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Auditions and Plays

Upcoming Production

Rachel Carson

by Steven Elliott Jackson

Rachel Carson Poster

Location

The Registry Theatre
122 Frederick Street, Kitchener

Dates

July 30 - August 9, 2026
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30pm | Sunday 3:00pm

Tickets

Thursday, July 30 - $10 preview night
Friday, July 31 - opening night - $30 regular, $25 student/senior/arts worker
Saturday, August 1 - $30 regular, $25 student/senior/arts worker
Sunday, August 2 - $30 regular, $25 student/senior/arts worker
Friday, August 7 - $30 regular, $25 student/senior/arts worker
Saturday, August 8 - $30 regular, $25 student/senior/arts worker
Sunday, August 9 - $30 regular, $25 student/senior/arts worker

Play Description

A famous writer of the oceans and seas embarks on writing the most important environmental books of the 20th century all while facing life changing times in the world premier of Rachel Carson by Steven Elliott Jackson.

In 1957, Rachel Carson had written some of the most beloved books about the sea and ocean life, but she would start the daunting challenge, writing "Silent Springs", a book that would change the course of history becoming the most influential book on the environment. What people didn't know were her struggles hidden from view, the adoption of her great nephew, her growing relationship with Dorothy Freeman and new dangers that would inevitably threaten everything.

The show is written and directed by Steven Elliott Jackson, playwright of award-winning The Seat Next to the King and the 5 time Dora nominee Three Ordinary Men. The show stars Nicole Smith, Oliver Tailby, Chudear Oyual and Martin Glassford. The core production team is rounded out by Assistant Director Shayln Raney, Stage Manager Todd Davies, Set Designer Markus Modil, Lighting Designer Jasmine Rajaballey, Costume Designer Marian Boyer, Prop Designer Ron Green, Poster Designer Nathaniel Voll and Music by Sammy Duke.. Join us for an untold story of one woman facing the obstacles of a lifetime while working to save this world in the play, Rachel Carson!

Audition Schedule

Auditions are open for Rachel Carson by Steven Elliott Jackson.
No theatre resumé required, just bring yourself. Three sessions to choose from: Saturday April 12 (10-5) at Libro, 165 King St W, or evenings April 14 and 16 (6-10) at The Registry, 122 Frederick St, Kitchener.

Questions? Reach us through jmdrama.org

Promotional poster for Rachel Carson, a play by Steven Elliott Jackson. Auditions: April 12, 10am to 5pm at Libro, 165 King Street West, Kitchener. April 14 and 16, 6 to 10pm at The Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick Street, Kitchener. JM Drama logo. Illustrated figure of a woman in a white dress.

Propose a Production

Submit a Play Proposal

JM Drama Alumni is committed to providing opportunities for actors, production designers, and crew to further their skills and indulge their love of theatre by presenting two community theatre productions each year.
If you would like to submit a play proposal, use the Play Proposal link below. Decisions on play selection are made by December 15 of each year.

JM Drama Alumni Play Selection Criteria

The JM Drama Alumni (JMDA) Play Selection Committee reviews play proposals for JM Drama productions. Proposals may come from community members, other theatre organizations, or JM Drama members. The Committee ensures:

• Submissions meet JMDA’s requirements for play selection
• Proposed producers and directors have enough experience to deliver a successful production

Submission Process

  1. The submitting person or organization sends a play proposal to [email protected] by December 15 of the year before the proposed production.
  2. All play proposals are forwarded to the JMDA Play Selection Committee.
  3. The Committee reviews all proposals and selects the play that best fits the Requirements for Play Production Submissions listed below. The Committee will inform each submitting person or organization of its decision by December 31 of the year before the production.
  4. A member of the JMDA Play Selection Committee or a Board designate will schedule a meeting with the successful proponent to review JMDA’s Play Production Guidelines.
  5. If a member of the Play Selection Committee wishes to submit a play, they must notify the JMDA Board Executive Team. The Board will appoint an alternate member to the Committee for that submission year to avoid conflicts of interest.

Requirements for Play Production Submissions

  1. Alignment with JMDA Mission and Vision
    The proposal must include a clear rationale for producing the play and demonstrate how it supports JMDA’s mission and vision:

    • Mission
      JM Drama offers opportunities for all to participate in theatre and the performing arts, contributing to inclusivity, diversity and the well-being of our community.
    • Vision
      A diverse, empowered, connected community, participating in transformative artistic experiences.
  2. Artistic vision for the production
    The submitting person or organization must present a clear vision for the production, including:

    • Proposed time period and setting
    • Basic concept for set and costume design
    • Fit with the Registry Theatre facility and a realistic budget
  3. Production experience
    The submitting person or organization must demonstrate sufficient production experience to mount the show successfully.
  4. Scale and budget suitability
    The play must be reasonable in scope for the Registry Theatre and JMDA’s resources. Proposals must consider:

    • Royalty and rights costs
    • A realistic expense budget relative to the number of performances and ticket prices
    • Number of performers
    • Number of rehearsals and associated rehearsal space costs
    • Set, props and costume budgets
  5. Production team planning
    The proposal should identify, where possible, key members of the production team, such as:

    • Producer
    • Stage manager
    • Set designer
    • Costume designer / wardrobe support