March Madness is KWLT’s annual theatrical competition, now in its ninth year. Several teams receive a short script and then have a week to audition and select their actors, rehearse, and perform their interpretation of the show. An adjudicator gives their thoughts, the audience votes for their favourite, and a good time is had by all.

After last year’s excursion into video editing, we’re returning to something closer to our traditional format this year. With the uncertainty around the pandemic we’re still playing it safe: while the performances will be back on stage, they’ll be recorded for streaming as part of a live online event.

What we’re looking for: A minimal production team consists of a director and a stage manager; you’re welcome to include other specialists if you like. (Some teams in the past have had costumers, choreographers, accompanists…) No experience necessary — part of the point of March Madness is to explore new roles in a friendly and welcoming environment. Ideally you should have good availability during the week leading up to March 5th, since that’s your rehearsal period.

(If you’d like to participate in a production team but don’t have one, that’s fine too: feel free to send us your name and desired role, and we’ll try to match you up with others to make a team.)

How it works: The March Madness show will be livestreamed on the evening of March 5th. Each production team will be in the theatre earlier that day to record their show on video (with MM staff running the recording equipment); the livestream will include those recordings along with Q&A with the production teams and the adjudicator’s presentation. Auditions will be held on February 26th online, similar to how we ran last year; rehearsal schedules are up to the teams to work out amongst themselves. The tech rehearsals for each team will be held on Thursday and Friday, March 3rd and 4th.

How to sign up: Email pastprez@kwlt.org with the names and roles of your production team members along with contact information for each.