Where is the line? This is the central question of a trilogy of short plays to be workshopped at JBA Studios brand new Black Box Theatre:(https://jebbeach.com) Nov 29th to December 1st, 2019. Be it between Hollywood co-workers in #YOuTHREE, a maestro and his aspiring prodigy in DISCORd, or a pair of couples performing social-norms to their own ruin in SMiLE. The question remains throughout… Where. is. the. line? The three short plays (15-20mins each), will run back-to-back. They are written & directed by Jax Smith & Helene Taylor, and will be performed by: Ashley Alexander, Jeb Beach, Robyn Daye Edwards and Alexander Krstich.
“Our work explores the hidden toll of emotional labour, and the negative effects of rigid gender-roles on both sexes” says, writer & director, Jax Smith. Her co-writer / co-director Helene Taylor agrees, “It’s at times cringe-worthy, at others heartbreaking, but these playlets draw from our own life experiences as women, and caregivers to loved ones in our mid-30’s and early-50’s.”
Raw and exposing, the work explores grief, mental illness, and the subtleties of sexual-harassment through acerbic hilarity, discomfort, and acute observation. The audience will be invited into an intimate scaled back, minimalist setting wherein, a cast of four dressed in black navigate first a funeral service, then a cafe and finally a cocktail party.
SHOWTIMES
Friday Nov 29 @ 7:00pm
Saturday Nov 30 @ 7:00pm
Sunday Dec 1 @ 12:00pm and 4:00pm (with the possibility of a 5thshowing on Monday Dec 2in the evening)
Tickets are by donation, with 50% of proceeds being donated in honour of Dante De Cubellis to the Movember Canada Foundation, for men's mental health and suicide.
EventBrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/theatre-workshop-a-triptych-of-imparities-youthree-discord-and-smile-tickets-78214019237
PLAY SYNOPSES
“Our work explores the hidden toll of emotional labour, and the negative effects of rigid gender-roles on both sexes” says, writer & director, Jax Smith. Her co-writer / co-director Helene Taylor agrees, “It’s at times cringe-worthy, at others heartbreaking, but these playlets draw from our own life experiences as women, and caregivers to loved ones in our mid-30’s and early-50’s.”
Raw and exposing, the work explores grief, mental illness, and the subtleties of sexual-harassment through acerbic hilarity, discomfort, and acute observation. The audience will be invited into an intimate scaled back, minimalist setting wherein, a cast of four dressed in black navigate first a funeral service, then a cafe and finally a cocktail party.
SHOWTIMES
Friday Nov 29 @ 7:00pm
Saturday Nov 30 @ 7:00pm
Sunday Dec 1 @ 12:00pm and 4:00pm (with the possibility of a 5thshowing on Monday Dec 2in the evening)
Tickets are by donation, with 50% of proceeds being donated in honour of Dante De Cubellis to the Movember Canada Foundation, for men's mental health and suicide.
EventBrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/theatre-workshop-a-triptych-of-imparities-youthree-discord-and-smile-tickets-78214019237
PLAY SYNOPSES
YOuTHREE is an acerbic bold response to those who nod to the #metoo movement and yet need their paycheques from the perpetrators. Three employees of a smarmy Hollywood executive attend his funeral and learn, not only the dead harbor secrets. Written by Helene Taylor.
DISCORd explores the work dynamic and power play between boss and underling. A prodigy pianist becomes unhinged when she interviews with a sexually predatory music director and is seemingly given her dream at the expense of her deceased mother’s legacy. DISCORd has garnered several laurels in its original form, as a short-film script including: Top 25 Table Read My Screenplay Austin, Semi-Finalist Screencraft Film Fund, Semi-Finalist Script Short Screencraft, Short-list Filmmatic Film Festival and is an official selection of the Cindependent Film Festival. Written by Jax Smith & Helene Taylor.
SMiLE is personal. It reaches into our most intimate relationships; some lost, some nearly-lost, all precious and painful. The male characters of this piece are crafted from our mutual experience of caregiving to very opposite-presenting depression. With one of us having lost her husband to depression, the subject-matter is sensitive to say the least. But one that is needed in these times when, “Eight men die by suicide in Canada every single day” (Craig Martin, global director of Mental Health & Suicide Prevention for the Movember Foundation). Written by Jax Smith & Helene Taylor.
BIOS
JAX SMITH - Writer // Director
Jax Smith is co-creator of the branded-content series, TURNING THE TABLES for Shaftesbury Films Inc.
Jax directed and co-wrote the short film MENTAL. A BravoFACT recipient, it thrived in an extensive festival run, won several awards, and received five Leo nominations, including Best short drama and Best screenwriting. It garnered Jax the 2019 WIFTV Spotlight Image Award for, ‘an outstanding short work that shows production excellence or a unique, visionary approach.’
Jax also directed THE STAKEOUT, nominated for an EDA award for ‘Best Female-Directed Short’ at the Whistler Film Festival 2017.
