OUT OF OUR MINDS (& ONTO THE PAGE)

Has the blank page ever intimidated you? Do you wish you could write or tell entertaining stories with abandon? Do you write but wish you could do it better?

OUT OF OUR MINDS (& onto the page) is the perfect workshop to get those creative storytelling juices flowing. Thinking is overthinking, so we’re going to remove the pressure to get it right by simply playing with whatever comes. Playing improv games and using prompted writing exercises, the workshop helps make writing spontaneous and freewheeling. No preparation. No homework. No inhibitions. Just be ready to be silly and open. Oh, and bring something to write with (e.g., pen & paper, phone, iPad, stone tablet & chisel, semaphore flags).

WHY TAKE THIS WORKSHOP?

“Randall was instrumental in helping me develop my Toastmasters speech. His insights and recommendations brought the content to life and helped me feel the moments as I delivered them. He offered thoughtful, practical suggestions on how to write for impact and evoke genuine emotion. Because of his guidance, my speech became more vivid, intentional, and powerful. I’m deeply grateful for his support and expertise.” – JN

“I was able to get out of my head and come up with screenplay ideas I didn’t know I had. [Randall] was perfect! You can always learn lessons from him! Do the course because you never know what you’ll discover.” – MD

“I absolutely enjoyed this workshop, Randall is a great storyteller, very inclusive and attentive to everyone. As different as we all were, we all fit in with ease. I'm not comfortable with improv anything, other than writing, so I had to put on my big girl pants and take a huge step out of my shy/comfortable bubble and go with whatever prompt was given.” – LF

“There is a lot to learn from Randall about the Creative Process as a whole. I could keep listening non- stop to what he has to share and teach (because he's so deeply passionate about this). I didn’t join the series as an “aspiring writer” and yet I had a lot of fun and learned a ton. The emphasis on “thoughtless creation” has stuck with me.” – SS

“This class gave me the confidence to sit and write every day. I can feel good about what I write in a couple of minutes it that’s all I have. I think I previously judged that as useless. Now, it’s a little gem in my day. I don’t know what magic Randall worked on me. This was joyful and challenged me and was such creative fun!” – AB

TWO SESSIONS AVAILABLE:

Single-day sampler event ($20): 3-hour session, Saturday, September 5, 11am – 2pm
Six-week workshop ($250): Six 2-hour sessions, Saturdays, Sept 19 – Oct 31 (excl Oct 17), 11am – 1pm

TO REGISTER: Please send an e-transfer to createdbyrcw@gmail.com to reserve your place. Spaces are limited.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Randall C Willis is an award-winning screen and comedy writer and filmmaker, who regularly performs in Toronto’s storytelling community. He also teaches screenwriting at George Brown Polytechnic and through his company So, What’s Your Story?, he helps clients bring life to their visions and breath to their unique voices. A perpetual student of the storytelling arts, Randall has 25+ years of training in improv, stand up, puppetry, sketch comedy, and monologues. If Randall has a motto, it’s “You have permission to suck”, which fits nicely with his fully improvised life.

PWYC, $10 Cash Suggested

Professor Eff’s clown drop-in class puts together a show with bits worked through in class. Halloween Horror themed!

THIS SHOW IS FAILING
A live-directed night of clown, solo improv, and riffing
With live direction by Chase Jeffels, featuring the class of the Goofing Intensive.

Sunday, November 1 at 8 PM. Sweet Action Theatre.
Pay what you can at the door.

No script. No safety net. Nobody knows what’s about to happen, me included.

For two days this group has been doing one of the hardest things a person can do: getting on their feet with nothing planned and trying to make a room laugh. Tonight they do it in front of you.

Here’s how it works. One performer steps up, and I direct them live, right there in the moment. I push them, I poke them, I throw them off balance, and we find out together what’s actually funny about them. Everything you’ll see is getting made up on the spot. They’re riffing, they’re playing, they’re chasing the laugh, and sometimes they catch it and sometimes they eat it.

