2023 Solo Show Creation Lab
May
15
to May 26

2023 Solo Show Creation Lab

calling all creatives: 
the solo show of your dreams is waiting. 



what is this?


Tiny Bear Jaws is stoked to announce our inaugural SOLO SHOW CREATION LAB, led by solo creator Elena (or Eli) Belyea (she/they) and taking place in Edmonton, AB at Fringe Theatre this upcoming May 15-26 2023.

This intensive 2-week workshop will lead a brave and boundary-breaking cohort through structured prompts, exercises, and activities to help germinate the seeds of a new piece. This intensive will run Monday to Friday and take place from 10-5PM, featuring a small public sharing of our works-in-process on the final day.

We’re also partnering with a local filmmaker + photographer, so participants will leave this intensive with PROMO PHOTOS and ARCHIVAL VIDEO of an excerpt of their piece to use for future promotions and applying for funding opportunities.

Elena Belyea in “White Night” at the 2014 Found Festival. Photo credit: Michael Kuby.

is this workshop for me?


Very likely, yes!

  • Maybe you’re an actor/comedian/designer/dancer/musician/filmmaker/artist, interested in creating work that showcases you as a performer

  • Maybe you’re eager to make work that reflects your lived experience

  • Maybe you’re a playwright or storyteller who wants to create a solo show for someone else to perform

  • Maybe you’ve been making theatre for years, and want to try something new

  • Maybe you need an excuse to carve out some time to bring your dream project to fruition

  • Maybe you’ve got something in the archives you want to unearth and dig back into

Whatever your motivation, this intensive will be an opportunity to explore with the support of experienced artists and theatre makers.

who's running it?


This lab will be facilitated by solo show writer and performer Elena Belyea (graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada's Playwriting program, winner of Montreal Fringe’s “Best English Production” + “Best English New Text” Award in 2015 for “Miss Katelyn’s Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable” and creator of “I Don’t Even Miss You” which premiered as part of the Common Ground Arts Society's 2022 RISER Edmonton) with support from Stage Manager, Producer, and Found Festival’s 2022-2023 Fresh AiR Artist Steven Sobolewski. This process-based intensive will be an opportunity for folks to nurture a new ideas and receive feedback through consent-based feedback processes.

why are you doing this?


"My first year out of theatre school, touring my solo show Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable was how I made my living. It allowed me to travel, introduce myself and my work to audiences and artistic directors across the country, generate future work opportunities, and gain confidence as a writer and performer. I learned I don't have to wait around for someone else to write the characters I want to play-- I can bring them to life myself. My hope is that this workshop will give other artists the tools to feel empowered to develop their own work, in whatever ways works best for them."
- Elena Belyea

Elena Belyea in “I Don’t Even Miss You” at RISER Edmonton in 2022.

the nitty gritty


COST: $950 + GST. (The bulk of this will go towards craft materials, as well as paying Elena and Steven, as well as our videographer and photographer a living wage. We’re happy to provide letter of confirmation and support to granting bodies, if you’re interested in applying to help cover this cost).

VENUE: Fringe Theatre Arts Barns, Edmonton, Alberta.

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: In order to ensure each individual and project gets the attention it deserves, space for this workshop is extremely limited. If you're interested in registering, fill out the following Google Form (https://forms.gle/fpxRAccsRtWy2r9aA) so we can hear a bit about who you are. Once we've learned everything we need to know, we’ll send along more info about how to submit your $150 deposit (your spot will not be secured until we receive this deposit!).

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS/HOPES/DREAMS: E-mail Elena now at tinybearjaws@gmail.com!

about tiny bear jaws


Founded in 2015, Tiny Bear Jaws is an agile, femme and queer-run cross-Canadian theatre company. We produce innovative, provocative, and engaging new works. We’re passionate about learning more about implementing alternatives to anti-oppressive, anti-racist, and anti-hierarchical organizational structures. We’re committed to engaging meaningfully with the communities with whom we share our work and providing hands-on mentorship opportunities for historically under-represented emerging artists.

find out more / reach out:


www.tinybearjaws.com


@tinybearjaws@gmail.com


@tinybearjaws on instagram, facebook, and twitter

INFO SHEET AVAILABLE HERE AS A PDF.

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Gender? I Hardly Know Them in "HTTPEEPEE" (An Online Queer Sketch Show)
Jul
14
to Jul 19

Gender? I Hardly Know Them in "HTTPEEPEE" (An Online Queer Sketch Show)

UPCOMING ONLINE SHOW

Tiny Bear Jaws + Rapid Fire Theatre Present
httpeepee
A Queer Online Sketch Show (on Zoom)
July 14-19, 7:30pm

Take my Wifi, please! Syd and Elena of queer sketch duo “Gender? I Hardly Know Them” channel their debilitating loneliness into httpeepee, 50 minutes of non-stop laughs, coming at you live from their very own houses! Put an end to your FOMO and get ready to ROFLMAO, ya DILFs!

