Highland Arts Theatre
40 Bentinck Street B1P1G2 Sydney, NS, Canada

APRIL MAINSTAGE BOOKING IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE! That's right! Our next FREE SHOW courtesy of Radical Access is just around the corner and tickets are now available to anyone for the entire run. This spring the HAT is all about the good vibes, and TELL YOUR STORY is no exception to that rule!... A collaboratively created theatre initiative celebrating the diverse cultural mosaic of Cape Breton Island. This collage of a show features original monologues, scenes, and songs that show off the talent of this incredible group of creators under the theme of: Interrogating Joy. Written and created by the Ensemble. Directed by Robyn Lee Seale & Wesley J. Colford. In other words, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 12PM-6PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com///tmEvent1875.html --------- Sponsored by Cape Breton University and the Province of Nova Scotia On March 15, tickets will become available for the general public. Art by Hilary Scott

"I just wanted to reach out and tell you how deeply touched I was yesterday at the HAT. Tell Your Story was so amazing. Made me so proud to sit in the audience as a mother, a woman, a human being, and Cape Bretoner." -HAT Ptron TELL YOUR STORY IS BACK! Tonight at 8:00PM we've got Show #7 coming your way. Some tickets are left (and they're FREE) so make sure you don't miss the latest from our Mainstage Series and this beautiful cast.!... Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 12PM-6PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com///tmEvent1875.html Sponsored by Cape Breton University and the Province of Nova Scotia Photo by Chris Walzak

We are one week away from opening and we are 75% sold out for the entire run! Looking for another reason to catch HERE COMES THE SUN at Sacred Heart Downtown's Dinner and a Show? We'll give you two: MacKenzie Sechi and Katherine Woodford!!!!! Catch the latest hit from the HAT - re-imagined with Dinner at a show at Sydney's newest downtown culture venue: Sacred Heart!... Book your tickets before it's too late: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/here-comes-the-sun-dinner-and-a ------------------- About this Event: HERE COMES THE SUN: A Musical Revue of Light, Joy, and Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow - Re-imagined for a new venue with dinner and some new twists! Directed by Wesley J. Colford Music Directed by Barbara Stetter Featuring the vocal stylings of MacKenzie Sechi, Morgan Reid, Katherine Woodford, Matt Campbell, & Wesley J. Colford. This joyful & intimate concert promises to be everything we need more of right now, and more, with a night of classic songs about optimism from the musical styles of musical theatre, jazz, folk, and pop. Be the first to take in the re-born splendour of Sydney's Sacred Heart Downtown, located at 217 George St. Tables available exclusively in bubbled groups of 6 or 8 with special VIP option for best seats in the house. Featuring a delicious three-course meal from Mis en Place. Appetizer: Pan Seared Scallops, Maple Bourbon Florentine, Smoked Bacon Jam, Crispy Leeks Main Course: Roasted Prime Rib, Rosemary Jus, Roasted Red Pepper Mashed Potato, Market Vegetables Or Marinated Tofu, Citrus Quinoa Salad, Roasted Maple Sweet Potato, Avocado, Pickled Vegetables Dessert: Parsley Mint Cake, Coconut Lime Reduction, Pineapple Meringues, Mango Crystals April 20 to 25 at 6:30 PM There's some hope on the horizon and we can't wait to share it with you all. God knows we could all use some right about now!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! After a SOLD-OUT run during March Break, the spectacular hit musical FROZEN JR is returning to the HAT stage this July! If March was any indication, these tickets won't last for long... Join Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, Olaf and all your favourite characters on stage LIVE for the first time in Cape Breton! The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new ...songs written for the Broadway production in a condensed, 60-minute LIVE version! A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! Featuring the HAT Academy JR & High School Production Classes - please note: All performers are between the ages of 10 and 19 9 additional performances to accommodate limited seating capacity in adherence to public health restrictions. The perfect way to celebrate the return of summer! Youth Tickets: $17 plus HST Adult Tickets: $27 plus HST Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 12PM-6PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com///tmEvent1898.html

Are you an Adult looking for a creative outlet in your life? Looking to expand your community? Your confidence? Maybe you just want something new to do on a week night? Or a new set of skills to bust out when your friends least expect it? If you're any or all of these people then we have just the place for you! Join us for one of our amazing Adult Courses in our Spring 2021 Semester.... Know someone you think would enjoy this kind of community? Give them a tag below in the comments! To LEARN MORE or REGISTER TODAY, click the link below: http://www.highlandartstheatre.com/hat-academy-spring-2021

