Canadian Stage to Launch INTERMISSION, A New Event Series for the Culturally Curious, 5/15

Canadian Stage today announced details for INTERMISSION, a new event series that combines multiple art forms to create an immersive cultural experience. Taking place once a month from May to July 2014, the series builds on the success of the company's Berkeley Street Block Parties, which have included a 90s-themed dance party with special guest Jason Priestley and a post-show karaoke night with the cast of Venus in Fur. INTERMISSION continues Canadian Stage's tradition of animating the historic Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley Street) with a variety of performances including live music, contemporary art, tasty refreshments and interactive experiences.

Curated by Chad Wiseman of Wiseman Creative, the event series focuses on themes and ideas featured in Canadian Stage's upcoming theatre season. INTERMISSIONinvites guests to take over the Canadian Stage headquarters at the Berkeley Street Theatre and immerse themselves in creations by up-and-coming projectionists, visual artists and performers.

"We're constantly inventing new and relevant ways to engage audiences at Berkeley Street - this involves curating events that will animate our unique, convivial venue beyond traditional theatre," said Matthew Jocelyn, artistic and general director, Canadian Stage. "This new series is not only a chance to throw a great party, but it's also a place for the culturally curious to gather, discuss and celebrate art over some snacks and a drink or two."

INTERMISSION kicks off on May 15, with Vol. I: Pre/Post Modern. Drawing from the worlds created in hit Canadian Stage performances like Robert Lepage's Needles and Opium and the highly anticipated multi-media innovation Helen Lawrence (both part of the 2014.2015 season), it will be a night of music and contemporary media reminiscent of the underground art scene in the 50s and 60s.

The evening starts off in the Berkeley Street Theatre lobby with freestyle jazz duo King Weather, featuring drummer D. Alex Meeks (Hooded Fang) and experimental trombonist Steve Ward (Caribou, Minotaurs). The music continues with Canadian power-pop singer/songwriter Michael Rault, while guests can treat themselves at the lobby bar to special snacks and drinks courtesy of Iceberg Vodka and Grolsch Premium Lager. Moving the party to the Downstairs Theatre, the dance floor is open until 12 a.m. with retro beats from Toronto DJ's Bangs & Blush and a special installation by projection artistAdam Carlucci.

With no two events being alike, INTERMISSION aims to create an open forum, inviting guests to participate in performances that spark conversation and pique curiosity. Continuing with Vol. II on Friday, June 6 and Vol. III on Thursday, July 31, the event series complements programs like C-Stage, the Sun Life Financial sponsored discount ticket program for patrons under 30 years old.

Tickets are $10 advance or $15 at the door. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 416.368.3110, in person at Canadian Stage's Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley Street) or online at www.canadianstage.com. For more information and programming details visit www.canadianstage.com/online/intermission.

This summer Canadian Stage offers both comedy and tragedy in Shakespeare in High Park. See the light-hearted As You Like It or the intense Titus Andronicus under the stars. The pay-what-you-can shows will be playing on alternate nights throughout the summer. Discount tickets are available thanks to Sun Life Financial, Discount Ticket Programs Sponsor. Tickets may be purchased online at www.canadianstage.com, by phone at 416.368.3110 or in person at Canadian Stage's Bluma Appel Theatre (27 Front Street E.) or Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley Street).

Founded in 1987, Canadian Stage is one of the country's leading not-for-profit contemporary theatre companies, with the 2013.2014 season marking the organization's 26th season. Led by artistic director Matthew Jocelyn and managing director Su Hutchinson, Canadian Stage produces and showcases innovative theatre from Canada and around the world, allowing its audience to encounter daring work guided by a strong directorial vision and a 21st century aesthetic. The company prides itself on presenting multidisciplinary pieces and work in translation that pushes the boundaries of form and style. Canadian Stage reinforces the presence of Canadian art and artists within an international context through work that mirrors the cultural diversity of Toronto. The company stages an annual season of work at three major venues (the Bluma Appel Theatre, the Berkeley Street Theatre, and the High Park Amphitheatre) and runs a series of artist development and education initiatives, as well as youth and community outreach programs. For more information, visit www.canadianstage.com.

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