This is an online show! To participate you will need access to Zoom and a reliable internet connection. Once you have purchased your tickets, you will receive instructions on how to log in. All tickets are Pay-What-You-Can-Afford. Get yours now! 5% of our box office will go towards Black Lives Matter (Edmonton). Suggested rating +14.

ARTISTIC TEAM Written and performed by Elena Eli Belyea and Sydney Campbell. 
Directed and dramaturged by Rob Baker. 
Assistant directed and dramaturged by Caleigh Crow. 
Design consultation and dramaturgical support by Elise Jason. 
Tech consultation, sound design, and dramaturgical support by Tori Morrison. 
Special thanks to Geoffrey, Kole, Sue, David, Andrea, Theo, and Lindsay. 

PAST REVIEWS“☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ – See this show.” – Edmonton Journal.
“☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ - The whole social construct of gender is kind of a joke to begin with, but sketch comedians Elena Eli Belyea and Sydney Campbell dive deep.” – Daze Magazine
“A charismatic, pronoun-cognizant duo straight from Edmonton… insight and outreach blended with crazy satire and situational comedy.“ – Sesay Arts Magazine
“Valuable assets to the comedy scene.” – Istvan Dugalin

Pay-What-You-Can-Afford tickets on-sale now at http://rapidfiretheatre.comfor $0, $5, $11, $23, and $50. Showtimes: July 14-19 at 7:30PM nightly. Please arrive at least 15 minutes to ensure everything is working, tech-wise. For any inquiries, please contact tinybearjaws@gmail.com. 

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World Premiere - "The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy)" as part of the 2020 RISER Project
May
1
to May 9

World Premiere - "The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy)" as part of the 2020 RISER Project

don’t worry, be happy. / be worried, don’t happy.

The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy), May 1-9, 2020 at The Theatre Centre’s BMO Incubator, is presented as part of RISER Project, a collaborative producing model presented by Why Not Theatre with the generous support of RBC Foundation, TD Bank Group, and the Government of Canada.

Philip, Tori, Ira, and Elena just want to be happy. They also recognize the ways this pursuit furthers systemic inequality and causes unprecedented environmental destruction. But Philip, Tori, Ira and Elena still want to be happy… Using live-streams, projections, and onstage experiments, this cross-Canadian collaboration is a spontaneous investigation of grief, technology, and the things people do to be happy at any cost. 

The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy) is presented as part of RISER Project, a collaborative producing model presented by Why Not Theatre with the generous support of RBC Foundation, TD Bank Group, and the Government of Canada.

ARTISTIC TEAM
Elena Eli Belyea - Co-creator, producer, performer (Edmonton)
Ira Doré - Co-creator, performer, choreographer (Calgary)
Tori Morrison - Co-creator, producer, performer, video and sound design (Halifax)
Philp Nozuka – Co-creator, performer, video and sound design (Toronto)
Tanya Rintoul - Director, facilitator, dramaturgical support (Toronto)
Alison Yanota - Costume and prop design, dramaturgical support (Edmonton)
Rebecca Durocher - Technical Director, dramaturgical support (Montreal)
Mel Hague – Outside Eye, dramaturgical support (Toronto)
Kole Durnford – Emerging Artist Mentee / Outside Eye (Edmonton)
Additional dramaturgical support by Mel Hague, Laurel Green, Tedi Tafel, Andrea Donaldson, Gianna Vacirca

For RISER Project 2020:
Production Management by Crystal Lee Chettiar
Publicity by Damien Nelson (Want & Able Arts Consulting)
Produced by Tom Arthur Davis

PAST AUDIENCE FEEDBACK “THE WORST THING I COULD BE (IS HAPPY)”
“The aches and anxieties of a generation, bound together by an optimistic, compassionate energy.”
- Nick Carpenter, Playwright
“An overwhelming world where everything is FUN and ON SALE and GOOD for you or BAD or BOTH.”
- Audience member
“The absurdity of seeking happiness in a world that is crumbling.”
-  Audience member

Get your tickets now at https://whynot.theatre/work/riser/ Tickets are available based on Theatre Why Not’s Pay-What-You-Choose pricing model for $12, $20, $35, $60.

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"Gender? I Hardly Know Them" at Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival
Mar
13
to Mar 14

"Gender? I Hardly Know Them" at Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival

ALBERTA’S BEST-SELLING PINT-SIZED QUEER SKETCH DUO
GENDER? I HARDLY KNOW THEM

“If every funeral was this laugh-out-loud funny we’d dig up the dead three times a week just to bury the bastards again. See this show.”

– Edmonton Journal, ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

“The whole social construct of gender is kind of a joke to begin with, but sketch comedians Elena Eli Belyea and Sydney Campbell dive deep.”

– Daze Magazine, ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Gender? I Hardly Know Them is pleased as punch to be performing as part of the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival on March 13 at 7PM and March 14 at 9PM at the Theatre Centre’s BMO Incubator. The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival (TOsketchfest) returns March 4 – 15, 2020 for its 15th Anniversary, making it Toronto’s longest running comedy Festival.