The time has come! Booking is now open to EVERYONE for our May remount of THE HAPPY PRINCE! This award-winning Canadian musical conjures a world of magic and whimsy, sailors and gypsies, swallows and golden statues. Based on the beloved story by Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest) and directed by Ron Jenkins (Spelling Bee, Next to Normal). Featuring all three of our original cast members from 2018's first journey into the world of the Happy Prince! And thanks to Rad...ical Access and its incredible supporters this show is ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE to anyone and everyone! Looking for a heart warming night of theatre full of story and song for the whole family? This is just the thing! Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 12PM-6PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com///tmEvent1895.html

WE HAVE A POSTER! This beautiful image and design from the brilliant Hilary Scott showcasing exactly the kind of brighter days this show is all about.... HERE COMES THE SUN: A Musical Revue of Light, Joy, and Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow. Running run from March 2nd to 13th - this show is FREE OF CHARGE and just under 2 WEEKS AWAY!... Radical Access Donors of $25/a month or $300/annually can book in advance today! General booking starts this upcoming Monday so mark your calendars! This show might just be exactly what you need!

It's really been a gift having our doors open again. As much as it may feel like a piece of "normal" for you to come to our theatre, it is truly our normal to have people in those seats receiving the shows we all work so hard to bring to you. Thank you to each and every patron who's been to the theatre so far and helped us feel our normal. An empty theatre is a heart breaking sight, but even at a social distance our hearts are so full seeing you join us. Whether in person, on a web-stream, or just commenting on a photo, this community is a rock we can all hold onto in these trying times and feel a little more normal and a little more extraordinary.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: HIGHLAND ARTS THEATRE GENERAL AUDITIONS - 2021 SEASON AUDITION DATE: January 23, 2021 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: 11:59 PM on January 20th, 2021... E-MAIL APPLICATIONS TO: [email protected] AUDITION CALL FOR MALE, FEMALE, & NON-BINARY ACTORS (Ages 16 & Up with any level of experience) On January 23rd, we will be hosting Auditions for anyone wishing to be considered for performing opportunities for the 2021 Season at the Highland Arts Theatre. This is a general call to gauge interest and meet people, call backs for specific shows will be scheduled at a later date on a case by case basis - and throughout the year for the 2021 Summer and Fall Seasons. Anyone wishing to be considered for any of our 2021 Seasons should submit for consideration. It is our hope be able continue live performances with limited audiences, however we will also be considering people for projects that involve video content and audio voicing. All activities will be pending provincial health protocols and will be strictly regulated by our own COVID-19 procedures plan, based on national and provincial recommendations. Interested persons can choose whether they would prefer an in person audition or a video audition. See below for both requirements. PERFORMERS OF ALL CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, ETHNICITIES, GENDERS, & SEXUAL PREFERENCES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT. Singers, musicians, and dancers are also encouraged to audition - no acting experience required. Please indicate in your submission if you play an instrument or have dance experience. Please e-mail your information and notice of interest to: [email protected] IN YOUR SUBMISSION PLEASE INCLUDE: 1) Recent photo (professional quality not necessary) 2) Theatrical Resumé (if applicable - no experience required) WHAT TO PREPARE - IN PERSON AUDITION: If selected, you will be asked to prepare one Contemporary Monologue OR one Musical Theatre song from a show of your choice pieces should be no more than 2 minutes. Feel free to bring an accompaniment track or sing acapella (speaker will be provided). WHAT TO PREPARE - VIDEO AUDITION: If you choose to submit a video audition, please prepare one Contemporary Monologue OR one Musical Theatre song from a show of your choice pieces should be no more than 2 minutes. Please use a karaoke track or piano accompaniment in your video if you choose a song. Send unlisted Youtube Link or video file to [email protected] Please Submit your video audition by 5:00PM on January 23rd to guarantee consideration. Thank you very much and break legs!

A big applause for 902 Sign Group as they came on board this year as a Homburg Sponsor at the $10K Level! Keep your eyes open for our HAT ads on one of their digital signs in Glace Bay, Sydney and North Sydney. 902 Digital Sign Group is a locally based company that have been providing their digital ad space for years! Thank you so much 902 Sign Group for supporting the HAT!

