Monday, July 2, 2007

Duel Of Ages

Duel Of Ages is an ambitious production featuring twenty-one of Toronto's best stage combatants in a showcase of epic proportions. Six scenes by award-winning playwrights highlight the evolution of the duel of honour through the last four hundred years. Comedy, drama, and spectacular action combine into a a one-of-a-kind experience!

Rated NNNN by Now Magazine!


(click for full-size goodness)

Duel Of Ages runs from July 5-15 at the Factory Theatre Mainspace. For ticket information, check the Toronto Fringe Festival website.

Who's Who In "Duel Of Ages"

Stephanie Bickford, Choreographer
Stephanie is an actress and showgirl in Toronto. Her past Fringe shows include the ensemble hit Black Jack Justice and Prometheus Unbound. Stephanie danced with the Windsor City Ballet Company for 4 years and now performs as burlesque dancer, Miss Honey B. Hind, with Skin Tight Outta Sight. Look for her a the New World Stage Festival’s Speigal Tent at Harbourfront in June, in Skin Tight’s Tikki Tease show at the Gladstone in July and on TV in Across the River in Motor City fall of 2008. www.skintightouttasight.com

Brian Brockenshire, Performer
Brian is an Equity Actor, Director and Fight Director. He has performed with many theatre companies across Ontario including Muskoka, Aquarius, Stratford and Shaw. Some of his favourite roles have been Cyrano de Bergerac, Sweeney Todd, Mercutio and the Marquis de Sade. Brock has been training fighters and choreographing fights for over 10 years. He has studied Stage Combat with numerous Canadian and international Instructors, including Maestro Paddy Crean. He was the resident Fight Director and Instructor during the first four years of the Ontario Renaissance Festival, and the Fight Director and Instructor for the Royal Abingdon Faire. He has taught and choreographed fights for many theatre companies and schools. Most recently, he was the Fight Director for Man of La Mancha staged by CCMP in Mississauga. Brock lives in London, Ontario with his wife and partner Ceris Thomas.

Todd Campbell, Director, Fight Director, Performer, Producer
Todd is a certified Fight Director with Fight Directors Canada and acts as FDC’s Vice President of Activities. Acting credits include Laertes in Hamlet, MacDuff in Macbeth(Tempest Theatre),Verrezzi in Zastrozzi (J.K. Productions), Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet, Manello in Beauty and the Beast (Sudbury Theatre) and Cassius in Julius Caesar (Living Shakespeare Co.). As a fight director Todd has arranged fights for The Tempest Theatre Group, Birdland Theatre, Equity Showcase Theatre, the Sudbury Theatre Centre, Reprecussion Theatre, Tribal Productions and Resurgence Theatre among others. Todd teaches stage combat at the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts and at Rapier Wit Studios.

Stuart Constable, Performer
Born in the western province of Alberta, a recent graduate of Sheridan Musical Theatre Program previous productions including: As You Like It, West Side Story, Footloose, Village of Idiots and She Loves Me. Stuart is a certified Intermediate Actor Combatant with Fight Directors Canada.

Michael Dufays, Performer
Michael got his black belt at the age of 11 in Tae Kwon Do and is a certified Instructor with Fight Director's Canada. Recent teaching includes working at the 2007 Region workshop. Previous roles include Romeo, Dromeo, Mercutio, Goerge in the short film Fish n’Chicks and the Lead in the short film Shaolin Delivery Boy.


Christian Feliciano
Christian is a Toronto born Actor, Singer, and Actor-Combatant. Selected theatre credits include: Osric (Hamlet), Gregory/Balthasar (Romeo and Juliet), Don Antonio (The Rover), Lampwick (The Alchemy of Wood), and Narrator/Bob the Saw (Threepenny Opera). As a newly certified Intermediate Actor-Combatant with Fight Directors Canada, Christian is excited and very lucky to be working with some of the best fighters he has ever seen. He thanks all those who spent months upon months supporting and helping him realize his dreams.

Michael Finkbeiner, Performer
A recent graduate of the Randolph Academy, Michael makes his Toronto Fringe Festival debut in A Duel of Ages. Past productions include Candide, Patience, and The Merry Widow, all in conjunction with Toronto Operetta Theatre, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Trevor Graydon), Fight Night 2005, and The Heidi Chronicles (Peter Patrone).