Nanette meets Baroness Von Sketch in this queer comedy show created by award-winning playwright and performer Elena Eli Belyea and Rapid Fire/Dang Dumb director and performer Sydney Campbell. Dad jokes, first dates and catcalls collide in this joyfully provocative premiere that will leave you breathless, whatever your pronouns. A smorgasbord of the political, surreal, raunchy and ridiculous, Gender, I Hardly Know Them tackles complicated subjects with risk, rigor, and wit, in a way that centers queer folks, but is welcoming to everyone! “Gender? I Hardly Know Them” premiered in August 2019 at the Edmonton Fringe where it received rave reviews, sold out, and was held-over for two nights at the Grindstone Comedy Theatre.

Syd and Eli are a pair of pint-sized, non-binary prairie queers who have worked together since 2014 and have the friendship to prove it.  By coming to Toronto, they have cut Edmonton’s queer population in half. @genderihardlyknowthem

The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is Canada’s premier festival celebrating scripted, ensemble comedy boasting 12 days of comedy on five stages, each year featuring approximately 200 comedians. Since 2005, the Festival has brought sketch comedy to wider audiences with performances showcasing emerging comedians alongside a slate of top-flight headliner acts such as Tallboyz II Men, Kate McKinnon, Ramy Youssef and Jonathan Braylock of Inside Jokes Films, The Kids in the Hall, Ninja Sex Party, Sasheer Zamata, This is That, Michael Ian Black, and Gavin Crawford. TOsketchfest is a registered charity and supports Canadian comedic writer-performers through showcases, professional development and direct funding through the Sketch Comedy Project Fund in partnership with the Pat & Tony Adams Fund.

GENDER? I HARDLY KNOW THEM at the TORONTO SKETCH COMEDY FESTIVAL
Two Nights Only! March 13 at 7PM and March 14 at 9PM
BMO Incubator at the Theatre Centre (1115 QUEEN STREET WEST)
Tickets are $17.50 plus fees and are available in person or online at: https://www.torontosketchfest.com/tscf-troupes/gender-i-hardly-know-them/

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Tiny Bear Jaws' Indie Producing Workshop - Edmonton
Dec
17
1:00 PM13:00

Tiny Bear Jaws' Indie Producing Workshop - Edmonton

Are you an independent theatre producer in Edmonton?

Or maybe you’ve never produced a show, but you’re looking to start.

Or maybe you’re an independent playwright/actor/director hoping to fill your creative/administrator toolbox!

Tiny Bear Jaws is offering an independent theatre producing workshop in Edmonton, at the ATB Arts Barns (with support from Edmonton Fringe Theatre) on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 from 1-5PM, offering practical tools in:

  • Applying for funding

  • Reaching new audiences

  • Marketing your work

  • Making your work more accessible

  • And paying! Your! Self!

This is a rare opportunity in that it will be led by BOTH Tori and Elena, who collaborate long-distance all year round but are rarely in the same city, and want to share their specialized producing skills with you!

The cost of this 4 hour workshop is $100, with 100% of proceeds going towards the soon-to-be-announced premiere production of a new Tiny Bear Jaws show, happening this Spring.

If you are interested in attending, but don’t have the $$$, fear not! We are also offering a Pay-What-You-Can option. Please get in touch ASAP by e-mailing us at tinybearjaws@gmail.com. Don’t let money be an obstacle, WE WANT YOU THERE WITH US!

Space is limited. Deadline to register is December 12.

Register now at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/tiny-bear-jaws-indie-theatre-producing-workshop-tickets-78505709691

Questions/comments/hopes/dreams, don't hesitate to get in touch!

*

Elena is an Edmonton-born (Amiskwaciwȃskahikan, Treaty 6 territory) queer playwright, performer, producer, and arts educator who works across Canada, and Artistic Director of Tiny Bear Jaws. Elena’s plays have been produced across Canada and received numerous awards, including First Place in the 2015 Wildfire National Playwriting Competition with Cleave (also included as part of the Playwrights Guild of Canada’s 2018 Surefire List). Elena is also the recipient of the Tarragon Theatre’s 2018-2019 RBC Emerging Playwright Award, and a graduate of the University of Alberta and National Theatre School of Canada. Find out more at http://elenabelyea.com.

Tori is a theatre artist, designer, stage manager, and production manager that splits her time between Halifax, Montreal, and Edmonton, as well as Artistic Associate and Producer of Tiny Bear Jaws. Recent credits include lighting/sound design and coordination for the contemporary circus show Particle # B, which went to Grenoble France in August to take part in Fabrique Des Petites Utopies’ summer residency and showcase program, as well as touring to Australia this past winter. Find out more at her website http://torigmorrison.com.

Founded in 2015, Tiny Bear Jaws is an agile, femme/queer run cross-Canadian company that produces innovative, provocative, entertaining, and interdisciplinary new works. They have worked in a variety of communities and spaces, always seeking new ways of engaging meaningfully with the communities with whom they share their work. Since their inception, Tiny Bear Jaws has had over 85 shows in 5 cities (including Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, and Montréal) and worked with over 150 artists across Canada. More at http://tinybearjaws.com.