Want to know a little more about why our incredible HAT Academy Faculty does the work they do? Check out this video from HAT Aademy Acting Faculty (Ages 5-15) Holly Schaller on how the arts have impacted her life. And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for future videos coming out over the next few weeks as we appraoch our WINTER SEMESTER for the academy! To learn more about the academy click here:... http://www.highlandartstheatre.com/hat-academy-winter-2021 See more

An encore to our Homburg Sponsor at the $10K Level, Medicine Shoppe Sydney located on King Road and Welton Street! The Medicine Shoppe and their staff are providing for our community essential services in pharmacy care . Thank you so much Medicine Shoppe for your generous support with the HAT!

CALL FOR INTEREST: Mi’kmaq Performers, Writers, and Artists **This will be an ongoing call, but we are asking for submissions before January 30th in order to be considered for the 2021 Season.** In our continued efforts to connect and collaborate with diverse communities from all over Cape Breton/Unama’ki, we are putting out a general call for submissions from anyone identifying as part of the Mi’kmaq First Nations who is interested in theatre in any capacity.... This can include singers, actors, dancers, musicians, but also people interested in more behind the scenes work like painters, set construction, stage management, crew, etc. Perhaps most importantly, we are looking for artistic leadership and voices from this community who can help tell the unique story of this land. This might include anyone interested in writing for stage, direction, or artistic collaboration of any kind. In honouring the past, present and for the future, we recognize that this representation has not always been present in the past, and we are excited to work with interested parties in authentic, meaningful conversation as we look for new ways to collaboratively connect people’s interests and talents. No experience in the theatre community is necessary. We are eager to meet new people and share resources that will help build experience for people of all ages and demographics. We have several upcoming projects in the works, including some that focus on Mi’kmaq stories, all of which are in various stages of development and very much dependent on the restrictions put in place by COVID-19. For now, we are looking to build connections and start thinking about teams for all our programming so that we can better integrate our communities both on stage and off. If you have a vision, a story, a song, or a passion for theatre of any kind we want to hear from you. Please e-mail us at [email protected] letting us know you are interested. Wela'lioq - Thank you all. Wesley J. Colford, Artistic & Executive Director

Let's shine a spotlight to our newest Homburg Sponsor at the $10K level Manley Law Inc.! Manley Law will take care of all your legal needs. Thank you Manley Law for your support in the arts and culture!

Let's applaud for Flavor Cape Breton for their continued support as a Homburg Sponsor at the $10K level! You can enjoy a feast at any of their locations: Flavor on the Water, Flavor Downton and Flavor 19. Thank you Flavor for your support in the arts and culture of CB!

CASTING CALL: Short Film Shooting in Cape Breton Tag someone you think would be great in these roles! Maybe tag yourself!

A musical shout out to our Homburg Sponsor at the $10K Level: 101.9 The GIANT and New Country 103.5! We're so grateful for their generous support. Be sure to tune into either The GIANT 101.9 or to New Country 103.5 when you're driving in Cape Breton!

Today is a Christmas Eve unlike any in recent memory, and while so much has to shift to meet the needs of the moment, we hope this beautiful memory from Christmas Eve 2019 can bring some familiarity to your day. Oh how we wish we could do this with you all tonight! For now this will have to suffice, something fond to look back on and comforting to look forward to. For all of our HAT family and community in need of a little extra cheer today. Merry Christmas Eve!

WISHING YOU ALL THE HAPPIEST OF HOLIDAYS! Today and every day this community is the gift that keeps giving. We couldn't be prouder of the work we do, with the people we do it with, in the place we are so blessed to call our home. Be safe and be merry our friends. We'll see you (in 2021) at the HAT!

Looking for a way to shake things up in 2021? Look no further than Indian Traditional Dance for Adults with Sakshi Upadhyay!!! Available this Winter Semester at the HAT Academy! Theatre is more than just a set of skills. It is community, empowerment, creativity, and joy. We hope you can join us this semester!... To register today click here: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com///tmEvent1854.html To learn more about the HAT Academy's upcoming semester click here: http://www.highlandartstheatre.com/hat-academy-winter-2021

Christmas Eve bells from the Highland Arts Theatre!

Please give us a hand in wishing a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the heart and soul of our organization WESLEY J. COLFORD! Anyone who has ever worked for, or with, the HAT can attest to Wesley's unwavering dedication, sleepless nights, and supreme compassion. Their focus never wavers from what is best for our incredible community and how we can tell stories that bring us closer together while simultaneously moving us forward. We think this human is pretty darn special and if you agree, consider sharing a story or dropping some love in the comments below. Here's to many more years to come for our heartful leader!

