written, Directed & Coordinated by KJ Konkin of Live Out Loud Theatre. Produced by the Mae Wilson Theatre with sponsorship by Great West Life. Remember to click on the pictures to make them bigger!

Some Of The Great Ideas Popping Up @ The Drama Drop In

2010-03-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

We've had 3 Drama Drop-In/Mortlach Star Players meetings so far (every Sunday night at the Hall from 7-9pm!) with a big crowd gathering the first night and a core group re-visiting the meeting on the 14th and 21st.

Some of the things we've accomplished so far:

- Found an Artist Director to shadow me until I leave and then, ultimately, take over the leadership role for the Mortlach Star Players - Heather Adams.
- Named the newly formed year round, official Community Theatre group The Mortlach Star Players. The name has history as The Star Theatre was the well attended vaudeville theatre that existed here in Mortlach in the 20s!
- Brainstormed tons of ideas for short street skits that could be created for the Saskatoon Berry Festival...some of these awesome ideas include:

--- A Sadie The Saskatoon Berry Lady skit that would be a travelling skit where Sadie and her friend would humorously explore the folklore of the village's secretive/protective Saskatoon Berry picking behaviours...all the while giving away free Saskatoon Berry seedlings to audience members/passers by
--- A Guided Ghost Tour would be a walking tour of our village, highlighting the history through the interesting ghost stories that exist inside the town
--- A skit about Dr. Cliff - maybe even in front of Dr. Cliff's house? - and his journey as Mortlach's first official town doctor.
--- A few chapters of Casey Jones stories, told out front of the Wagons West with Mr. Forbes acting as our illustrious Casey Jones. Casey is one of Mortlach's more famous 'names' and has plenty of stories to tell, especially those of his world renown collection of arrow heads.
--- A chance to witness a historically based sermon by a historical Mortlach pastor right out front of the United Church
--- Using a 'town crier' type to link all the sketches together, to introduce and conclude the sketches, to promote the sketches in the street
--- Giving the town crier a sketch of his/her own where he/she relates to the crowd The 5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Mortlach, which would cover five historical and truly interesting tidbits and possibly utilize some of the younger Mortlach actors in the process. We brainstormed interesting tidbits last night and I've decided that there is NO END of amazing stories/rich history in this little village!

And the list goes on. Now, the next step, is to take some of these ideas and get some script written, so if anyone wants to have their hand at Playwriting, drop-in one of these Sundays at the Hall and let me know! Also, remember we have a Playwriting Workshop For Beginners coming up on April 17th - a great time to flush some of your ideas for Berry Fest! Of course, we are also going to need to cast these little skits, so if you are wanting to be involved in the acting out of our burgeoning scripts, drop on by and let's chat.

Regional Student Arts Conference 2010

2010-03-19T09:50:00.000-07:00

I was honoured to be asked to the Guest Theatre Facilitator at the recent Arts Conference that happened in Moose Jaw on March 6th. The conference was a chance for teens from surrounding rural communities, who otherwise don't get much exposure to different artistic disciplines, to try their hand at a myriad of arts. I taught a 2 hour Improv Workshop (with Leon helping as co-facilitator) and had students from Rouleau, Central Butte, about 4 other small villages I've forgotten the names of and even a handful of students from the Hudderite Colony near Central Butte!

The entire class was filled with energy and enthusiasm and the students caught on very quickly. It embodied everything I love about teaching...take a look at some of the photos below...remember to click on them to make them nice and big!

SEARS POSE:

KJ DIRECTING:

KJ EXPLAINING:

LOVING MY JOB:

PLAYING FREEZE:

SPOOKY GHOST ARM:

ABOUT TO BE SQUASHED:

KJ Hangs Out With Her Bosses At A SAASE Convention

2010-03-15T10:13:00.001-07:00

Small But Mighty Tappers - Low Attendance Threatens Future Workshops

2010-03-11T09:05:00.000-08:00

It was a small, but mighty, group. And, obviously, not Mortlach's cup of tea, as pretty much everybody that showed up to my Tap Workshop was from Regina or Moose Jaw. Thanks to Joelle, Diane, Raylene, Pauline and Joan for driving the long distance...and to my husband for being the only-fabulous-male to try his hand at tapping. The group was very quick and picked up (no pun intended) on the mile-a-minute lessons with ease, joy and grace.

Due to low attendance of the workshops lately, I am considering making the next two scheduled workshops that last of my residency. So, make sure to come out to the What Does A Sound Technician Do? Workshop if you enjoy the backstage, button pushing parts of theatre AND/OR our Playwriting Workshop from 1-5pm on Saturday April 17th followed by a free Play Reading by the facilitator Leeann Minogue later that night from 7-9pm. Both the workshops are only $5 and the Play Reading in the p.m. of April 17th is FREE.

