CANADORE COLLEGE
Theatre Canadore's 2024 production written by alum Joshua Bainbridge

Theatre Canadore will mark its fourth season with a new spin on an age-old story. The graduating class of 2024 will perform a different version of Frankenstein, written by Canadian actor, writer, director, and Canadore graduate Josh Bainbridge.

"I came out of Canadore with a hunger in my belly and a desire to make my own work," said Bainbridge. "To now be in a position to inspire and instill the same hunger in the students is one of the most exciting and rewarding professional opportunities I've ever been afforded."

Bainbridge says his version of Frankenstein explores the classic novel through the eyes of its young writer, Mary Shelley, who is stuck with her future husband and stepsister at the estate of the romantic poet Lord Byron, where the three are challenged to each write a ghost story.

"Frankenstein is about creation," he said. "Our play tells the story of Mary's life and inspiration just as much as it does her famous novel."

This is the third play Bainbridge has written for Canadore. He is the Artistic Director of the Proscenium Club, a touring theatre company dedicated to creating and producing new Canadian Theatre.

"It's a time for Frankenstein," he said. "From Stratford to Poor Things [Frankenstein-inspired movie], Frankenstein is everywhere, and creating this production feels like riding a wave. It has been a very exciting project."

Formerly known as Rep 21, the acting company name officially changed to Theatre Canadore in 2021 when the scope of the program evolved to combine film-acting techniques.  The Acting for Stage and Screen program offers career-oriented actors the fundamental tools, skills, and professionalism needed for success in the highly competitive world of theatre, film, and television. The three-year program combines theory and practice to give students a solid foundation of essential skills and techniques necessary to work as performers in all aspects of today's entertainment industry. More information about the Acting for Stage and Screen program is available here. 

"Mary Shelley has been a challenging role that has made me grow as an actor," said student actor Jacqueline Blaikie, who portrays the young author. "Playing someone who is a real person comes with a lot of research and connecting the dots. I love the investigating aspect of acting, so it's been a real treat to learn everything I can."

"It's amazing to be onstage with my classmates who I've grown so close with over the past few years. We have all worked extremely hard towards this moment."

The three-night run begins Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. on the David Fox Stage in the Canadore College Theatre (G-107). The price of admission is a donation to The Gathering Place. To reserve seats in advance, email michelle.jackett@canadorecollege.ca.