Welcome to another hopeful and inspiring episode of Being Dramatic! This week, host Alexandra Lean sits down with the incredible Mary Francis Moore, Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius and a trailblazer in the Canadian theatre scene.

Mary Francis Moore has made a significant impact on stages across Canada and internationally as an award-winning director, actor, playwright, and dramaturg. Since becoming Artistic Director of Theatre Aquarius in 2021, she has championed groundbreaking initiatives, including the National Centre for the Development of New Musicals. Mary is also the co-writer of the hit play Bittergirl and its musical adaptation, as well as the musical Maggie with Johnny Reid. In this episode, Mary shares her passion for nurturing new works, the importance of inclusion and mentorship in the arts, and how programs like The Dreamcatcher Project and Voices of Young Women are shaping the next generation of creatives.

About the Host: Alexandra Lean is a playwright and artist whose work includes Nobody’s Idol and Ghosted: The Musical. With a deep passion for theatre and storytelling, Alexandra’s creative journey inspires others to embrace the healing power of artistic expression. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about leadership, creativity, and the evolving landscape of Canadian theatre!

For more information about Mary Francis Moore and Theatre Aquarius, visit theatreaquarius.org.

Connect with us: 🎭 Follow Alexandra on social media 🎧 Subscribe to Being Dramatic for more inspiring conversations

BeingDramatic #CanadianTheatre #Creativity #TheatreAquarius #NewWorks #podcast #theatre #musicaltheatre

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Welcome to another engaging episode of Being Dramatic, hosted by Alexandra Lean, an award-winning playwright, independent producer, and songwriter. With a passion for storytelling and musical theatre, Alexandra brings her unique perspective to each episode, exploring the creative processes behind musical theatre. About the Host: Alexandra Lean is a graduate of Brock University’s Theatre program and recipient of the ‘F. Janet Doleman Prize in Playwriting’. Her notable works include musicals such as Nobody’s Idol and Ghosted: The Musical, showcased at the Toronto Fringe Festival. Alexandra's dedication to theatre is evident through her self-produced staged readings and her recent work on Witch (2023). Her mission is to inspire others in their creative journeys, emphasizing that even the tiniest sparks of artistic expression can ignite profound healing and comfort for the soul. Episode 4's Guest is Matt Murray This episode features Matt Murray, a Toronto-based book writer, lyricist, and playwright. Matt has an impressive portfolio, including co-writing musicals like Grow and Maggie: The Musical, as well as several Ross Petty holiday pantomimes. His work extends to plays such as Myth Of The Ostrich and The Time Capsule. Currently, Matt is working on a new adaptation of The Wizard of Oz for the Canadian Stage Company’s holiday panto. Episode Highlights: Join Alexandra and Matt as they delve into the drama and artistry of making musicals. If you enjoy the episode, consider supporting the podcast by leaving a tip https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/being-dramatic Listen now to explore the vibrant world of musical theatre with Alexandra Lean and her insightful guest, Matt Murray!

• Understanding the Role of a Book Writer: Matt explains his role in musical theatre, focusing on crafting the story and characters that unfold between songs.
• The Journey of Creating Musicals: Discover the time and dedication involved in writing musicals, with insights into Matt's projects like Grow and Maggie: The Musical.
• Exploring Musical Structures: A discussion on different types of musicals, including book musicals versus sung-through productions like Les Misérables.
• The Hero's Journey in Musicals: An exploration of how traditional narrative structures apply to musical theatre.
• Collaborative Creativity: Matt shares how he met his collaborators and developed ideas for his musicals. Thanks for listening.

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Episode Title: Being Dramatic with Bruce Dow

Description:

In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Dow, a multi-talented actor, and creative who has transitioned into a fulfilling career as a therapist. We delve into the connection between mental illness and performance, exploring how his illustrious career in theater shapes his understanding of mental health today. From stage lights to therapy sessions, Bruce shares insights on balancing creativity and well-being.

My name is Alexandra Lean and I am trying my hand at podcast hosting and following my curiosity in the hopes of connecting with people I wouldn't normally connect with. It is a way to overcome my anxiety about talking to people, especially people I don't really know.

Links & Resources: Bruce Dow's website: https://brucedow.com/ Alexandra Lean's website: https://alexandralean.wordpress.com/being-dramatic/ Resources: https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/resources/ Donate: https://ko-fi.com/alexandralean

Call to Action: If you liked this episode and feel like supporting us, you can donate or leave a tip. Any funds received help us keep the podcast running smoothly. Thank you so much in advance for listening and for your support! Link: https://ko-fi.com/alexandralean

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Join me, the host, Alexandra Lean, as I speak to creatives like me who dare to make drama. Whether it be on the page, a stage, a screen or maybe even a canvas. I am driven by my own curiosity to explore every avenue of expression, I’ve decided to try a podcast. It seems like everyone’s got one these days, so why not me? Plus, this is my way of tackling social anxieties—by diving into one-on-one conversations with fellow creatives. This page is currently under construction, but stay tuned as we dare to make drama together!

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