A Soldier's War Canadian Tour
Donation protected
THE STORY
Inspired by the letters written by the playwrights' grandfather, Jack Ramsden, A Soldier’s War follows the journey of five Canadian soldiers during World War II -- from basic training in Nova Scotia, through to D-Day and their return home. It is a story of brotherhood and friendship, honour, and the unrelenting desire to get home.
THE INSPIRATION
The impetus to write A Soldier’s War arose from the relationship the playwright had with his grandfather, John (Jack) Ramsden. Jack, who was a member of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Infantry Regiment during World War II, rarely spoke to his family about the time he spent overseas during the war instead choosing to keep that part of his past to himself. About ten years ago, I had the opportunity to live with him for about six months before he died, and during that time he shared a few stories, and memories of his experiences in the war. How he spoke of that time felt as if it had happened just yesterday.
The Production Company
Founded in 2011 by Josh Ramsden, Strikes Twice Productions is committed to creating provocative, engaging theatre that will lead to mutual learning by individuals and local communities, and pertain to topics deemed undesirable or less than desirable for conversation, by some, in public settings (i.e. mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc). This approach is a combination of two theatrical approaches: first, the Theatre of the Oppressed, which used theatre performance as means to promote social and political change; and, second, In-Yer-Face Theatre, which presented obscene, and confrontational material on stage thereby affecting and involving their audiences. A Soldier's War will be the third production for this company.
WHY NOW?
This summer I've decided to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday by touring A Soldier’s War across much of Canada. The objective of the tour is to celebrate Canadian history, to remember and honour our Veterans, while while increasing the awareness post-traumatic stress disorder. In Canada, it is estimated that up to 10% of war-zone veterans will go on to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Proud to be partnered with Wounded Warriors Canada, A Soldier's War has made a commitment to donate a portion of our tour proceeds to the charity.
Given the current political climate of today's day, and how reminiscent it is to the 1930's and 40's, A Soldier's War is an important story to be told, and a reminder of the gravity that is war-time.
I firmly believe it is important that our Veterans feel that we, civil society, who charged them to go to war and defend our freedoms, have not forgotten about them. We must offer them the environment and opportunity to make their voices heard, and support them in anyway possible. I believe this tour of A Soldier’s War has the potential to help in that way.
BUT OUR TOUR NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Touring this show across Canada for 3 months with 6 theatre artists is an expensive proposition. Our budget stands at $59,000.00 to cover all costs associated with travel, accommodation, props, costumes, set, salaries and advertising.
Saskatchewan Arts Board has generously supported our project with $16,000 in funding for our cross Canada tour (after our Saskatoon performances). We are hoping to sell $23,000 in ticket sales over the tour (45+ performances). That brings our estimated revenue up to $39,000. I, Josh Ramsden, will be contributing $5,000, which leaves us $15,000 short of our $59,000 in expenses. Your donations will help secure the success of this production. Help us break even! And make even larger donations to Wounded Warriors Canada!
BUDGET
Actor’s and Stage Manager salaries: $32,400.00
Pays for 16 weeks of wages for 4 actors and 1 SM
*No salary will go towards the Director/Producer (and me as an actor) in the show
Travel expenses: $14,500.00
Includes mileage and gas (cars x2), accommodations (5 actors, and 1 stage manager) and shipping the set.
Costumes, Props, Set Materials and Designer Fees: $8,850.00
Pays the designer fees for 3 designers; pays for 5 authentic World War II Canadian Army Uniforms, replica prop pieces, and a set that can be built and transported easily.
Advertising & Rehearsal Space: $3250.00
Includes posters, flyers, programmes and print ads
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP:
I know not everyone will be able to donate, and I completely understand that. My hope is that if you are unable to donate any funds that you would take the time and forward our campaign to your friends, families, and colleagues. Every little bit helps. And if you are in any of the locations listed below, please support us by coming to see our show.