To see interesting events continue to flourish in Mortlach, your participation is necessary - I hope to see you out!

The Brand New MORTLACH STAR PLAYERS

2010-03-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

Sunday night's meeting was a success and I am happy to introduce to the Village Of Mortlach, their new official Community Theatre Group which was named by the gang there on Sunday night:

Mortlach Star Players

Why the Star you ask? One of the coolest bits of Mortlach history is The Star Theatre - a vaudeville theatre that was located on Rose Street back in the 20's and was a well attended venue for all things creative. The group decided they liked the thought of adding in this historical name to the official title - more interesting than just the Mortlach Players, right?

What prompted the group's final inception, is the fact that we've found somebody in the community who would like to step into the role of Artistic Director. So, for my second introduction, I would like to introduce you to:

Heather Adams....

Heather is new to town, the mother of (soon to be) two little ones and part of the Spring Dinner Theatre's cast of Homecoming. Heather not only has a burgeoning talent for acting/directing, but is full of the energy and the big picture thinking that a leader needs. She will be supported by Marilyn Forbes, a pillar of this community and lover of theatre as well. Marilyn Forbes will act as the group's Artistic Associate.

Heather will be working alongside myself until I am gone (I leave at the end of August) and I will be attempting to 'train' her on the ins and outs of being an Artistic Director. She says she plans on sucking my brain dry, and I look forward to imparting all that I can so that the kite that is the Mortlach Star Players will remain in the sky.

First things first, the Mortlach Star Players will concentrate on getting some street dramas written, rehearsed and performed at the Saskatoon Berry Festival. LOTS of great ideas were shared on Sunday night and now I invite those same people - and any of you that weren't able to be there last Sunday - to meet me on any Sunday night in between 7pm and 9pm - to discuss your ideas for scripts and start in on writing them. We need to get everyone's good ideas into script form and then we will go out and hunt down actors to bring our short dramas to life in the streets.

Feel free to email or call me if you have questions about how to get involved with the Mortlach Star Players or the dramas at the Saskatoon Berry Festival. Or just drop in on a Sunday night and let's talk. There is more than enough to do for anyone and everyone that might want to be part of the day or the group in some capacity. This is an exciting new chapter for Mortlach...

FIRST Community Theatre Meeting/Drama Drop In Night This Sunday!

2010-03-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

Starting March 7th from 7-9pm in the Mortlach Hall, I will be conducting casual drop-in meetings to begin the setting up of an official Community Theatre Group. This group will be announcing it's new Artistic Director (who will work side by side with me as I train them over the next 6 months) on the first drop-in meeting THIS Sunday, March 7th. The group hopes to establish an official name and work towards its first project - mini-dramas/skits about Mortlach done on the streets of the village during the Saskatoon Berry Festival in July.

If you have ideas for stories that need to be told, would like to try writing one of the scripts (I will help you out & we can collaborate!), would like to direct one of the skits, act in one of the skits or generally just help out with odds and ends, please come to this Sunday's meeting ... OR, if that isn't possible, drop in at any of the subsequent Sundays from now until July.

Click poster below for more details:

What Does A Sound Technician Do? Workshop

2010-02-25T15:45:00.000-08:00

One of the ways that I wanted to help out the cast and crew of Homecoming, was to help them understand better the sound board and the sound equipment in general. As the old saying goes - give a man a fish and he eats for a day...teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime. Since the sound board/equipment is here in the community, what we now need are people in the community who aren't intimidated by technology to come and learn from professional Eric La France of Jawbone Studios and the house sound technician at The Mae Wilson Theatre in Moose Jaw, how to use the stuff to it's maximum potential. This means, once you have all come out and taken this workshop, Eric will leave behind people in this community who can then work the sound board for future events and pass their knowledge along so that there will plenty of people here who can help out in this exciting way.

Hope to see you out! Click the poster below to get the down and dirty deets:

Mortlach Dinner Theatre - HOMECOMING - April 8-11

2010-02-25T15:38:00.000-08:00

Click on the JPEG Poster Below to get all the juicy details for the upcoming Spring Dinner Theatre happening here in Mortlach in April! I've been helping out on the sidelines as a support person and am really cheering these guys on. I think the show has the potential to be very good with some really strong casting. I, for one, will be in the front row:-)

Pictures From the Improv - A Sequel! Workshop

2010-02-25T14:36:00.000-08:00

Leon and I were shocked at the small turn out last night at the Improv Workshop. After having countless people ask us to put another Improv Workshop on and then to have had so many people (almost 20 when we stop and count) tell us that they were coming, we were disheartened when none of those same people showed up.

