Grinder's Grumblings

One of the most-read and most-loved posts I ever wrote back in the old days of these Grumblings was this one entitled Where have all the Cowboys gone? , a reference to the song of the same name by Paula Cole and its ironic depiction of male responsibility. At the time I was quite frustrated with the large number of men that were flaking out on their commitments to my shows, in many cases after rehearsals had already begun. While that summer wasn't the end of Grinder by any means it was perhaps the summer where the "casting curse" as I call it had its coming-of-age party. I no longer find it surprising, or even particularly upsetting, when someone, male or female, drops out of a show. It's not the crisis that it used to be - I don't lose sleep over it anymore. Another director might see losing a cast member as a unique and unthinkable catastrophe, but I've almost come to expect it. It's not that I'm confident of finding other actors to replace the one...

It's been a few months since I've written anything here, and much longer then that since I've written anything of real substance. In fact it's been a long time since I've managed to produce much of anything as a essayist, playwright or blogger of any sort - I've been in the proverbial creative rut. The time has come to write again. Time to make a new beginning, a fresh start. So much has changed in my life since I began blogging - I've got a home to call my own, set in picturesque surroundings, and I'm married to the most wonderful woman the world has ever known. Recently I've also become student-debt free (yay!), and suffered a mild heart attack (damn). Time for a fresh start. I don't know when I'll post, or what I'll post - lots of ideas are running through my head. I'll still be sure to blog about what's going on at Grinder, but I hope that from now on my posts will be more philosophical than commercial (though there will s...

Just a reminder - it's almost here - seating is limited, so talk to any cast member or call to reserve your seats today!

It's been a while since I've done a show - months - which for me is an eternity. It's so great to be back to the cut-and-thrust of creative collaboration, and even greater to be working on this very special project. This is a co-production between Grinder productions and up-and-coming local playwright Vince Masson, who's bringing his work to the stage for the very first time. The show is called Crime and Passion, and it is actually a collection of five 1-act plays, three by Vince and two by yours truly. It will be performed March 26 th at 2pm and 8pm at the Ennotville Library. The first half of the show, Crime, revolves around illicit activities. “I enjoy the idea of regular people getting caught up in extraordinary circumstances, especially when it pertains to crime,” Vince says. “Stories where straight-laced, regular people can become entangled in criminal activity is something I’ve explored heavily in these plays, and I’m really looking forward to seeing...

Grinder Productions, in collaboration with up-and-coming local playwright Vince Masson is pleased to present Crime and Passion, a collection of 5 one-act plays on Saturday, March 26th at 2pm and 8pm at the Ennotville Library. Come on out and be a part of a new writer's world premiere! Warning: These plays contain some coarse language and mature humour. Viewer discretion is advised.

Actors wanted for new playwright’s world premiere Grinder Productions is working in collaboration with up-and-coming local playwright Vince Masson to bring his plays to the stage for the very first time. Masson, along with Grinder’s Creative and Executive Director Eric Goudie will be holding open auditions on Sunday, January 16 th at 7pm at the Elora Centre for the Arts. The show being cast is called Crime and Passion, and is actually a collection of five 1-act plays, three by Masson and two by Goudie. It will be performed March 26 th at 2pm and 8pm at the Ennotville Library. Masson’s plays form the first half of the show, and all revolve around illicit activities. “I enjoy the idea of regular people getting caught up in extraordinary circumstances, especially when it pertains to crime,” says Masson. “Stories where straight-laced, regular people can become entangled in criminal activity is something I’ve explored heavily in these plays, and I’m really looking f...

Always begin with a read-through. Some directors don’t do this, especially if they’re doing a classic – everyone knows the story of Romeo and Juliet, don’t they? While your budding star-crossed lovers may know the gist of the story they likely don’t know many of the details – bringing those to light is why ... (click here for the full article)