Brushstrokes & Jazz with Rob Phillips, Carling Stephen, and a mystery artist
Tues. Feb. 25, 9pm

Mingle and chill with us on the opening evening of the festival at Brushstrokes & Jazz

Brushstrokes & Jazz is an unforgettable evening where the worlds of live music and visual art beautifully converge. As Rob Phillips and Carling Stephen fill the room with soulful jazz melodies and captivating rhythms, an acclaimed painter (announcement to follow) creates a masterpiece right before your eyes, inspired by the music. A unique way to witness two art forms influencing each other and evolving together. 

Book your tickets in advance, as capacity is limited. PWYC; suggested contribution: $15-$20.


Creating a Solo Show
​Wed. Feb. 26, 8pm

Meet the festival players in a lively panel discussion about the virtues and vicissitudes of Creating a Solo Show.

Have you wondered about creating a one-person show of your own? What are the challenges and  joys of making your own solo show? As an audience, what do you enjoy, or maybe not enjoy about them? This panel discussion features experienced playwrights and creators from the Brand New Stages Festival and beyond, talking about their craft. Come with questions, leave with a wealth of insights.

Book your tickets in advance, as capacity is limited. PWYC; suggested contribution: $10.



StorySLAM, hosted by Megan Murphy and Mandy Roveda
Thurs. Feb. 27, 9pm 

Everyone has a story worth telling! Tonight’s theme is Breaking the Rules…

StorySLAM is your chance to share a true, personal story that connects, inspires, makes us laugh, or moves us forward. Our StorySLAM is an open invitation for anyone who has a story to tell, and for anyone who just wants to enjoy an evening of communal storytelling.

Here’s how it works: each storyteller will have 5 minutes to share a personal story based on our theme: “Breaking the Rules.” Stories must be true and from your own experience. No notes or props allowed – just you, your voice, and your story. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or have never spoken on stage before, all are welcome to participate.

No need to sign up as a storyteller ahead of time; just get your tickets, prepare your story on the theme Breaking the Rules, and/or prepare to enjoy listening to the incredible experiences of others.

Storytelling Tips:

  • Inspired by the theme, choose a story that means something to you.
  • Focus on the specifics of the experience – what did it feel/smell/look like?
  • Practice it out loud, get it down to 5 minutes.
  • Be authentic and speak from the heart.

Book your tickets in advance. Capacity is limited at TTOK. PWYC; suggested contribution: $10.


A Soulful Night, with Beau Dixon
​​Fri. Feb. 28, 9pm​

Join us for an unforgettable night where soulful melodies and powerful stories collide, as the uber-talented Beau Dixon takes the stage for an intimate, soulful concert performance.

In honour of Black History Month, Beau takes the audience on a journey through the spirit and legacy of Black music. Starting with early slave spirituals, then guiding us through the birth of the blues, gospel, reggae and soul, Beau uses these different genres to narrate the evolution of black music and the artists that influenced a new culture and generation of poets, activists, politicians and visionaries. Whether you’re a long-time fan, or new to his music, this night promises to be one to remember.

Book your tickets in advance, as capacity is limited. PWYC; suggested contribution: $15-$20.



Venus in Fur by David Ives 
Sat. Mar. 1, 9pm

A staged reading of the acclaimed contemporary play, directed by Dahlia Katz.
Featuring Erynn Brook and M. John Kennedy


A bonus bonbon for theatre lovers on the final night of Brand New Stages, Venus in Fur is an after-dark affair, a sexual, intellectual thriller.

Thomas, a beleaguered playwright/director, is desperate to find an actress to play Vanda, the female lead in his adaptation of the classic sadomasochistic tale Venus in Fur. Into his empty audition room walks a vulgar and equally desperate actress—oddly enough, named Vanda. Though utterly wrong for the sophisticated part, Vanda exhibits a strange command of the material, piquing Thomas’ interest with her seductive talents and secretive manner. As the two work through the script, they blur the line between play and reality, entering into an increasingly serious game of submission and domination that only one of them can win. Mysterious, funny, erotic. Come if you dare. 

Content advisory: 18+ for sexual content, coarse language, mild violence.

​Book your tickets in advance, as capacity is limited. $22 regular/$11 (arts workers, underemployed)

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