Farewell Stage West Theatre Festival 2008 -2016

From 2008 -2016, this was the website for the Stage West Theatre Festival. The festival founders said goodbye after the 2016 season. The content below is from the site's archived pages and stands as a tribute to the hard work and wonderful productions that were put on year after year.
Your audience will miss you.

Important Message from Stage West Theatre Festival

We started Stage West Theatre Festival in the summer of 2008. During that season, we performed three shows over three weekends in July, and started to carve out a niche in the Corner Brook arts scene. That little festival started by a small group of friends who wanted to bring quality theatre to the City of Corner Brook over the summer months grew to a festival that produced seven shows over two months this past summer.

For eight years, we have had the incredible privilege of working with some of the most talented people in Corner Brook. From actors, to technicians, to musicians, to visual artists and designers, the level of dedication and commitment that everyone brought to our little festival has been both overwhelming and humbling. Because of them, we were able to bring to life productions such as The 39 Steps, West Moon, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Nunsense...and so many more. We will never be able to thank them enough.

Likewise, the amount of support that we have received from businesses and individuals has been heartwarming. Despite tough economic times they believed in us and supported us. Without them, we never would have been able to bring the shows to the stage. We are indebted to them. A big thank you as well to all three levels of government - the various MPs, MHAs, and City Council members that have worked with Stage West over the last eight seasons.

Over the course of eight years things change. Life takes you in different directions and makes demands on your time. Organizing a theatre festival is demanding and time consuming. We have decided that now is the time to bring Stage West Theatre Festival to an end and to see what else lies ahead. We are very proud of what we've accomplished. These past eight years have brought memories that will last a lifetime.

We have always felt proud to live in such a rich artistic community like Corner Brook. Corner Brook has consistently punched above its weight in terms of the provincial arts scene—theatre, music, dance, visual art… this little town does it all and does it well. Please continue to support the arts. They are too important to take for granted.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Mike Payne
Stephen Perchard
Jordan Stringer

ABOUT Circa 2016

A few years ago, some friends got together to plan a summer theatre festival for Corner Brook. The result was Stage West Theatre Festival. Now entering its eighth season, Stage West Theatre Festival has itself to be a well-rounded, vibrant,community theatre experience.

Mike Payne , Stephen Perchard, and Jordan Stringer

Mike Payne, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director
Stephen Perchard, Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director
Jordan Stringer, Co-Artistic Director
Troy Turner, Co-Founder

Contact Info
Stage West Theatre Festival
181 Humber Road
Corner Brook, NL  A2H 1H2
Canada
Phone: (709).638.-.4622
Fax: (709).634.-.4212

2016 Season

Corner Brook Ghost Walk by Jerry Etienne & Pamela Gill
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays until August 30

Join Corner Brook resident Jacob Bradbury as he takes us on a scenic, and haunted, hike through Corner Brook - weather permitting. The Corner Brook Ghost Walk will introduce you to stories you may never have heard about Corner Brook's past...and maybe scare you just a little! (This is an outdoor show...please bring comfortable walking shoes and a flashlight). The show will start at 8:20 at the O'Connell Centre.

Featuring Jacob Bradbury
Directed by Steve Perchard

A Fine Tyme
July 2, 8, 12, 17, 21, 25, 29

Join some of Corner Brook's finest as we present some of the best traditional music that celebrates our history and culture. This year will also feature a special tribute to WW1.

Featuring Andrea Hamilton, Alycia Hamyln, Chelsea Marks, Sandy Wiseman-Yates, Mike Payne, and Thomas Pender
Directed by Mike Payne, Musical Direction by Darlene Steeves

Little Stage West by Wendy Vey
July 6, 10, 13, 20, 24, 27

This year our family show takes a Newfoundland spin on two beloved classics - Goldilocks, and the Princess & the Pea.This fun family show will play at the Majestic Lawn on Sunday and Wednesday afternoons at 2pm, weather permitting. Admission is free!

Featuring ​Helena Paddle, Maria Park, Julia Quinton, and Thomas Pender
Directed by Wendy Vey

Soldier's Heart by David French
July 1 (CB Legion), 7, 11, 13, 20, 27

July 1, 1916 is one of the most important days in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. A generation of our finest men were lost that day at the Battle of the Somme. This year, Stage West is honoured to present Soldier's Heart by David French which tells the story of two men who survived the battle and the cost paid for coming home. Soldier's Heart is made possible through a generous grant from Honour 100. Soldier's Heart will also be playing at the Deer Lake Legion and the Stephenville Legion this summer. Join us for a free performance on Friday, July 1 at the Corner Brook Royal Canadian Legion.
**Warning: Contains mature language and content that some may find offensive

Featuring Christian House, Mike Payne, and Jordan Stringer
Directed by Steve Perchard

Jewel by Joan MacLeod
July 4, 6, 10, 15, 18, 24

The Ocean Ranger tragedy is an event we must never forget. Jewel, a touching and heartwarming play about love, loss, grief and moving on, tells the story for one woman's perspective. Don't miss this moving play.
**Warning: Contains mature language and content that some may find offensive

Featuring Toshon Dawe
Directed by Joanne Martin

A Night in the Theatre by Lawrence Casler
July 19, 26, 28, 30

Two couples attend a production of Hamlet and, in doing so, drive away other members of the audience with their incessant talking, inappropriate applause and cellophane candy unwrapping. A Night in the Theatre provides a look at why everyone should enjoy the theatre but, perhaps, not everyone should attend.
** Warning: Contains mature language and content that some may find offensive

Featuring Emma Anderson, Joanne Martin, Ken Jacobsen, and Jordan Stringer.
Directed by Danny Maloney​