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS - Special Performances FYI Know someone hearing impaired? Or maybe a loved one living away and unable to access theatre at this moment in time? We've got just the thing! Thanks to our Radical Access program, and it's incredible supporters, we have committed to ASL interpreted performances and web-streamed performances of each of our mainstage shows! Best of all? They're completely FREE OF CHARGE!...Continue reading

ONLY 2 NIGHTS LEFT with BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR! We are at the penultimate night of this heartfelt musical comedy. Before it leaves forever, take advantage of this beautiful and FREE show! "I thoroughly enjoyed the show last night! Mark Delaney was excellent in his portrayal of Billy Bishop. There were times I almost felt I was right there during the battles, his various roles were so top notch. I especially enjoyed his portrayal of the elderly woman." -HAT Patron... Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 11AM-5PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com//tmEvent/tmEvent18 Photo by Chris Walzak --- BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR by John Gray with Eric Peterson Music by John Gray Directed by Ron Jenkins Music Directed by (and featuring) Chuck Homewood One of the greatest Canadian musicals is coming to Cape Breton for the first time! The original production toured across Canada, and also was staged in Washington, both on Broadway and off-Broadway in New York City, at the Edinburgh Festival, in Los Angeles and at the Comedy Theatre in London making it one of the most widely produced plays in Canadian theatre. This production features Mark Delaney as Billy Bishop and an entire cast of characters Billy Bishop is a high-flying ace of a show, capturing the humour, the hellfire and the daring-do of an extraordinary career The score is filled with vintage replicas of the kind of songs that sent men rushing inand outof battle. New York Times

UPDATE RE: COVID-19 & Sing-Along Movie Nights Thank you to everyone who reached out today with concern regarding our upcoming sing-along movie nights. Rest assured that we are carefully and dutifully watching the numbers and data surrounding COVID-19 and how it relates to our safety practices. Regarding the miscommunication around the legalities of singing in public. While many churches, choirs and, school boards have been directed by their own leadership to limit or prohibi...t singing, it is not illegal as long as the provincial safety practices are being observed, as they are inside our mask mandated, socially distanced theatre. To further clarify, we have been in regular consultation (as have all professional theatres in NS) with Dr. Strang throughout the pandemic. We have been given the okay to proceed with these events as we have since August. For additional safety we have continuously chosen to limit our occupancy to one third of what we are legally allowed under the current restrictions. All that being said, this is an ever changing situation. There are currently no cases on Cape Breton Island, and if/when that changes we will be reevaluating all of our programming immediately. We will continue to move with safety as our top priority as we are informed by the numbers and the government. We do not take your trust for granted and we will not hesitate to pull any programming should it come to that. Additional safety measures will also be introduced and announced shortly. Thank you for being in this with us. Be kind, be compassionate, be healthy. -The HAT Team

Our final night of carolling with the HAT Carollers! Thank you to everyone who opened your doors for us. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!

ONLY 3 MORE NIGHTS to catch BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR! "This fast-paced, funny and theatrically inventive show, directed by Ron Jenkins, stars Mark Delaney in a wonderfully high-energy and emotionally true performance as the boisterous, bumbling soldier who prefers survival over sacrifice." - NS Reviews To READ the full review click here:... https://nsreviews.blog//billy-bishop-goes-to-war-a-kaleid/ To BOOK your tickets today click here: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com//tmEvent/tmEvent18 Photo by Chris Walzak --- BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR by John Gray with Eric Peterson Music by John Gray Directed by Ron Jenkins Music Directed by (and featuring) Chuck Homewood One of the greatest Canadian musicals is coming to Cape Breton for the first time! The original production toured across Canada, and also was staged in Washington, both on Broadway and off-Broadway in New York City, at the Edinburgh Festival, in Los Angeles and at the Comedy Theatre in London making it one of the most widely produced plays in Canadian theatre. This production features Mark Delaney as Billy Bishop and an entire cast of characters Billy Bishop is a high-flying ace of a show, capturing the humour, the hellfire and the daring-do of an extraordinary career The score is filled with vintage replicas of the kind of songs that sent men rushing inand outof battle. New York Times

Did someone say CHRISTMAS MOVIES??? As we quickly approach December I think we can all agree we are in need of some cheer. So have no fear, the cheer is here! December 19th - 23rd... 5 classic films, including 2 SING-ALONGS:... SING-ALONG White Christmas SING-ALONG The Sound of Music Scrooge (1951 with Alastair Sim) Miracle on 34th Street (1994) It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Tickets are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions and social distanced seats so book early to avoid disappointment! All shows start at 7:00PM, and all shows end with a little more festive spirit in your hearts. Sing-Along tickets are prices at $15 + HST Regular screening tickets are priced at $5 + HST We'll get the popcorn ready and we'll see you soon! Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 11AM-5PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at: http://www.highlandartstheatre.com/2020-christmas-film-seri