Some of it will fly. Some of it will go down in flames. That’s not me apologizing in advance, that’s the whole point. This work is built on failure. On being brave enough to try something with no idea if it’ll land, and seeing what you find when it doesn’t. Honestly, the flops are usually my favourite part.

So come on out and be on their side. Laugh when it’s funny, stick with them when it’s not, and watch a room full of people do the thing most folks would never dare to.

It’s called This Show is Failing. Come see how well it fails.

Professor Eff’s Clown Drop-In

Curious about your inner Idiot? Suspicious you may have a secret predilection for stupidity? Come explore your propensity for the absurd through a guided tour of the ridiculous led by Clown Master Professor Eff.

This pay-what-you-can workshop series seeks to introduce Professor Eff’s structured chaos and slightly punk informed take on one of humanities greatest shared ancestors: the Clown. They will live forever, and everywhere to throw mud in the eye of reality.

While allowing impulse and play to inform our comedic explorations, Professor Eff also highlights the importance of structure, craft and a deeper consideration of the humour we develop. Let’s get smart about being Stupid. Professor Eff is sorry if all these big words are upsetting but he is a Professor and they do tend to be pedantic.

For any and all experience levels.

Professor Eff is a manifestation of Jesse Buck a 35 year veteran of the stage, 25 of those years as a Professional Clown. A prolific DIY theatre artist, he has created dozens of productions. He has won awards and toured the world with his own work as well as spending five years with Cirque du Soliel over four productions. He is a student of Philippe Gaulier and multiple international artists from a broad range of disciplines. It is this diversity of training and abundance of experience that makes Professor Eff’s Class unique, and as much an intellectual journey as a physical one.

PWYC suggested $20

CAMP, written and composed by Naomi Tessler, juxtaposes two 15 year old girls' experiences—Lila at Jewish sleepover camp in Canada and Greta- in Auschwitz- a concentration camp. This research and me-search informed play explores themes of womanhood, intergenerational trauma, sisterhood and resilience. Though separated through time, space and absolutely different life circumstances, both girls share stories of love, shame, sexual violence, overcoming oppression and singing as a form of resistance- leaving the audience with greater appreciation for the triumphs of young women and the importance of healing intergenerational wounds.

The play draws from playwright Naomi Tessler’s own lived experiences, along with channeled information from her ancestors, from other young women killed in the Holocaust, and the insight from memoirs of other young women who survived. Amongst all of these memoirs, there were two things that threaded them together: each author had experienced sexual violence, and held too much shame to share with their families for fear of further ostracization. Each author also used singing as a coping strategy.

*Camp won third place in the 2021 National Jewish Playwriting Competition

This play stands as a reminder that our pain is shared. If we are to move forward in our collective healing and build a world of peace for all peoples, where we recognize each other’s humanity–it begins with looking at our own stories, like the ones shared by Lila and Greta in our play: CAMP. The stories that have been buried, the wounds that need our collective attention to move towards deeper hope, with greater capacity to love each other unconditionally.

Written and Composed by: Naomi Tessler

Directed by: Alice Fox Lundy

Starring: Jada Rifkin and Naomi Tessler

Musicians:

Veronica Zupanic on violin

Iris Rhian on Guitar

Dramaturgy by: Alysse Rich

Instrumental Arrangements by: Tal Davidson and Dash Cole

Set Builder: Brett Lundy

Technician: Victoria Watson-Sepejak

Production Team: Alice Fox Lundy, Hailey Gardiner and Lisa Scianella and Adam Jessin

Dates and Times:

Thursday, Nov. 5th-7pm, with opening reception to follow

Friday, November 6th-1pm, with talkback to follow

Saturday, November 7th- 7pm, with talkback to follow

Sunday, November 8th- 7pm with reflection circle to follow

Monday, November 9th-1pm, with talkback to follow

Tuesday, November 10th-1pm, with talkback to follow

Thursday, November 12th- 7pm, with talkback to follow

Friday, November 13th- 1pm, with talkback to follow

Saturday, November 14th- 1pm with reflection circle to follow

Sunday, November 15th-3pm-7pm, Ancestral Healing workshop facilitated by Naomi Tessler

**Please note: This play explores sensitive subject matter pertaining to lived experiences of a girl in a concentration camp during the Holocaust including references to sexual violence. It is suitable strictly for audience members 14 and up.