But, the small and mighty group that DID show up were kick ass! We had so much fun, laughed a ridiculous amount and learned more than I am sure the participants even realized. Thanks to Leon for being a great guest facilitator! This will most likely be the last time we will teach Improv in Mortlach, but have some out-of-town Improv Workshops scheduled that we hope will be packed.

Leeann Minogue - Playwright of Mortlach's Spring Dinner Theatre Show HOMECOMING - is Coming To Mortlach This April!

2010-02-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Reminder: This Wednesday is...Improv - The Sequel! Workshop

2010-02-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

What: Everyone’s been asking when the next improv workshop is gonna take place - well, here it is! Back by popular demand, come join guest facilitator Leon Willey in this fun-filled, wacky night of Improvisational Acting (think Who’s Line Is It Anyway?).

When: Wednesday February 24th from 7pm-9pm @ The Mortlach Hall

Who: All ages, ANY experience level

Facilitator: Leon Willey, Guest Artist Facilitator (co-facilitated with KJ Konkin)

Fee: $5 payable at the door (fees used to pay Guest Facilitators)

More Info: call KJ at 684-9006 or email her at kjkonkin@gmail.com

Mortlach Arts Presents...Improv Workshop Reminder from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

SARK's How To Be An Artist Poster

2010-02-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

Just had to share this...SARK is one of my favourite authors!

KJ Helps Out The Mortlach Cast of Homecoming

2010-02-16T12:40:00.000-08:00

Director, Marilyn Knarr, was feeling under the weather lately, and I was sweetly asked if I would step in and help out with a handful of rehearsals. And you know what? It was tremendous fun! I've been working in the professional theatre scene for so long now, that I have forgotten how infectious it is to do theatre with people that do it ONLY BECAUSE THEY LOVE IT. Not that I am knocking us artists for getting paid, but I tell ya, once you start entwining money with stuff, lots of joy can get squashed.

Anyway, here are some photos of me in Director's seat & the cast getting their blocking. Homecoming is opening at the Mortlach Hall on April 8th and runs until the 11th, with the Sunday being a cheesecake theatre. The play is a challenging piece, full of dialogue, but so completely Saskatchewan that I am sure everyone will find it funny and touching and relate-able. I will promote the show more, closer to the day!

Mortlach Arts Presents...Tap For Beginners!!

2010-02-04T18:33:00.000-08:00

Mortlach Arts Presents...Tap For Beginners! from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

What: A tap workshop - designed for the total beginner - but fun enough for the tap aficiondo! No tap shoes required...just wear your click-i-est shoes. We will go through the basic tap steps that everyone should know and then try and put them to music. At the very least, it’s a great excuse to get active during the long winter months!

When: Wednesday March 10th from 7pm - 9pm @ The Mortlach Hall

Who: 10 and over

Facilitator: Krista J. Konkin, Artist In Residence

Fee: $5 payable at the door (all money used to pay Guest Artist Teachers)

More Info: call KJ at 684-9006 or email her at kjkonkin@gmail.com

Pictures and A Video From The Storytelling Workshop!

2010-02-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

Mortlach Arts Presents...The Three Little Pigs from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Reminder: This Wednesday is...Once Upon A Time - A Storytelling Workshop!

2010-02-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Coming To A Mortlach Hall Near You!

What: This workshop will be a classic drama workshop where we will do exercises to connect with our bodies and voices and explore our space...but with a special focus on taking classic stories - from fairytales to more modern anecdotes- and working in teams to act these stories out.

When: Wednesday February 3rd from 3:30pm - 5pm @ The Mortlach Hall

Who: All ages, ANY experience level (the after school time slot makes this workshop Little Ones friendly!)

Facilitator: KJ Konkin, Artist In Residence

Fee: FREE! (As a thanks to the support of DWTLO class in the fall)

More Info: call Krista at 684-9006 or email her at kjkonkin@gmail.com

Mortlach Presents...Once Upon A Time - A Storytelling Workshop from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Who Is Mrs. Wilson? 2010

2010-01-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

Seems Live Out Loud Theatre did such a job last year, that we've been asked back to be the creators, once again, of the 2010 Who Is Mrs. Wilson? show. With help from FireMonkey Design Studio the posters have been updated and I hope to get them out to the schools early next week. Take a peek - they look great!