CHRISTMAS EVE SPECIAL WEB-STREAM! Over the last few years the highlight of our holiday programming has become our Christmas Eve service. An event focused solely on community coming together to bask in each other's presence through song and celebration. This year it is something we are craving more than ever, but unfortunately it's also a year where it just isn't possible. So in true HAT fashion, we've found a creative solution!... This year we will be streaming our 2019 Christmas Eve Service all day long on our Facebook and YouTube Channels. Available to everyone, at any point in the day where you need a dose of community, connection and cheer. Keep you eyes peeled and stay safe! Poster by Hilary Scott

ONLY 4 MORE CHANCES to catch BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR! This beautiful show is back in the skies tonight at 8:00PM! Still not convinced you should see this show? Check out this wonderful Patron review below: "Much as I would like to supply a review of the HAT production of Billy Bishop Goes to War, I find myself stymied: I don't want to seem gushy, but I just can't get beyond words like 'riveting,' 'astonishing,' 'dynamic,' 'brilliant'! And now, even (more) exclamation marks...!!" Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 11AM-5PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com//tmEvent/tmEvent18 Photo by Chris Walzak --- BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR by John Gray with Eric Peterson Music by John Gray Directed by Ron Jenkins Music Directed by (and featuring) Chuck Homewood One of the greatest Canadian musicals is coming to Cape Breton for the first time! The original production toured across Canada, and also was staged in Washington, both on Broadway and off-Broadway in New York City, at the Edinburgh Festival, in Los Angeles and at the Comedy Theatre in London making it one of the most widely produced plays in Canadian theatre. This production features Mark Delaney as Billy Bishop and an entire cast of characters Billy Bishop is a high-flying ace of a show, capturing the humour, the hellfire and the daring-do of an extraordinary career The score is filled with vintage replicas of the kind of songs that sent men rushing inand outof battle. New York Times

On Friday these incredible, kind and gifted young performers from our HAT Academy intermediate Play Production Class took to the stage to present 15! Written by Wesley J. Colford and directed by MacKenzie Sechi and Rachael Murphy ! We are so proud of all of our students and the incredible faculty that invests in their spirits day after day. The HAT Academy has always been a constant source of inspiration for us all and we can't imagine not having these young talents filling our halls with life. Congratulations to all of our fall semester students on their growth and dedication! Please drop some love in the comments below for these special folks, and if you or someone you know are interested in joining, registration is now open for our winter semester!

In case you haven't heard, BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR has been extended until November 20th!!! Thank you to the Cape Breton Post for this write up on the extension. If you haven't booked your tickets yet, don't wait too long! The shows are quickly filling up however, tomorrow's performance still has great availability. https://www.capebretonpost.com//hat-extends-billy-bishop/... Find out why some are calling this their "favourite HAT show to date" and book your FREE SEATS today! Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 11AM-5PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com//tmEvent/tmEvent18 Photo by Chris Walzak --- BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR by John Gray with Eric Peterson Music by John Gray Directed by Ron Jenkins Music Directed by (and featuring) Chuck Homewood One of the greatest Canadian musicals is coming to Cape Breton for the first time! The original production toured across Canada, and also was staged in Washington, both on Broadway and off-Broadway in New York City, at the Edinburgh Festival, in Los Angeles and at the Comedy Theatre in London making it one of the most widely produced plays in Canadian theatre. This production features Mark Delaney as Billy Bishop and an entire cast of characters Billy Bishop is a high-flying ace of a show, capturing the humour, the hellfire and the daring-do of an extraordinary career The score is filled with vintage replicas of the kind of songs that sent men rushing inand outof battle. New York Times

LITTLE ONE by Hannah Moscovitch Directed by Alison Crosby Featuring: Tayves Fiddis & Bhreagh MacNeil For the first time ever, the HAT is venturing outside its Bentinck St walls for a site-specific production in the greater community! This chilling psychological thriller will take place in a Haunted House in Whitney Pier... Only 15 audience members per performance so book now to avoid disappointment.... Adult Themes and Language. RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 16 & UP. A haunting psychological thriller, Little One is the haunting story of adopted siblings Aaron and Claire--one the definition of normal, the other deeply disturbed and unpredictable--and the strange lives of their neighbours, a man and his mail-order bride.