Check out the Trailer Here: 

Camp by Naomi Tessler Trailer .mov

Dates: November 5th–14th, 2026 (limited seating)

Sweet Action Theatre, 180 Shaw Street, Artscape Youngplace, Unit #106, Toronto

Age limit 14

Open Stage Night is Here!

Free, no tickets.

Join us for an evening of laughter, creativity, and surprise at the Open Stage Night! It’s like an open mic for comics, just instead of a microphone we’re opening up the entire stage for ridiculousness to occur. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a curious newcomer, this is your chance to step into the spotlight and share your silliest, most whimsical acts. From playful antics to heartwarming stories, clown, bouffon, improv, and all other performance artists, we want to see what you're working on!

Up to 10 minutes of stage time for each performer. List will be posted at 9:00 pm, show starts at 9:15pm.

Not just for performers! Come out to watch the show, see some fresh acts, and laugh a the hilarity that will ensue. Ridiculousness is almost guaranteed to occur!

Professor Eff’s Clown Drop-In

Curious about your inner Idiot? Suspicious you may have a secret predilection for stupidity? Come explore your propensity for the absurd through a guided tour of the ridiculous led by Clown Master Professor Eff.

This pay-what-you-can workshop series seeks to introduce Professor Eff’s structured chaos and slightly punk informed take on one of humanities greatest shared ancestors: the Clown. They will live forever, and everywhere to throw mud in the eye of reality.

While allowing impulse and play to inform our comedic explorations, Professor Eff also highlights the importance of structure, craft and a deeper consideration of the humour we develop. Let’s get smart about being Stupid. Professor Eff is sorry if all these big words are upsetting but he is a Professor and they do tend to be pedantic.

For any and all experience levels.

Professor Eff is a manifestation of Jesse Buck a 35 year veteran of the stage, 25 of those years as a Professional Clown. A prolific DIY theatre artist, he has created dozens of productions. He has won awards and toured the world with his own work as well as spending five years with Cirque du Soliel over four productions. He is a student of Philippe Gaulier and multiple international artists from a broad range of disciplines. It is this diversity of training and abundance of experience that makes Professor Eff’s Class unique, and as much an intellectual journey as a physical one.

PWYC suggested $20

Totally improvised. Completely inevitable.

An improvised greek tragedy. Three Fates take audience suggestions and shape them into a living prophecy. As they battle for control of the narrative, a story unfolds where every choice feels inevitable. A blend of narrative improv and mythic storytelling, where fate is discovered in real time.

Featuring;

Adan Machan, Alice Howard, Ario Shakiba, Beck Rukavina, Ella Merrett, Garret Levine, John Portero, Logan Midroni, Riley Hill

Professor Eff’s Clown Drop-In

Curious about your inner Idiot? Suspicious you may have a secret predilection for stupidity? Come explore your propensity for the absurd through a guided tour of the ridiculous led by Clown Master Professor Eff.

This pay-what-you-can workshop series seeks to introduce Professor Eff’s structured chaos and slightly punk informed take on one of humanities greatest shared ancestors: the Clown. They will live forever, and everywhere to throw mud in the eye of reality.

While allowing impulse and play to inform our comedic explorations, Professor Eff also highlights the importance of structure, craft and a deeper consideration of the humour we develop. Let’s get smart about being Stupid. Professor Eff is sorry if all these big words are upsetting but he is a Professor and they do tend to be pedantic.

For any and all experience levels.

Professor Eff is a manifestation of Jesse Buck a 35 year veteran of the stage, 25 of those years as a Professional Clown. A prolific DIY theatre artist, he has created dozens of productions. He has won awards and toured the world with his own work as well as spending five years with Cirque du Soliel over four productions. He is a student of Philippe Gaulier and multiple international artists from a broad range of disciplines. It is this diversity of training and abundance of experience that makes Professor Eff’s Class unique, and as much an intellectual journey as a physical one.