Simon Fon, Martial Arts Adviser
Simon Fon has taught over 7000 people in stage combat over the past 10 years. He is a member of Fight Directors Canada, and holds the title of Fight Master. Simon worked on the Dora Nominated ROMEO AND JULIET - REMIXED with eXpect theatre/Spark productions; the World Premiere production of EL PASO by Michael Miller at Toronto's Factory Theatre; MACBETH at the Grand Theatre (London, Ontario); THE MILL ON THE FLOSS, directed by Robin Phillips, for Soulpepper Theatre at the World Stage; and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and ROAD for Equity Showcase/George Brown. Most recently Simon worked on Leaving Home directed by Ted Dykstra at Soulpepper and both Escape From Happiness and Better Living directed by Ken Gass at Factory Theatre. He teaches at George Brown College, York University, Equity Showcase - Players Academy and Fight Directors Canada National workshops.

Dean Gabourie, Director
Dean is a director, actor, writer, teacher, founding Artistic Director of the Dora Award-winning ACME Theatre Co. and co-founder and Associate Artistic Director of The Co. Dean's previous Fringe outings include: The Laundry, St. George and the Dragon, Altarpieces, Audience/Unveiling/Protest and Crook Back Dicky. Dean is a recipient of the Tyrone Guthrie, Jean Gascon Award.

Kirsten Gundlack Levinson, Writer, Costume Assistant
A graduate of the York University BFA Actor Training Program, Kirsten (“The Pen”) works alongside husband Daniel Levinson (“The Sword”) at the Rapier Wit Studio in Toronto. A freelance writer, she is presently a post-graduate student at The Humber School for Writers and is completing an anthology of short stories. She holds black belts in thrift-store shopping and Ikea furniture assembly.

Casey Hudecki, Performer, Producer, Lighting Designer
Casey is a graduate of the University College Drama Program at the University of Toronto. Her favourite theatre roles include Alais in 'Lion In Winter' (Scaramouche Theatre), Desdemona and Mercutio in 'Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning Juliet)' (AKA Players), Twin Dromios in 'A Comedy of Errors' (UCDP Showcase). Most recently she was seen seducing Macbeth as a Witch and dying tragically as Lady MacDuff and Young Siward, in Tempest Theatre’s 'Macbeth'. An Advanced Actor Combatant with Fight Directors Canada, Casey has had considerable training and experience in dramatic combat performance, instructing and fight directing. Casey is trained in the use of Firearms and First Aid and is a co-producer of True Edge Productions.

M. John Kennedy, Performer
M. John is currently filming Team Epic (a new series about Canadian superheroes), he will be seen in The Fringe Festival this summer in Duel of Ages, and can be heard in a regular series of Radio Dramas for Decoder Ring Theatre. M. John can also be found on both sides of the camera with his production company, Live Feed Inc. When not working as an actor or writer, M. John can be found teaching at The Players Academy and The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts .

Scott Leaver
Hailing from St.Catherines, Scott is a recent graduate of the post secondary Triple Threat College Program at Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts. Previous credits include the Phoenix in The Palace of the Cinnabar Phoenix (Patria/R.Murray Schafer), Ching-Ho in Thoroughly Modern Millie (Tracey Flye/Bathurst Street Theatre) and Harlequin in Shovels and Sacks (London Fringe).

Daniel Levinson, Fight Director, Performer
Daniel is a certified Fight Director and Fight Instructor with Fight Directors Canada, as well as being the President of Fight Directors Canada. Daniel is the Artistic Director of Rapier Wit and The Rude Mechanicals, and is resident Fight Instructor at Sheridan College and Theatre Erindale. He is also a member of Theatre Ontario's Talent Bank. Daniel has performed with and/or created fights for numerous theatre companies including Factory Theatre, Equity Showcase, Crow's Theatre, Canadian Stage, Skylight Theatre, Walking Shadow Theatre Company, The Canadian Opera Company, Earthbound Theatre, Lovers & Madmen, Tarragon Theatre and Theatre Voce.

Andrea Lui, Performer
Andrea is a graduate of York University’s Theatre Program with a BFA in Creative Ensemble and Theatre Production. She is also soon to be a graduate of Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts’ College Program. Her recent credits include The Crucible (Annex Theatre), Red Phoenix (Fu-GEN Asian Theatre’s Potluck Festival at Factory Theatre’s CrossCurrents Festival), and The Golden Mickeys (Disney Cruise Lines). Other Toronto Fringe Festival credits include The Fall of Team Justice (Atomic Legion Theatre) and Eros at Breakfast (DomIdeas). She can also be seen in an upcoming production of The Pajama Game (Bathurst Theatre). Andrea is pleased to be continuing her foray into stage combat with True Edge Productions and the various talents from the Fight Directors of Canada.