As we prepare for the next show of our fantastic Fall Season, we must also say goodbye to the very special show that was BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR! Thank you to all the amazing humans that contributed to this show. From the cast, to the creative team, to the crew, to the staff, to the people who helped ensure our story was as historically authentic as it was entertaining. It truly takes a village to produce these shows and what a mighty village we have. Thank you to the incred...ible audiences and everyone who helped get the word out on this gem of a show. It has been such an honour presenting this to you and our community. Keep your eyes peeled on our page this week. We juuuuust might have some a holiday surprise or two around the corner...

And just like that, LITTLE ONE was closed. A huge thank you to the cast and crew of this show for putting something together completely new for us and setting it off without a hitch. So much innovation, inspiration, and experimentation was poured into this special show and it clearly paid. This may have been the most performances we've ever done of any show and we are so glad your art and hard work had so many opportunities to be seen by our wonderful community. To everyone who came, shared, spread the word, or supported us in any way, THANK YOU! We couldn't do this without you. It has been such a pleasure and honour to share this story with you all. Until next time!

SAVE THE DATE! Two very special offerings both curtesy of our Radical Access Campaign and it's incredible supporters. First up... our ASL Interpreted Performance for anyone hard of hearing looking for a night out. Best of all? TICKETS ARE FREE! This performance is exactly one week from today, and still has tickets available, so be sure to tag a loved one below that you think would benefit from this program or surprise them with an impromptu outing! It's all going down October... 11th at 2:00pm AST. Then on October 15th at 8:00pm AST... our ONLINE Streamed Performance! For anyone not ready to leave the house or enter a public space, this may be just the way to bring a night out to your night in. Or perhaps you're a theatre lover unable to make the trip to Sydney for this run? Check your time difference and hop onto our Facebook page or YouTube channel to take in the show before it disappears at midnight. 100% comfy and 100% free - what's not to love? BOOK YOUR FREE TICKETS TODAY! Either by visiting our box office between Monday & Friday 11:00am - 4:00pm, calling it during those times at 902-565-3637, or online via our website at the link below: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com/TheatreMan/4/login

Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting a different member of our incredible HAT Academy faculty. Join us in welcoming back to our team one of our instructors and the HAT EDUCATION COORDINATOR...RACHAEL MURPHY!!! Rachael Murphy has been many places but she’s returned to her roots and made Cape Breton home again. A CBU grad (BA in Psychology and a Theatre Arts Certificate), she is ecstatic to have found her place as the Education Coordinator with the HAT Academy. She c...an usually be found behind the scenes managing the stage or up in a booth, but sometimes can be seen on stage in shows such as As You Like It, See Jane Run, and Alice in Wonderland. When she isn’t at the HAT (not very often) she can be found trying her best, rewatching tv shows from the early 2000s in a blanket cocoon, hanging out with her dog, Alice, or looking forward to the Fall Semester. Q: What advice would you give yourself as a student? RACHAEL: One of the biggest things that I wish I had believed when I was a teenager is that it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks! Whenever you think you can't do something because of what someone else will say, do it anyway! If you aren't hurting yourself, or others, do whatever makes you happy. Whether that is starting a new hobby, wearing a cool shirt, or even doing something to help your community, go have fun, don't be embarrassed, and don't worry about anyone else! Q: What are you most excited about with your class this semester? RACHAEL: We had to add an extra day of JR Resident Company this semester and I am so excited to be teaching this class again! I love being able to share all the things that I have learned over the years and to have the opportunity to have any amount of influence on the next generation of incredible Cape Breton artists. (Also, we still have space available so register now before class starts next week) Q: Who’s a teacher that left an impact on you to this day? In what way? RACHAEL: I know it sounds silly, but I think that all of them have. I have had some really amazing teachers, and some not so amazing ones. People who I really clicked with and admired and learned from and some that called me "Rach" (I don't like that at all). And I think that all of them impacted me some way or another and made me the person I am today. Q: What does success look like to you, for your students? RACHAEL: If everyone tries something new, that is success. I understand that not everyone will enjoy or be good at everything the first time they do it, but if you get up and give it a go, I am happy! Q: What’s something you want people considering joining your class to know about you? RACHAEL: I try to keep learning every day, and hope to one day learn how to keep all my plants alive because it hasn't gone well so far. Want to learn from Rachael and our exceptional faculty? Click the link below to learn more: http://www.highlandartstheatre.com/hat-academy-fall-2020