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Staged Reading of "Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable" - Halifax
Nov
1
7:00 PM19:00

Staged Reading of "Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable" - Halifax

  • 15 Alderney Drive Dartmouth BellsView Studios (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join us for a STAGED READING of “Miss Katelyn’s Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable” in Halifax this November 1.

Written and performed by Elena Eli Belyea
Directed by Emma Tibaldo
Sound Design, Stage + Production Management by Tori Morrison
Production Design by Alison Yanota
Poster Design by Meags Fitzgerlad

WHEN: Friday, November 1, 2019 // 7PM
WHERE: 15 Alderney Drive Dartmouth BellsView Studios
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN (No one turned away for lack of funds).

Montreal, Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland. Welcome to class 3B at Saint Joseph’s Elementary School. Your teacher, Miss Katelyn, knows the world is a dangerous place and her life-saving lesson is about to begin.

A HILARIOUSLY DARK AND TRAGICALLY RELEVANT PLAY: As the gun control debate rages and teenagers take to the streets in protest, Miss Katelyn’s Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable is a timely exploration of panic, prevention, and paranoia in a post-truth world. In the play, a well-intentioned school teacher conducts an unsanctioned presentation on how to survive a school shooting.

“This show earns its transformation from laughs to tears as it sinks its teeth into weight subject matter. By the end, Belyea has made us laugh, terrified us, and tugged at our heartstrings. An A+ show! ☆☆ ☆ ☆ ☆” – Edmonton’s Vue Weekly
“Belyea skillfully works the room, eliciting plenty of laughs but also a deep sense of anger and sadness.” – Montreal Gazette .
“Belyea is a brilliant dialogue writer.” – Calgary Herald

Entrance is by donation (PWYC). No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Hope to see you there!

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2b Theatre's Colloquium #24 - Creating Theatre in a Cross-Canadian Context - Halifax
Oct
30
5:00 PM17:00

2b Theatre's Colloquium #24 - Creating Theatre in a Cross-Canadian Context - Halifax

  • 6068 Quinpool Road Halifax, NS, B3L 1A1 Canada (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

We are so excited to have been invited by 2b theatre to moderate an evening of their Colloquium series!

WHEN
October 30, 2019 // 5-7PM

EVENT DESCRIPTION
We live in a huge, small country. Many theatre artists are finding ways to reach across long distances to make work with collaborators from all over Canada. What are the challenges and gifts that come from collaborating with artists across the country? And once new works are ready to tour, what are the consequences of companies and venues increasingly relying on touring presentations, as opposed to regional productions, to fill their seasons?

This discussion is moderated by Elena Eli Belyea and Tori Morrison, the Artistic Director and Artistic Associate & Producer of Tiny Bear Jaws. Founded in 2015, Tiny Bear Jaws is an agile, femme/queer run cross-Canadian company that produces innovative, provocative, entertaining, and interdisciplinary new works. They have worked in a variety of communities and spaces, always seeking new ways of engaging meaningfully with the communities with whom they share their work. Since their inception, Tiny Bear Jaws has had over 85 shows in 5 cities and worked with over 150 artists across Canada. Tori recently moved to Halifax, and Elena splits their time between Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, and Montréal. 2b is thrilled to introduce this exciting producing team to the Halifax community.

We want a diverse set of voices in this conversation. Whether you are an art maker, an engaged audience member, or just interested in the topic, we want to hear from you. Admission is free but space is limited. Reserve your seat at the table now at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/colloquium-24-creating-theatre-in-a-cross-canadian-context-tickets-77551395311.

WHERE
APEX is located on the second floor of 6068 Quinpool Rd, and is not wheelchair accessible.

This event takes place in Kjipuktuk, Mi'kma'ki on unceded Mi'kmaq land. This land is covered by the treaty of Peace and Friendship, which you can read here: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028593/1539609242434

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Gender? I Hardly Know Them @ the 2019 Edmonton Fringe Festival - Edmonton
Aug
16
to Aug 25

Gender? I Hardly Know Them @ the 2019 Edmonton Fringe Festival - Edmonton

Tiny Bear Jaws + Rapid Fire Theatre Presents

GENDER? I HARDLY KNOW THEM
A Queer Sketch Show
Premiering at the 2019 Edmonton Fringe Festival

"Nanette" meets "Baroness Von Sketch" in this queer comedy show, created by award-winning playwright and performer Elena Eli Belyea and Rapid Fire/Dang Dumb director and performer Sydney Campbell. Dad jokes, first dates and catcalls collide in this joyfully provocative premiere that will leave you breathless, whatever your pronouns.

CO-CREATED + PERFORMED BY
Elena Eli Belyea and Sydney Campbell

FEATURING
A Super Secret Special Guest

DIRECTED + ADDITIONAL WRITING BY
Paul Blinov

SOUND DESIGN BY
Tori Morrison

STAGE MANAGED BY
Rochelle Laplante

POSTER DESIGNED BY
Meags Fitzgerald

PHOTO BY
Nico Humby

Tickets are $13 (General) and $11 (Student/Senior).

IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD A TICKET…
We get it. We’ve all been there. That’s why we’re reserving a limited number of tickets for each show to go to anyone who feels like they otherwise can’t afford to attend. (Limited to one per person). To take advantage of this, please e-mail genderihardlyknowthem[at]gmail[dot]com with the subject line COMPLIMENTARY TICKET PROGRAM, and include YOUR NAME and the DATE AND TIME of the performance you’d like to attend. PLEASE NOTE: If you know deep down that you can afford a ticket, please leave this resource available for the folks who really need it!

SHOWTIMES
August 16 - 10:15PM
August 17 - 6:45PM
August 20 - 10:15PM
August 22 - 8:30PM
August 23 - 8:15PM
August 24 - 3:30PM
August 25 - 6:45PM

VENUE LOCATION
Sugar Swing Ballroom (Venue #19)
10019 80 Avenue NW

Unfortunately, this venue is not wheelchair accessible.

Tickets go on sale August 7. Get yours at https://www.fringetheatre.ca/plan-your-trip/box-office-information/.

FOR YUKS, GIVE-AWAYS, EXISTENTIAL DREAD AND MORE, FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram: @genderihardlyknowthem
Twitter: @genderihardlyk2

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Workshop Presentation of "The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy)" - Montreal
Apr
24
to Apr 27

Workshop Presentation of "The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy)" - Montreal

TINY BEAR JAWS’
WORKSHOP PRESENTATION OF
”THE WORST THING I COULD BE (IS HAPPY)”

The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy) is an interdisciplinary devised creation about the ways in which happiness “[keeps] its place as a wish by its failure to be given” (Sarah Ahmed, The Promise of Happiness). Home videos, memes, social media, and smart neighborhoods collide in this ever-evolving piece about grief, queerness, capitalism, jouissance, and the internet. 

 Developed as part of Theatre Junction Grand’s TJ Lab Residency Program (November 2017) and the Buddies in Bad Times’ Rhubarb Festival (February 2018), this roughly 75-minute presentation follows a month-long development period at the Diving Bell Social Club in Montreal (April 2019).  

You are invited to join us after the piece and share your thoughts.

WHERE: The Diving Bell Social Club // 3956 Saint Laurent (3rd Floor). Regrettably, this venue is not wheelchair accessible. 
WHEN: Wednesday, April 24 to Saturday, April 27, 2019 (7:30PM Nightly)
HOW MUCH: Pay-What-You-Can (No one will be turned away for lack of funds)

Our venue has limited capacity. If you would like to reserve your spot now, please reply to this e-mail and specify the evening you would like to attend. Please arrive by at least 7:20PM, otherwise your reserved spot will be released for others. 

Co-created by ELENA ELI BELYEA, IRA DORÉ, TORI MORRISON, and PHILIP NOZUKA
Directed by TANYA RINTOUL
Costumes and Prop Design by ALISON YANOTA
Stage Management and Technical Support by REBECCA DUROCHER
Dramaturgy by TANYA RINTOUL, REBECCA DUROCHER, ALISON YANOTA, MEL HAGUE, and LAUREL GREEN
Script assembly by ELENA ELI BELYEA
Video and Sound Design by TORI MORRISON and PHILIP NOZUKA
Choreography by IRA DORÉ
Poster design by ALISON YANOTA
Archival photo by DAHLIA KATZ

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Annual Holiday Micro-Play Reading at the Aviary
Dec
20
7:00 PM19:00

Annual Holiday Micro-Play Reading at the Aviary

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

TINY BEAR JAWS’ ANNUAL
HOLIDAY MICRO-PLAY READING NIGHT
HAPPENING AT THE AVIARY

DECEMBER 20, 2018
DOORS AT 7:00PM (9314 111 Ave NW)

A HEARTWARMING NIGHT OF NEW PLAYS TO CHEER AND PROVOKE. Tiny Bear Jaws' Annual Holiday Micro-Play Reading Night features a stacked company of actors reading brand-spanking work from Edmonton-born/raised playwrights.

FEATURING PIECES BY
Makram Ayache
Gender? I Hardly Know Them (Elena Eli Belyea + Sydney Campbell ft. Paul Blinov) 
Geoffrey Simon Brown
Megan Dart
Mieko Ouchi
Elise Jason
David Walker
Liam Salmon
Tori Morrison
Jacob Halloway 

AND PERFORMANCES BY
Gender? I Hardly Know Them (Elena Eli Belyea + Sydney Campbell ft. Paul Blinov) 
Thomas Barnet
Romar Neil Dungo
Dave Horak
Rochelle Laplante
Puddin'
Vanessa Sabourin
Hillary Warden 
Kiana Woo

TICKETS $10 IN ADVANCE
$12 AT THE DOOR
NO ONE TURNED AWAY FOR LACK OF FUNDS

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW AT https://yeglive.ca/events/tiny-bear-jaws-annual-holiday-micro-play-reading/dec-20-2018/aviary!

