2023 Directors' Showcase

The CDTPS presents its 2023 DRM402 Directors’ Showcase featuring three short plays presented over two evenings and one matinee performance in a Fringe Festival style theatrical event from December 1 to 3, 2023. The Directors’ Showcase is a capstone course which gives student directors the opportunity to flex their muscle onstage at the Playhouse.

The titles of the three productions, play descriptions, production and cast teams can be found below. A talkback session will be held following the Sunday matinee. There will also be an opening night reception on December 1. 

Admission is free! To reserve your free ticket, visit 2023DirectorsShowcase.eventbrite.ca.

Shows will run at the following dates and times:
Friday Dec 1, 7:30 PM 
Saturday Dec 2, 7:30 PM 
Sunday Dec 3, 2:00 PM 

The shows will run in the following order: The Sound of a Voice, The Most Massive Woman Wins, Sure Thing.
Each show is approximately 20 to 30 minutes with a total run time of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. 

Check out the 2023 Directors' Showcase trailer!

Read more about the shows in the 2023 Directors' Showcase Program!

The Sound of A Voice

Poster designed by Ethan Persyko

The Sound of A Voice directed by Xinxian Xu, is a ghost story inspired by Japanese folklore written by David Henry Hwang. Set in Edo period Japan, the play explores the relationship between a wandering samurai and a mystical woman. A fable full of mysteries and visions, this production aims to take the audience on a thrilling, breathtaking visual journey. 

Creative Team: 
Writer: David Henry Hwang
Director: Xinxian Xu
Set Designer: Liz So
Costume Designer: Val Vergara
Lighting Designer: Abbey Kowalski
Projection Designer: Xinxian Xu
Sound Designer: Evan Moritz
Assistant Costume Designer: Cassandra Yip
Stage Manager: Don Ku

Cast:
The Man: Larry Ng
The Woman: Grace Li

The Most Massive Woman Wins

Poster designed by Lisha Zhao

The Most Massive Woman Wins directed by Lisha Zhao employs a surrealistic setting to tell realistic stories. This play delves into the complex issues of body image and self-acceptance. Situated in the waiting area of a liposuction clinic, the story unfolds as four women share their experiences with weight and societal expectations through a series of monologues, short scenes, and rhymes.

Creative Team: 
Writer: Madeleine George
Director: Lisha Zhao
Set Designer: Jingyuan Chen
Costume Designer: Liz So
Lighting Designer: Madeleine King
Sound Designer: Evan Moritz
Assistant Set Designer: Athen Go
Stage Manager: Qilin Yu
Assistant Stage Manager: Sichun (Susan) Xia

Cast: 
Cassandra Marrazza-Radeschi
Candice Ann Juttlah
Fiona Du
Maddy Thompson

Sure Thing

Poster designed by Ethan Persyko

Sure Thing (1993) directed by Miriam Sossin is a short play written by David Ives. It tells the story of Betty and Bill, who meet in a cafe one night. The two strangers fall in love, though not on their first try, over the course of a conversation. Through the structuring presence of a bell that gives Betty and Bill infinite chances to say the ‘right’ thing, the play presents a satire of the American rom-com through a comedic exploration of our need to control and perfect people, conversations, and perceptions. Does something magical happen when we give up on achieving perfection? Is The Sound and the Fury a good book? Is this chair taken?? Find out at Sure Thing!

Creative Team:
Writer: David Ives
Director: Miriam Sossin
Set Designer: Jingyuan (Jessie) Chen
Costume Designer: Val Vergara
Lighting Designer: Madeleine King
Sound Designer: Unwoo (Woo) Ho
Assistant Set Designer: Athen Go
Stage Manager: Unwoo (Woo) Ho

Cast:
Betty: Mika Deneige
Bill: Alex Toma

The Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse (Second Floor, UC Union Building) is currently only accessible by stairs as the elevator is being repaired. If you have any questions, please contact dramacentrecommunications.cdtps@utoronto.ca. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.