Our faces when we remember we've got 2 PERFORMANCES of BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR TODAY! Our 2:00PM matinee and 8:00PM evening show each have a handful of tickets remaining. Catch this marvellous musical show while you still can! Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 11AM-5PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at:... https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com//tmEvent/tmEvent18 Photo by Chris Walzak --- BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR by John Gray with Eric Peterson Music by John Gray Directed by Ron Jenkins Music Directed by (and featuring) Chuck Homewood One of the greatest Canadian musicals is coming to Cape Breton for the first time! The original production toured across Canada, and also was staged in Washington, both on Broadway and off-Broadway in New York City, at the Edinburgh Festival, in Los Angeles and at the Comedy Theatre in London making it one of the most widely produced plays in Canadian theatre. This production features Mark Delaney as Billy Bishop and an entire cast of characters Billy Bishop is a high-flying ace of a show, capturing the humour, the hellfire and the daring-do of an extraordinary career The score is filled with vintage replicas of the kind of songs that sent men rushing inand outof battle. New York Times

We've had a few new updates to the schedule for some of the rental/touring productions that were originally slated for our stage this year. Everyone who already has a ticket should have received an e-mail from us by now with more details, but we wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the changes. There is also an updated list on our website. EVENT: ORIGINAL DATE: MOVED TO:... Lunch at Allen’s April 28 Oct 14, 2021 The McCartney Years May 3 Cancelled David Frances May 20 May 19, 2021 Disney’s Frozen JR May 21-24 March 18-21, 2021 ABBA Revisited May 27-28 May 31 & June 1, 2021 Snowed In Comedy Tour Oct 17 April 17, 2021 All ticket holders have been re-booked automatically to the new dates with the same seats, with the exception of The McCartney Years which has been automatically converted to a credit for future events or courses. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach us at: [email protected]

Just a reminder that video auditions for the HAT's first Christmas Carol Dinner Theatre are due tomorrow by midnight! Click here for all the information. Tickets will be on sale soon! Stay tuned...

Our boy Dane Pedersen recently started a new chapter studying music at the University of StFX. We miss him and all the joy he brings into our space but having this message back home sure brought a smile to our faces. You may remember him from such shows as Suessical, She Loves Me, the Drowsey Chaperone, or many more! He's been behind the scenes, part of our HATCH Programs, and he's grown into a good young man that we can all be proud of. It's not quite the same around here w...ithout him and there's always a place for him at the HAT when he wants one. Here he is performing Another Morning by J.P. Cormier. One of our #RadicalAccess commitments was to create a Young Company providing summer employment for several emerging talents on the island. We intended it for Summer 2021, but with so much talent around we thought we'd give you a taste of what's to come. (And you feel inspired to check out the full show, you can catch it in our video archives on Facebook, or on our YouTube Channel)

98.5%!!!!!!! Oh my, oh my - we are adjacent to the finish line friends! When we first started this journey the question in our mind was "if". It is wild to have reached the point of asking "when". And that is entirely due to the ferocious community response championing this radical new way of providing theatre to everyone. We are in wonderful company as we approach the the finish line and we couldn't be more grateful. LET'S FINISH THIS TEAM!!!... --------------------- 1. Share this graphic to your social media stating why you believe in our cause. If you saw one of our amazing FREE shows this August, share a bit about that experience and why you think it adds to the community. 2. Tag 3-5 friends that you think would believe in our cause, encourage them to contribute. Every bit helps! 3. Send a private message or email to your favourite local businesses or community leaders and let them know why you think they should support our cause. 4. Make your contribution today by clicking the link below. We can't do this alone, thankfully we have felt the support of so many friends of the HAT. We are so close team. Let's do this and make HISTORY together, right here in Cape Breton! Make your pledge today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R2R5K5M To learn more about how you can help Save the HAT and provide Radical Access to our community click here: http://www.highlandartstheatre.com/radical-access

Whether you know him as Doctor Bashir from Deep Space 9, Ra's al Ghul in Gotham, Doran Martell from Game of Thrones, or any many wonderful characters he's brought to life on the big and small screen, here are some truly lovely words from the one and only Alexander Siddig. This video didn't arrive in time to make it into our telethon but it is right on time to cheer us to the finish line! To make a pledge today and move us closer to the finish line click the link below:... https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R2R5K5M To learn more about how you can help Save the HAT and provide Radical Access to our community click here: http://www.highlandartstheatre.com/radical-access