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Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable (Staged Reading) - Toronto
Nov
20
8:00 PM20:00

Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable (Staged Reading) - Toronto

TINY BEAR JAWS
Presents

A staged reading of
Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable
Written and Performed by Elena Belyea

November 20, 2018 at the Tarragon Theatre (Workspace)

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN: No one turned away for lack of funds.
SEATING IS LIMITED. ARRIVE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

Recommended for ages 14 & up                          
Run time apx. 65 minutes

ABOUT THE SHOW
“Earns its transformation from laughs to tears as it sinks its teeth into weighty subject matter. By the end, Belyea has made us laugh, terrified us, and tugged at our heartstrings. An A+ show!” - Vue Weekly

"There’s no denying this show’s ... gut-wrenching power.” - Montreal Gazette

"You see, boys and girls... bad things happen to good people all the time. So, it’s our job to make sure we’re as prepared as possible for the innumerable threats that can and will come our way. And not just prepared prepared. Miss Katelyn prepared."

Montreal, Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland. Welcome to class 3B at Saint Joseph’s Elementary School. Your teacher, Miss Katelyn, knows the world is a dangerous place and her life-saving lesson is about to begin. As the gun control debate rages and teenagers take to the streets in protest, Miss Katelyn’s Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable is a timely exploration of panic, prevention, and paranoia in a post-truth world, as a well-intentioned school teacher conducts an unsanctioned presentation on how to survive a school shooting.

Miss Katelyn’s Grade Threes has had three sold out runs in Edmonton, AB and Montreal, QC in 2015, 2016, and 2018 respectively (two in English, one in French), as well as a run in Calgary (Downstage Theatre) and Wells (Sunset Theatre). The French translation, translated by Olivier Sylvestre and produced by Surreal So Real Theatre is preparing to tour to theatres across Québec next summer (2019). 

CREATIVE TEAM
ELENA BELYEA - Playwright/Performer
EMMA TIBALDO - Director
TORI MORRISON - Stage Manager & Sound Designer
ALISON YANOTA - Production Designer
JON LACHLAN STEWART - First Production Director and Dramaturgical Support
IRIS TURCOTT - Dramaturg
LAURENCE PHILOMENE - Photo credit

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Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable - Edmonton
Jul
18
to Jul 21

Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable - Edmonton

TINY BEAR JAWS

Presents

Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable
Written and Performed by Elena Belyea

July 18-21, 2018 at Fringe Theatre's ATB Financial Arts Barns (Studio Theatre)

Recommended for ages 14 & up                          
Run time apx. 65 minutes

TICKETS ON SALE NOW.

PERFORMANCE TIMES
July 18-21, 2018 at 7:30PM Nightly
July 19, 2018 Matinee at 2:00PM

ABOUT THE SHOW
“Earns its transformation from laughs to tears as it sinks its teeth into weighty subject matter. By the end, Belyea has made us laugh, terrified us, and tugged at our heartstrings. An A+ show!” - Vue Weekly

"There’s no denying this show’s ... gut-wrenching power.” - Montreal Gazette

"You see, boys and girls... bad things happen to good people all the time. So, it’s our job to make sure we’re as prepared as possible for the innumerable threats that can and will come our way. And not just prepared prepared. Miss Katelyn prepared."

Montreal, Columbine, Newtown, Orlando. Welcome to class 3B at Saint Joseph's Elementary School. Your teacher, Miss Katelyn, knows the world is a dangerous place and her life-saving lesson is about to begin. 

Winner of Best Production and Best New English Text at the 2015 Montreal Fringe Festival, Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable is a comedic drama about one woman's desperate attempt to keep her students out of harm's way. Not everything is as it seems in this breakneck investigation of panic, prevention, and paranoia in a post-truth world.

CREATIVE TEAM
ELENA BELYEA - Playwright/Performer
EMMA TIBALDO - Director
TORI MORRISON - Stage Manager & Sound Designer
ALISON YANOTA - Production Designer
JON LACHLAN STEWART - First Production Director and Dramaturgical Support
IRIS TURCOTT - Dramaturg
LAURENCE PHILOMENE - Photo credit

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Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable - Calgary
May
15
to May 19

Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable - Calgary

DOWNSTAGE + TINY BEAR JAWS

Downstage proudly presents
Tiny Bear Jaws' production of

Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable
Written and Performed by Elena Belyea

May 15-19, 2018 at Arts Commons, Motel Theatre

Recommended for ages 14 & up                          
Run time apx. 65 minutes

TICKETS ON SALE IN NOVEMBER

Tickets will be $20 with a limited number of tickets available at no cost through Downstage's Pay-It-Forward program. 

PERFORMANCE TIMES
May 15-19 at 7:30 pm
May 18 at 11:00 pm

ABOUT THE SHOW
“Earns its transformation from laughs to tears as it sinks its teeth into weighty subject matter. By the end, Belyea has made us laugh, terrified us, and tugged at our heartstrings. An A+ show!” - Vue Weekly

"There’s no denying this show’s ... gut-wrenching power.” - Montreal Gazette

"You see, boys and girls... bad things happen to good people all the time. So, it’s our job to make sure we’re as prepared as possible for the innumerable threats that can and will come our way. And not just prepared prepared. Miss Katelyn prepared."

