NEW STAGES'
SUMMER 2025 PROGRAMMING
New Stages Theatre is proud to to present four FREE outdoor events this summer
in partnership with Trent University’s Traill College

The William and Nona Heaslip Foundation
Summer Festival
at
the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre
www.trentu.ca/amphitheatre

New Stages presents a selection of some of our biggest hits
from the 2025 Brand New Stages Festival...

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New Stages - Summer Festival Line-Up

Thurs June 5, 7 pm, Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre
FIRESIDE MUNSCH
Stories by Robert Munsch.

Adapted and performed by M. John Kennedy.
Directed by Dahlia Katz.

For the young and young at heart! Experience this highly acclaimed theatrical re-telling of classic Robert Munsch stories like Paperbag Princess and Mortimer, adapted and performed by Peterborough’s M. John Kennedy.

Nominated for 8 Dora Mavor Moore Awards in Toronto!

Sold out a delighted all-ages crowd at Market Hall in February 2025.

Runs approx. 60 min incl Q&A
Recommended ages: 5+
Admission: Free

In the event of rain, performances may be moved indoors to Bagnani Hall if needed.

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Megan Murphy

Thurs June 12, 7 pm, Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre
STORY SLAM
with Megan Murphy

Tonight's theme is: GREAT ESCAPES

Everyone has a story worth telling! New Stages’ first Story Slam was a huge success at the Brand New Stages Festival in Feb 2025. Audiences keep asking when the next one will be. Well, here it is! This is your chance to share a true, personal story that connects, inspires, makes us laugh, or moves us forward.

Our Story Slam is an open invitation for anyone who has a story to tell.

How it works: Each storyteller will have 5 minutes to share a personal story based on our theme: “Great Escapes.” Stories must be true and from your own experience. No notes or props allowed – just you, your voice, and your story. All are welcome to participate. No need to sign up as a storyteller ahead of time; just prepare your story and/or prepare to enjoy listening to some amazing stories.

Admission: Free

In the event of rain, performances may be moved indoors to Bagnani Hall if needed.

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Kerry Griffin and Linda Kash in A Christmas Carol Comedy by Katie Leamen, Dec 2024 with Beau Dixon on piano and photo by Dahlia Katz.

Thurs Aug 21, 7 pm, Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre
KASH & KERRY:
A Night at the Improv
with Linda Kash, Kerry Griffin, and special guests

Now this will be fun! The two stars of New Stages’ A Christmas Carol Comedy in December 2024 will reunite for an evening of inspired improvisation in the open air.

World-class improvisers and comedians Linda Kash and Kerry Griffin, with special guests, will have you laughing and marvelling at how they do it.

No scripts, no rehearsals, just the joy of Kash & Kerry!

Admission: Free

In the event of rain, performances may be moved indoors to Bagnani Hall if needed.

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Martin Julien in Magic Lies, Feb 2025, with photo by Andy Carroll

Thurs Aug 28, 7 pm, Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre
MAGIC LIES:
An Evening with W.O. Mitchell

A staged reading performed by Martin Julien and the music of Rob Phillips.

A special event of local significance! Written by long-time Peterborough residents, authors, and former Trent faculty, Orm and Barbara Mitchell, this play is a fond remembrance of the life and brilliant work of beloved Canadian writer W.O. Mitchell, Orm’s father.

Magic Lies delighted Peterborough audiences in February 2025, and returns now for one night only to Traill College—a fitting locale considering that W.O. frequently gave readings and writing workshops at Trent University and received an honorary Trent degree himself.

Performed by Martin Julien, one of Canada’s great stage actors, with musical accompaniment from Peterborough legend, Rob Phillips. Not to be missed!

Admission: Free

In the event of rain, performances may be moved indoors to Bagnani Hall if needed.

SUPPORT NEW STAGES

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Season Partners

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Show Sponsors

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Don't miss a show!

Mark Wallace, Artistic Director

Get in touch with New Stages at [email protected]