PWYC suggested $20

Professor Eff’s Clown Drop-In

Curious about your inner Idiot? Suspicious you may have a secret predilection for stupidity? Come explore your propensity for the absurd through a guided tour of the ridiculous led by Clown Master Professor Eff.

This pay-what-you-can workshop series seeks to introduce Professor Eff’s structured chaos and slightly punk informed take on one of humanities greatest shared ancestors: the Clown. They will live forever, and everywhere to throw mud in the eye of reality.

While allowing impulse and play to inform our comedic explorations, Professor Eff also highlights the importance of structure, craft and a deeper consideration of the humour we develop. Let’s get smart about being Stupid. Professor Eff is sorry if all these big words are upsetting but he is a Professor and they do tend to be pedantic.

For any and all experience levels.

Professor Eff is a manifestation of Jesse Buck a 35 year veteran of the stage, 25 of those years as a Professional Clown. A prolific DIY theatre artist, he has created dozens of productions. He has won awards and toured the world with his own work as well as spending five years with Cirque du Soliel over four productions. He is a student of Philippe Gaulier and multiple international artists from a broad range of disciplines. It is this diversity of training and abundance of experience that makes Professor Eff’s Class unique, and as much an intellectual journey as a physical one.

PWYC suggested $20

$15 Early Bird until October 31st
$20 Online
$25 Door

Brother Joshua has transgressed against Jehovah, and it’s you, the Elders of the kingdom hall, who will decide his fate! Will Joshua fall back in line with Jehovah, or will he be exiled in this one-of-a-kind solo clown show? A tantalizing tell-all on one of America’s oldest cults by an ex-Jehovah's Witness.

Directed by Gordon Neill

“Jaw-dropping hilarity”, “gripping theatre”
- FringeReview.co.uk

"A sexy, good time"
- Intermission Magazine

"Fearless physical comedian"
- Orlando Weekly

18+

Professor Eff’s Clown Drop-In

Curious about your inner Idiot? Suspicious you may have a secret predilection for stupidity? Come explore your propensity for the absurd through a guided tour of the ridiculous led by Clown Master Professor Eff.

This pay-what-you-can workshop series seeks to introduce Professor Eff’s structured chaos and slightly punk informed take on one of humanities greatest shared ancestors: the Clown. They will live forever, and everywhere to throw mud in the eye of reality.

While allowing impulse and play to inform our comedic explorations, Professor Eff also highlights the importance of structure, craft and a deeper consideration of the humour we develop. Let’s get smart about being Stupid. Professor Eff is sorry if all these big words are upsetting but he is a Professor and they do tend to be pedantic.

For any and all experience levels.

Professor Eff is a manifestation of Jesse Buck a 35 year veteran of the stage, 25 of those years as a Professional Clown. A prolific DIY theatre artist, he has created dozens of productions. He has won awards and toured the world with his own work as well as spending five years with Cirque du Soliel over four productions. He is a student of Philippe Gaulier and multiple international artists from a broad range of disciplines. It is this diversity of training and abundance of experience that makes Professor Eff’s Class unique, and as much an intellectual journey as a physical one.

PWYC suggested $20

Professor Eff’s Clown Drop-In

Curious about your inner Idiot? Suspicious you may have a secret predilection for stupidity? Come explore your propensity for the absurd through a guided tour of the ridiculous led by Clown Master Professor Eff.

This pay-what-you-can workshop series seeks to introduce Professor Eff’s structured chaos and slightly punk informed take on one of humanities greatest shared ancestors: the Clown. They will live forever, and everywhere to throw mud in the eye of reality.

While allowing impulse and play to inform our comedic explorations, Professor Eff also highlights the importance of structure, craft and a deeper consideration of the humour we develop. Let’s get smart about being Stupid. Professor Eff is sorry if all these big words are upsetting but he is a Professor and they do tend to be pedantic.

For any and all experience levels.

