Stageworthy

Tika McLean is Building Community in Art and Every Day This week on Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby is joined by the vibrant and multifaceted Tika McLean. In a conversation that is as funny as it is profound, Tika reflects on her journey from a self-described "shy kid" who once froze during a church solo to becoming a bold, multidisciplinary artist who uses her voice to challenge the status quo.

🎭 "I’m not performing heart surgery... I’m your emotional temporary bandage."

This week, Tika McLean joins #Stageworthy to talk about art as activism, navigating the stage with chronic pain, and her new EP 'Koreaboo, Black Girl Hero.' 🎨🎶

Emily Jeffers is Making Theatre on Her Terms This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby sits down with Emily Jeffers for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about artistic identity, collaboration, and carving out a sustainable life in theatre.

On Canada's theatre podcast, Stageworthy host Phil Rickaby talks with Emily Jeffers about artistic identity, collaboration, vulnerability, and carving out a sustainable life in theatre. A thoughtful conversation about redefining success on your own terms.

Virginia Woodall is Building Community at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Virginia Woodall, producer at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival. With the festival entering its 21st year, Virginia shares the story of how she moved from volunteer to producer, how 164 submissions become a 12-day lineup of 78 troupes, and why sketch comedy deserves recognition as its own artistic discipline.

This week on Canada's theatre podcast, Phil Rickaby talks with Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival producer Virginia Woodall about turning 164 submissions into a 12-day lineup of 78 troupes — and why sketch comedy deserves recognition as its own art form.

Anusree Roy Writes in Service of the Story In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with acclaimed playwright, actor, and screenwriter Anusree Roy about her newest play, Through the Eyes of God, now onstage at Theatre Passe-Muraille. The conversation explores Roy’s evolving artistic process, the deeply personal roots of her storytelling, and her journey between theatre and television writing.

Playwright and screenwriter Anusree Roy joins Stageworthy host Phil Rickabynto discuss her new play Through the Eyes of God, writing as an act of witnessing, and sustaining an artistic life while carrying urgent stories.

*sigh* Another American at the head of a Canadian arts institution. So disappointing.

Scholarship Meets Theatre and Art with Dienye Waboso Amajor In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby sits down with Dienye Waboso Amajor — a Dora-nominated Nigerian actor, writer, and interdisciplinary artist living and working in Ontario. With an academic background in theatre and performance studies and ongoing doctoral research, Dienye’s practice bridges performance, scholarship, and cultural storytelling.

This week on Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby sits down with Dienye Waboso Amajor — a Dora-nominated Nigerian actor, writer, and researcher based in Ontario. They discuss identity, authorship, scholarship, and the power of performance grounded in lived experience.

Tim Porter Makes Theatre Work Outside the Big City In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby sits down with Tim Porter, founding Artistic Director of Tweed & Company Theatre, to talk about what it means to build a sustainable professional theatre company outside of major urban centres.

What does sustainable theatre look like beyond major cities? 🎭
On Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby talks with Tim Porter, founding Artistic Director of Tweed & Company Theatre, about building a professional company in a rural community — and why serving audiences matters more than chasing prestige.

Jack Burrill Makes Shakespeare Feel Dangerous Again In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby speaks with Jack Burrill, actor, director, acting coach, and Artistic Director of Unchained Theatre. What begins as a shared nerd-out over Shakespeare quickly becomes a wide-ranging conversation about why these 400-year-old plays still matter - and how indie theatre is often where their most exciting reinventions happen.

Why does Shakespeare still matter — and why is indie theatre where it thrives? 🎭
This week on n Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby talks with actor and Unchained Theatre Artistic Director Jack Burrill about classic texts, intimate spaces, and why live theatre is irreplaceable.

The Arts Are a National Defence Strategy In this solo Stageworthy episode, host Phil Rickaby takes a deep dive into the idea of “nation-building” — and why Canada keeps getting it wrong. Sparked by post-election rhetoric around pipelines, railways, housing, and AI infrastructure, Phil argues that these are construction projects, not nation-building ones. Part rant, part cultural history lesson, and part call to action.

In a solo Stageworthy episode, Phil Rickaby argues that pipelines aren’t nation-building — culture is. A passionate look at Canadian arts history, identity, and what happens when we treat culture as optional instead of essential. 🎭

Gabrielle Martin is Programming the World for Local Audiences In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby sits down with Gabrielle Martin, Artistic Director of Vancouver’s PuSh International Performing Arts Festival. Gabrielle discusses her unconventional path into arts leadership, the realities of curating large-scale interdisciplinary work, and the responsibility of presenting challenging, global performance within a local context.