I've also worked on updating the script during my blizzard, shut-in time - crazy weather!! - and even though the snow storm meant I had to reschedule my costume fitting with one of the cast members, that part of the show is also underway. It will b ea slightly different show this year, but the heart of it will be the same and I have no doubt that it'll be another smashing success.

Rehearsals will begin in a couple of weeks. I may even have one of my rehearsals with Leon here in Mortlach and allow it to be an 'open rehearsal' with an invite to the public to come and observe us rehearse if they are curious. Keep checkin' back to see if that unfolds!

What I'm Up To

2010-01-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

For anyone out there that sometimes wonders what I am doing with my time - because I know a lot of the projects I work on aren't always in the public eye - I'm posting the report that I read last night at the MCDAS meeting. It outlines my Community Projects and my Artist Projects which are supposed to be equally distributed:

Community:

- Consulting with Tim Nickel in the next few weeks to help the school create it's first ever Drama 10 and Drama 20 cirriculum. I will also attend and help to facilitate a couple of the classes themselves to help the teachers to get the class off the ground.
- The Community Workshop Series: Januaray workshops were very informative and Stella's workshop was extremely well attended. Exctied about February workshops:
Feb. 3rd - Storytelling Workshop fr: 3;30-5 @ Hall -- this workshop will be FREE and focused on the Little Ones so spread the word!
Feb. 24th - Improv Workshop with Leon - 7-9pm @ Hall
Still determining March workshops - any suggestions are welcomed. Most likely a dance based workshop - maybe a Tap Workshop? Also, considering bringing in Eric LaFrance to do a sound workshop that would simultaneously meet the needs of the Dinner Theatre & the community. Also talking to Leanne Minogue, who is the playwright of the play being done by the Dinner Theatre troupe this Spring, about having her come to Mortlach to put on a Playwriting Workshop.
- Helping out in whatever way I am needed for the United Church Dinner Theatre
- Consulting with Prairie Stage Theatre in Moose Jaw. PST will be this region's first ever professional theatre company & I am happy to share my wisdom and support on such a worthwhile endeavour. PST is also discussing doing a Playreading Series, one of which they are discussing having @ the Hall in Mortlach!
- Helping with Marilyn Knarr's Spring School Show if needed. Hopefully, I can contribute some song and dance skills to the production…
- Taking the teens to The One Act Festival in a observational capacity as a logical first step to educating them about the seriousness of the Festival.
- Working with Paul Park's history class to organize a history based project where the teens are connected with the Elders in the community. I am contacting the Sask Film Pool to inquire about utilizing them as a resource.
- Outreach workshops in Central Butte, Caronport, etc.
- Keynote speeches being delievered in the Spring at different conferences/arts galas
- Connecting with Gravelbourg's theatre artist in residence, Clare Middleton, and finding a way to work with her in some capacity.
- In talks with the Principal @ The Pender Island, BC school to find a unique and creative way to connect the kids from both school using the Arts in some way
- Starting Feb. 21st, I will set aside from 7-9 every Sunday to meet with anybody and everybody who would like to work toward creating some site-specific, environmental theatre skits/dramas for the Saskatoonberry Festival. This can also be an ongoing meeting for the development of an official community theatre company were we to find an Artistic Director. People will be invited to join me in brainstorming ideas, writing of some of the scripts, getting the scripts up on their feet, etc. If nobody shows up on a Sunday, I can use that time to do my own stuff.

Artist:

- Writing, casting and directing the Who Is Mrs. Wilson? tour in Moose Jaw through the MJCC. That tour will be begin Feb 23rd.
- Formation of a Broadway Music Review for performance in Mortlach.
- Taking next steps on Porchlight Confessions script - may mean a professional, staged reading of the play. Am in talks currently with Canada Council to find out if there is a way to raise a small amount of funding to make this a reality.
- Taking a Monday night Correspondance Creativity Course to reignite my creative soul.
- Learning to play the guitar - a long held goal that I am finally acting on!

Pictures From The Singing Workshop

2010-01-18T09:01:00.000-08:00

Repost: Beginner Singing Workshop With Stella Salido Porter!

2010-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

When? Sunday Jan. 17th from 2-4pm

Where? At the Mortlach Hall!

How Much? $5 payable at the door

More Info? See below...

A fun video interview about the upcoming Singing Workshop at the Mortlach Hall on Sunday, January 17th from 2- 4! A great workshop for grandparents, parents and kids to all attend. **NOTE: there is some audio interference/background noise that I can't seem to fix. Just try to ignore it!

