WPWI 2026 Public Showcase programme
WELCOME TO RECONCILIATION THEATRE’S
2026 W.P.W.I. PUBLIC SHOWCASE
OF
ORIGINAL SCRIPTS
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15
SHAW AUDITORIUM
ON SNUNEYMUXW TERRITORY
8 LOCAL WRITERS TAKE THEIR ORIGINAL SCRIPTS FROM THE PAGE TO THE STAGE IN ONE EXCITING WEEKEND. THE THIRD ANNUAL WINTER PERFORMANCE WRITERS’ INTENSIVE GIVES NANAIMO WRITERS A FOCUS FOR THEIR LATEST CREATION, AND AIMS TO PROMOTE LOCAL ORIGINAL SCRIPTS FOR PRODUCTION BY LOCAL THEATRE COMPANIES. PREVIOUS YEARS HAVE SEEN ORIGINAL SCRIPTS FROM THE WPWI STAGED BY WESTERN EDGE, RECONCILIATION THEATRE AND THE NANAIMO FRINGE.
THIS AFTERNOON’S SCRIPTS…
1. BLUEBEARD by Justine Morrison.
Readers: Lloyd Kingshott, Yvette Dudley-Neuman,
Clarice McCord
2. AN ODD PLAYGROUND TALE by Dan Puglas
Readers: Lloyd Kingshott, Janna Logan,
Clarice McCord, Dan Puglas
3. SERIOUS II by Ward Norcutt
Readers: Jared Demetrioff, Yvette Dudley-Neuman,
Tom Rokeby, Jenn Patterson, Sierra Clark
4. THE GREEN ROOM by Flynn Maher
Readers: Ward Norcutt, Damon Mitchell, Yvette
Dudley-Neuman, Nathan Rokeby,
Breanne Bastarache
5. UNTITLED: by Whitley Dunn
Readers: Jared Demetrioff, Damon Mitchell,
Jenn Patterson, Ward Norcutt
6. BLACK AND WHITE AND RED ALL OVER by Jon Greenway
Readers: Damon Mitchell, Lloyd Kingshott,
Clarice McCord, Whitley Dunn
7. DYSFUNCTION 101: by Aimee Chalifoux
Readers: Clarice McCord, Jenn Patterson
Stephanie Brossard
8. DRUG LAWYER: by Leila Sadeghi
Readers: Stephanie Brossard, Ward Norcutt,
Jared Demetrioff
TODAY’S READERS…
CLARICE MCCORD
I am honoured to be a working actor for the Reconciliation Theatre’s writers’ intensive workshop for a second year. I’ve always loved contributing to canadian playwrights’ new work in progress as well as meeting and collaborating with new actors and those I’ve worked with before…not to mention all the other ‘players’ who make it all happen for you, our audience, who we cannot do without. Please enjoy the taste of offerings we hope, in time, to see in entirety on a stage or screen or radio.
Stephanie Brossard
Stephanie Brossard (she/her) is thrilled to be part of Reconciliation Theatre’s Winter Writer’s Workshop once again. Her first Nanaimo performance was a Panto at NTG in 2016. Since then, she has had the honour of performing with several different theatre groups. Last spring Stephanie had the joy and challenge of playing a cast of characters (around a half dozen of them, including the vengeance-seeking Umbriel) in Western Edge’s production of The Untold Legend of Imogen Flight, by Mary Littlejohn. Most recently, she had the honour of acting in another of Mary’s wonderful plays: Poetry in Motion, which won Best Play at Echo Theatre’s one-act play festival this past November
Jenn Patterson
Jenn is a settler on unceded Snuneymuxw territory. She works in mental health, in community and acute care settings. Jenn rediscovered her love of theatre as a form of self care, and relishes the connections and joy found with RTS.
During his grade 12 year at John Barsby Secondary School, Damon Mitchell discovered his love for acting and theatre when he joined Bulldog Theatre and participated in their 2 productions. Since then, he has performed in numerous productions for a handful of theatre companies, including the one he helped start up, Reconciliation Theatre Society. He's very excited to help bring our writers’ stories to life.
Daniel Kingshott is excited to be back on the stage since 2016 when he was Porthos in The Three Musketeers (Nanaimo Theatre Group) . Lately he has been hiding away painting and also loves to go to the gym and have a good swim. Just like a Killer Whale you will see him portray in one of the few scenes.
Gisbutwada (Daniel is part of the Killer Whale Clan his dad's side is from Metlakatla (a small community of the Tsimshian village nearby Prince Rupert- and his mother's side is Irish and British. Daniel also loves to sing everywhere he goes you can frequently hear him singing around town on the RDN.
niit Gitdoosda (people of Metlakatla) hope to give you all a good belly laugh. Have a whale of a good time, wait I'm not a whale!?
