DURHAM: Theatre on the Ridge has been adjusting to the new realities of social distancing and necessary restrictions on public spaces and gatherings, and are excited to let our patrons and supporters know that, although we won’t be live onstage this summer, we are still committed to bringing captivating theatre experiences to our audiences and communities. Here are just a few programs we’re rolling out in June. Watch for more to come, and stay with us as we keep working to bring more performance based events to you as well! We launch our very own podcast series with Big Theatre/Small Towns and explore the connection of big theatre ideas growing in small towns and vice versa with hosts Graeme Powell and Amanda Jane Smith. They’ll be chatting with guests from all walks of the theatre community, from near and far, about topics such as: the resilience and magic of live theatre, playwriting for and in rural communities, the attraction and potential of regional theatre making, making the transition from local theatre to professional theatre training and career, and more. This summer, in lieu of bringing people to the theatre, Theatre on the Ridge is bringing the theatre to people’s homes, and we have several exciting online and video outreach opportunities that offer great learning experiences for theatre lovers of all ages and interests. There’s something for everyone: from one on one guidance for both aspiring professionals and rookies, with Follow Spot & Single Spot coaching; to hands on production skills workshops in props, sets, lighting and sound, with DIY Theatre video workshops; and even a unique online creative creation activity, assembling an original piece of theatre, with Cut & Paste Theatre Creation and Scrapbook Stories. In addition to the programs above, watch for online playwriting workshops soon, and by the end of the summer, we hope to present unique performance programming to the community as well. All Theatre on the Ridge outreach learning programs are available free of charge this summer, but we’re encouraging participants to consider a donation to support keeping the doors open and the programs coming. Theatre on the Ridge will be participating in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge, and donations of any amount in June could help us win a $20,000 donation from CanadaHelps! Details on all of our programming and summer activities can be found at www.theatreontheridge.ca.