Stage Door News
Stage Door News
TORONTO - February 22, 2012: Seventh Stage Theatre Productions is honouring the modern day feminista by teaming up with seven notable female Canadian arts and media leaders.
On Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 7 p.m., over 200 men and women will celebrate International Women’s Day with an evening of drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and one-of-a kind entertainment at Toronto’s new dance studio, The Extension Room (30 Eastern Avenue).
“7 Fierce Femmes is an event to raise money for our not-for-profit theatre company, while honouring some outstanding women”, says Melissa- Jane Shaw, Artistic Producer of Seventh Stage Theatre Productions. “We’re celebrating fierce, fabulous women and their contributions as leaders in art, film, media and theatre. It’s about creating and celebrating a community of female leaders in the arts.”
Honorary hosts were selected by the Board of Directors at Seventh Stage Theatre Productions, based on their contributions and success in arts and media.
2012 Honorary Hosts:
Tara Beagan, NEPA Artistic Director
Tara Beagan is a proud Ntlaka’pamux and Irish Canadian mix. She is the Artistic Director of Native Earth Performing Arts. She was the playwright-in-residence at the National Arts Centre in 2011, at NEPA in 2009/2010, and at Cahoots in 2007/2008. As well as a mentor for emerging theatre artists, Tara has written for film and radio, and is a Dora- and Betty-nominated actor.
Natalie Deane, Entertainment Tonight Canada Producer
In her over a decade’s worth of experience as a producer on E! Entertainment, CanWest MediaWorks and then Entertainment Tonight Canada, Natalie Deane has developed a reputation for meticulous quality and impactful segments and shows. Socially, Natalie is often a supporter of charity and arts events across the city and is often cited on well-dressed lists for her outgoing personality and charming style.
Leslie Ehm, Founder of Three Training
As a former TV host, Creative Director and ideation specialist turned training diva, Leslie Ehm knows a thing or three. After moving into advertising following a stage career as a UK-based vocalist and television host, Leslie had her a-ha moment in 2009 when she realized there were really Three training areas that were changing her clients’ businesses; ideation, collaboration, and presentation skills. As a result, Leslie founded Three Training in 2010 and has been unstoppable since.
Laurie Elliot, Canadian stand-up star
Laurie Elliott has made a name for herself as one of the most versatile and fun to watch entertainers in Canada. She is a three-time winner of Best Female Stand Up at the Canadian Comedy Awards (2004, 2006, & 2010) and winner of the Tim Sims Encouragement Fund Award (2000). Her stand up credits include the Toronto and Montreal Just For Laughs Festival, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, the Vancouver Comedy Festival, and several others across Canada, the US and Africa.
DJ Lissa Monet, 4 x stylus award winner
Inspired by the lack of female DJs in the Toronto party scene, Lissa bought two turntables and a mixer and started studying the art of mixing music. Shortly thereafter, Lissa became a fixture and has spun records for the likes of U2, LeBron James, Drake, Rachel Roy and brands such as Sony Style, Victoria's Secret, Moët & Chandon and Hennessy. She is a 4x winner of Stylus Female DJ Award, which recognizes the achievements of DJs across Canada.
Jennifer Podemski, Actor, Director & Producer
Jennifer Podemski is an award winning, Gemini nominated actress who has been in more than 100 TV series and feature films, best known for her roles in Bruce McDonald’s acclaimed feature film Dance Me Outside, CBC’s The Rez, and Riverdale. In 1999 Jennifer co-founded Big Soul Productions, which produced TV series’ The Seventh Generation and Gemini-Award nominated Moccasin Flats for APTN. In 2004, Jennifer opened Redcloud Studios, which has a number of TV series and feature films in development.
Tika Simone, MTV personality, actress and musician
Widely known for her frequent appearances on the panel of MTV’s “The After-show” from 2007-2010, Simone is also a correspondent for Canada’s CTVglobemedia specialty channel Much Music. In 2007 she took on a journalist/correspondent role for the not-for-profit Company "What’s the 411" documenting the struggles of girls around the world and her efforts with this organization continue to date. Simone was recently casted and took part in Trey Anthony’s original play “Da Kink in My Hair” which has been adapted into both a television series as well as theatre productions across the United States and England.
In its inaugural year, 7 Fierce Femmes soiree is more than your average charitable fundraiser. A combination of performances and partying, 7 Fierce Femmes is an evening that honours, celebrates, encourages and inspires women to pursue leadership roles in the arts community. It provides men and women a platform to mix and mingle with Toronto’s arts elite while enjoying entertainment and showcases from this year’s honorary hosts and special guests.
Included on the entertainment roster are live comedy acts, clips from upcoming indie films, dance performances by Hit and Run Productions and La Rouge Entertainment, and musical performances by Erica Peck (We Will Rock You, Stratford 2012) and Andrea Ramolo (2011 Canadian Folk Music Award Nominee for New Emerging Artist). Other scheduled activities include tarot card readings by Tara Greene, live illustrations from Toronto artist Beckie Dileo and a silent auction worth over $8000.00, including a week in paradise at Anamaya Resort in Costa Rica. Beverage sponsors include Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, Iceberg Vodka and Labatt Breweries of Canada.
The event runs from 7pm to 1am. Tickets are $25 in advance ($35 at the door) and can be purchased online at www.seventhstageproductions.com/theatre/.
For complimentary media tickets, interview requests or inquiries, please contact Meg Sethi at Evolution PR: meg@evolutionpr.ca or call 647-547-3373
Seventh Stage Theatre is a professional not-for-profit theatre company that produces socially and politically conscious, thought-provoking and entertaining work. We place a particular importance on telling stories by women, about women and for everyone – and generating opportunities for emerging and established female artists both on and off stage. Seventh Stage Theatre is a registered charity 824923528RR0001.
2012-02-22
Toronto: Seventh Stage honours seven female trailblazers in media and arts for International Women’s Day