Theatre Canadore launches its third production with a special overture
Apr 21, 2023 | Cindy Males, Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Theatre Canadore marked the opening night of its 2023 production of Laughter on the 23rd Floor with a special dedication to an iconic Canadian actor. The David Fox Stage was officially unveiled tonight in the College’s new theatre. Fox was a guest instructor and director for the Acting for Stage and Screen program at Canadore, and he served on their Program Advisory Committee for fifteen years. He was the guest speaker for Canadore’s 2010 convocation ceremony.
“Memories of our father mentioning North Bay, calling from visits on his way to or returning from the college and workshops were a mainstay throughout our lives. David would be overjoyed to know that his mark was left on theatre at Canadore College. Our greatest of thanks from his sons Jason and Gavin and the extended Fox family.” – Statement from the Fox family.
David Fox was born in Swastika, Ontario, in 1941, and he remained proud of his Northern Ontario roots. His career began during the rise of the alternate theatre movement in the early 1970s, a movement that led to the creation of Theatre Passe Muraille, Factory Theatre, the Tarragon Theatre, and many other companies with a commitment to Canadian playwrights and stories. In addition to his career on stage, Fox landed numerous roles in film and television, including a recurring role on the CBC series Road to Avonlea. Fox remained fiercely committed to new Canadian plays and playwrights throughout his entire career. He was made a member of the Order of Canada in 2018. He died in 2021 at the age of 80.
“David was the true north,” said Rod Carley, Artistic Director, Acting for Stage and Screen program. “He was as real as it got. He made every artist he worked with up their game, to never stop searching for the truth, the tiniest detail; like the tiniest crack in the Northern Ontario Canadian Shield. A champion of Canadian theatre, David was as humble and kind a human being as he was a giant onstage.”
Formerly known as Rep 21, the acting company officially became 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 they need for success in the highly competitive worlds 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.
Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23rd Floor takes place in the early 1950s when Your Show of Shows was widely considered by audiences and critics alike to be the best, most sophisticated comedy on television. It is based on Simon’s days as a young writer for that show. Theatre Canadore will perform the play through Saturday, April 22, 2023. Performances begin at 7 p.m., and admission is a donation to The Gathering Place.
More information about the Acting for Stage and Screen program is available at https://www.canadorecollege.ca/experience/theatre-canadore/laughter
Disclaimer: Viewer discretion is advised. The opinions expressed in these films do not necessarily reflect the views of Canadore College, its partners, or affiliates. This event is for mature audiences only.