“The Aching Heart of Samuel Kleinerman” by Marion Andre November 2003

Directed by Ralph Small*

In honor of Holocaust Education Week 2003, Medina Theatre Ensemble presented a stage reading of “The Aching Heart of Samuel Kleinerman”. The play concerns a Berlin family facing choices, that no family should face, hard, cruel choices requiring the ultimate in courage or self-denial.

“The Menuval of Minsk” 2003

Written, Adapted, and Directed by Morris Jacobs

A fast-paced journey through Jewish humour, an evening of blackout jokes, songs and skits.

“Setting The Scene” April 2003

Co-Directed by Herb Goldstein and Morris Jacobs

Once again, Medina Theatre Ensemble performed the fruit of its Stagecraft Workshops. Selected scenes performed were from On Golden Pond, by Ernest Thompson, Judgment at Nuremberg by Abby Mann, Bad Habits by Terrance McNally, Dr. Strangelove, By Stanley Kubrick, Terry Southern and Peter George, Widows by Stephen Grecco, Jumping by William Borden

Stagecraft with Herb Goldstein and Morris Jacobs February – March 2003

A Series of 6 Workshops. All included practical lessons followed by improvisation exercises and scene study.

Introductory & History
Actor and Director Functions and Interaction
Character Development
Stage Etiquette and Script Handling
Auditioning, Theatre, Film and Radio
Voice Rehearsal process

Medina Theatre Ensemble in Cooperation with Baycrest Holocaust Resource Project presented the Canadian Premiere of “Hanna Senesh” by Israeli Playwright Aahron Megged November 2002

Directed by Ralph Small*

“Hanna Senesh” is the inspiring, uplifting play about the Jewish war heroine. It recounts her capture as a resistance fighter, imprisonment, torture and murder at the hands of the Nazis. Throughout Hanna’s horrifying treatment, her spirit and resolution remained intact.

Medina Showcase September 2002

Co-Directed by Herb Goldstein and Morris Jacobs

A potpourri of staged readings, performances involved short scenes from familiar sources. Scenes presented were “The Tomorrow Box”, by Anne Chislett, “Tootsie”, Arthur”, “Five Finger Exercise” by Peter Shaffer and “Bedazzled”

The Dining Room written by A.R. Gurney Jr. January 2002

Directed by Ralph Small* “The Dining Room” by A.R. Gurney Jr. represents similar dining rooms of many families in varying degrees of stability. As a satiric Comedy, it reveals the mores and manners of a dying society. Often funny and remorseful with a very moving finale. 6 Actors played 50 various roles.

“The Wall” by Millard Lampell based on a novel by John Hersey November 2001

Directed by Sean Mulcahy*

Medina Theatre Ensemble in honor of Holocaust Education Week 2001 presented a staged reading performance. The play is about WWII Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto learning to organize, trust and resist. They find strength to endure, turning their fight against overwhelming brutality into a moral triumph.

Scenecraft Presents July 2001

All scenes Directed by Roselle Stone

Staged readings of three scenes from “Paris is out”, “Norman is that you?” “Social Security” An evening of hilarious sidesplitting fun.

Annual Talent Time June 2001

Coordination of Talent Morris Jacobs and Herb Goldstein

Members and non-members sang, danced played instruments, performed magic or simply had the chance to strut their stuff.

Creative Drama Workshop May 2001

With Fran Elliot, Theatre Arts Specialist, B.A., B.Ed

Discovering and exploring hidden talents in explorative, developmental fun. Specially designed theatre games, exercises and improvisations.

“Night of January 16” by Ayn Rand November 2000

Directed by Vinetta Strombergs*

Medina Theatre Ensemble presented a staged reading of this courtroom drama that used audience members as the Jury. The intention was to put the audience and its values on trial.

“Poor Ostrich” by Hemro October 2000

Directed by Virginia Reh*

Medina Theatre Ensemble presented a staged reading as part of Holocaust Education Week. “Poor Ostrich” is a realistic fable revealing Jewish attitudes and reactions in Berlin from 1913-1938, during events leading up to the Holocaust.

Scenecraft Presents June 2000

All scenes Directed by Roselle Stone

From comedic to classic a collection of scenes were presented as concert readings that entertained and moved the audience as they spent a very special evening with the actors of Medina Theatre Ensemble

Creative Drama Workshop Sept 1998

With Fran Elliot, Theatre Arts Specialist, B.A., B.Ed.

Sharing experiences in specially designed creative challenges.

Discovering releasing and mastering ones personal resources while having fun.

* Member of Canadian Actor’s Equity Association

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