CAST:
Devin Wesnoski - Leslie
Kyle Kuchirka - Harry
Donny Ready - Jack
Josh Ramsden - Frank
Torien Cafferata - Walter
Terri Morgan - Stage Manager & Costume Designer
Jared Beattie - Lighting and Sound Designer
Jordan Svenkeson - Fight Choreographer
Jacob Yaworski - Associate Artist
**Special thanks to Russ Ramsden and Mick Ellis for donating their time to build and help design our travelling set.
PERFORMANCES:
Tickets are currently available for our Saskatoon, SK performances in the Backstage Stage at the Remai Arts Centre. Running from June 21 - 25, 2017
June 21 - 7:30PM
June 22 - 7:30PM
June 22 - 10:00PM (Late show, reduced ticket prices)
June 23 - 7:30PM
June 24 - 7:30PM
June 25 - 2:30PM
June 25 - 7:30PM
For Tickets Call: (306) [phone redacted]
or visit www.asoldierswarontour.com/new-events/
Upcoming:
Winnipeg Fringe - Venue TBA - July 19th - 30th
Calgary Fringe - Venue TBA - Aug 4th - 12th
Edmonton Fringe - Venue TBA - Aug 17th - 27th
Vancouver Fringe - Venue TBA - Sept. 7th - 17th
Currently we have performances planned (but not all are confirmed) for Regina, Weyburn, Indian Head, and Estevan, SK; Brandon, MB; Drumheller, and Red Deer, AB; and Wells, and Kelowna, BC.
If you think your community may be interested in presenting our show,
please visit our website: asoldierswar2017.com
or email: [email redacted]
FIND THIS CAMPAIGN ON:
www.asoldierswarontour.com
www.facebook.com/ASoldiersWar/
If you think your community may be interested in presenting our show,
please visit our website: asoldierswar2017.com
or email: [email redacted]
Thank you everyone for your generous support! Have a wonderful summer! We sure will!
Take care, Josh Ramsden
Inspired by the letters written by the playwrights' grandfather, Jack Ramsden, A Soldier’s War follows the journey of five Canadian soldiers during World War II -- from basic training in Nova Scotia, through to D-Day and their return home. It is a story of brotherhood and friendship, honour, and the unrelenting desire to get home.
THE INSPIRATION
The impetus to write A Soldier’s War arose from the relationship the playwright had with his grandfather, John (Jack) Ramsden. Jack, who was a member of the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Infantry Regiment during World War II, rarely spoke to his family about the time he spent overseas during the war instead choosing to keep that part of his past to himself. About ten years ago, I had the opportunity to live with him for about six months before he died, and during that time he shared a few stories, and memories of his experiences in the war. How he spoke of that time felt as if it had happened just yesterday.
The Production Company
Founded in 2011 by Josh Ramsden, Strikes Twice Productions is committed to creating provocative, engaging theatre that will lead to mutual learning by individuals and local communities, and pertain to topics deemed undesirable or less than desirable for conversation, by some, in public settings (i.e. mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc). This approach is a combination of two theatrical approaches: first, the Theatre of the Oppressed, which used theatre performance as means to promote social and political change; and, second, In-Yer-Face Theatre, which presented obscene, and confrontational material on stage thereby affecting and involving their audiences. A Soldier's War will be the third production for this company.
WHY NOW?
This summer I've decided to commemorate Canada’s 150th birthday by touring A Soldier’s War across much of Canada. The objective of the tour is to celebrate Canadian history, to remember and honour our Veterans, while while increasing the awareness post-traumatic stress disorder. In Canada, it is estimated that up to 10% of war-zone veterans will go on to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Proud to be partnered with Wounded Warriors Canada, A Soldier's War has made a commitment to donate a portion of our tour proceeds to the charity.
Given the current political climate of today's day, and how reminiscent it is to the 1930's and 40's, A Soldier's War is an important story to be told, and a reminder of the gravity that is war-time.
