The Sears Ontario Drama festival has become a provincial institution. For more than 50 years, the Sears Drama Festival has brought together students from all over Ontario to showcase their dramatic talents. Schools submit up to 3 one act shows to compete at the district, regional and provincial levels where theater professionals adjudicate them. Awards are given for excellence in all aspects of production and senior students can apply to receive scholarships.

At Meadowvale the focus is completely on the students. In early October, student written scripts are submitted for consideration for the festival. Two scripts are selected and the playwrights spend the next few weeks work shopping and editing their scripts. During this time, students audition for directors. Two directors are chosen and work begins on script preparations. Directors audition, cast their plays and the rehearsals begin. Stage managers are also chosen and they meet early with the directors to discuss their expectations.

Students are also an absolutely essential part of the production process. Students design and build the sets, organize and gather props, create sound effects and hang and focus lights, and are in charge of running the technical aspect of the show.

Pre-fest shows usually run the second last week of February with adjudication the following week. Meadowvale hosts the festival and has welcomed Holy Name of Mary, Rich Hansen S.S. and Woodlands S.S. to the festival.

We have had a very successful run the past couple of years. Here is a list of the shows we have performed and awards we have won. 

Mr. Humphry and The Bunny of Doom

Awards of Merit:

Performance, District Level

Travis the Carpet Cleaner Helps Fill the Bad Patches

Winner of 11 Awards including:

Excellence in Set Design, Provincial Level

Excellence in Directing and Writing, District and Regional level.

Excellence in Performance, District Level

Excellence in Ensemble Performance, Regional Level

Wayne Fairhead New Playwright’s Awards, Provincial Level

Also chosen to perform at Toronto’s Summer works Festival

Performed in London Fringe Festival

Total: 19 performances

Suburban Bloom

Award in Excellence in:

Set Design, District Level

Awards of Merit:

Directing, District Level

Ensemble Performance, District Level

Writing, District Level

The Perfect Prescription

Award of Merit:

Writing and Directing, District Level

Upcoming shows and dates are:

You are cordially invited to: Charlie’s Place

For the Record

Pre-fest dates: February 20^th and 21^st at 8 pm

Adjudication: February 28^th at 7 pm

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