The Department of Communication Arts produces a series of performances each year created by faculty, students, and visiting artists. Performances are open to the public. Please join us!
For media information, contact Janelle Rainville
Fall 2024 : TH'OWXIYA The Hungry Feast Dish
Written By Joseph A. Dandurand
This play is based on an ancient fable (a story told to children, usually by their mothers or elders, to keep them safe in the world). The fable’s origins are with the Kwantlen First Nation, whose territory is in southern, interior British Columbia, in the Fraser River Valley
From the Kwantlen First Nation village of Squa’Lets comes the tale of TH'OWXIYA, an old and powerful spirit that inhabits a feast dish of tempting, full of beautiful food from around the world. Despite being surrounded by this delicious food, Th’Owxiya herself craves only the taste of children. When she catches a hungry mouse named Kw’at’el stealing a piece of cheese from her dish, she threatens to devour Kw’at’el’s whole family, unless he can bring Th’Owxiya two child spirits. Ignorant but desperate, Kw’at’el sets out on an epic journey to fulfill the spirit’s demands. With the help of Sqeweqs, two spa:th and Sasq’ets, Kw’at’el endeavours to find gifts that would appease Th’Owxiya and save his family.
ACTING
TH’OWXIYA is comprised of 6 named roles plus a chorus of 4 – 6 people. Two roles will be filled by capstone students. The remaining roles are open to UWaterloo students from any faculty. Auditions will be held:
Wednesday, September 4 from 6 – 10 p.m.
Thursday, September 5 from 6 - 10 p.m.
Sign up online for an audition slot. You are to prepare a contemporary comedic monologue from a play you enjoy. Ideally the comedy should be physical.
The monologue should be memorized. It is not mandatory, but it is welcome.
Each auditioner will have approximately fifteen minutes for their audition. The director will watch your monologue, offer some direction, and see how well you respond. Please read the play before your audition. Copies of the play can be signed out from Janelle in ML 122 (jrainvil@uwaterloo.ca)
Students who are cast in the production will be enrolled in either THPERF 306-001 or 316-001. The instructor of record / acting coach is still TBA. Rehearsals will be Tuesdays and Thursday from 6 - 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (with a 1-hour meal break in the middle). Class with the instructor of record will be Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.
DRAMATURGY / PUBLICITY
There is a group of students who work as dramaturgs. This position is a 0.5 credit course commitment. Student dramaturgs will work to create context for the creative and acting teams, as well as work on audience engagement for production. It is possible to do both this position (Dramaturgy) while also acting or doing a production assignment. You can enroll directly into THPERF 306-001 during the enrolment period. If you have any issues, please contact Katie Honek.
Winter 2025: UpStart25 applications due September 27th
Send applications to Janelle Rainville (jrainville@uwaterloo.ca)
The UpStart Festival is a one-act play festival produced by the Theatre and Performance program. All three plays are new works supported by faculty and staff and are written, directed, designed, performed, and led by students, alumni, and visiting artists.
Performance Projects must be Original and may Include:
- Theatre
- Performance Art
- Installations
- Augmented Reality Experiences
- And More!
Successful student applications can earn credits for THPERF courses!
Submit your Application Form in the fall along with supporting documentation!
Examples Include:
- Complete draft of a new play
- Detailed description & ground plan for installation
- Video of performance art piece
- Detailed creation plan for a collaboratively devised performance piece
- Detailed project plan for augmented reality event