ANDREW (SANDY) MACMASTER, Performer
Sandy is an Honours Graduate of York University’s Theatre program, with his B.F.A. in Performance. He has previously achieved the level of Advanced Actor/Combatant, with Fight Directors, Canada. Sandy’s most recent role was that of Frank in the production of “Vincent” performed in Meunster, Germany. This marks Sandy’s first appearance with “True Edge Productions” and the third with the “Fight Night” Team. “I’m truly
impressed with the calibre of talent and professionalism in this company…in every
aspect!”…Enjoy the show!

David McCormick, Performer
David is a certified Intermediate Actor-Combatant with Fight Directors Canada, and the current VP of Communications and webmaster for FDC. He has been training in stage combat for over six years, mainly at Rapier Wit. David is an actor, director and fight choreographer. As a performer, he has most recently been seen as Laertes in Hamlet and Edgar in King Lear (both with Forward Theatre). However, his degree in Drama from the University of Waterloo was focused on directing, and his most recent project was a production of Romeo & Juliet in a setting inspired by Lord of the Flies. David will be directing a cyberpunk Macbeth with Forward Theatre in
November.

Craig McDermott, Performer
Craig is a recent graduate from the University of Toronto and Sheridan College. His recent theatre credits include Vince in Tape, Amintor in Theatre Erindale’s The Maid’s Tragedy and Mr. Roeder in Radium Girls. This summer Craig will be heading out west with Smashin’ Bat Theatre’s production of As You Like It.

Denis McGrath, Playwright
Denis is pleased to be involved with this show since he's narrowly escaped several duels himself. Past Toronto Fringe work includes Pavlov's Brother (with Mark Ellis), (2005,) Shooter (1997,) and two musicals with Scott White: Sleepless (2004) and Top Gun! The Musical (2002.) TG!TM was nominated for two Dora Awards and has enjoyed productions across North America. Recent TV credits include Blood Ties, Charlie Jade,Rent-A-Goalie, Skyland, and two upcoming series: The Border for CBC, and the mystery series, Across the River To Motor City, for CHUM. Denis blogs about Canadian Television at heywriterboy.blogspot.com, and is a contributor to CBC Radio's Q.

Mike McPhaden, Playwright
Mike is a writer and actor originally from Winnipeg. His play Poochwater was nominated for four Dora Mavor Moore Awards in 2003, winning him two: Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Performance. Other plays include Flight 198 (SummerWorks 2001), and Noble Parasites (SummerWorks 2005, Theatre Passe Muraille 2007). His performing credits include Poochwater (The Poochwater Collective) WISH (Theatre Rusticle), The Sea (A.R.C.), and Starker (Alchemy Theatre). On screen, Mike has been a recurring guest on CBC’s Air Farce, and has been seen on Blue Murder, Train 48, Relic Hunter, Nights Below Station Street, and others. Mike is a recent grad of the Canadian Film Centre’s Prime Time Television Writers Program.

Laura Miyata – Performer
Laura Miyata is a recent graduate from the Sheridan/U of T acting program. She has developed a more extensive love for combat in the last couple years as a student of Rapier Wit and is excited to be a part of Duel of Ages. Laura is a certified Intermediate Actor Combatant with Fight Directors Canada.


Christopher Mott, Performer
Christopher is a graduate of the University of Guelph's Drama program, and is a certified Intermediate Actor/Combatant with Fight Directors Canada with over ten years of experience. Past credits include the Ontario Renaissance Festival, Dracula, Jehanne of the Witches and Lion in the Streets at the University of Guelph, MacBeth (Tempest Theatre), Trojan Women (Canopy Theatre), and Les Coquettes Nouveau Burlesque.

Scott Moyle, Performer, Producer
Scott just finished a three-month North American tour as Trent in "Smokescreen" (Roseneath), and is happy to be back in Toronto for his first time performing in the Toronto Fringe Festival. Other recent credits include: Fleance/Messenger in"Macbeth" (Tempest Theatre), a crazy French pirate at the Toronto Pirate Festival, the Mad Hatter at Casa Loma's "Alice In Wonderland" (Wolfworks), and performing with the Men In Tights comedy group. He is an Intermediate Actor-Combatant with Fight Directors Canada, and is fairly certain that pirates are awesome.