Ruthless! Book and Lyrics by Joel Paley Music by Marvin Laird
July 9, 14, 16, 22, 23

The Stage Mother of all musicals! Eight-year-old Tina Denmark knows she was born to play Pippi Longstocking, and she will do anything to win the part in her school musical...anything! A laugh out loud dark comedy, Ruthless! will make you see stage mothers in a whole new light!
** Warning: Contains mature language and content that some may find offensive

Featuring Louise Gauthier, Chelsea Marks, Mai Lan Nguyen, Julia Quinton, Jenna Eveleigh, Ken Jacobsen.
Directed by Steve Perchard; Musical Direction by Cindy Kawaja

​

Majestic Lawn shows start at 2 pm - Ghost Walk starts at 8:20 pm - All other shows start at 8 pm
$22 per show* - Season pass $80
*Except Ghost Walk ($10) - All Majestic Lawn shows are free of charge 

Tickets may be purchase online or in person at

5 Park Street
(709) 630 - 0012

Media

More Background on The Stage West Theatre Festival

The Stage West Theatre Festival, once a vibrant annual event in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, played a significant role in shaping the cultural and artistic scene of Western Newfoundland from its founding in 2008 until its farewell season in 2016. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the festival, delving into its history, leadership, goals, productions, influence, and why it became a beloved fixture in the local and regional theatre community.

Table of Contents

1. Festival Origins and Ownership

2. Location and Facilities

3. Goals and Artistic Vision

4. Leadership and Key Personalities

5. Festival Structure and Productions

6. Notable Works and Events

7. Community, Audience, and Reach

8. Reputation and Critical Praise

9. Awards and Recognition

10. Press and Media Coverage

11. Cultural and Social Significance

12. The Final Curtain: Festival Farewell

13. Lasting Influence and Legacy

1. Festival Origins and Ownership

Stage West Theatre Festival emerged in 2008 from the vision of friends and theatre artists determined to fill the summer with quality theatre in Corner Brook. The festival started modestly, putting on just three shows over three weekends in July. Its small-scale beginnings offered proof of the founders' philosophy: accessible, high-quality community theatre could thrive in a city known for its artistic vibrancy.

Ownership of the festival rested with its founding team, among whom Mike Payne, Stephen Perchard, and Jordan Stringer played primary roles as co-founders and artistic directors. Troy Turner also contributed as a co-founder. The group functioned as both the festival’s leadership and its creative force, blending administration with active artistic involvement.

2. Location and Facilities

The festival was based in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador, a city situated on the west coast of Newfoundland's island. Its organizing address was 181 Humber Road, Corner Brook, NL, A2H 1H2, Canada. Productions drew upon various venues, both indoor and outdoor: sites like the O’Connell Centre and Majestic Lawn hosted specific events and performances.

• Proximity: Corner Brook is the second-largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador and lies amid dramatic natural scenery, making the festival a uniquely attractive summer destination both for locals and visitors.

• Venues: Shows took place in varied settings—including traditional theatre spaces, public parks, and historic spots—each chosen to complement the unique character of plays and musical events.

3. Goals and Artistic Vision

The Stage West Theatre Festival operated under clear objectives:

• To provide accessible, high-quality theatre to the people of Corner Brook during the summer months

• To spotlight local talent and engage the broader community, including actors, technicians, musicians, design professionals, and visual artists

• To celebrate and enrich the community’s appreciation of drama, music, and the arts

• To foster a welcoming, inclusive environment reflective of Corner Brook’s diverse artistic scene

The festival team emphasized building and sustaining a vibrant community theatre tradition, bringing quality theatre to Corner Brook each summer.

4. Leadership and Key Personalities

The festival’s leadership was closely tied to its production successes and growing local renown:

• Mike Payne: Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director, active performer and creative leader

• Stephen Perchard: Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director, also served as director and administrator

• Jordan Stringer: Co-Artistic Director, performer, and frequent contributor both on and off stage

• Troy Turner: Co-Founder

5. Festival Structure and Productions

From its inception, the festival steadily expanded:

• Initially offering three shows over three weekends in July

• Growth led to as many as seven shows over two months during its final seasons

• Productions included full plays, musicals, outdoor shows, cabarets, and thematic community events

6. Notable Works and Events

Examples of standout productions and events include:

• The 39 Steps – A popular thriller-comedy

• West Moon – Celebrating regional themes

• You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown – Family-friendly musical

• Nunsense – Lighthearted comedy

• A Fine Tyme – Traditional music celebrating local history and culture, including special tributes such as to WW1

• Corner Brook Ghost Walk – An outdoor theatrical guided walk sharing haunting local stories

• Soldier’s Heart – A poignant play about the Battle of the Somme and its aftermath

• Jewel – A moving portrayal of the Ocean Ranger tragedy

• Ruthless! – Dark comedy musical about stage mothers and childhood ambition

Shows were performed in various venues including the O'Connell Centre, Majestic Lawn, and local legion halls. Some outdoor performances were free, contributing to community accessibility.

7. Community, Audience, and Reach

The festival became a vital part of the Corner Brook arts scene, attracting:

• Local audiences enthusiastic about regional culture and theatre

• Families drawn to inclusive and accessible programming

• Tourism visitors using the festival as a summer cultural highlight

• Wide involvement from local artists, musicians, actors, and technicians

• Support from businesses, community organizations, and government at all levels

8. Reputation and Critical Praise

Over its eight years, Stage West earned praise for:

• Quality of productions and professionalism despite modest resources

• Creativity in venue choices and diverse theatrical offerings

• Contribution to fostering local talent and expanding the region’s cultural profile

• Positive reviews in regional media outlets consistently throughout its run