Yvette Dudley-Neuman is a whimsical storyteller, spinning magic with words, voices, and characters. As a Teaching Artist (BFA/ BEd), she wears many creative hats—actor, writer, voiceover artist, historical re-enactment writer/consultant, acting coach, festival adjudicator, producer, and director. With over 35 writing projects under her belt, she currently has three feature film scripts in development and is joyfully bringing her original songs to life. Most recently, she’s taken on the role of Artistic Producer for the Nanaimo Fringe Festival, where she continues to champion bold and imaginative voices. Say hello at www.yvettedudleyneuman.com—she loves a good story!
Nathan Rokeby (He/Ze/Fae) is a grade 9 from NDSS. He loves performing with NDSS musical theatre, storytelling theatre,
music and all kinds of art have surrounded zir forever. He has been involved with drag performance, making songs and performing them at open mic’s, and multiple performances with Reconciliation Theatre Society
Janna Logan is a grateful and uninvited guest of settler descent who has grown up and raised a family of her own in beautiful Snuneymuxw territory. A new member of Reconciliation Theatre Society, she is delighted to be taking part in today’s event playing two very different characters, brought to life by two very talented playwrights and fellow actors. She looks forward to future meaningful work and growth with this up-and-coming, fun, dynamic theatre group! Enjoy the show(s)!
Jared Demetrioff Jared is a fashion photographer and actor. He is enthusiastic in being a part of any passion projects whether its out of town of local. There is nothing he doesn’t want to try whether he’s experienced or not. Being part of a team is the most important things to Jared.
Tom Rokeby is a settler on Snuneymuxw territory and is incredibly excited to see the Winter Performance Writers’ Intensive growing year after year. He is grateful for all
the talented artists who were part of pulling off this exciting weekend. When not being the Artistic Director of Reconciliation Theatre, he is a devoted husband and father of two sons and a trustee on Nanaimo Ladysmith Public School board.
Breanne Bastarache is a young actor from NDSS who is active in RTS Youth Theatre. She is excited to help her friend Flynn bring his story to life.
Actor Call-Out for 2026 Winter Performance Writer’s Intensive!
Reconciliation Theatre Society is looking for actors to participate in our Winter Performance Writer’s Intensive! Kraft services, on-site catering, and honorariums will be available for all selected actors.
Actors must be able to commit to the following dates and times:
Friday Feb. 13 10am to 5pm
Saturday Feb 14 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday Feb 15 9:30 am to 4pm - Public Showcase Day
For additional details and to apply, head to our Google Form
2026 Winter Performance Writers' Intensive
Register yourself and your writing to participate in the four-day Winter Performance Writers' Intensive February 12th to 15rd at a variety of venues in Downtown Nanaimo hosted by Reconciliation Theatre Society.
Registration is $50 which includes a three-hour studio session with local actors, a public reading of your work, 2 evening workshop/networking sessions, 2 dinners and kraft services by day.
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXvoADvQqWG-HLj7gH-y4MhbIrG-np8NEjJNkJD68SiCEUhA/viewform
Hallowe’en Spooktacular 2025
Things are getting spooky…. hope to see you out to Reconciliation Theatre Society’s Hallowe’en FUNdraiser.
Tickets at the door…
Fall events information
Please use the link below to our application form for Halloween Spooktacular positions.
www.https://forms.gle/1zVagDH1zWeLZQeT6
Reconciliation Theatre’s Fall Events
After a whienrlwind summer touring up and down Vancouver Island, R took a well-earned break in August. But we’re back!
With an amazing season of events planned for our community to enjoy, and this year our emphasis is getting YOU involved.
September 18th from 5 to 9pm we are hosting an OPEN HOUSE in the Upstairs Lounge at QF Harewood. We will have free drinks and appies, great people to meet and of course details on our season of events
RTS Youth Theatre is a new initiative for 2025/26. We have booked the rehearsal hall at the OV Arts Centre and our teen drop-in sessions are happening from 7:15pm to 8:45pm on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Come learn the basics of improv, voice and movement, scene study and character development with British Columbia certified teacher Tom Rokeby. Participants can pay up to $10 per session on a sliding scale. Use our Contact Form to register your child.
And finally, our big event for the Fall, our annual Halloween Spooktacular is now recruiting our Scare Team for 2025. The event runs Oct 28, 29, 30 at the OV Arts Centre, and is currently looking for haunted basement animators, dark fiction story-tellers, as well as volunteers for the three days.
Are you ready to be Un-Settled??!!??
PRESS RELEASE The Boy in the Treehouse by Drew Hayden Taylor set to tour Vancouver Island in July.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reconciliation Theatre Presents Drew Hayden Taylor’s The Boy in the Treehouse – A Heartfelt Family Adventure
NANAIMO, BC – This summer, Reconciliation Theatre invites audiences of all ages to experience The Boy in the Treehouse, a touching and humorous coming-of-age story by award-winning Anishinaabe playwright Drew Hayden Taylor. After performing at InclusionBC’s 2025 Provincial Conference in Richmond, The Boy in the Treehouse returns home to Nanaimo to open to the public over Canada Day weekend. The production will then tour to Campbell River, Courtenay, Ladysmith, and Victoria throughout July.