Kevin Robinson, Fight Director, Performer
Kevin is a certified Fight Instructor with Fight Directors Canada, as well as an independent Fight Director. He is very excited to once again be part of the violent extravaganza that is a True Edge production. Past productions include Fight Night 2005, Fight Night 2004, Macbeth (Tempest Theatre), The Mechanical Mystery Tour (Fringe 2005), Shakespeare's Gladiator Games (Fringe 2004), Shakespeare's World Cup (Fringe 2003), From Monkeys to Muskets (Fringe 2003). His favourite weapon to use is whatever happens to be in his hand at the moment.

Tammy Nera, Performer
Tammy is very excited to be a part of the Fringe Festival for the first time! Theatre credits include Faraday in I think I can (LKTYP), Jesus Christ Superstar (Stage West Calgary), Anne of Green Gables (Stage West Mississauga), West Side Story (Citadel Theatre, Theatre Calgary), Guys & Dolls, Anything Goes, and Topsy in The King & I (Stratford Festival). Film/TV credits: Save the Last Dance 2 (MTV Films), and you may have caught her dancing in last season’s finale of Canadian Idol. Tammy would like to thank the Thouse gang, and all of her friends and family for their constant support. “Sit tight, and enjoy the show!”


Michael Rubenfeld, Playwright, Director
Michael is a Toronto based actor, writer, director. Previous directing credits include Hannah Moscovitch’s Essay for the Rhubarb! and SummerWorks Festivals (Outstanding Director/Play/Production - NOW) and Assistant Director Alice’s Affair for the Tarragon. In 2004, Michael directed a sold out run of his now published play, Spain for the SummerWorks Festival. (Outstanding Production/New Play – NOW Magazine). Other directing credits include: Red Noses (2005) and Mad Forrest (2002) (Assistant to Eda Holmes/Ryerson University), Kyke Kabaret (Rhubarb! 2003) and two short films: How Sweet It Would Seem and Home.
Michael recently received a workshop grant from the Canada Council for his full-length play My Fellow Creatures. He was also invited to the Banff PlayRites Colony, was awarded the Gibraltor Point Residency Grant on Toronto Island, and was a member of the 2004/05 Buddies in Bad Times Antre Chamber unit, all for the same piece. He is the founder and co-artistic director of Absit Omen Theatre with Hannah Moscovitch. Upcoming, Michael will be directing Essay, by Hannah Moscovitch for the Factory Theatre.

Matt Richardson, Performer
Trained at Theatre Humber in the acting program, Matt first began to study
stage combat in 1989. Since then he has become a member of both Fight Directors Canada and The Society of American Fight Directors, attending numerous workshops on both sides of the border. He has both directed and performed fights for many productions over the years with almost every weapon imaginable, and played many a broadsword swinging soldier in the Stratford Festival productions of Henry VI parts I and II, and Richard III, during the 2002 season.

Siobhán Richardson (formerly Chin), Performer
Siobhan has appeared as an actor, singer, dancer and/or fighter on stage and screen in an extraordinary variety of periods and styles. Favourite roles: Viven Bliss (Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, Theatre Muskoka), Richmond (Richard III, ACT Productions), Lavinia(Titus Andronicus, Canopy Theatre), Maria (West Side Story, Fallen Rock Productions), Sister Leo (Nunsense, Aha! Communications, and Theatre Cambridge), Ceres (Robot Love, film), and chorus and fight team (Forbidden Phoenix, Citadel Theatre). Most recent credits: Romeo & Juliet (the Grand Theatre, London), and, as assistant Fight Director, the Wrestling Season (LKTYP). Siobhan is an Advanced Actor Combatant with Fight Directors Canada.


Gregg Taylor, Playwright
Since leading Decoder Ring Theatre to Fringe success with Black Jack Justice and Prometheus Unplugged, Gregg has turned the company to the uncharted depths of the internet. Decoder Ring now produces an ongoing series of full-cast audio adventure and mystery programs in the style of the classic broadcasts of radio's golden age. Distributed via podcast from www.decoderringtheatre.com, the shows have attracted thousands of subscribers and were shortlisted for the 1996 Podcast Awards in the "Cultural/Arts" category, and the Parsec Award for Outstanding Audio Drama (short form).