She’s directed projects for First Star and the World Wildlife Fund, which have screened on CBS, The Knowledge Network, and Urban Rush TV.
Jax served on the Short Circuit Pacific Rim Film Festival jury and works as a story editor and creative consultant for JBA (Jeb Beach & Associates).
Instagram - @thejaxsmith
Twitter - @justjaxtweets
HELENE TAYLOR - Writer // Director
Helene Taylor writes projects ranging from short film, to full length feature, Web and TV series. Recent writing projects include the short films, BUREAU 121 (Top 25 Table Read My Screenplay Hollywood, Quarter-Finalist ScreenCraft, Diversity Feedback Film Festival, Script to Screen Summit, The Crime List), SUCKER (Best Drama Hollywood Just4Shorts, Best unproduced script London International Film Festival), and tv pilot, ALL THE RAVE (Austin Revolution Film Festival, Top 15 The Red List).
She’s currently mentored by Tetsuro Shigematsu. As well as by, Leanne Brodie at Playwrights Theatre Company for its Block A Playwright Program. She studied at Carousel Theatre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver's William Davis Centre and Capilano College's Film Production Program. She graduated LAByrinth Theater Company's Master Program (co-artistic director the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) in 2004 sharpening her playwright skills with teachers such as George C. Wolfe, Stephen Adly Guirgis, John Patrick Shanley, Jose Rivera. A student at CapU’s Creative Writing Associate Degree program. Her short stories have been published in the west coast LIAR literary magazine.
Instagram - @procrastnwriter
Twitter - @procrastnwriter
CAST
ASHLEY ALEXANDER
Ashley fell in love with acting in the 6th grade when she played The Little Prince(ss) in the theatrical adaptation of Antoine Saint-Exupery's book The Little Prince. Originally from Alberta, Ashley received her diploma in Theatre Acting, as well as her Applied Degree in Film Acting from Red Deer College. Shortly after, she made the move to the beautiful city of Vancouver and instantly fell in love. Since then, Ashley has been continuing to pursue her career with fervent determination and passion, and has also become an award-winning producer.
Being a huge fan of baking/cooking, Ashley also has her own YouTube channel where she makes yummy gluten free and vegan recipes, shares tips and tricks about eating for that type of lifestyle, as well as living a more eco-friendly low-waste life.
Ashley is thrilled to be taking the stage in this unique workshop with Jeb, Robyn and Alex, under the guidance of Jax and Helene, and hopes that the discomfort you feel from the material makes you think about, where. is. the. line.
Instagram - @livingfreeashley
Twitter - @livingfreeactor
JEB BEACH
Jeb Beach is one of Vancouver’s best known and respected professional acting coaches. He has worked as an actor, as a teacher and mentor in support of other actors and the industry for more than a decade. He has coached actors at all levels from getting ready for professional representation to leading a television series.
Jeb is widely considered to be a leader in removing the barriers between Industry and Art; the result of his profound capacity to connect people with each other and to themselves, plus his keen sense of industry timing, trends, and how to translate it all into actionable steps for the professional actor.
Compassion for self and other, plus professional accountability drive his teaching as he works to guide and prepare for the opportunities that come from an ever evolving entertainment industry.
As a long-time active member of Vancouver’s acting community, Jeb has worked in all areas and at all levels of industry both as an actor and as a coach.
He publishes his blog to share perspective and opportunities for his community, and lives with his growing family on a little island.
Instagram - @teacherjeb
Twitter - @JebBeach
ROBYN DAYE EDWARDS
Robyn Daye Edwards is a Canadian comedian, actor and TV personality. She was named Vancouver’s Funniest New Female Comic in 2008 and has been making people laugh ever since! Most recently she has been seen on Motive, Supergirl, Loudermilk and as a recurring on Fox’s Second Chance, and the new Disney series Gabby Duran and the Unsittables. She is the Host of OutTv’s Don’t Quit Your Gay Joband The Whole Package.
Instagram - @robyndayeedwards
Twitter - @RobynDaye
ALEXANDER KRSTICH
Alexander Krstich is a recent Toronto import who is very much looking forward to his first Vancouver stage performance, especially with such a talented and generous group of individuals and for such an important cause. His previous theatre credits include Murph in 'The Indian Wants the Bronx" and Bobby in 'Something Red', both of which were critically well received, and both of which he produced. His other interests include all things comedic and exploring absurd and/or darker existential meditations in the various scripts he has written. He also has a preference for random and arbitrary statements in bios. He won’t provide one here; he just thought it's something you should know. "Thanks again to everyone involved for letting me be a part of this."
Instagram - @Aleksandar_Krstich
JAX SMITH - Writer // Director
Jax Smith is co-creator of the branded-content series, TURNING THE TABLES for Shaftesbury Films Inc.
Jax directed and co-wrote the short film MENTAL. A BravoFACT recipient, it thrived in an extensive festival run, won several awards, and received five Leo nominations, including Best short drama and Best screenwriting. It garnered Jax the 2019 WIFTV Spotlight Image Award for, ‘an outstanding short work that shows production excellence or a unique, visionary approach.’