"Live theatre, from our families to yours" – this enchanting show is perfect for families, blending laughter, discovery, and the universal journey of finding where we belong. This summer's production team features many of the families of Reconciliation Theatre Society, as generations of artists come together to share cultural practice and produce The Boy in the Treehouse.
About the Play
Simon, a Canadian kid with an Anishinaabe mom and a European dad, seeks solace in his treehouse as he navigates questions of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Drew Hayden Taylor’s signature wit and warmth make this a must-see for all ages—a story about roots, resilience, and the joy of growing up.
Meet the Team
Directed by Cree performance artist and film-maker Pete Kytwayhat, this production blends heartfelt storytelling with universal themes. "This play speaks to anyone who’s ever wondered who they are and where they fit," says Kytwayhat. "It’s a celebration of family, culture, and the messy, beautiful journey of growing up." Featuring a cast of 5 accompanied by the spirited fiddle of Metis musician Kenneth Chalifoux, the show weaves music and memory into a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Tour Dates & Locations
Richmond June 19 River Rock Show Theatre (InclusionBC)
Nanaimo June 27-July 1 OV Arts Centre
Campbell River July 3 Rivercity Stage
Courtenay July 4 Sid Williams Theatre
Ladysmith July 16 St Mary's Parish
Victoria July 25-27 Langham Court Theatre
Tickets & Information
Tickets are now on sale at reconciliationtheatre.ca
Don’t miss this chance to share a magical, moving, and musical night of theatre with your whole family!
About Reconciliation Theatre
Reconciliation Theatre Society is an Indigenous-led non-profit society with the stated purpose of producing live theatre through a reconciliation lens. RTS brings communities together through powerful, inclusive storytelling throughout the year from our home on Snuneymuxw territory. By staging works that explore identity, heritage, and connection, we honour the spirit of reconciliation—one story at a time. RTS is grateful for the ongoing financial support from both the City of Nanaimo and the British Columbia Arts Council.
Join us this summer for laughter, music, and a story that will stay with you long after the final bow.
For media inquiries, interviews, or photos, contact:
Tom Rokeby
Producer – The Boy in the Treehouse
Reconciliation Theatre
250 753 2191
reconciliationtheatresociety@gmail.com
reconciliation theatre on Facebook and Instagram
reconciliationtheatre.ca
The Boy in the Treehouse
Reconciliation Theatre Presents: The Boy in the Treehouse by Drew Hayden Taylor.
The Board of Directors of Reconciliation Theatre Society is thrilled to announce the July tour of The Boy in the Treehouse, by Anishinaabe playwright Drew Hayden Taylor. The humorous and touching play directed by Pete Kytwayhat is perfect for audiences of all ages. This 65-minute heartfelt play explores themes of identity, family, and cultural discovery through the eyes of Simon, a young boy navigating his mixed heritage.
Reconciliation Theatre Presents: The Boy in the Treehouse by Drew Hayden Taylor.
The Board of Directors of Reconciliation Theatre Society is thrilled to announce the July tour of The Boy in the Treehouse, by Anishinaabe playwright Drew Hayden Taylor. The humorous and touching play directed by Pete Kytwayhat and featuring Kenneth Chalifoux on the fiddle is perfect for audiences of all ages. This 65-minute heartfelt play explores themes of identity, family, and cultural discovery through the eyes of Simon, a young boy navigating his mixed heritage.
“A theatrical experience, from our family to yours.”
The Boy in the Treehouse is an entertaining and moving coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of growing up Indigenous in a multicultural world, offering a compelling tale of self-discovery. Simon finds refuge in his treehouse, as he grapples with questions about who he is and where he belongs. Through laughter, heart, and a touch of magic, The Boy in the Treehouse offers a poignant yet uplifting story that resonates with the entire family.
Why Book This Production?
Family-Friendly: A 65-minute running time makes it ideal for all ages to enjoy live theatre together.
Live Music: Original live music by Metis musician Kenneth Chalifoux enhances the storytelling experience.
Scalable to Your Venue: Whether it’s a small community hall or a large theatre, we adapt to your space.
Flexible Booking Options: Ticketed events or a set fee performance.
Cultural Enrichment: Celebrate Indigenous storytelling and support reconciliation through the arts.
Available for bookings throughout July 2025: Suitable for theatres, schools, community centres, and cultural festivals. Includes an optional post-show discussion with the cast and crew.
To Book or Learn More...
Tom Rokeby
Artistic Director
Reconciliation Theatre