Professor Eff is a manifestation of Jesse Buck a 35 year veteran of the stage, 25 of those years as a Professional Clown. A prolific DIY theatre artist, he has created dozens of productions. He has won awards and toured the world with his own work as well as spending five years with Cirque du Soliel over four productions. He is a student of Philippe Gaulier and multiple international artists from a broad range of disciplines. It is this diversity of training and abundance of experience that makes Professor Eff’s Class unique, and as much an intellectual journey as a physical one.

PWYC suggested $20

Professor Eff’s Clown Drop-In

Curious about your inner Idiot? Suspicious you may have a secret predilection for stupidity? Come explore your propensity for the absurd through a guided tour of the ridiculous led by Clown Master Professor Eff.

This pay-what-you-can workshop series seeks to introduce Professor Eff’s structured chaos and slightly punk informed take on one of humanities greatest shared ancestors: the Clown. They will live forever, and everywhere to throw mud in the eye of reality.

While allowing impulse and play to inform our comedic explorations, Professor Eff also highlights the importance of structure, craft and a deeper consideration of the humour we develop. Let’s get smart about being Stupid. Professor Eff is sorry if all these big words are upsetting but he is a Professor and they do tend to be pedantic.

For any and all experience levels.

Professor Eff is a manifestation of Jesse Buck a 35 year veteran of the stage, 25 of those years as a Professional Clown. A prolific DIY theatre artist, he has created dozens of productions. He has won awards and toured the world with his own work as well as spending five years with Cirque du Soliel over four productions. He is a student of Philippe Gaulier and multiple international artists from a broad range of disciplines. It is this diversity of training and abundance of experience that makes Professor Eff’s Class unique, and as much an intellectual journey as a physical one.

PWYC suggested $20

Professor Eff’s Clown Drop-In

Curious about your inner Idiot? Suspicious you may have a secret predilection for stupidity? Come explore your propensity for the absurd through a guided tour of the ridiculous led by Clown Master Professor Eff.

This pay-what-you-can workshop series seeks to introduce Professor Eff’s structured chaos and slightly punk informed take on one of humanities greatest shared ancestors: the Clown. They will live forever, and everywhere to throw mud in the eye of reality.

While allowing impulse and play to inform our comedic explorations, Professor Eff also highlights the importance of structure, craft and a deeper consideration of the humour we develop. Let’s get smart about being Stupid. Professor Eff is sorry if all these big words are upsetting but he is a Professor and they do tend to be pedantic.

For any and all experience levels.

Professor Eff is a manifestation of Jesse Buck a 35 year veteran of the stage, 25 of those years as a Professional Clown. A prolific DIY theatre artist, he has created dozens of productions. He has won awards and toured the world with his own work as well as spending five years with Cirque du Soliel over four productions. He is a student of Philippe Gaulier and multiple international artists from a broad range of disciplines. It is this diversity of training and abundance of experience that makes Professor Eff’s Class unique, and as much an intellectual journey as a physical one.

PWYC suggested $20

Professor Eff’s Clown Drop-In

Curious about your inner Idiot? Suspicious you may have a secret predilection for stupidity? Come explore your propensity for the absurd through a guided tour of the ridiculous led by Clown Master Professor Eff.

This pay-what-you-can workshop series seeks to introduce Professor Eff’s structured chaos and slightly punk informed take on one of humanities greatest shared ancestors: the Clown. They will live forever, and everywhere to throw mud in the eye of reality.

While allowing impulse and play to inform our comedic explorations, Professor Eff also highlights the importance of structure, craft and a deeper consideration of the humour we develop. Let’s get smart about being Stupid. Professor Eff is sorry if all these big words are upsetting but he is a Professor and they do tend to be pedantic.

For any and all experience levels.

Professor Eff is a manifestation of Jesse Buck a 35 year veteran of the stage, 25 of those years as a Professional Clown. A prolific DIY theatre artist, he has created dozens of productions. He has won awards and toured the world with his own work as well as spending five years with Cirque du Soliel over four productions. He is a student of Philippe Gaulier and multiple international artists from a broad range of disciplines. It is this diversity of training and abundance of experience that makes Professor Eff’s Class unique, and as much an intellectual journey as a physical one.

PWYC suggested $20