About This Episode:
This week on Stageworthy, host Phil Rickaby welcomes Fiona Sauder, co-founder and Artistic Director of Bad Hats Theatre. Known for their inventive, musical, family-friendly adaptations of classic literature, Bad Hats has become one of Toronto’s most celebrated indie theatre companies. Fiona shares the origin story of the company, beginning with a serendipitous brewery production of Peter Pan and growing into a long-standing partnership with Soulpepper, as well as their upcoming production of Narnia.
This episode explores:
The origins and evolution of Bad Hats Theatre
How Fiona approaches adapting iconic children’s literature
Theatre as a space of joy, presence, and shared imagination
Fiona’s artistic journey from Ottawa to George Brown to Soulpepper
And much more!
Guest: 🎭 Fiona Sauder
Fiona Sauder is a Director, Writer, and Performer from Ottawa, ON. The co-founder, and Artistic Director of Bad Hats Theatre, Fiona is a multi-Dora Award winning artist whose writing has been presented across Canada. Select Directing credits include: Narnia, Alice In Wonderland, (Asst.), Life In A Box, Piper (Bad Hats Theatre); The Wind In The Willows, Holiday Inn (Asst.) (Shaw Festival); Every Brilliant Thing, Bed And Breakfast(Orillia Opera House); A Year With Frog and Toad (Capitol Theatre); Uncovered: The Music of ABBA, The Music of Dolly Parton (Musical Stage Co.).
Connect with Fiona & Bad Hats Theatre:
🌐 Website: badhatstheatre.com
📸 Instagram: @badhatstheatre
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