Learn more about the shows being produced by the Troubs in their upcoming season.
Christina Shnaider, VP of Arts SMCSU & SMC Troubadours Artistic Director
Are you interested in getting more involved in the theatre community on campus either on stage or behind the scenes? Or maybe you are just an active theatergoer who loves seeing different shows? Well, St. Michael’s College has its very own drama society offering just that!
The St. Michael’s College Troubadours (SMCT) — also known as The Troubs — is one of six student-run drama societies here at the University of Toronto. They produce a yearly season of five plays, musicals, and original student-written work offering something for everyone!
The Troubs are kicking off their season with Every Brilliant Thing directed by Alex Teschow. Every Brilliant Thing tells the story of a young child trying to cure their mother’s depression by curating a list of all the amazing things that the universe has to offer. The list begins with simple things (ice-cream, kung-fu films) but grows to encompass more personal joys. This show is an immersive solo play, played by one narrator and supportive roles given randomly to the audience each night. Every Brilliant Thing runs October 17–19 on St Mike’s campus. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased on the Troubs’ Instagram @smc_troubadours.
Later in the fall semester, the Troubs are putting on Lord of the Flies directed by Andrea Perez based on the book by William Golding. Lord of the Flies opens amid a raging war, and a plane evacuating a group of schoolboys crashing on a deserted island. The boys are left to fend for themselves with no adult supervision. Surviving on their own is hard enough, but is even harder once they realize they might not be alone on the island. Lord of the Flies runs November 28–30 at Hart House Theatre.
In the winter semester, SMCT is putting on Tick, Tick… BOOM directed by Alicia Balduzzi, musically directed by Jo O’Leary Ponzo, and choreographed by Noam Citrin. Tick Tick… BOOM is an autobiographical rock musical follows Jonathan Larson, a composer and playwright. The year is 1990, it’s New York City, and Jon feels like he’s running out of time. As his 30th birthday nears, Jon is forced to navigate his relationships, life choices, and his dream of becoming Broadway’s next Big Thing. Tick Tick… BOOM will be on stage from January 25–27, 2025 at Palmerston Library Theatre.
The Troubs are not done yet! In February, they are putting on The Shawshank Redemption directed by St. Mike’s very own Neve Chamberlain. Originally a Stephen King novella and adapted into a movie, the play follows Andy Dufresne’s life sentence in the notorious Shawshank prison. He must find a way to keep himself and his hope alive by using his wits and forging friendships. The Shawshank Redemption is a story of resilience, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit. It is, at its core, a message of hope. The show is set for February 13–15, 2025 at Hart House Theatre.
Lastly, SMCT is producing the new musical In Pieces, directed by Jenna Borden,
musically directed by Max Webb Comor, and choreographed by Amelia Wilder. In Pieces reflects on the romantic journeys of eight individuals in New York City. A magical first kiss, an unlikely friendship, well kept secrets, the monotony, the rebound, an awkward reunion on the 1 train, and the honest conversations deserving more: all these pieces of a life that come together to create a universal remembrance of what it’s like to be young and learning to love. In Pieces is set for March 13–15, 2025, venue to be announced. If you would like to get involved in this production, auditions and crew calls have been released on the Troubs instagram.
SMCT has an amazing season ahead! The fall semester shows have already begun rehearsing for their big debuts, while the winter semester shows are finishing up with casting. There are still many opportunities to get involved in one of the Troubs’ shows no matter your program, year, or previous experience. To all those involved in the 2024–2025 season, break a leg!