Maggie Power may be one of the newer additions to the HAT family, however she is not letting that slow her down one bit. Aside from our 2020 Young Company, you may remember her leading role in As You Like It! Here she is singing a classic from Dolly Parton - Light of a Clear Blue Morning. Supported by MacKenzie Sechi and Kyra Foulds, with Peter MacDonald on the piano and the one and only Barb Stetter music directing. One of our #RadicalAccess commitments was to create a Young... Company providing summer employment for several emerging talents on the island. We intended it for Summer 2021, but with so much talent around we thought we'd give you a taste of what's to come. In case you missed our 2020 HAT Young Company Showcase here's a peak of what transpired as well as a few words from Maggie and what her time with the HAT has meant to her. (And you feel inspired to check out the full show, you can catch it in our video archives on Facebook, or on our YouTube Channel)

Tickets available Free of Charge thanks to #RadicalAccess at: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com///tmEvent1828.html

Well, well, well - are we chuffed! 5 of the 18 performances of LITTLE ONE are already SOLD OUT! Only 15 audience members per performance and this is not a show where we can squeeze in extra people. Book while you still can! https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com///tmEvent1831.html

1.7%....... (is this thing on?) We said: ONE. POINT. SEVEN. PERCENT!!!!! That's all that remains between today and reaching our goal. This campaign has already begun to make visceral positive change inside our doors and in our community, and it wouldn't be possible without each and every supporter adding their attention, time, and energy to its success. Now let's finish this thing and cement this brilliant experiment in community collaboration !... ------------------- 4 WAYS YOU CAN HELP TODAY: 1. Share this graphic to your social media stating why you believe in our cause. If you saw one of our amazing FREE shows this August, share a bit about that experience and why you think it adds to the community. 2. Tag 3-5 friends that you think would believe in our cause, encourage them to contribute. Every bit helps! 3. Send a private message or email to your favourite local businesses or community leaders and let them know why you think they should support our cause. 4. Make your contribution today by clicking the link below. We can't do this alone, thankfully we have felt the support of so many friends of the HAT. Make your pledge today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R2R5K5M To learn more about how you can help Save the HAT and provide Radical Access to our community click here: http://www.highlandartstheatre.com/radical-access

LIKE AND SHARE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PAIR OF FREE TICKETS!!! BONUS entry if you comment your favourite psychological thriller in any form of media. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, the HAT is venturing outside its Bentinck St walls for a site-specific production in the greater community! LITTLE ONE by Hannah Moscovitch, Directed by Alison Crosby, is a chilling psychological thriller that will take place in a Haunted House in Whitney Pier... Only 15 audience members per performance so... BOOK TODAY to avoid disappointment. Cape Breton has never seen anything like this before... With Adult Themes and Language, this show is not for the faint of heart. Recommended for ages 16 and up. A haunting psychological thriller, Little One is the story of adopted siblings Aaron and Claire--one the definition of normal, the other deeply disturbed and unpredictable--and the strange lives of their neighbours, a man and his mail-order bride. The production features: Tayves Fiddis (Mary's Wedding) and Bhreagh MacNeil (Werewolf) *NOTE: This production is not part of our Mainstage Series and therefore not included in our Radical Access program* From Oct 27th to Nov 8th: Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday at 7:00PM Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:00PM and 9:30 PM The performance lasts approximately 1 hour with no intermission. Masks are mandatory and you will be required to maintain 6 feet of distance at all times. Additional performance information, including the location of the production, will be e-mailed to you the week before your performance. PLEASE NOTE: This production does NOT take place at the Highland Arts Theatre. Tickets: $22 plus HST Tickets available by calling the HAT Box Office (open 11AM-4PM, Monday to Friday!) at (902) 565-3637 or online 24-hours a day at: https://tickets.highlandartstheatre.com///tmEvent1831.html Poster by the incredible Hilary Scott

AUDITION CALL for our Dinner Theatre production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2020: This year, our production will be quite different due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are looking for 5-6 agile performers with strengths in playing multiple characters and strong singing ability. All roles open call. People from all backgrounds are encouraged to submit for consideration. ... All auditions will be submitted by video with all applicants choosing three characters to perform as well as a single verse of a Christmas song. DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS is Sept 30th at midnight. Click the link for more information: http://www.highlandartstheatre.com/christmas-carol-2020-aud

Due to storm conditions, our Box Office Phoneline will not be available today. Please check out our website for any ticket booking needs, or if you have any questions, feel free to email us at: [email protected] Stay safe and dry!... http://www.highlandartstheatre.com