Mortlach Arts Presents...Beginners Singing Workshop With Stella Salido Porter! from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Improv - The Sequel! With Leon Willey

2010-01-02T12:36:00.000-08:00

What: Everyone’s been asking when the next improv workshop is gonna take place - well, here it is! Back by popular demand, come join guest facilitator Leon Willey in this fun-filled, wacky night of Improvisational Acting (think Who’s Line Is It Anyway?).

When: Wednesday February 24th from 7pm-9pm @ The Mortlach Hall

Who: All ages, ANY experience level

Facilitator: Leon Willey, Guest Artist Facilitator (co-facilitated with KJ Konkin)

Fee: $5 payable at the door

More Info: call KJ at 684-9006 or email her at kjkonkin@gmail.com

Mortlach Arts Presents...Improv - The Sequel! With Leon Willey from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

Once Upon A Time - A Storytelling Workshop!

2010-01-02T10:41:00.000-08:00

Mortlach Presents...Once Upon A Time - A Storytelling Workshop from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

A Mid-Holiday Break Musing

2009-12-28T00:26:00.000-08:00

My holiday hasn't ended up looking the way I thought it would. But, perhaps, it has ended up even better. Reminds me that Life is what happens when you're busy making plans. And that what ends up being your Reality is often much better than what you were trying to force to be Real.

Most importantly, I realize now that this time away from Mortlach is much needed for my Artist's soul. It's been good to get out of any routine that I had begun to sink into and go out into the unknown to have my world shaken up. I've always been one to feel that a rut is just a shallow grave --- perhaps that is why I am always seeking change. A one year contract is the longest contract I've ever had and the longest I've stayed committed to any one focus (other than marriage to Leon, thank goodness;-). It's good for me because the non-change is, for me, a change. But it is also vital that I still make sure that I don't allow the isolation of rural living to cut me off from all the wonderful, messy chaos of Life that is unfolding elsewhere. That muck is the fodder that Artist's draw from.

My hope is that by the time we get back home in a few days, my battery will be totally recharged and I will be raring to go with all of new endeavours waiting to unfold under my residency. It will feel good to be in our cozy home again and I look forward to seeing the familiar faces of those we feel have become friends. Mortlach has really buried it's way into my heart.

For now, I incubate new ideas and inspirations and try to fill up with creative fuel. If this is the first post you've read on here, I encourage you to take a look around at all the upcoming workshops being offered and events that will be taking place. And for those of you we know well...

...we'll see you soon.

Final Decisions Made On One Act Play

2009-12-15T10:05:00.001-08:00

A Beginners Guide To Stage Management with Melanie Rogowski

2009-12-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

Our newest, last-minute workshop addition! A workshop on how to be a stage manager for any age and any experience level! If you are curious, or know that you have/will be stepping into the role of SM in your local productions - this is a workshop that should not be missed. Melanie's training comes from the University of Regina and her experience is extensive in the local Moose Jaw area. Melanie was the SM for both River Street in 2007 and Ain't We Got Fun in 2008, not to mention all the productions that were produced by the now renamed Prairie Stage Theatre (formally The Moose Jaw Repertory Theatre Company). Meet Melanie below:

Mortlach Arts Presents...Melanie Rogowski with A Beginners Guide To Stage Management from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.

A Wikipedia definition of Stage Management:

"Although a somewhat fluid line of work, in essence the stage management team (which can consist of a production stage manager, several managers, and any number of production assistants) is responsible for organizing the production, communicating across different disciplines (e.g., between the director and the backstage crew, or the actors and production management), and keeping everything running smoothly. This refers not only to seamless management of the technical aspects of a production, but of the human aspects as well."

Mortlach Arts Sparkle Up!

2009-12-07T11:10:00.001-08:00

I was so proud of seeing our Choral Workshop participants get up and sing to the crowd during this weekend's Sparkle Up! They sounded great with only one workshop/rehearsal behind them and I am certain Josh would be proud!

And, of course, Dancing With The Little Ones made a great rock n' roll showing with their hand jiving Run Run Rudolph. If you missed it, you can watch it below...

I was also the one who took the photos of all the kids on Santa's knee. We are tying to figure out how to distribute the photos, but in the meantime, if you want me to email you a particular picture, drop me a note and let me know!

Here is myself and Leon taking our turn...

All in all, it was an incredibly memorable night. Leon and I even got to go skating on a slough the next day (Leon's first time skating ever!) and later Sunday night we put up our Christmas tree. We are now officially in the Christmas spirit;-)

Watch Mortlach Do The Shim Sham on Sasktel Max Channel 48!!

2009-12-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Mortlach Does The Shim Sham on Sasktel Max Channel 48 from KJ Konkin on Vimeo.