Audition Call: Gloria's Guy

Two exciting workshops coming up!Nov 16th & 23rd 10 AM to 3 PM

Creating a Compelling Character facilitated by Annie Smith

November 16, 2025 10 AM - 3 PM

Ages 16+ Max 12 spaces

The first task an actor has to do is figure out the character they are playing. Everything else builds on that essential task. But how do you do that? 

In this workshop we will work individually, in pairs, and in the whole group to learn how to mine the text for clues, how do create your character bio, and explore how your character moves, speaks, thinks, and what drives them in the play. What to do they want and what do they do to get it? Who do they struggle with? Who are their allies? How do you use your whole self as an actor – body, voice, imagination, emotions, life experience – to bring your character to life?

If these questions intrigue you and you want to have fun, learn, and grow with a group of other theatre lovers, this workshop is for you! We will do a gentle physical and vocal warm up, read aloud, do some basic acting exercises and experiment with the different texts. You can choose to bring a script and character you want to work on OR you can wait and see what Annie turns up with. 

Please make note of your character and script if you choose to bring your own.

You can email or call Annie for more information: anismith@telus.net Please wear flexible clothes you can move in, sensible shoes, bring layers, lunch and a water bottle.

Taking a Play from Page to Stage facilitated by Annie Smith

November 23, 2025 10 AM - 3 PM

Ages 16+ Max 12 spaces

Reading and making sense of a script is not for the faint of heart. How do you make sense of stage directions, character dialogue, and those mysterious gaps in information? How do you cast the play? What kind of set do you need? Does this play need to be on a large stage or can you do it on a small stage? What is the best theatre configuration? What technical resources are needed (lights, sounds, projections)? What will you need for costumes? Set pieces? If you are a director, set designer, costumer, sound/light technician, stage manager, or producer, this workshop will be fun and useful. Actors will learn a lot too! In community theatre, chances are you will take on many roles ...

In this workshop we will work with the script for Sweet Land of Liberty by Sharon Pollock, (first broadcast by CBC in 1979) to figure out how to put this radio play onto the stage so that it makes sense and holds the attention of the audience. We’ll do on our feet exercises, read aloud, and table work in small groups, reporting back to the whole group. The script will be sent to you ahead so you can read the script.  You can email or call Annie for more information: anismith@telus.net Please wear flexible clothes you can move in, sensible shoes, bring layers, lunch and a water bottle.

Cost is $25 per workshop or $40 for both. Payment can be made on site on the day of. Debit/Credit or cash. Please register by November 10, 2025 by email to info@rivercityplayers.ca

About Annie Smith

Annie Smith’s background in theatre goes back to her Mom being a children’s creative drama teacher. She couldn’t escape being infected with the theatre bug and began teaching herself when she was still a teenager. She’s been directing since she was 6 and has always found ways to do theatre wherever she’s lived. 

Once her boys were finished high school she went back to school to learn formally how to make theatre and finished her BA in Theatre (UBC) and MA in Drama (UAlberta), and then, after doing a 4 year stint directing the Indigenous theatre company, Tricksters’ Theatre, based out of Courtenay, she steeled her nerves and went back to school to do a PhD in Education (UBC again!), focusing on participatory theatre performance. 

All of that education and a number of years teaching and directing drama at the post-secondary level in Alberta and BC has brought her back to her roots in community theatre and the north island, to Campbell River. Annie just finished directing the one act play, The Early Worm Club, by Edmonton playwright, Katherine Koller, for Rivercity’s One Act Play Series, and And Up They Flew, by Toronto playwright, Martha Ross, for Courtenay Little Theatre in 2024.

A Rock Sails By opens Nov 6th