Phil Rickaby talks with Gabrielle Martin, Artistic Director of PuSh Festival, about curating global performance, arts leadership, and the realities of producing large-scale interdisciplinary work in Canada. A thoughtful look at care, risk, and sustainability. 🎭

Producing Is a Relationship Job with Reid Vanier In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby sits down with theatre producer and arts leader Reid Vanier for a candid conversation about producing, leadership, and building sustainable theatre ecosystems. Reid reflects on his path into the industry, the realities of working behind the scenes, the theatre scene in Whitehorse, and the evolving responsibilities of producers in today’s cultural landscape.

Stageworthy host, Phil Rickaby talks with theatre producer and arts leader Reid Vanier about leadership, sustainability, and building theatre ecosystems in Whitehorse, Yukon. A candid look at producing, collaboration, and the realities of Canadian theatre today.

“We don’t need shows from the US.”

Canadian theatre already has the stories and talent we should be celebrating. From Come From Away to new works being created here, it’s time to look in our own backyard and let Canadian voices lead. 🇨🇦🎭

From Teacher to Director to Theatre Critic with Joe Szekeres In this episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby sits down with Joe Szekeres, founder of Our Theatre Voice, for an in-depth conversation about theatre criticism, community theatre, and why live performance still matters. As Stageworthy enters its tenth year, this discussion reflects on the changing landscape of Canadian theatre journalism, the responsibilities of reviewers, and the importance of constructive, thoughtful criticism.

As Stageworthy marks its 10th year, Phil Rickaby talks with Joe Szekeres (Our Theatre Voice) about theatre criticism, community theatre, constructive reviews, funding pressures, and why Canadian stories still matter. Listen now.

For all the new artists joining Bluesky:

🎨 You don't have to censor words such as commission, Patreon or Ko-Fi.

🎨 You can share links and your post will not be de-boosted.

🎨 You can take time away from Bluesky and come back whenever you feel like, there's no algorithm to punish you!

This is a really good point that I had not run into before: these "creators" have no further insight into their alleged creation than the average audience member and that is why it cannot be called art (besides all the other obvious reasons).

Toronto Theatre Year in Review with A View From the Box and The Cup In this special roundtable episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by theatre critics and podcasters Janine Marley (A View From the Box) and Ryan Borochovitz (The Cup / Cup of Hemlock Theatre) for an in-depth conversation reflecting on the past year in Toronto theatre.

In this special roundtable episode of Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by theatre critics and podcasters Janine Marley (A View From the Box) and Ryan Borochovitz (The Cup / Cup of Hemlock Theatre) for an in-depth conversation reflecting on the past year in Toronto theatre.

Stephanie Malek This week, Phil Rickaby welcomes Stephanie Malek, performer and producer, to discuss the magic of improvised musicals, the history of Bad Dog Theatre, and the power of finding community through art. Stephanie, who is involved in the show Holiday, an improvised musical, shares insights into the rigorous training required for musical improv, the importance of nurturing other artists, and more!

This week on Stageworthy, Phil talks with performer/producer Stephanie Malek about the magic of improvised musicals, Bad Dog Theatre’s community, and creating Holiday, the Improvised Musical. Plus insights from The Fandom Show. Listen now!

Kanika Ambrose This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Kanika Ambrose, an award-winning playwright, librettist, and screenwriter whose work spans theatre, opera, and television. Kanika shares her path from writing poetry as a child to becoming one of Canada’s most exciting multidisciplinary storytellers, known for blending sharp social insight with bold, imaginative worlds.

This week on Stageworthy, Phil talks with playwright and librettist Kanika Ambrose about her creative journey, motherhood, and telling Black and Caribbean stories. Plus a look at her plays: our place, The Christmas Market, and Moonlight Schooner.

Fiona Sauder This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Fiona Sauder, co-founder and Artistic Director of Bad Hats Theatre. Known for their inventive, musical, family-friendly adaptations of classic literature, Bad Hats has become one of Toronto’s most celebrated indie theatre companies. Fiona shares the origin story of the company, beginning with a serendipitous brewery production of Peter Pan and growing into a long-standing partnership with Soulpepper, as well as their upcoming production of Narnia.

This week on Stageworthy, Phil talks with Fiona Sauder of Bad Hats Theatre about the company’s origins, adapting classic children’s literature, and their upcoming production of Narnia.