Montreal, Columbine, Newtown, Orlando. Welcome to class 3B at Saint Joseph's Elementary School. Your teacher, Miss Katelyn, knows the world is a dangerous place and her life-saving lesson is about to begin. 

Winner of Best Production and Best New English Text at the 2015 Montreal Fringe Festival, Miss Katelyn's Grade Threes Prepare for the Inevitable is a comedic drama about one woman's desperate attempt to keep her students out of harm's way. Not everything is as it seems in this breakneck investigation of panic, prevention, and paranoia in a post-truth world.

CREATIVE TEAM
ELENA BELYEA - Playwright/Performer
EMMA TIBALDO - Director
TORI MORRISON - Stage Manager & Sound Designer
ALISON YANOTA - Production Designer
JON LACHLAN STEWART - First Production Director and Dramaturgical Support
IRIS TURCOTT - Dramaturg

FIND THE THEATRE
The Motel Theatre is on the second floor of Arts Commons in downtown Calgary, opposite Olympic Plaza at 225 8 Avenue SE. Check out Downstage's Motel page for directions including travelling by transit and by car. 

MORE TIPS
- There are no assigned seats in this theatre. The doors will open about 15 minutes before the performance time so that you can choose your seat.
- The Motel Theatre is accessible to patrons using wheelchairs and walkers but if you give us a heads up that you or someone in your group uses a wheelchair, we'll be better prepared to welcome you - just get in touch with Danielle at 403.294.7459 or email danielle at downstage.ca. The nearest accessible washroom is currently on the main floor by the Box Office.

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Cleave - Edmonton
Mar
27
to Apr 7

Cleave - Edmonton

FRINGE THEATRE + TINY BEAR JAWS

World premiere of Cleave in Edmonton, produced by Tiny Bear Jaws and presented by Fringe Theatre.

75 minutes, 6 actors.
Written by Elena Belyea
Directed by Vanessa Sabourin

Previews March 27-28, 2018
Runs March 29-April 7, 2018
At the Backstage Theatre (10330 84 Ave NW, Edmonton)
Performance times vary. For a detailed schedule, go to Fringe Theatre's website.

For 17-year old intersex Aaron, the new school year means a new chance at life. For Pina, another shot at head cheerleader. For Mark, open season. A stranger intersects with a family in exile from itself. Parents Paul and Carol struggle to keep secrets from their children, desperate to know the truth. Like a surgeon’s knife before a first incision, the scalpel is poised and ready to slice.

FEATURING
Jordan Fowlie
Dave Horak
Emma Houghton
Natasha Napoleao
Elena Porter
Luc Tellier

ADDITIONAL CREATIVE TEAM
Elena Belyea – Playwright, Producer, Artistic Director
Vanessa Sabourin – Director
Tori Morrison – Artistic Associate, Producer, Sound Designer, Production Manager
Sydney Campbell – Assistant Director
Marc Lavallée - Technical Director
Emma Tibaldo – Dramaturg
Ashleigh Hicks – Assistant Producer
Liza Xenzova - Production Designer
Sarah Karpyshin - Assistant to the Production Designer
Caro Vanrensburg - Assistant to the Production Designer
Lisa Dalmazzi - Stage Manager
Erin Hayes - Assistant Stage Manager
Aaron Witherspoon – Consultant

General admission: $25
Group rate (6 or more): $17
Pay-What-You-Can tickets subject to availability. 
To purchase, call 780-409-1910 or visit http://fringetheatre.ca/

Not suitable for children. 
#cleave

Workshop Production in 2015 as part of the National Theatre School of Canada’s New Words Festival, directed by Andrea Donaldson. Developed as part of the ’15 MFA Playwrights’ Workshop presented by the National New Play Network and Kennedy Centre in Washington, DC. 

Winner of the ‘15 Wildfire National Playwriting Competition. Semi-finalist for the ‘15 NNPN New Play Showcase. Shortlisted for the ‘16 APN 50th Anniversary Alberta Playwriting Competition and the ’17 Herman Voaden National Playwriting Competition.

This Theatre Engaging Communities (TEC) project was made possible through the financial support of the National Theatre School of Canada. 

Poster design by Meags Fitzgerald.

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The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy) - Toronto
Feb
14
to Feb 18

The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy) - Toronto

BUDDIES IN BAD TIMES + TINY BEAR JAWS

World premiere of The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy), produced by Tiny Bear Jaws, as part of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre's 39th Rhubarb Festival. 

ELENA BELYEA: Co-creator, playwright, performer
LEY DORÉ: Co-creator, choreographer, performer
VICTORIA MORRISON: Co-creator, video and sound design, performer
PHILIP NOZUKA: Co-creator, video and sound design, performer
ALISON YANOTA: Costume design

Home videos, confessions, dance, song, and sentient projections come together as four performers embark on a spontaneous investigation of the politics of feelings in a culture obsessed with positive thinking.