Jax also directed THE STAKEOUT, nominated for an EDA award for ‘Best Female-Directed Short’ at the Whistler Film Festival 2017.
She’s directed projects for First Star and the World Wildlife Fund, which have screened on CBS, The Knowledge Network, and Urban Rush TV.
Jax served on the Short Circuit Pacific Rim Film Festival jury and works as a story editor and creative consultant for JBA (Jeb Beach & Associates).
Instagram - @thejaxsmith
Twitter - @justjaxtweets
HELENE TAYLOR - Writer // Director
Helene Taylor writes projects ranging from short film, to full length feature, Web and TV series. Recent writing projects include the short films, BUREAU 121 (Top 25 Table Read My Screenplay Hollywood, Quarter-Finalist ScreenCraft, Diversity Feedback Film Festival, Script to Screen Summit, The Crime List), SUCKER (Best Drama Hollywood Just4Shorts, Best unproduced script London International Film Festival), and tv pilot, ALL THE RAVE (Austin Revolution Film Festival, Top 15 The Red List).
She’s currently mentored by Tetsuro Shigematsu. As well as by, Leanne Brodie at Playwrights Theatre Company for its Block A Playwright Program. She studied at Carousel Theatre, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver's William Davis Centre and Capilano College's Film Production Program. She graduated LAByrinth Theater Company's Master Program (co-artistic director the late Philip Seymour Hoffman) in 2004 sharpening her playwright skills with teachers such as George C. Wolfe, Stephen Adly Guirgis, John Patrick Shanley, Jose Rivera. A student at CapU’s Creative Writing Associate Degree program. Her short stories have been published in the west coast LIAR literary magazine.
Instagram - @procrastnwriter
Twitter - @procrastnwriter
CAST
ASHLEY ALEXANDER
Ashley fell in love with acting in the 6th grade when she played The Little Prince(ss) in the theatrical adaptation of Antoine Saint-Exupery's book The Little Prince. Originally from Alberta, Ashley received her diploma in Theatre Acting, as well as her Applied Degree in Film Acting from Red Deer College. Shortly after, she made the move to the beautiful city of Vancouver and instantly fell in love. Since then, Ashley has been continuing to pursue her career with fervent determination and passion, and has also become an award-winning producer.
Being a huge fan of baking/cooking, Ashley also has her own YouTube channel where she makes yummy gluten free and vegan recipes, shares tips and tricks about eating for that type of lifestyle, as well as living a more eco-friendly low-waste life.
Ashley is thrilled to be taking the stage in this unique workshop with Jeb, Robyn and Alex, under the guidance of Jax and Helene, and hopes that the discomfort you feel from the material makes you think about, where. is. the. line.
Instagram - @livingfreeashley
Twitter - @livingfreeactor
JEB BEACH
Jeb Beach is one of Vancouver’s best known and respected professional acting coaches. He has worked as an actor, as a teacher and mentor in support of other actors and the industry for more than a decade. He has coached actors at all levels from getting ready for professional representation to leading a television series.
Jeb is widely considered to be a leader in removing the barriers between Industry and Art; the result of his profound capacity to connect people with each other and to themselves, plus his keen sense of industry timing, trends, and how to translate it all into actionable steps for the professional actor.
Compassion for self and other, plus professional accountability drive his teaching as he works to guide and prepare for the opportunities that come from an ever evolving entertainment industry.
As a long-time active member of Vancouver’s acting community, Jeb has worked in all areas and at all levels of industry both as an actor and as a coach.
He publishes his blog to share perspective and opportunities for his community, and lives with his growing family on a little island.
Instagram - @teacherjeb
Twitter - @JebBeach
ROBYN DAYE EDWARDS
Robyn Daye Edwards is a Canadian comedian, actor and TV personality. She was named Vancouver’s Funniest New Female Comic in 2008 and has been making people laugh ever since! Most recently she has been seen on Motive, Supergirl, Loudermilk and as a recurring on Fox’s Second Chance, and the new Disney series Gabby Duran and the Unsittables. She is the Host of OutTv’s Don’t Quit Your Gay Joband The Whole Package.
Instagram - @robyndayeedwards
Twitter - @RobynDaye
ALEXANDER KRSTICH
Alexander Krstich is a recent Toronto import who is very much looking forward to his first Vancouver stage performance, especially with such a talented and generous group of individuals and for such an important cause. His previous theatre credits include Murph in 'The Indian Wants the Bronx" and Bobby in 'Something Red', both of which were critically well received, and both of which he produced. His other interests include all things comedic and exploring absurd and/or darker existential meditations in the various scripts he has written. He also has a preference for random and arbitrary statements in bios. He won’t provide one here; he just thought it's something you should know. "Thanks again to everyone involved for letting me be a part of this."
Instagram - @Aleksandar_Krstich
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