Tony-winning actor is keynote speaker at P.E.I. theatre conference
Canadian screen and theatre writer/actor Bob Martin will be the keynote speaker at an Island theatre conference in September.
The Charlottetown Festival Theatre Conference will be held Sept. 5-9 at Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Martin has worked as an actor and writer in theatre, film and television for more than 30 years, and received a Tony for his portrayal of Man in Chair in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” “We’re excited to have … a champion of Canadian theatre as our keynote speaker for this important event,” said Adam Brazier, artistic director of the Charlottetown Festival. “His experience as both an actor and a writer, will bring an invaluable wealth of knowledge and inspiration to our attendees.”
“The Drowsy Chaperone” is an original Canadian musical that also made it to Broadway and the West End and won five Tony Awards.
Martin is also the cocreator of “Slings & Arrows,” the hit Canadian television show about running a Shakespearean theatre festival.
Aligning with the dates of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, the Charlottetown Festival Theatre Conference celebrates industry developments and new ideas, while showcasing some of the new musical theatre content being created in Atlantic Canada. The winners of the 2017 Charlottetown Festival Commission will also be revealed, who will receive $50,000 in funding to develop new works.
The conference kicks off Sept. 5 with the performance of “Kronborg 1582” in the Homburg Theatre, followed by four days of showcases of new Canadian works, breakout sessions and panel discussions. It culminates with the world premiere of the new musical “A Misfortune” at The Mack.
Martin will give his keynote speech Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. in Memorial Hall.