I firmly believe it is important that our Veterans feel that we, civil society, who charged them to go to war and defend our freedoms, have not forgotten about them. We must offer them the environment and opportunity to make their voices heard, and support them in anyway possible. I believe this tour of A Soldier’s War has the potential to help in that way.
BUT OUR TOUR NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Touring this show across Canada for 3 months with 6 theatre artists is an expensive proposition. Our budget stands at $59,000.00 to cover all costs associated with travel, accommodation, props, costumes, set, salaries and advertising.
Saskatchewan Arts Board has generously supported our project with $16,000 in funding for our cross Canada tour (after our Saskatoon performances). We are hoping to sell $23,000 in ticket sales over the tour (45+ performances). That brings our estimated revenue up to $39,000. I, Josh Ramsden, will be contributing $5,000, which leaves us $15,000 short of our $59,000 in expenses. Your donations will help secure the success of this production. Help us break even! And make even larger donations to Wounded Warriors Canada!
BUDGET
Actor’s and Stage Manager salaries: $32,400.00
Pays for 16 weeks of wages for 4 actors and 1 SM
*No salary will go towards the Director/Producer (and me as an actor) in the show
Travel expenses: $14,500.00
Includes mileage and gas (cars x2), accommodations (5 actors, and 1 stage manager) and shipping the set.
Costumes, Props, Set Materials and Designer Fees: $8,850.00
Pays the designer fees for 3 designers; pays for 5 authentic World War II Canadian Army Uniforms, replica prop pieces, and a set that can be built and transported easily.
Advertising & Rehearsal Space: $3250.00
Includes posters, flyers, programmes and print ads
OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP:
I know not everyone will be able to donate, and I completely understand that. My hope is that if you are unable to donate any funds that you would take the time and forward our campaign to your friends, families, and colleagues. Every little bit helps. And if you are in any of the locations listed below, please support us by coming to see our show.
CAST:
Devin Wesnoski - Leslie
Kyle Kuchirka - Harry
Donny Ready - Jack
Josh Ramsden - Frank
Torien Cafferata - Walter
Terri Morgan - Stage Manager & Costume Designer
Jared Beattie - Lighting and Sound Designer
Jordan Svenkeson - Fight Choreographer
Jacob Yaworski - Associate Artist
**Special thanks to Russ Ramsden and Mick Ellis for donating their time to build and help design our travelling set.
PERFORMANCES:
Tickets are currently available for our Saskatoon, SK performances in the Backstage Stage at the Remai Arts Centre. Running from June 21 - 25, 2017
June 21 - 7:30PM
June 22 - 7:30PM
June 22 - 10:00PM (Late show, reduced ticket prices)
June 23 - 7:30PM
June 24 - 7:30PM
June 25 - 2:30PM
June 25 - 7:30PM
For Tickets Call: (306) [phone redacted]
or visit www.asoldierswarontour.com/new-events/
Upcoming:
Winnipeg Fringe - Venue TBA - July 19th - 30th
Calgary Fringe - Venue TBA - Aug 4th - 12th
Edmonton Fringe - Venue TBA - Aug 17th - 27th
Vancouver Fringe - Venue TBA - Sept. 7th - 17th
Currently we have performances planned (but not all are confirmed) for Regina, Weyburn, Indian Head, and Estevan, SK; Brandon, MB; Drumheller, and Red Deer, AB; and Wells, and Kelowna, BC.
If you think your community may be interested in presenting our show,
please visit our website: asoldierswar2017.com
or email: [email redacted]
FIND THIS CAMPAIGN ON:
www.asoldierswarontour.com
www.facebook.com/ASoldiersWar/
If you think your community may be interested in presenting our show,
please visit our website: asoldierswar2017.com
or email: [email redacted]
Thank you everyone for your generous support! Have a wonderful summer! We sure will!
Take care, Josh Ramsden
Organizer
Josh Ramsden
Organizer
Saskatoon, SK
