Through paid residencies, ARC is offering a variety of professional work opportunities in acting, stage management, and design, alongside top-notch professional development initiatives.
But that's just the beginning. Get ready to welcome the Courthouse Stage, ARC’s future permanent home and soon-to-be cultural epicenter for Atlantic Canadian artists! This state-of the art facility will be designed to foster artistic growth and collaboration. It will feature office space for Resident Artists, expanded rehearsal and production areas, and exclusive in-person training sessions led by industry professionals.
This incredible facility will allow ARC productions to run concurrently with the Saint John Theatre Company (SJTC) at the BMO Studio Theatre, effectively doubling our community’s creative output and amplifying our cultural vibrancy.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey to make Saint John the ultimate destination for theatre enthusiasts, both on-stage and off!
ARC Production History
Season 1: 2018-2019
No Man Is An Island (April 2019)
An original work based on the history of Partridge Island, written by Saint John playwright Thomas Hodd and Directed by Natasha MacLellan.
A story of immigration, sacrifice, belief, and community.
Abyss (June 2019)
A thriller written by Maria Milisavljević and translated from German. Directed by Richard Rose.
A lyrical thriller and modern-day epic cloaked in the mystery of Europe’s underworld
Season 2: 2019-2020
Mary’s Wedding (October 2019)
Written by renowned Canadian playwright Stephen Massicotte and Directed by Stephen Tobias.
A stirring memorial to both the Great War and great love that toured in NB and Europe.
Season 3: 2020-2021
The Turn of the Screw (October 2020)
By Jeffrey Hatcher. Directed by Stephen Tobias.
An atmospheric adaptation of Henry James’ novella about a governess’s experiences looking after two children in a haunted house. Live and streaming performances were offered.
ARC Academy Workshops
A series of virtual workshops that offer an opportunity to not only sharpen skill sets, but also gain insight into career development beyond the basics. Hosted by leading industry professionals.
Script Analysis for Theatre Directors.
Led by Richard Rose. Learning the fundamentals of how to choose the right play.
Listening for the Story.
Led by Taught by: R.H. Thomson. Focused on “hearing the story” and thinking of oneself as an artist first and a performer second.
Shakespeare for the Actor: Be Not Afeared.
Led by Seana McKenna. Participants learned how to approach Shakespearean roles with greater ease.
Now That You’ve Been Offered the Part.
Led by Diane D’Aquila. An examination of the art of how to read a play.
Season 4: 2021-2022
No Man Is An Island (August 2021)
An original work by NB playwright Thomas Hodd | Directed by Ron Jenkins.
This creative production draws inspiration from the significant history of Partridge Island as an immigration port for the Irish in the mid-19th century.
The Loyalist Burial Ground Project (August 2021)
Created by the ARC Resident Artists | Directed by Ron Jenkins.
A multi-site interactive walking tour throughout the historic uptown. The project was designed to be a devised work created collectively by the ARC resident artists.
Hedda Gabler (September 2021)
By Henrik Ibsen |Adapted and directed by Stephen Tobias.
A tale of a woman who is trapped in a marriage and house that she does not want presented in a modern and unique perspective. A high-quality digital version was filmed with footage from the live performances plus additional filming.
ARC Academy Workshops
Listening for the Story.
Led by R.H. Thomson. Due to the success of the first session, Listening for the Story was brought back in 2022.
Adaptation for the Stage.
Led by Jeffrey Hatcher. Techniques for playwrights interested in perfecting their craft.
Season 5: 2022-2023
The Loyalist Burial Ground Project (July-August 2022)
Created by the ARC Resident Artists | Directed by Melissa MacGougan.
Back by popular demand. New sites, new content and fresh new faces take part in the second year of this popular uptown theatrical walking tour.
The Glass Menagerie (September – October 2022)
By Tennessee Williams. Directed by Stephen Tobias. Featuring Martha Irving, Patrick Jeffrey, Kennedy McGeachy and Tallas Munro.
A semi-autobiographical memory play by Tennessee Williams. Six schools participated in student matinee performances for a total of 174 attending free of charge.
The Woman In Black (April 2023)
By Stephen Mallatratt and Susan Hill. Directed by Ron Jenkins. Featuring R.H. Thomson, Patrick Jeffrey and Lara Lewis.
Adapted from Susan Hill's classic gothic horror novel, the story follows a lawyer as he delves into an eerie curse that plagues a small English town. Three-week run. Many sold out performances.
Season 6: 2023-2024
Cottagers and Indians (February 2024)
By Drew Hayden Taylor. Directed by Samantha Wilson. Featuring James Dallas Smith and Martha Irving.
The heart-warming and humorous story, written by Drew Hayden Taylor, inspired by real events around the area of Pigeon Lake, Ontario. This conflict was coined the “Wild Rice Wars” by local media.
Season 7: 2024-2025
Waiting for Godot (September 2024)
By Samuel Beckett. Directed by Richard Rose. Featuring Eric Peterson, R.H. Thomson, Kenzie Dello, Patrick Jeffrey and Kate Sullivan.
A timeless masterpiece featuring celebrated Canadian actors R.H. Thomson (known for Anne with an E) and Eric Peterson (famed for Corner Gas).
