Help Bring EXCESS to the Stage

This November, we’re bringing EXCESS, an exciting new Canadian play by acclaimed playwright E. Kent Stetson, to the historic Haskell Opera House—one of the world’s most extraordinary theatres, built directly on the Canada–U.S. border.

Early drafts were inspired by tensions surrounding Canada’s decision not to participate in the Iraq War in 2003. The play evolved over many years before finding renewed urgency amid recent changes in the political relationship between Canada and the United States.

The result is a sharp, witty, and deeply Canadian satirical comedy that explores identity, sovereignty, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.

Why We’re Asking for Your Help

Professional theatre is created by artists—but it is sustained by community.

Our total production budget is approximately $100,000, covering artist fees, rehearsal space, venue rental, technical production, design, marketing, and the many behind-the-scenes costs required to bring a production of this scale to life.

We’re assembling that budget through a combination of box office revenue, private donors, investors, sponsorships, and grants. This campaign is where our community comes in.

Our goal is to raise $10,000—an important piece of the overall financing that allows us to move forward with confidence while additional funding is secured.

Every contribution, large or small, helps us employ professional Canadian artists, present ambitious new Canadian work, and bring audiences together around stories that matter.

Our recent public reading in Waterloo offered audiences their first glimpse of EXCESS. We invite you to watch the sizzle reel and see what we’re building.

About the Production

Written by

E. Kent Stetson C.M.

Directed by

Wade Lynch

Executive Director

E. Kent Stetson

Produced by

Paul Hopkins

Cast

Charlotte Moore — Grace MacDonald

Paul Hopkins — Arthur Briknale

The remaining cast will be announced soon. The public reading and sizzle reel feature:

* Nehassaiu deGannes — Làzzara Ortega LA Santos

* Jacob James — Grant MacDonald

* Quinn Dooley — Nell Bradshaw-MacDonald

What Your Donation Supports

* Professional Equity artists

* Rehearsal and performance venue

* Scenic, lighting, sound, and projection design

* Costumes and production expenses

* Marketing and audience development

* Bringing a new Canadian play to life

Thank You

Whether you choose to donate, share this campaign, or simply help spread the word, you are helping bring an important new Canadian work to the stage.

Thank you for believing in Canadian artists, Canadian stories, and live theatre.