Thomas Gough Thomas Gough was first on stage at the age of five, but clearly remembers acting before that. He works frequently in the Independent Theatre in Toronto, having appeared in the last few years with …

Did you know that @soupcantheatre.bsky.social's A Christmas Carol is in its 7th year? Way back in its first year, I spoke to Scrooge himself, Thomas Gough on the podcast about this immersive theatrical experience! This show will sell out, so get tickets now!

stageworthy.ca/161-thomas-g...

Dian Marie Bridge This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Dian Marie Bridge, Artistic Director of the Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) in Montreal. Dian discusses the legacy of BTW, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year , as one of Canada's oldest Black and ethnocultural theatre companies. The conversation delves into the company's commitment to community service and fostering new talent through its influential program, as well as BTW's production of Kanika Ambrose's Our Place at Montreal's Segal Centre for Performing Arts (Studio) from Nov. 19-30.

This week on Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby talks with Dian Marie Bridge, Artistic Director of Montreal’s Black Theatre Workshop, about BTW’s 55-year legacy, artist development, and their production of Our Place by Kanika Ambrose.

This week on Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby talks with Aaron Joel Craig (Same Boat Theatre) and Stephanie Hope Lawlor (Rooks Theatre) about reimagining A Doll’s House for 2025 and building sustainable indie theatre in Hamilton.

The budget came out today, and it isn't good for the arts. I'm working my way through it, with an eye towards Canadian theatre. I'll have something to say, I'm sure.

Will Parry This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Will Parry, actor, singer, and content creator based in Toronto. Known for his work as a musical theatre performer and social media consultant for artists and theatre companies, Will shares insights into how creatives can better express their authentic selves online while building stronger connections with audiences.

This week on Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby talks with Will Parry — actor, singer, and content creator — about authenticity, creative confidence, and how artists can build meaningful connections both on stage and online.

#436 – Steven Hao This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Steven Hao, actor, director, and artistic director of Puckers Theatre Company. Currently in his second season at the Stratford Festival, Steven shares his journey from Victoria, BC, to the national stage, performing in acclaimed productions like Anne of Green Gables, Forgiveness, Salesman in China, and Romeo and Juliet.

This week on Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby talks with Steven Hao, actor, director, and AD of Puckers Theatre Company, about his journey from Victoria to the Stratford Festival, creating space for new voices, and leading the next generation of theatre makers.

#435 – Emily Dix This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Emily Dix, artistic executive director of Bygone Theatre and the lead behind their mixed use affordable arts space, The Bridge. Emily shares the company’s journey from its beginnings in classic theatre to its evolution into original Canadian works that blend vintage aesthetics with contemporary themes. She discusses her creative process, the importance of atmosphere and design, and the challenges and rewards of running an independent theatre company.

This week on Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby talks with Emily Dix of Bygone Theatre about creating design-driven indie theatre, the evolution of her company, and building Toronto’s new arts hub, The Bridge.

#434 – Michael Esposito II This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by actor, singer, and producer Michael Esposito II. Michael discusses the challenges and rewards of mounting Daniel MacIvor's solo play, Monster, which he is producing and performing in Kelowna, B.C. He shares the creative process of integrating projections and music into the show to make it feel more like an immersive "monster experience" than a traditional one-person play. Michael also talks about his background in Toronto and New York, the evolving theatre scene in Kelowna, & his other work in the Okanagan Valley, including themed jazz shows at a local speakeasy winery.

This week on Stageworthy, Phil Rickaby talks with actor, singer & producer Michael Esposito II about performing Daniel MacIvor’s Monster in Kelowna, blending music, projections & solo performance.

433. Michael Kras This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Michael Kras, playwright, director, and one of Canada’s busiest magic designers. Michael has designed magic and illusions for theatres across t...

🎙️ On Stageworthy: Playwright & magic designer Michael Kras talks about creating illusions for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, his new play Love Me Back, and finding magic in storytelling. 🎧 stageworthy.ca/433-michael-...

Playwright Chloë Whitehorn on casting. Listen to the full episode on stageworthy.ca

432. Chloë Whitehorn This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby is joined by Chloë Whitehorn, who is currently based in Kingston, Ontario. Chloë, a former actor, discusses her journey to becoming a prolific writer, focus...

🎙️ On Stageworthy: Playwright Chloë Whitehorn (@chloewhitehorn.bsky.social) talks about writing plays like The Pigeon & Blood River, the Kingston theatre scene, and why Canadian plays rarely get a second production. 🎧 Listen: stageworthy.ca/432-chloe-wh...