For those who know me, you will know that I like the feeling of discovery and the element of surprise. I love finding that hidden gem – be that a book or candy store that I’ve never noticed before, a new (quieter) route to work or a shortcut on my computer. Most of all, I enjoy coming across new artists, new art forms, new work. To me, the experience of jumping into the unknown – taking a risk – is not only a fun way to live but also fundamental to creation and development. This also means that my role at The Theatre Centre – an organization, which supports risk and diversity – is a great fit for me.

So where I am going with this? Well, having just finished slotting in the shows at The Theatre Centre (September 2010 – March 2011) and it is satisfying to see such variety in artists, art forms and performance: from horror puppetry to music with spaghetti. And so, in the spirit of discovery, I’ve decided to launch a new season f.a.b package (f.a.b. – my initials) – that embraces risk and diversity. On top of all this, the season package saves you so much money.

So in brief… you buy a Theatre Centre f.a.b. package for just $50 to see 4 different shows (so that’s just $12.50 per show, which is ridiculously cheap). You can then choose all 4 shows, or you let me decide 1, 2, 3, or all 4 shows for you (that’s the unpredictable/discovery/risky bit). On top of that, you also receive an invitation to a mystery event taking place somewhere in the city chosen by me (this is the surprise part!).

So, join me in taking that little leap of faith into the unknown. Click here to read how it all works and what you need to do.

Now a little plug… in December, a new performance piece, 300 TAPES by Public Recordings. Developed in collaboration as part of our Residency Program, the three performers – Joe Cobden, Frank Cox-O’Connell and Brendan Gall – recorded on 100 tapes each the real life stories of their lives. These stories, along with incredible sound design and intricate choreography, are playfully relayed and bring into question how our memories and identity are warped by time, and by our own version of who we believe we are. For this show, we’re delighted to be partnering up with folks at Alberta Theatre Projects so that audiences in both Toronto and Calgary get to experience it.

Finally, I am very excited to announce the return of L’Orchestre d’Hommes-Orchestres, performing the MUSIC OF TOM WAITS. They made their Toronto debut earlier this year at the Music Gallery as part of Free Fall and they were simply fantastic. They create instruments out of every object imaginable and it sounds amazing. If you weren’t one of the lucky ones to have seen it, then I honestly recommend that you don’t miss out again. (A friend who’d never heard of Tom Waits, still raves about it).

Posted: August 19th, 2010 under Franco's Blog, The Theatre Centre f.a.b. Package.
Comments: 1

PURCHASE THE THEATRE CENTRE f.a.b. PACKAGE (just $50 for 4 shows – that’s $12.50 per ticket, saving you on average over 50% per ticket!) AND EXPERIENCE THE ECLECTIC, THE ALTERNATIVE, THE UNPREDICTABLE.

TELL ME MORE….
- The Theatre Centre is committed to diversity and risk in performance. The Theatre Centre f.a.b. Package is designed to celebrate these two themes by encouraging YOU to embrace the unknown and experience the wide range of work – from various disciplines – being created and presented by artists in Toronto.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
- YOU pay just $50 to see 4 shows playing now until March 2011 (see list below). That’s $12.50 per ticket, saving you more than 50% per ticket (that’s a pretty amazing deal, right?)

- YOU choose 4 shows you’d like to see OR you let Franco A. Boni (f.a.b.), Artistic Director of The Theatre Centre, select 1, 2, 3, or all 4 for YOU.

- YOU will also receive an invite to a mystery cultural event taking place somewhere in the city. Chosen by Franco, this could be anything from a singing lesson to a tour of an artist’s studio.

Read Franco’s blog to find out more about his thoughts behind the package.

The Theatre Centre f.a.b. Package features the following new works (click on show titles for more info):

• 300 TAPES by Public Recordings, co-produced by Public Recordings with Alberta Theatre Projects + The Theatre Centre (Dec 1-12, 2010)
• ASSASSINS by Birdland Theatre and Talk is Free Theatre (Jan 6-23, 2011)
• WEESAGEECHAK BEGINS TO DANCE FESTIVAL XXIII by Native Earth (Jan 26-29, 2011)
• MUSIC OF TOM WAITS by L’Orchestre d’Hommes-Orchestres presented by The Theatre Centre (Mar 2-5, 2011)
• NOHAYQUIENSEPA (NoOneKnows) by Aluna Theatre (Mar 11- 27, 2011)

SO HOW DO I BOOK?
Just follow these 4 simple steps…

1. Call The Theatre Centre Box Office on 416-538-0988 (visa / mastercard). A $1 transaction fee will apply.
2. You can then select all or some of the shows you are interested in right there and then, or call back at any time convenient for you (please note: the earlier you select your shows the more likely you’ll get the dates you want).
3. If you would like Franco to select all or some of the shows for you, just inform the box office when purchasing the package and Franco will email YOU the show details and a number of dates to choose from.
4. Smile when you receive your ‘f.a.b.’ button!

BUT WHAT ABOUT MY MYSTERY TREAT?
- From now until March 2011, you will be sent e-invitations to a variety of events. You simply RSVP to which one you’d like to attend.

ARE THERE ANY TERMS AND CONDITIONS?
Yes, just a few….

- Each The Theatre Centre f.a.b. Package entitles you to 1 ticket for 4 different shows now until March 2011.

- You can purchase an unlimited number of f.a.b. Packages – subject to availability.

- Performances are subject to availability. So the earlier you book, the more likely you’ll get the date you want (and if you’ve left it up to Franco to select a show, don’t worry, he’ll get on the case and select a date/show as soon as possible!)

- The following restrictions apply to f.a.b bookers:
For ASSASSINS you can only book for the following dates: Thursday January 6, 8pm; Saturday January 8, 2pm; Sunday January 9, 2pm.

Posted: August 19th, 2010 under The Theatre Centre f.a.b. Package.
Comments: 1