Developed as part of Theatre Junction Grand's TJLab Program. 

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The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy) - Calgary
Dec
1
9:30 PM21:30

The Worst Thing I Could Be (Is Happy) - Calgary

THEATRE JUNCTION + TINY BEAR JAWS

Conducted live before your eyes, The Worst Thing I Could Be Is a spontaneous investigation of the intersection between happiness, queerness, capitalism, oppression and “domestic bliss.” Through text, confessions, youtube, movement, plagerism, dance, home videos, song, and improvised projections, Belyea, Doré, and Morrison delve headfirst into their own discomfort to unearth a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them in a culture obsessed with positive thinking.

PLAYWRIGHT, CO-CREATOR + PERFORMER: Elena Belyea
CO-CREATOR + PERFORMER: Bradley Doré
SOUND/PROJECTION DESIGN AND OPERATOR, CO-CREATOR + PERFORMER: Tori Morrison
VIDEO PROJECTIONS/DRAMATURGY + ARCHIVIST: Philip Nozuka

SHOWTIMES
Pay-What-You-Can public workshop presentation at the Theatre Junction Grand on December 1, 2017 (Time still TBD).

The Worst Thing I Could Be is being developed with support from Theatre Junction Grand's TJLab program.

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Everyone We Know Will Be There - Calgary
Jun
14
to Jun 17

Everyone We Know Will Be There - Calgary

World premiere of Everyone We Know Will Be There: A House Party in One Act in Calgary, produced by Tiny Bear Jaws and presented by Swallow-A-Bicycle. 

WRITTEN + PRODUCED BY Elena Belyea
DIRECTED BY Andrew Ritchie
PRODUCTION MANAGER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, STAGE MANAGER + SOUND DESIGN: Tori Morrison
ASSISTANT DIRECTED BY Sarah Emslie
MAIN ACTING COMPANY Eva Foote, Ashleigh Hicks, Roland Piers, Gabriel Richardson, Diego A. Stredel
ENSEMBLE: Jaymie Marie Brennan, Michael Cheim, Andrew Cormier, Kloee Huberdeau, Alvan Le, Ezra Warnock, Mac Wood, Jordyn Wood

SHOWTIMES
June 14-17, 2017 at 7:00 & 9:30PM nightly (8 shows total)

Performances take place at 10 Tuscarora Way NW, rain or shine. Audiences should arrive 15 minutes early in weather appropriate clothing. This show travels through a residential house. If you have any specific mobility/access requirements, please let us know at tinybearjaws@gmail.com. 

Tickets are $15 and available online at http://swallowabicycle.com or at the venue. Please be advised this show has a very limited capacity. Last summer's workshop performances sold out within days and we expect tickets to disappear quickly! 

Support for Everyone We Know Will Be There was provided by Playwrights Workshop Montreal, Canada Council for the Arts, The Nextfest Arts Company, and Common Ground Arts Society.

FACEBOOK EVENT HERE.

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Everyone We Know Will Be There - Edmonton
Jun
1
to Jun 10

Everyone We Know Will Be There - Edmonton

World premiere of Everyone We Know Will Be There: A House Party in One Act in Edmonton, produced by Tiny Bear Jaws and presented as part of NextFest 2017.

WRITTEN + PRODUCED BY Elena Belyea
DIRECTED BY Andrew Ritchie
PRODUCTION MANAGER, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, STAGE MANAGER + SOUND DESIGN: Tori Morrison
ASSISTANT DIRECTED BY Sarah Emslie
MAIN ACTING COMPANY: Eva Foote, Ashleigh Hicks, Roland Piers, Gabriel Richardson, Diego A. Stredel
ENSEMBLE: Mohamed Ahmed, Andrew Cormier, Sarah Culkin, Todd Houseman, Kloee Huberdeau, Candace Job, Hillary Warden, Malcolm Vick
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGERS: Sydney Campbell, Matt Dejanovic, Bradley Doré, Christina Nguyen

SHOWTIMES
Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 7:00pm
Friday, June 2, 2017 at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Monday, June 5, 2017 at 7:00pm
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 7:00pm
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 7:00pm
Friday, June 9, 2017 at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 7:00pm and 9:00pm

No show Sunday, June 4. Performances take place at Westridge 230 Road, rain or shine. Audiences should arrive 15 minutes early in weather appropriate clothing. This show travels through a residential house. If you have any specific mobility/access requirements, please let us know at tinybearjaws@gmail.com. 

General Admission $17. Student/Senior/Industry: $15. Audiences seeing the show a second time pay $15, unless Student/Senior/Industry, in which case, only $12. Tickets available online at Theatre Network's website, over the phone at 780-453-2440, at the venue, or in person at the Roxy until the day before each performance. Please be advised this show has a very limited capacity. Last summer's workshop performances sold out within days and we expect tickets to disappear quickly!

Support for Everyone We Know Will Be There was provided by Playwrights Workshop Montreal, Canada Council for the Arts, The Nextfest Arts Company, and Common Ground Arts Society.

FACEBOOK EVENT HERE. 

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