(Charlottetown, P.E.I.) – Confederation Centre of the Arts is pleased to announce Bob Martin as the keynote speaker for The Charlottetown Festival Theatre Conference happening Sept 5-9, 2017. “We’re excited to have Mr. Martin, a champion of Canadian theatre, as our keynote speaker for this important event,” said Adam Brazier, Artistic Director of The Charlottetown Festival. “His experience as both an actor and a writer, will bring an invaluable wealth of knowledge and inspiration to our attendees.”

Martin has worked as an actor and writer in theatre, film and television for over 30 years. He has received many awards in both Canada and the U.S., including a Tony for his portrayal of “Man in Chair” in The Drowsy Chaperone. This original Canadian musical not only made it to Broadway and the West End, but went on to win five Tony Awards in total, including the first for Canadian writers. Martin is also well known as the co-creator of Slings & Arrows, the hit Canadian television show about running a Shakespearean theatre festival.

The Theatre Conference, a national gathering, kicks off on September 5 with the performance of Kronborg 1582 in the Homburg Theatre followed by four packed days of showcases of new Canadian works, breakout sessions, panel discussions and more, culminating with the world premiere of the new musical, A Misfortune at The Mack. Martin will give his keynote speech on September 7 at 11:00 a.m. in Memorial Hall.

Aligning with the dates of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, The Charlottetown Festival Conference will celebrate industry developments and new ideas as well as showcase some of the new musical theatre content being created in Atlantic Canada. The winners of the 2017 Charlottetown Festival Commission will also be revealed, who will receive $50,000 in funding to develop new works.

Special thanks are extended to the Government of Canada for their support of Confederation Centre; and The Charlottetown Festival sponsor, CIBC. Appreciation is extended to media sponsors Ocean 100, Hot 105.5, CTV, and The Guardian.

Click here for more information, to purchase your conference pass, and see full conference schedule 

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Photo Cutline: Bob Martin, The Charlottetown Festival Theatre Conference Keynote Speaker
Martin has been working as an actor and writer in theatre, film and television for over three decades. He has received many awards in both Canada and the US, including a Tony for his work on the Broadway production of The Drowsy Chaperone. His recent TV projects include Slings & Arrows I, II & III, (TMN, Sundance), Michael: Tuesdays and Thursdays (CBC), Michael: Everyday (CBC), Sensitive Skin I & II (HBO), and Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas (NBC). Martin’s recent theatre projects include The Prom (Atlanta), Gotta Dance (Chicago), Elf (Broadway, Dublin, London), Minsky’s (LA), The Drowsy Chaperone (Toronto, Broadway, London), Second City Toronto (Performer, Director, Artistic Director), and in development: Millions, Half Time, The Sting, The Princess Bride.

Media contact:
Tanya Wiltshire, Communications Manager, Confederation Centre of the Arts
T: 902.628.6135 (office) E: [email protected]
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