High school
The next generation of artists has arrived, and they have class at 8 am on Monday! Here are six showcases featuring High School aged artists who are launching their artistic careers at Nextfest.
High School Set A: Things Aren’t Always As They Seem
mentored by Michaela Demeo and Jennifer Peebles
Lorne Cardinal Theatre @ The Roxy
Saturday, June 7 at 11:00 am
Saturday, June 14 at 3:00 pm
Time Will Tell
written and directed by Jacey Strem
featuring Ivy DeGagné, Pyper Rhodes, Ishan Sweeney, Cormac Tiley, and Camryn Strem
Ten years after burying a time capsule, four friends — Jasper, Lucas, Willow, and May — gather back together to take a walk down memory lane. However, after spending the day making their way through the capsule, things begin to get rocky between the friends as its contents rekindle old high school rivalries.
Partners in Crime
written and directed by Chester Garrett and Abby Thomas
featuring Ari Mitchell, and Morgan Marks
Partners in Crime is a comedy-thriller about two ex-lovers being forced to team up as they get stuck in a bank vault with one another. Using nothing but the wacky items in their bag to escape, this short play explores themes of forgiveness, love and trust. Chester Garrett and Abby Thomas, are so excited to share their writing with you all.
The Case Of The Missing Mug
written and directed by Sara Bloomfield
featuring Carly Butters, Alyana Bates, River Markiwsky, Keerat Sarwara, Kendalea Franklin, and Brayden Roberie
When an office worker’s favourite mug goes missing, she starts an investigation to find it. Determined to get to the bottom of this case, she interrogates her co-workers one by one to expose the culprit. She will stop at nothing to recover her beloved mug.
Eighteen Nails
written and directed by Ash Klein
featuring Mercury Alguire, Kate Adamus, and Fionn Cahill
After a change in daily routine, two women contemplate their self worth and place in the world, reflecting on their lives and how weight and their bodies have affected them.
High School Set B: If Time Won’t Hold On
Lorne Cardinal Theatre @ The Roxy
Saturday, June 7 at 1:00 pm
Saturday, June 14 at 1:00 pm
If Time Won’t Hold On
written by Fern Weimer
directed by Fern Weimer and Emma Brown
featuring Morgan Stewart, Skylar Reynard, Amelia Hincz, Lucas Potskin, Kevin King-Piche, Ayanali Shaban, and Alasdair Myatt
It’s always been the plan for August, Lane, and Cass to pursue science degrees and then go to medical school together. But now it seems like Lane and Cass are drifting away from August, and med school looks less and less appealing every day. When August finds themself at odds with their own thoughts, will they be able to figure out what they actually want in life?
On A Whim’s Dress Up
featuring Hunter Lafleur, Ryan Van Dusun, Ellis Van Hees, Evan Cardinal, Isabella Parker, Bandon Wang
Costumes meet chaos in this fast-paced improv comedy show! Watch ‘On A Whim’ throw on wild outfits and jump into even wilder scenes—totally unscripted, totally hilarious.
High School Set C: It Ain’t Easy
mentored by Mhairi Berg
Lorne Cardinal Theatre @ The Roxy
Sunday, June 8 at 1:00 pm
Sunday, June 15 at 3:00 pm
Southern Subtext
written and directed by Faer Oliver
featuring Quin Signorini, Emylee Schneider, Lenny O’Neil Becker, and Alex Polanska
Beatrice is trying her best to be perceived as a good and model woman by the community. But it’s not exactly easy with two rambunctious twin boys, a cheating husband, gossipy neighbours, and Beatrice’s anger issues. So she decides the best way to prove she’s a composed and serene mother is to invite the neighbours over for dinner. How will Beatrice handle the stress of her chaotic children, absent husband, the town gossip, and her ever-boiling rage? Join Beatrice, her sons, and one scandal-loving neighbour for a very tense and awkward meal.
Letters to You
written and directed by Hannah Adamson and Jorjia Sorenson
composed by Hannah Adamson and Easton Tom
featuring Mackie Suitor, Elin Kersey, Mamie Davage, Rylan Stelck, and Mason Judson
At fourteen, Ellie is lost in the shadow of grief. Her mother may be gone, but she has left behind something precious: letters, written for the moments she knew Ellie would need them most. Letters to You is a tender coming-of-age story about love, loss, and the enduring power of a mother’s words.
The Last Drop of Oil
written and directed by Lenny O’Neill-Becker and George Nesdole
featuring Kade Calara, Xavier Park, and Liam Cloran
The Last Drop Of Oil explores a comedic retelling of a watch party on the verge of chaos. As Tyler, Cooper and Liam watch the last five minutes of the 2024 Stanley Cup final, emotions and superstition take hold, creating hilarious havoc and leading to an end that Oilers fans know all too well. Right?
High School Set D: Inner Workings
curated by Jennifer Peebles
mentored by Jayce McKenzie
Lorne Cardinal Theatre @ The Roxy
Sunday, June 8 at 3:00 pm
Sunday, June 15 at 1:00 pm
How to End Hope
written and directed by Libby Petersen
featuring Gradin Morris, Iris Dentzien, Julie Phillips, and Brooklyn McQueen
As a frazzled author rushes to get a manuscript in on time, the main character of the work in progress, Hope, accidentally gets pulled into real life. As Hope and the author learn more about each other, the stark distinction between what they each want, think, and feel wedges a gap between them that seems too wide to overcome. As time ticks by and the deadline creeps closer, will Hope and the author find the perfect ending? Or will their differences irreparably divide them?
Unraveling Your Mind: A Crash Course On Crisis
created and performed by Stratus Mandziak-Dinger
Do you ever feel like your brain is an old radio, stuck between stations, picking up whispers from a universe that’s just slightly out of sync? Do you find yourself staring into the abyss of your fridge at 3 AM, wondering if the mayonnaise has a secret message for you? Then you may be on the way to having an existential crisis! Join us and our expert host to help you, yes you reading this, unlock something deep within.
Becoming Yellow
written and directed by Ella Jensen
featuring Kamoura Pelletier, Talitha Mrochuk, Emma McLeod, Nova Oliver, Meredith Fitzsimmons Frey, and Coreopsis (Kate) Choy
Becoming Yellow follows the story of a young girl as she tries to separate herself from her anxiety. She struggles to find her own identity, apart from any label. As she journeys to find her true self she rediscovers beauty within the world she is living in.
High School Set E: Fruits and Veggies
mentored by Madi May
mentor sponsored by Kompany Family Theatre
Lorne Cardinal Theatre @ The Roxy
Sunday, June 8 at 5:00 pm
Sunday, June 15 at 11:00 am
Fruits and Veggies
written by Finny Morrish
directed by Justaya Carter and Finny Morrish
featuring Cali Rosadiuk, Izabella Rairie, Artemis Rukavina, and Greg Bowcott
Carrot Cadet has found themselves in a situation of action, being the sidekick of Sheriff Vee, they have altercations with the new henchmen of THE CARNIVORE, Hot Dog. Carrot Cadet has to see if they can defeat this fiend before THE CARNIVORE turns the mayor into ham!
High School Set F: The Power of Four – Vanguard Improv
Lorne Cardinal Theatre @ The Roxy
Thursday, June 5 at 6:00 pm
Thursday, June 12 at 6:00 pm
The Power of Four
FOUR TEAMS of FOURS STUDENTS from FOUR SCHOOLS improvise FOUR SCENES. All FOR you! Featuring students from across the city!
Vanguard would like to give a special thank you to Grant MacEwan for the generous donations of rehearsal space.